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Are you planning an epic lads' holiday exploring the best beer cities in Europe? Well, whether you're on a stag do, having a friends reunion or simply seeking a getaway with your mates, Europe has heaps of fantastic beer destinations. In this blog, we'll dive into Europe's best cities for beer lovers where you can sip Europe's finest beer, immerse yourselves in the local culture and, most importantly, have a laugh with the lads. So grab a pint and let's get cracking.
How To Plan a Lads Holiday in Europe
What is a Lads Holiday?
A lads' holiday is a trip where a group of guys go travelling together. It's a chance for them to relax, enjoy each other's company, and create new memories. Whether it's a stag do, a long-awaited reunion, or simply a getaway with close friends, a lads' holiday is all about fun, exploration, and building unforgettable experiences.
How Much Does the Average Lads Holiday Cost?
According to the stats, your average lad will spend £327 on their lads holiday with the majority going on booze (as you could probably have guessed). Naturally, you can go on a lads holiday for fairly cheap if you:
- Stay in affordable accommodation like hostels or B&Bs
- Swap fancy restaurants for supermarkets or street food
- Walk instead of taking public transport
How Long do you Need for a Lads Holiday?
The ideal length of a lads' holiday can vary from a quick weekend getaway lasting 2-4 days to a full week or more. It totally depends on where you want to go, what you want to do, and everyone's availability. Whether it's a short and action-packed adventure or an extended holiday, what truly matters is making the most of every moment spent with the lads.
The Best Beer Cities in Europe
1. Prague, Czech Republic - A Haven for Beer Lovers
When it comes to beer, Prague reigns supreme. The Czech Republic boasts a rich brewing heritage with historians actually reporting that they first discovered a brewery all the way back in 993 at the Břevnov Monastery. This makes Prague the perfect starting point for your lads holiday. Dive into the legendary Czech lagers, such as Pilsner Urquell and Budvar, while enjoying the city's stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife. Don't miss the chance to visit traditional beer halls, microbreweries, and beer gardens, where you can savour the flavours of world-famous Czech beers. Get prepared for the large heads on Czech beer though, as it's tradition to drink your beers with a lot of foam on top!
2. Munich, Germany - Raise Your Steins
If you're seeking a legendary beer experience, Munich's Oktoberfest is the mecca for all beer lovers. But if you're not planning your lads holiday in October, Munich is amazing to visit all year round. The city is renowned for its beer gardens and historic breweries, offering a wide variety of German beers to suit every taste. We recommend sampling the best beer Munich has to offer at taverns like the iconic Hofbräuhaus and the charming beer gardens of Englischer Garten, Munich promises an unforgettable lads' holiday filled with laughter, camaraderie, and, of course, steins of delicious beer. The local's favourite beer in Munich has to be Münchner Hell so make sure you order a stein.
3. Dublin, Ireland - Where the Craic Never Ends
A beer-centric adventure would be incomplete without a trip to Dublin, the heart and soul of Ireland's brewing culture. Dublin is home to iconic breweries like Guinness, where you can learn about the brewing process and enjoy a perfectly poured pint. We recommend you and the lads head to the lively Temple Bar area, with its bustling pubs and live music, and immerse yourselves in the warmth of Irish hospitality at one of the following spots:
4. Brussels, Belgium - Brews and Beyond
Belgium, the land of exquisite chocolate and world-class beer, is one of the best European beer cities for lads seeking a unique beer experience. In Brussels, you'll discover a plethora of local breweries, Trappist beers, and refreshing fruit beers including:
- Moeder Lambic
- Brasserie Cantillon
- The Delirium Café with an extensive beer menu with over 2,000 different beers from around the world
- La Mort Subite
5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands - Beyond the Coffee Shops
While Amsterdam is famous for its coffee shops, the city is also a great destination for beer lovers. Hop aboard a beer bike and explore the city's vibrant beer scene, stopping by local breweries and traditional Dutch bars known as "brown cafés." Sip on refreshing craft beers, enjoy canal-side views, and discover the dynamic and lively atmosphere that Amsterdam has to offer. Our standout brewers include:
- The Proeflokaal Arendsnest thanks to its extensive beer selection
- The famous Brouwerij De Molen that lets you sample every beer it makes
6. Bruges, Belgium - A Medieval Beer Paradise
Bruges is a picturesque Belgian city known for its rich brewing tradition that dates back centuries. Although one of the calmer destinations on our list of Europe's best beer cities, Bruges is a great choice for lads seeking a more refined lads holiday. When spending time in Bruges, we recommend exploring Bruges' historic alleyways where you can stumble upon numerous beer bars and breweries like:
Bruges is bursting with great bars and breweries all offering a vast selection of Belgian beers, from strong ales to fruity lambics. Aside from all the beer tasting, we recommend going on a boat tour along Bruges' stunning canals and browsing the antique markets to pick up interesting souvenirs for the folks back home.
