Best Beer Tasting Trips in Europe

London offers a plethora of options for beer enthusiasts to explore its vibrant brewing scene. From guided brewery tours to immersive tasting experiences, here's where you can indulge in the best beer tasting trips:

• Gosnells Of London's Peckham location offers mead-related brewery tours, showcasing honey fermentation and allowing participants to engage in the brewing process.
• Ale Hunters' unique tours take you through the best pubs, craft breweries, and taprooms across London, providing insights into brewing techniques and plenty of tasting opportunities.
• Gipsy Hill Brewery hosts guided tours every Sunday, followed by tastings of six different beers, perfect for an afternoon dedicated to beer appreciation.
• Signature Brew in Blackhorse Road and Haggerston offers epic brewery tours combined with live music sessions, highlighting their artisanal beers.
• Battersea Brewery in South London provides tastings and insider knowledge, along with a hearty range of food options to complement the beer experience.

Experience the essence of Belgian beer culture with a guided beer tasting in the heart of Brussels. Located in an old private bar just a short walk from Brussels Grand Place and Midi Train Station, this experience offers an educational journey through Belgian brewing. Discover the intricacies of brewing techniques, learn about various beer styles both Belgian and international, and delve into the rich history behind these brews. The session includes tastings of local beers, allowing you to discern your preferences and gain insights into what makes Belgian beers unique.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider the combo ticket that includes a pub crawl through Brussels' lively streets. This extension of the tour offers the chance to explore four different bars and clubs, enjoying further tastings and special drink offers. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours are not only educational but also social, making it ideal for meeting new people and enjoying a vibrant nightlife.

Join ScotBeer Glasgow for a unique walking tour through Glasgow's New Town where you'll explore the city's history through its renowned beers. This award-winning tour includes tutored tastings of various Scottish beers, offering a delightful blend of historical insights and flavorful samplings. Whether you're a beer aficionado or new to beer tasting, this experience promises to enrich your knowledge and palate alike.

Starting from £37.10 per adult, the tour spans approximately 2 hours, providing ample time to appreciate Scotland's rich brewing heritage and the stories behind each sip. Led by expert guides, you'll visit local pubs and breweries, sampling Scotland's finest brews along the way. The tour emphasizes the cultural significance of beer in Glasgow's history, making it a must-do for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic taste of the city.

Amsterdam's beer scene is a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation, offering beer enthusiasts a rich tapestry of flavors to explore. From the iconic Brouwerij ’t IJ nestled next to the De Gooyer windmill, known for its organic brews and seasonal selections, to the hidden gem of Butcher’s Tears with its hand-crafted ales and vibrant atmosphere, Amsterdam caters to every palate. Bierfabriek stands out for its combination of craft beer and charcoal-grilled chicken, served in an industrial-chic space where beer is brewed in the midst of diners. Brouwerij Troost, with its three locations, bridges the old with the new, experimenting with beers in a former monastery, while serving larger quantities of classic styles in Westergras and Oud West.

For those seeking something unique, Walhalla crafts "the gods' favorite ales" in Amsterdam North, offering an ever-changing selection of draft beers in a lively setting. Oedipus Brewing takes freshness to the next level with its 'FreshBeerFriday' events, offering a taproom experience that's both educational and fun. Throughout these establishments, visitors can immerse themselves in Amsterdam's beloved local spots, enjoying Dutch essentials, award-winning craft beers, and the cozy 'gezelligheid' that defines the city's drinking culture.

Krakow, increasingly known as the Beer Capital of Eastern Europe, offers an unforgettable craft beer experience through Hoppy Tours. This city's vibrant and evolving beer scene is a haven for beer lovers, featuring an array of local pubs, craft breweries, and unique beer-tasting tours. From the iconic Brouwerij ’t IJ, specializing in organic brews, to the hidden gem of Butcher’s Tears, Krakow’s beer culture is a rich blend of tradition and modern craft. Bierfabriek's combination of craft beer and charcoal-grilled chicken in an industrial-chic setting, along with Brouwerij Troost’s innovative approach in its three locations, showcase the diversity and creativity of Krakow’s beer scene.

