The World’s Best Cities for Beer Lovers

The history of beer spans millennia. More than six thousand years ago, people already knew how to turn bread into this famous drink. Beer is also rightly considered one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages. Since then, it has only continued to evolve. During the Middle Ages, brewers began adding hops and extending its shelf life. Some recipes have remained unchanged since those times.

So, where can you try the best beers? Visit these seven cities and create your own ranking of great brews. Please note that the legal drinking age varies by destination, so check local regulations before you travel.

• The Czech city of Plzeň is considered the country’s beer capital. Founded in the 13th century, it is the birthplace of the famous Pilsner beer style, first brewed here in 1842. Naturally, the city is home to a brewing museum, and you may even find vending machines selling canned beer on its streets. Its architecture is distinctly European, with colourful narrow houses and preserved medieval landmarks. Every later historical era has left its mark here as well. Be sure to visit local bars and the brewery, where you can find beers unavailable elsewhere in the world. An annual beer festival takes place here in October, but the city is enjoyable at any time of year. Plzeň is easy to reach by bus or train from Prague.

• The second city is also in the Czech Republic and is equally rich in landmarks and fascinating architecture: Brno. It is home to the historic Starobrno brewery, now owned by Heineken. Both Czech cities receive far fewer visitors than Prague, making them much more comfortable for strolling and enjoying a good beer. You will also find varieties here that are unavailable elsewhere. Visiting Brno without stopping by a local bar or brewery would mean missing an essential part of the city. It is also easy to reach from the capital.

• Bruges in Belgium is famous for its beer culture. There are countless varieties to try in its bars. You can stay at the three-star Hotel Monsieur Ernest. The building itself is around seven centuries old and once housed a brewery. Its interiors are remarkable, while the city’s architecture transports you straight into the Middle Ages. It is easy to forget about modern life here—until you step inside one of the buildings. Bruges is especially busy during summer and the Christmas season. Trains run frequently from Brussels, Belgium’s capital, to Bruges.

• One of the world’s largest brewing companies, AB InBev, is based in the Belgian city of Leuven. The city is known for its universities and wealth of attractions. It is incredibly beautiful—almost every building looks worthy of a postcard. Naturally, there is an enormous choice of beers here. Ask locals for recommendations on the best bars to visit and the most delicious varieties to try. With such a large student population, Leuven has excellent train and bus connections to other Belgian cities.

• One of the highest concentrations of breweries per square kilometre can be found in the German city of Bamberg. Interestingly, many of them follow the Reinheitsgebot, the Bavarian beer purity law. With a history spanning five centuries, it originally stipulated that beer should be made using only water, barley and hops. Be sure to try Rauchbier as well. Although it is beer by production method, its flavour differs greatly from what most people are used to drinking. The meat snacks are equally tempting, so stopping after just one glass may be difficult.

• If you are ready for a break from European cities, head to Qingdao, China. Every August, the city hosts an annual beer festival reminiscent of the famous Oktoberfest, but with a Chinese twist. In the late 19th century, Qingdao became a German concession. Its streets were redesigned, and a brewery was built in 1903 that still operates today. The city produces 12% of China’s beer. It is certainly worth visiting for a change of scenery. There are also plenty of excellent beaches and resorts. Qingdao is easiest to reach by train from China’s major cities. The city itself is full of contrasts, with architecture ranging from modern skyscrapers to cosy old houses. There is always plenty to do between beer tastings.

• You can also sample excellent beer on another continent—in Portland, USA. Here, you can taste India pale ale, one of the most popular craft beer styles in the country. The city’s many breweries and bars make it especially appealing to beer lovers. Portland also offers a huge number of interesting places and attractions, so there is something for everyone. The easiest way to get there is by plane, although it can also be reached by bus, train or rental car from major cities in the United States and Canada.

As you can see, there are many cities celebrated for their breweries. They are worth visiting not only for the beer, but also for the joy of travel itself. These places are truly unforgettable and offer countless positive experiences. Beer will simply be a pleasant addition to them.