Germany might be known as the utopia of beer, but it’s not the only spot on the continent to sink some pints and pale ales.
After hefty analysis, UK tour and cruise operator Riviera Travel just dropped its list of the best European beer cities this year, and the winners might not be what you expect.
According to the study, Madrid is the best European city for beer in 2025. While the Spanish capital is traditionally known as the land of wine, cava and sangria, Spain has a growing craft beer culture, with the stuff overtaking the country’s classic beverages as a favourite among locals in recent years.
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Madrid’s 23 breweries and over 300 pubs and bars make it the ideal European city break for cheeky bar crawls and after-dark expeditions. Beer festivals are also on the rise, allowing local and independent brewers to show off their hops and promote their brand. Don’t feel like enduring the crowds of Germany’s Oktoberfest? Try Madrid’s Oktoberfest Vallekana instead.
We can’t say we’re surprised by Madrid’s position ranking – we named the city Europe’s nightlife and food capital this year.
When it comes to beer consumption, Czechia has one of the highest rates in the world, so it only makes sense that Prague ranks as the second-best European beer city. Better yet, a pint here costs an average of £2.02 (€2.32).
The country is home of the famous Pilsner beer, which you can learn more of at Pilsner Urquell Brewery in the heart of the city at Wenceslas Square. Ten other breweries can be found across the city, one of the most popular Dva Kohouti, a tap room and microbrewery all in one within the Karlin neighbourhood. Fancy a beer garden? Named after the affluent neighbourhood it resides in, the Letná Beer Gardens is situated in the leafy, elevated Letná park, for incredible views of Prague’s Old Town.
Third in the running is Rome with 18 breweries and over 400 pubs and bars, but visits come at a higher cost with pints averaging at £4.21 per glass. Also on the list is Lisbon and Budapest, with Berlin being the only German city to make the ranks. Read on for the full list.
The best cities for beer in Europe
1. Madrid, Spain
2. Prague, Czech Republic
3. Rome, Italy
4. Barcelona, Spain
5. Paris, France
6. Budapest, Hungary
7. Milan, Italy
8. Lisbon, Portugal
9. Berlin, Germany
10. Istanbul, Turkey
Did you see a study just named this European nation the world’s funniest country?
Plus: Amsterdam is building tiny staircases for cats all over the city.
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