Walhalla Brewery and Taproom, known for crafting "the gods' favorite ales," and Oedipus Brewing's vibrant taproom events like 'FreshBeerFriday', highlight the experimental and communal spirit of the city's beer culture. The guided Krakow Craft Beer Tour offers a curated exploration of the best Polish craft beers in top local establishments, providing an immersive experience into the flavors, techniques, and stories behind Poland’s celebrated beers. Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or new to the craft beer world, Krakow's beer tasting adventures promise a deep dive into the heart of Polish brewing tradition, making it an essential destination for beer enthusiasts exploring Europe.

Experience the heart of Denmark's beer culture in Copenhagen, a city that prides itself as a beacon for beer enthusiasts. Copenhagen's beer tasting scene is a vibrant mix of traditional brews and innovative craft beers, offering an extensive array of experiences for all tastes. The Home of Carlsberg provides an immersive journey through the storied history of one of the world's most famous breweries, situated in its original location. The brewery tour, complete with beer tastings in the historic cellars, promises a deep dive into the brewing process, allowing beer lovers to taste, see, and feel the essence of Carlsberg.

But Copenhagen's beer tale is not just about Carlsberg. The city is at the forefront of the craft beer revolution, with local and international beer lovers embracing the diverse and high-quality offerings. From BRUS's vibrant brewpub atmosphere to the plethora of craft beer bars in neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Vesterbro, Copenhagen caters to the most discerning palates. The annual Copenhagen Beer Week further highlights the city's love affair with beer, featuring tastings, lectures, and events that showcase the best of Danish and international craft beers. Mikkeller's global influence and Carlsberg's pioneering efforts have shaped a unique beer landscape in Copenhagen, making it an essential destination for anyone passionate about beer.

Dublin, a city renowned for its vibrant history and culture, offers a unique beer tasting experience that takes enthusiasts on an adventure through its streets, celebrating Ireland's iconic beers. Urban Brewing, located at Vault CCHQ Building on Custom House Quay, stands as a prime example of Dublin's flourishing craft beer scene. Offering a blend of historical ambiance and modern brewing techniques, Urban Brewing introduces visitors to the heart and soul of Ireland's beer craftsmanship. The brewery's strategic location, amidst the historical and scenic beauty of Dublin, enhances the beer tasting experience, allowing guests to delve into the rich heritage of Irish brewing while enjoying contemporary craft creations.

For those looking to explore Dublin's beer culture further, the Drinks on Foot Walking Tour is an essential journey. This tour transcends the traditional pub crawl, focusing instead on the beer experience, and guiding participants through time to taste and learn about the city's finest traditional and craft drinks. Stops include authentic Irish pubs, where the history and stories behind Ireland's most famous exports are shared, blending the ritual of beer drinking with cultural insights.

Bremen, known for its rich brewing history dating back to the 12th century, offers an immersive beer tasting experience that combines tradition with modern craft beer culture. The city celebrates its brewing heritage and innovation through a variety of activities such as beer tastings, brewery tours, brewing courses, and beer seminars. Visitors can delve into the world of beer in Bremen, learning the intricacies of brewing and tasting handcrafted delights. Beck & Co., founded in Bremen in 1873 and now a globally recognized brand, is celebrated for its pilsner among other creations, offering insight into the evolution of beer over the centuries. Meanwhile, the craft beer scene thrives with establishments like the Freie Brau Union Bremen and the Bremer Braumanufaktur, where traditional methods meet contemporary brewing to produce unique and diverse beer flavors.

The Freie Brau Union Bremen, revitalizing the historic Union Brewery, merges past and present in its craft beer production, offering tours and seminars that showcase the craft of brewing. The Bremer Braumanufaktur, located on the burgeoning Überseeinsel, stands out with its variety of Hopfenfänger beers, a beer garden, and a brewpub, making it a pivotal part of Bremen's beer culture. The brewery's commitment to sustainability, evidenced by its award-winning partnership with the Gemüsewerft urban farming project, adds another layer to the beer tasting experience in Bremen. Visitors can also enjoy the convivial atmosphere of the Schüttinger Gasthausbrauerei, where the tradition of brewpubs is kept alive with its exclusive in-house beer varieties, perfectly complementing the local cuisine.

Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is not just famous for its remarkable architecture but also for its deep-rooted beer culture, offering an array of beer tasting experiences at the Brauhaus zum Sternla. With a brewing tradition that spans centuries, Bamberg is a haven for beer enthusiasts looking to explore the intricate world of beer. From the iconic Rauchbier, known for its unique smoked flavor, to a variety of craft and traditional beers, Bamberg presents a rich palette for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. The Brauhaus zum Sternla, along with its IHK-certified beer ambassadors and sommeliers, provides a comprehensive insight into the art of beer brewing, pairing exquisite beers with regional delicacies and imparting knowledge about the city’s brewing heritage and the nuances of different beer types.

