The Vegan Scene in Major Cities: What to Expect

Veganism is rapidly exploding in popularity all over Europe. More people are realizing the benefit it has on human health, the earth, and how it saves numerous animals. New vegan and vegan-friendly eateries and establishments are popping up just about anywhere you look.

From major metropolises like Prague and Budapest to small towns, businesses are updating their menus with some of the best animal-free dining options. This should not come as a surprise considering the interest in veganism has increased three-fold between October 2014 and November 2019.

The popularity of veganism means that a certified vegan like yourself has plenty of options available while touring the world. So, to satisfy your wanderlust craving and still get the best food options while on vacation, here are some of the best vegan options available in Europe.

What are Prague and Budapest like for veganism?

The Czech Republic and Hungary are the ideal destinations for a quick romantic break with a loved one. Both countries offer many interesting, artistic, and historical cities, perfect for a vegan vacation.

When it comes to the best vacation spots for vegans, these cities stand out:

Prague

As you explore Prague, one of the things you will discover is that this is a paradise for traveling vegans like you. Confusing as it might sound for an animal meat-loving destination, vegan restaurants have been popping up all over the city, so you will always stumble upon a new one, no matter where you find yourself.

Apparently, Czech people are the force behind the shift to vegan delicacies. From a paltry four vegan-friendly restaurants before World War II, the number has risen to at least 20 in the last decade or so.

Furthermore, there is an increasing number of health food stores all over the city, exposing residents to vegan and vegetarian products.

Thanks to the Czech’s natural curiosity, vegan tourists find enough to dine at several vegan restaurants, and it may become your favorite European city!

Budapest

Another exciting vegan scene in Europe is Budapest. In fact, this is the city for the animal rights, health, and environmentally conscious individuals. Make your visit even more exciting by getting a bike from Mellow Johnny’s and exploring the hidden jewels of the city by cycling.

Ranked as Europe’s 8th most attractive city for vegans, Budapest is in a scenic setting as it seats on both sides of the Danube River. Also known as the Paris of the East, this city brings you a blend of the old and modern architecture and a thriving cultural scene.

Your travel should not be limited to just famous places to see and visit. A walk down the streets of Budapest will reveal 100 percent vegan or places advertising vegan menus anywhere you go.

If you are here for only a few days, you will hardly have enough time to explore all the amazing-looking vegan dishes available at each vegan and vegetarian restaurant Budapest has.

So, to help you out get an all-out feel of the city and its vegan options join a group tour organized by Veg Jaunts.

What activities will you do on Veg Jaunts tour?

Visiting Europe on your own might not be fun. However, tours organized by Veg Jaunts consist of small groups visiting some of the top destinations in Prague and Budapest – and tailored around your vegan lifestyle.

Some of the activities you can expect during the tour include:

• Exploring magnificent vistas and admiring stunning architecture in both cities
• Exquisite walking tours
• Riding the railway
• Descending on chairlifts

There is plenty you can do on your vegan vacation, and the tour is your opportunity to prove that you can indeed travel and enjoy your holiday as a vegan. 

What traditional food can you expect to try?

In addition to exploring life in both cities, a tour would never be complete without sampling some of the vegan traditional food options available in both cities.

While in Prague, make sure you sample:

• Dill soup – A traditional Czech soup with large vegetable chunks, and definitely feeling.
• Potato pancakes – They are a delightful, crispy snack that you can find served as a street grub and as a meal.
• Gnocchi – Served in restaurants and stuffed with fried onion and vegan bryndza cheese.

Budapest does not fail vegans too, here are some of the choices available:

• Vegan burgers – While they are not a traditional dish, these animal meat-free burgers are so good!
• Vegan Hungarian sausages, cheeses, salami, and marinated tofu and tempeh
• Bean goulash

Fortunately, restaurants in both cities go the extra mile to transform national dishes into 100 percent vegan ones. In addition, the vegan options are clearly marked on the menu and expect a variety of vegetable soups, pickles, and salads at affordable prices and fast, friendly service.