Best Cities For Beer Lovers

For beer lovers planning their next European adventure, finding the perfect balance of quality breweries, reasonable prices, and vibrant pub culture can make or break a trip.

To help beer enthusiasts and those keen to broaden their brewery knowledge, we at Riviera Travel carried out an in-depth data analysis to uncover the top cities in Europe for beer drinkers. 

By examining the number of breweries, average beer prices, and the density of pubs and bars across popular destinations, we’ve identified the continent’s ultimate beer hotspots.

These findings are bound to quench your thirst!

The Top 10 Cities in Europe for Beer Lovers

1. Madrid, Spain

Topping our list with an impressive 87 points is Madrid. The vibrant Spanish capital offers a surprisingly rich beer scene with 23 breweries. While Spain might be better known for its wine, Madrid has embraced craft beer culture with enthusiasm, making it a great place for a beer tour.

The city features 305 pubs and bars where visitors can enjoy reasonably priced beers, averaging £2.96 per pint. When not sampling brews, visitors can admire the magnificent Royal Palace, stroll through the historic Plaza Mayor, or admire the masterpieces at the Prado Museum. Madrid's energetic nightlife starts late and continues until dawn, making it the ideal location for a beer-filled evening.
 

2. Prague, Czech Republic

In second place with 86 points is Prague, the ‘jewel of Central Europe’ and a true beer lover's paradise. With 10 breweries scattered throughout the city and an extremely budget-friendly beer price of just £2.02 per pint, it's no wonder Prague earns its reputation as a hotspot for beer connoisseurs and one of the most popular destinations for a beer tour.

Beyond the beer, Prague enchants visitors with its stunning architecture, including Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. The city's medieval charm, combined with its unparalleled beer culture, creates an atmosphere that's impossible to resist.
 

3. Rome, Italy

With 84 points, Rome takes third place in our ranking. The ‘Eternal City’ has 18 breweries and 431 pubs and bars, offering plenty of options for beer enthusiasts despite Italy's wine-focused reputation.

Rome's beer prices are on the higher side at £4.21 per pint, but the quality of craft breweries in the Italian capital makes it worthwhile. The city's extensive options of ales provide a refreshing alternative to wine after a day of sightseeing.

Between beer tastings, visitors can marvel at the Colosseum, throw coins in the Trevi Fountain, or explore the Vatican Museums. Rome's ancient splendour provides a magnificent backdrop for enjoying the city's growing beer scene.
 

4. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona earns fourth place in our hops hierarchy with 81 points. With seven breweries and 290 pubs and bars, this Catalonian gem offers a vibrant beer culture that perfectly complements its Mediterranean atmosphere.

At £2.95 for a pint of beer on average, Barcelona provides good value for visitors looking for a cold pint after a long day of exploring. The city's brewing scene and extensive selection of drinking establishments secure it a position among the top European destinations for beer tours and brew buffs..

Visitors can admire Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, such as the Sagrada Família and Park Güell, while sampling local brews. Barcelona's beach culture and lively Las Ramblas district provide perfect settings for enjoying cold beers on warm Spanish evenings.

5. Paris, France

The City of Light shines bright in fifth place with 80 points. Paris boasts an impressive 35 breweries, the highest number in our top 10, and 331 pubs and bars.

While Paris has the highest average beer price at £5.89 per pint, the quality and variety justify the expense. The French capital has experienced a craft beer renaissance in recent years, with microbreweries popping up throughout the city's trendy neighbourhoods.

Between beer explorations, visitors can admire the Eiffel Tower, wander through the Louvre, or explore the charming streets of Montmartre. Paris offers the perfect blend of cultural richness and evolving beer traditions, making it the perfect spot for beer lovers looking to try something new.
 

5. Budapest, Hungary

Tied with Paris in fifth place with 80 points, Budapest offers exceptional value for beer fans. With beer prices averaging just £2.08 per pint, it's the second most affordable destination on our list.

The Hungarian capital features 6 breweries and 206 pubs and bars, where visitors can sample both traditional Hungarian lagers and innovative craft creations. The city's historical pubs and bars, established in abandoned buildings, provide a unique setting for enjoying a stout, pale ale or IPA.
 

