Five European Destinations to Celebrate International Beer Day
International Beer Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of August (August 6th this year) as a time to come together with friends and enjoy the craftsmanship that goes into one of the world’s favorite alcoholic beverages. From ancient beer cellars in the Czech Republic to Bavarian beer halls in Germany, this brew is celebrated all over the European continent. With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world as it becomes safe to do so again, including the 18% of travelers who are likely to have a foodie/gastro experience in 2021 (e.g. eat at an exclusive restaurant, go on a food tour)*, we have rounded up five of the most beer-smitten European cities endorsed by global travelers* – cheers to good times!
Prague, Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has been brewing beer since the 10th century and is the country with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world. The largest and capital city, Prague sits on the Vltava River and is renowned for being a beer lover’s paradise. Rumor has it that the best beer in Prague is poured at Zlý časy, but you’ll be spoiled for choice with thousands of places to enjoy a beer from big names to small breweries, many who have been making beer for generations.
Where to stay: The grand U Medvidku-Brewery Hotel boasts a famous micro-brewery, with tours available upon request, along with a pub serving home-made beer and Czech cuisine, an impressive beer hall and beer garden. You’ll even be welcomed with a complimentary home-made beer at check-in! The hotel is in a prime location - only a short stroll away from the Czech National Theatre, the Vltava river and local shops.
Munich, Germany
Brewing beer is an ingrained part of the German culture and Munich is a dynamic city brimming with Bavarian beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus founded in 1589. In recent years craft beer manufactures have been popping up, offering a bit of competition to the traditional breweries and reflecting local and visitor demands, including organic breweries.
Where to stay: The Bavaria Boutique Hotel consists of a stylish bar and peaceful outside courtyard, perfect for sipping on a foamy beer while relaxing. This hotel is conveniently located near the Oktoberfest site, the world's largest beer festival, as well as the Augustiner-Bräu Brewery, Munich's oldest independent brewery.
Brussels, Belgium
Belgium has a long history of brewing beer that dates back to the 12th century and with a range of unique methods, including Trappist beers (beers brewed in Trappist monasteries). Brussels is a capital with a booming beer culture and known for its range of beers, primarily ales (as opposed to lagers) with an emphasis on malt and fruity yeast flavors. Experience the best of Brussels beer by joining one of the many award-winning tours to learn more about the golden liquid of Belgium on a Tasting Tour.
Where to stay: The unique Hotel Brouwerij Het Anker is a must for beer lovers, situated in a 15th-century brewery and a short walk from the enchanting Grote Markt, it also features an authentic brasserie and terrace.
Dublin, Ireland
Dublin is a beer lover’s dream, with plenty of craft breweries - most notably the iconic Guinness Storehouse - and traditional Irish pubs to visit. Beer in Ireland traces back to roughly 5,000 years ago, with beer-making commercialized in the 18th century. Some of the Irish beers to tickle your tastebuds are Scraggy Bay, Mescan Brewery Beer and O'Hara's Irish Wheat.
Where to stay: Newly renovated, The Fleet is an avant-garde hotel nestled among the lively Temple Bar district. Guests can enjoy a beer at the hotel’s Café Bar 1920, on Grafton Street or explore the nearby tourist attractions, such as Dublin Castle and Olympia Theatre.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The animated city of Amsterdam is not only celebrated for its artistic heritage and intricate canal system. With a thriving craft beer scene, Amsterdam offers plenty of fantastic beer-related activities, such as tours of a former Heineken brewery and even a brewery in a Windmill! It is filled with cozy canal-side bars, ideal for cracking open a beer while watching the sunset.
Where to stay: Situated on a former Naval site in the heart of Amsterdam, Pension Homeland offers an on-site brewery and restaurant with spectacular views over the IJ-river. To work off all those beers, guests can hire a bike and explore the surrounding area or dance along to the live music at the bar.
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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who have traveled for business or leisure in the past 12 months, and must be planning to travel in the next 12 months (if/once travel restrictions are lifted). In total 47,728 respondents across 28 countries and territories were polled