Best Breweries in Europe to Visit

Europe may be known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, but when it comes to beer, this continent has some serious brewing credentials. From classic German pilsners to hoppy experiments in Denmark and Spain, beer is a beloved part of European culture and one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with local traditions.

Whether you’re a casual sipper or a passionate beer enthusiast, exploring a new city through its breweries offers a unique flavor of adventure. You'll learn about traditional brewing methods, sample local specialties and experience the spirit of each destination in a glass.

Here are some of the best brewing destinations in Europe and the top places to enjoy brewery tours in Europe, all easily accessible from ports you may already be planning to visit.

1. Hamburg, Germany

Best for: Traditional German beer and historic brewing culture

Beer is deeply rooted in Hamburg’s history. The city is home to some of Germany’s most respected brewing traditions, many still following the Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law, which dates back to the 1500s. This ensures each brew is crafted from just water, barley, hops and yeast.

One of the most authentic ways to experience this culture is with a visit to a local brewery where you can walk through the brewing process step-by-step, from fermentation tanks to bottling lines. A tasting session wraps things up with full-bodied pilsners and malty lagers that perfectly showcase what German beer is all about.

This city is also known for its maritime charm, so pairing a cold pint with views of the Elbe River or a stroll through its historic warehouses is an experience worth savoring.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Best for: Eclectic beer bars and edgy microbreweries

Copenhagen is a powerhouse in Europe’s craft beer scene. The city's innovative spirit is reflected in its breweries, where you’ll find everything from traditional lagers to seasonal IPAs brewed with organic produce or wild herbs.

Two of the coolest neighborhoods to explore are Nørrebro and Vesterbro, each brimming with trendy taprooms, beer cafés and offbeat brewers. Whether you're sipping Danish IPAs on a sidewalk patio, visiting a sustainability-focused microbrewery or popping into a bar tucked inside a repurposed meatpacking plant, Copenhagen’s beer culture is equal parts laid-back and forward-thinking.

With a tasting glass in hand and six beer tokens in your pocket, you’ll find yourself on an unforgettable beerwalk through some of the city’s most colorful districts.

3. Rotterdam, Netherlands

Best for: Craft beer meets urban innovation

Rotterdam’s beer scene is as bold as its skyline. Known for modern architecture and a creative culinary scene, this city is home to a growing number of microbreweries that aren’t afraid to try something new. Walk into a local taproom here and you might find beers brewed with tulip bulbs, local herbs or even aged in wine barrels.

Start at the Rotterdam Market Hall to sample Dutch specialties, then head to a nearby brewery to learn how brewers are incorporating local ingredients into exciting new styles. Rotterdam’s combination of cutting-edge beer and cultural charm makes it a great destination for anyone looking to experience Europe’s evolving craft movement in a truly modern setting.

4. Bilbao, Spain

Best for: Pintxos and pours in the heart of Basque Country

Bilbao is more than just the home of the Guggenheim — it’s also a surprising hub for Spain’s growing craft beer scene. Traditional bars still serve local lagers, but new-wave brewers are introducing bold flavors and hoppy profiles that reflect the Basque region’s passion for innovation.

A craft beer tasting in Bilbao often comes paired with something extra special: pintxos, the region’s signature tapas. Picture sipping an IPA or blonde ale while nibbling on goat cheese with fig or anchovies with roasted peppers. These pairings highlight the thoughtful attention to flavor that defines both Basque cuisine and its emerging brewing culture.

Add in Bilbao’s striking architecture, lively city squares and cool urban vibe and you’ve got a beer experience that’s rich in both taste and character.

5. Santorini, Greece

Best for: Island brews with a volcanic twist

Santorini’s craft beer scene may be small, but it’s full of personality. A few passionate brewers on the island are making waves with crisp, citrusy beers inspired by the volcanic soil and local herbs.

After wandering through whitewashed villages like Megalochori, stop by a brewery or taproom to taste the island’s fresh, summer-ready beers. Many use local ingredients like honey and thyme to create light, aromatic pours that reflect the breezy Aegean lifestyle. It’s a great way to refresh after a day of sightseeing, especially when paired with a plate of Greek meze and a Santorini sunset.

6. Bruges, Belgium

Best for: Classic Belgian brews in a fairytale setting

No beer list is complete without Belgium and Bruges might just be the most picturesque place to enjoy it. Known for its canals, cobblestones and soaring belfries, Bruges is also home to some of Europe’s most revered beer traditions.

Walk into a family-run brewery and you might learn how monks perfected their recipes in centuries-old abbeys. Sample everything from Trappist ales to sour lambics and discover the rich history behind each pour. Many tastings are held in historic breweries with vaulted ceilings and copper kettles, making the experience feel both immersive and timeless.

Why Take a Brewery Tour in Europe?

Beer is one of the most expressive and enjoyable ways to experience a place. On a brewery tour in Europe, you’re not just sipping a drink, you’re tasting local history, culture and creativity in every glass. Whether you’re interested in the precise science of fermentation, the heritage of old-world brewing or the free-spirited experimentation of the modern craft scene, there’s something special waiting for you in each city.

Here are a few brewery-focused excursions to keep on your radar:

• Hanseatic Hamburg and Brewery – Germany
  • Explore Hamburg’s brewing roots with a behind-the-scenes tour of a local brewery, ending with a tasting of traditional German beers.
• Market Hall & Microbrewery – Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • Discover the intersection of culinary culture and craft brewing in one of Europe’s most creative cities.
• Bilbao Craft Brew Tasting – Spain
  • Dive into the Basque craft beer movement with a tasting paired with pintxos and a guided stroll through Bilbao’s architectural highlights.
• Beerwalk in the Meatpacking District – Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Sip your way through Copenhagen’s trendiest neighborhoods with tokens, a map and a tasting glass in hand.

Where are the Best Breweries in Europe?

The best breweries in Europe include traditional favorites in Hamburg, inventive microbreweries in Copenhagen and Rotterdam and emerging beer scenes in Bilbao and Santorini. These cities offer more than just a cold drink — they invite you to explore the stories, flavors and traditions behind every pour.

Joining a brewery tour in Europe is one of the most flavorful ways to get to know a destination. It’s immersive, interactive and always delicious — with each city offering its own signature spin on what beer can be.