6. Milan, Italy

Fashion-forward Milan takes sixth place with 78 points. The northern Italian city features 17 breweries and 365 pubs and bars, demonstrating Italy's growing appreciation for craft beer.

At £5.05 per pint, Milan is one of the pricier destinations on our list, but the quality of its emerging craft beer scene makes it worthwhile. The city's sophisticated atmosphere extends to its beer culture, with elegant beer cafés and innovative brewpubs all within walking distance of the main attractions.

Milan's magnificent Duomo Cathedral, historic Sforza Castle, and world-class shopping districts offer plenty to explore between beer tastings. The city's blend of historic charm and modern energy creates a distinctive setting for beer enjoyment.
 

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Portugal's coastal capital earns seventh place with 76 points. Lisbon offers nine breweries and 132 pubs and bars, providing plenty of options for discovering a new favourite brewed beverage.

With average beer prices at £2.52 per pint, Lisbon provides excellent value. The city's beer scene combines traditional Portuguese brewing with international influences, creating unique flavour profiles that complement the local cuisine.

Visitors can ride the iconic yellow trams, explore the historic Belém Tower, or climb to São Jorge Castle for panoramic views of the city. Lisbon's laid-back atmosphere and stunning coastal location make it a particularly pleasant spot for enjoying a cold beer.
 

8. Seville, Spain

Seville claims eighth place with 75 points. The Andalusian capital features six breweries and 127 pubs and bars, offering a distinctive Spanish beer experience.

At £1.68 per pint, Seville provides the most affordable beer prices on our list. The city's warm climate makes a cold beer particularly refreshing, especially when enjoyed in one of Seville's beautiful plazas.

Between beers, visitors can admire the breathtaking Alcázar palace, climb the Giralda tower, or wander through the charming Santa Cruz district. Seville's flamenco traditions and orange tree-lined streets create a magical atmosphere for exploring some of the best beers in Europe.
 

9. Berlin, Germany

Berlin lands in ninth place with 74 points, perhaps surprising given Germany's strong beer heritage. The German capital features 12 breweries and 152 pubs and bars.

Beer prices in the German capital average £3.79 per pint, placing it in the middle range of our destinations. Berlin's edgy, creative energy infuses its beer culture, making it a distinctive destination for brew enthusiasts.

Between beer tastings, visitors can explore the Berlin Wall remnants, admire the Brandenburg Gate, or visit the impressive Museum Island. 
 

10. Istanbul, Turkey

Completing our top 10 with 72 points is Istanbul, a fascinating crossroads between Europe and Asia. The Turkish city has 1 brewery and 156 pubs and bars, offering plenty of places to sample one of the city’s finest beers.

Istanbul's beer prices average £2.91 per pint, placing it in the middle range of our destinations. The city's brewing scene is small but growing, blending traditional Turkish influences with international brewing styles.

Between beer tastings, visitors can explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, admire the Blue Mosque, or wander through the bustling Grand Bazaar. Istanbul's rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years and its position bridging two continents create an unforgettable backdrop for a beer tour or ale-filled holiday.

Whether you're drawn to Madrid's tapas bars, Prague's beer halls, or Istanbul's unique brewing culture at the crossroads of continents, these European destinations offer unforgettable experiences for beer lovers.

Each city combines rich brewing traditions, vibrant pub cultures, and magnificent landmarks, ensuring your European beer tour will be filled with memorable moments.

Discover our full range of European tours here.

Methodology 

For this index, we compiled a list of popular European cities outside the UK and analysed data from each one to identify the best destinations for beer lovers. Using sources such as Tripadvisor and Numbeo, we evaluated each city based on three key factors: the number of breweries, the number of pubs and bars, and the average cost of a pint of beer (converted to GBP).

Each city was scored on these metrics, with higher scores awarded to those with more breweries and drinking establishments and lower-priced beers. The final results were combined to produce an overall ranking, revealing the top 10 European cities for beer enthusiasts.