The best beer capitals of the world

Index

Food and drink are at the heart of all cultures. I am a firm believer that you can learn a lot about the culture of a place by visiting its pubs and breweries! And what better time to drink a beer than the International Beer Day?

On the first Friday in August, people from Mexico to Mongolia toast to this happy day🇧🇷 🇧🇷

Some people, like yours, plan trips to touring or Harry Potter-based wineries… So why not plan a trip around your favorite beer? The craft beer scene is thriving across the planet and there is an endless array of options. You just have to check out the local watering holes!

Here are some of the top beer capitals of the world!

Bruges + Brussels, Belgium

Did you know that Belgium produces more than 350 types of beers? Grab some Belgian chocolate and get ready for some serious indulgence!

A must-have variety is lambic beer, produced only in the Pajottenland region of Belgium. It's a sour yet fruity beer unlike any you've tasted before.

Brugs Beertje, De Halve Maan and De Gouden Boom Brewery are all cult favorites and top picks for wetting your whistle.

Dublin, Ireland

Of course, the Irish capital is famous for its Guinness. Even if you don't like the black stuff you tried abroad, give it a try. Guinness made in Dublin is truly one of a kind, so visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin is a must.

Guinness isn't the only game in town! Take a pub crawl through Brazen Head, Doheny & Nesbitt or O'Donoghue's to sample the wares. If craft beer is your thing, head to Galway Bay Brewery for tasting flights.

Munich + Berlin, Germany

German beer culture is much more than just Oktoberfest. You can have a great time in Munich and across Bavaria in the beautiful beer gardens. These urban sanctuaries are the perfect place to loosen your lederhosen and relax with the locals.

The Augustiner Keller is the oldest terrace in Munich and a must stop. Aumeister and Hischgarten are worth keeping an eye on!

For serious mug lifting, head to the Löwenbräu, Augustinerbräu or Hofbräuhaus breweries.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Forget old Tuborg or Carlsberg! Did you know that Denmark has the most micro-breweries anywhere in Europe?

Carlsberg opened the Jacobsen Brewery to showcase the distinctly Danish beer culture. Nørrebro Bryghus, Brewpub and Mikkeller are also prime mug-kissing spots.

warsaw, poland

I already told you that Warsaw has amazing food, now you just need something to go with it!

Baltic and smoked beers are making a comeback in a big way and are staples in Polish cuisine. If you're lucky enough to be there in the spring (it's usually held in early April), the Warszawski Festiwal Piwa – otherwise known as the Warsaw Beer Festival – has 700 different beers for the picking... or pouring.

prague, czech republic

One of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Prague is a dream destination and the prime place to drink a few beers.

Start with classics like Pilsner Urquell, Budweiser-Budvar and Kozel… then go wild!

San Diego, California

San Diego is one of the cities that will always be closest to my heart. It's made for long afternoons at the beach, amazing Mexican dinners, and endless pub crawls.

San Diego has 154 breweries. Make sure you come thirsty!

Helpful tip:

An In-N-Out burger and fries is one of the best ways to soak up all the booze!

7 reasons to visit San Diego – USA

Portland, Oregon

Another foodie hotspot I love is Portland! It seems like everyone makes craft beer at PDX... and it's SO GOOD! There are even Chinese restaurants that brew their own beer. Imagine that! Honestly, even if you were there for a year, I don't know if you'd be able to soak up all the suds!

And, I have to give an honorable mention to Portland of Maine – which is also a fabulous beer city!

denver, colorado

Another city with over 150 different breweries, Denver will leave you with more than a few options for late night drinks. Be sure to try the craft beers at Breckenridge, Great Divide Brewing Co. or Wynkoop Brewing Co. for delicious flights of beer!

Want to opt for something a little more mainstream? Check out the samples at Coors Brewery, the largest single-site brewery in the world!

Colorado ranks third nationally in craft breweries per capita, so you really should take a brewery tour when visiting Denver!

seattle, washington

While Seattle may be known for its coffee, it sure knows how to make beer!

Head down to Ballard, Fremont and SoDo neighborhoods and see where your pint takes you. Keep an eye out for local favorites like Stoup, Reuben's Brews and Populuxe!

Victoria + Vancouver, Canada

Attention, foodies! The Great White North has a lot more to offer than it gets credit for.

You'll eat your heart out when you see all the microbreweries and amazing street food I've found in Victoria and Vancouver, Canada.

melbourne, australia

I ate myself silly in Melbourne, and it was worth it! The culinary and craft beer scene is just as impressive. While it tends to be more expensive for a beer than you'll find in most of the US, it's still worth it!

Cape Town, South Africa

Of course, my adopted hometown of Cape Town had to make the list! I was so impressed with the unlimited beers available here. While South African wine gets all the attention, you'll be seriously impressed by the beer here!

Be sure to check out my beer lover's guide to Cape Town before you arrive!

Where to find the best food in Cape Town

Tokyo, Japan

Exploring Tokyo's Golden Gai was one of my fondest memories of Tokyo. It's the perfect place to explore Tokyo's unique beer culture. Try classics like Sapporo Yebisu Beer and save time for at least one karaoke session!

Note: These bottles above are actually sake bottles, but they were too cool not to share! You'll find a ton of cool beer bottle designs here. 🇧🇷

I had to swallow more than a few bars to create this list! It wasn't easy to decide which was the best of the best! I'd love to hear about where you think you should be on this list (and maybe another round, I mean, another list is in order).