7. Edinburgh, Scotland - Ditch the Drams for Beer
While Scotland is renowned for its whisky, Edinburgh also has a burgeoning craft beer scene. Discover hidden gems in the city's old town as you sample unique Scottish ales and brews. Pair your beers with some fried haggis balls or explore the local breweries nearby for a truly Scottish beer experience. Our top picks of Edinburgh craft beer breweries include:
- Stewart Brewing
- Campervan Brewery Tap Room
- Wee Vault Edinburgh
- Bellfield Brewery tap room
After you've filled your bellies with Edinburgh's finest craft beer, head to the Cowgate where you and the lads can enjoy Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife.
8. Krakow, Poland - Brews and History
Next on our list of Europe's best beer holiday destinations is Krawkow. Krakow, with its rich history and picturesque Old Town, is also a fantastic destination for beer enthusiasts. Explore local breweries and pubs, and taste a wide range of Polish beers. While you're not sipping on brews, immerse yourself in the city's fascinating history and culture, making it a well-rounded experience for your lads' holiday.
9. Pilsen, Czech Republic - Where Pilsner Was Born
If you're a true beer aficionado, then a visit to Pilsen in the Czech Republic is an absolute must on your European beer holiday. Why, you ask? Well, this is where the world-famous Pilsner lager was born! When going on a lads holiday to Pilsner, you've got to take a brewery tour to learn all about the history and brewing process of this iconic beer. Of course, you'll get to taste the freshest Pilsner straight from the source.
Explore the charming streets of Pilsen, soak in the beer culture, and enjoy a lads' holiday that's all about the golden nectar. Aside from the distillery itself, we recommend visiting the following bars for the best beer in Pilsen:
Plus, you and the lads will be very happy to know that your average beer in Pilsen costs around 50.00Kč - that's only £1.69!
10. Strasbourg, France - A Blend of Culture and Craft Beer
Strasbourg, famous for its Christmas market and rich history, might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beer, but it's certainly worth exploring if you want to sample some delicious beer away from home. We recommend stopping by these shops, microbreweries and pubs to sample some of the best beer Strasbourg has to offer:
Whether you're strolling along the picturesque canals or enjoying a pint in a traditional Alsatian pun, Strasbourg's beer scene provides a quirky and unique twist to your beer holiday with the lads.
11. Rome, Italy - Sip and Sightsee in the Eternal City
When you think of Rome, you probably think of iconic historical monuments, pizza, and mopeds. However, Rome also offers a growing craft beer scene that's perfect for lads looking to sip and sightsee. On your lads holiday to one of Europe's best beer cities, you and the gang can:
- Explore the Colosseum
- Toss a coin in the Travi Fountain
- Visit the Vatican City
- Take photos at the Spanish Steps
After your day sightseeing, head into the local pubs and breweries to discover a diverse range of Italian craft beers. Our favourite bars and breweries in Rome include:
12. Bamberg, Germany - A Beer Lover's Paradise
Bamberg, nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, is a true paradise for beer lovers. This picturesque town is renowned for its historic breweries and traditional beer culture. With a beer brewing history dating back a thousand years, Bamberg is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its beer heritage is well-preserved. This top European beer city boasts a variety of unique beer styles, including the famous Rauchbier (smoked beer). We recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the traditional German streets, visit historic breweries, and enjoy the distinct flavours of Bamberg's brews like:
One of the best things about this European beer city is that a lot of its breweries are close together, meaning you can easily wander about bar-hopping with your mates until the wee hours. It also has the widest range of lagers out of all the German towns.
Where will you go on your European Lads Holiday?
And that wraps up our guide to Europe's best beer cities. From Prague's lagers to Munich's steins, these beer cities in Europe promise an epic lads holiday filled. But if you're looking for somewhere a bit more exotic, how about Zante?
Gift a Hotel in the Best Beer Cities in Europe
On the hunt for a gift above the rest for an upcoming special occasion? Perhaps you're shopping for:
Look no further than hotel vouchers! With a hotel gift certificate, your lucky man can choose from over 750,000 hotels across the UK, Europe and abroad. Meaning they can plan the perfect beer holiday or explore other fun destinations. Whether they dream of a weekend in Prague, a pub crawl in Dublin, or a beer pilgrimage to Belgium, the flexibility of a hotel gift voucher ensures they'll have a blast wherever they go! They'll have 2 years to redeem their hotel gift card and you can even personalise it by adding your own photo! Gifting a hotel stay has never been more simple.