Visitors to Bamberg can partake in customized beer tasting sessions such as "My Beer – My Bamberg," "My Beer – My Schäufäla," and the special "A Beer with Hans" tasting with Hans Wächtler, offering an in-depth journey into the world of beer. These tastings are not only about savoring the flavors but also understanding the history, brewing process, and the right food pairings, making it an educational as well as a pleasurable experience. The beer tasting tours are flexible, available from Tuesday to Sunday, and cater to groups of all sizes, providing a perfect blend of tradition and modern brewing practices.

Leuven, often hailed as Belgium's premier beer destination, offers a beer tasting experience that is deeply ingrained in the city's rich brewing history and vibrant contemporary beer scene. Through organizations like Leuven Leisure and BeerWalk, enthusiasts embark on guided tours that not only unravel the fascinating history of beer in Leuven but also indulge in the tasting of various local brews in unique bars and forgotten microbreweries. The inclusion of a chocolate and beer pairing session adds a delightful twist to the traditional beer tasting, showcasing the versatility and depth of beer as a complement to food.

The tours provide an intimate look into Leuven’s celebrated beer culture, highlighting traditional pubs, innovative beer pubs, and historic locations associated with brewing. Participants enjoy a selection of five different beers, including the city's signature brews, and receive an official BeerWalk glass as a souvenir. These tours not only celebrate the traditional aspects of Leuven’s beer heritage, such as the Stella Artois brewery experience but also spotlight the city's role as a modern craft beer haven.

Zagreb's burgeoning craft beer scene offers an eclectic mix of traditional brewing techniques and modern flavors, making it a prime destination for beer lovers. The city's breweries, such as the one in Žitnjak, open their doors for guided tours on weekends, where beer aficionados can delve into the brewing process from start to finish and enjoy tastings of locally crafted beers right at the source. These tours, perfect for a variety of occasions from birthdays to team-building, highlight Zagreb's dedication to beer making, offering a hands-on experience that includes behind-the-scenes access to the brewhouse and specialized tastings paired with local delicacies.

Craft beer tasting in Zagreb extends beyond the breweries to tap-rooms like The Garden Brewery and popular bars such as Noel Bar and Craft Room, each contributing to the city's vibrant beer culture with their unique offerings. The Garden Brewery, situated in an old factory, pairs gourmet burgers with their craft beers for a memorable dining experience, while Noel Bar impresses with its stylish interior and cozy outdoor terrace. These venues, among others, showcase the city's craft beer revolution, with an emphasis on quality, variety, and the art of beer making.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Pilsen, the birthplace of the world-renowned Pilsner Urquell. This comprehensive tour showcases the entirety of the beer brewing process at one of the most celebrated breweries in the world. From witnessing the daily operation of a modern brewhouse capable of producing almost 3,000,000 beers, to exploring a packaging plant with the efficiency of 120,000 bottles per hour, and finally, savoring the taste of unfiltered Pilsner Urquell directly from lagering kegs within the historic lagering cellars, this tour is an unparalleled experience for beer enthusiasts.

Discover the legacy of Pilsner Urquell, the golden lager that changed the beer landscape forever since its inception in 1842, thanks to its full-bodied taste and quality Czech ingredients. This tour not only immerses you in the history and unaltered brewing process of Pilsner Urquell but also invites you to taste this unique beer, offering insights into the beer's rich history and its significant impact on beer culture worldwide.

České Budějovice - home to the iconic Budweiser Budvar Brewery. This experience offers beer aficionados a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and meticulous brewing process of one of the world's most famous beers. The tour includes a visit to modern brewing facilities as well as the historic cellars where you'll have the rare chance to taste unfiltered Pilsner Urquell straight from the lagering barrels.

Moreover, the tour extends beyond just beer tasting. It introduces visitors to the impressive scale of its modern packaging plant and the largest passenger lift in the Czech Republic leading to a panoramic cinema for an immersive film experience on beer production. Emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients like soft Pilsen water, malt from Bohemian barley, Žatec hops, and special brewer’s yeast, this tour is an educational journey through time.