Above: A typical scene during Oktoberfest in Munich.
At WSET, we’re fortunate enough to work with a range of beer experts, authors, and educators who live and breathe beer culture. Just like wine, beer travel has become a popular way to explore the world through a different lens—one beer at a time! To celebrate World Tourism Day, we reached out to our beer experts for their input, and together we’ve come up with a selection of incredible beer destinations around the globe.
By no means is this a definitive 'top five' list, but rather a taste of the wealth of beer travel experiences waiting for you across the globe. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just love to sip on something local while travelling, these cities should be on your radar. So grab your passport and get ready to explore!
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Munich, Germany
It’s impossible to discuss beer travel without mentioning Munich. This Bavarian city is home to the world-renowned Oktoberfest, where beer culture is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm. But the city's beer appeal extends far beyond the festival—Munich is home to countless beer halls, many of which have been serving up local brews like Helles and Weissbier for centuries.
Things to do in Munich:
- Beer gardens: Experience traditional Bavarian beer culture at one of Munich’s famous beer gardens, where locals and tourists alike gather for a pint and a pretzel.
- Historical beer halls: Visit iconic beer halls like Hofbräuhaus to soak up over 500 years of brewing history.
- Brewery tours: Many breweries in Munich offer guided tours that delve into the art of German brewing, giving you a chance to sample a variety of styles.
- Local beer festivals: If you miss Oktoberfest, don’t worry—Munich hosts several smaller beer festivals throughout the year, like Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), which celebrates potent brews typically consumed during Lent.
Travel tip: If you're visiting during Oktoberfest, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as the city fills up fast. Also, don’t leave without trying some traditional Bavarian food to pair with your beer! Dishes like Weisswurst (a mild white sausage served with sweet mustard) and Schweinshaxe (crispy roasted pork knuckle) are local favourites that perfectly complement Munich’s classic brews. Prost!
Brussels and Bruges, Belgium
Belgium has a storied beer history, from the rich tradition of Trappist ales to the unique flavours of lambics. Brussels is an ideal starting point, offering cosy bars and cafes that serve everything from classic brews to experimental new styles. Meanwhile, Bruges, with its medieval charm, is home to a unique underground beer pipeline, which transports beer from the city-centre brewery to a bottling plant outside the city. This innovative system preserves Bruges' historic streets while keeping the beer flowing!
The underground beer pipeline of De Halve Maan brewery in Bruges.
Things to do in Brussels and Bruges:
- Beer cafes: In Brussels, explore intimate beer cafes where you can savour Trappist ales, lambics, and gueuze. Locals often know the best spots, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
- Beer festivals: Time your visit with the annual Toer de Geuze, a fantastic event where you can explore Brussels’ surrounding breweries and experience Belgium’s iconic lambics.
- Beer museums: Both Brussels and Bruges have beer museums that showcase Belgium’s rich brewing history.
Travel tip: Pair your beer with local favourites like crispy frites or a plate of moules-frites (mussels with fries), a popular dish in both Brussels and Bruges. For dessert, indulge in Belgium’s world-famous chocolates—you can even visit chocolatiers that specialise in beer-infused treats. If you love lambic beer, take a short trip from Brussels to the Pajottenland region, where many of the country’s best lambic breweries are located.
Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland is a craft beer paradise, offering more breweries per capita than almost any other city in the world. Known for its experimental brews and laid-back atmosphere, Portland is a haven for beer lovers looking to try something new. The city's vibrant food scene also makes it the perfect place for pairing beer with local dishes.
Things to do in Portland:
- Brewery trails: Portland’s self-guided brewery trails allow you to explore different neighbourhoods while sampling a wide variety of brews, from hop-heavy IPAs to complex stouts.
- Food and beer pairings: Portland’s food truck culture means there’s no shortage of great food to pair with your beer. Look out for local recommendations or curated pairing events.
- Beer festivals: With a calendar full of beer festivals, Portland offers many opportunities to taste limited-edition brews and meet local brewers.
Travel tip: Make sure to explore Portland’s surrounding regions, like the Willamette Valley, where you’ll find excellent beer and wine offerings in a beautiful rural setting.
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of Europe’s best cities for beer lovers, offering a vibrant mix of traditional lager-focused breweries and modern craft beer bars. While Prague is a great place to enjoy Pilsner-style beers, a short trip to Pilsen (Plzeň), the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner, will take you even deeper into Czech beer history. Prague’s beer gardens and historic pubs are ideal for relaxing with a cold pint while taking in the stunning views of the city’s skyline.
A beer pub in the Mala Strana district of Prague.
Things to do in Prague:
- Beer gardens: Prague is home to some of Europe’s most scenic beer gardens. Spend an afternoon sipping local brews while enjoying views of the city’s skyline.
- Czech beer styles: While Pilsner is the most famous Czech beer style, be sure to try others like Černé pivo (dark beer) and Amber lagers.
- Day trips: If you have time, take a trip to Plzeň (Pilsen), the birthplace of Pilsner, where you can tour the historic brewery and learn about this iconic style.
Travel tip: Czech beer is often served with a large, foamy head, which is an essential part of the drinking experience. Don’t be surprised if your glass looks a little different from what you're used to!
“A visit to Pilsen is a must for any beer lover, as it’s the birthplace of Czech pilsner, the world’s first golden-coloured lager and the beer that inspired countless other pale lager styles. You can learn the story behind this iconic style, walk through the underground cellars where the beer used to age, and, of course, enjoy pints of it in the many pubs across the city. Don’t think you’re a lager fan? Your mind will change after this trip!” – Natalya Watson, Beer Expert
Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s beer culture is rapidly evolving, with a booming craft beer scene that has exploded in recent years. While Tokyo has a long history of mass-produced lagers, the rise of microbreweries and taprooms is pushing the boundaries of beer styles and flavours. For travellers who love exploring new beer frontiers, Tokyo offers a mix of traditional and cutting-edge brews.
Things to do in Tokyo:
- Craft beer bars: Tokyo’s beer bars often feature small-batch brews you won’t find anywhere else. Ask for local recommendations and try a range of styles from sour ales to fruity IPAs.
- Beer festivals: Tokyo hosts several beer festivals throughout the year, where you can sample brews from all over Japan as well as international offerings.
- Neighbourhoods: Explore different neighbourhoods like Shibuya and Shimokitazawa, where independent breweries and quirky taprooms offer a unique take on beer culture.
Travel tip: Japan’s izakayas (casual pubs) are great places to experience local beer alongside delicious food pairings. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample Japan’s unique beer snacks like edamame or karaage (fried chicken).
The famous cherry blossoms in Tokyo.
Bonus tip for beer enthusiasts:
Wherever your travels take you, be sure to join a brewery tour or beer tasting experience to gain deeper insights into the local beer culture. Exploring the world through beer offers a unique perspective on each city’s heritage, people, and flavours.
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