Traveling as a vegan requires a lot of planning. Unlike some travelers, you usually can't just play it by ear and hope that whatever restaurant you choose on the spur of the moment will have vegan options. You have to research restaurants, browse menus, and ultimately figure out what best fits your lifestyle. Unfortunately, this also means that your options can be quite limited in some places.
But with veganism on the rise, more and more cities are able to cater to those who follow this plant-based lifestyle. So before you book your next trip, why not choose a destination that doesn't require so much planning or limit your choices? Below we've compiled a list of five of the most vegan-friendly cities so your next vacation can be a little less limiting and a lot more stress-free.
Portland, Oregon
Unsurprisingly, this hip city was dubbed America's #1 Vegan-Friendly City of 2016 by PETA, and many vegan visitors can easily see why. In addition to a plethora of vegan bars and restaurants throughout the city, Portland is home to vegan grocery stores, clothing shops, tattoo parlors, and even a 100% vegan shopping mall. Travelers can shop, dine, and experience Portland without even having to think about what is or isn't cruelty-free.
Berlin, Germany
Though Portland tops PETA's list of U.S. cities, Berlin is quickly becoming the international mecca of all things vegan. Famous for its trendy art scene and vibrant culture, the German capital has over fifty purely vegan restaurants. Traveling with someone who isn't vegan? Not to worry. The majority of Berlin's other restaurants still offer plenty of vegan options so you can both get what you're looking for. If you're thinking about planning a trip, consider going in August when the city holds its annual Vegan Summer Festival to promote and celebrate the cruelty-free lifestyle.
Tel Aviv, Israel
If Berlin's vegan festival has piqued your interest, you should check out what Tel Aviv has in store. The most progressive city in the Middle East in terms of veganism, Tel Aviv hosts the largest vegan festival in the world every September. Approximately 1 in every 20 residents of this beach city is vegan, and this number is only increasing as dairy products continue to lose popularity. The city's signature vegan specialty? The "carrot dog" - a smoked carrot marinated in Jack Daniels and served in a warm bun.
Chennai, India
Considering that about half of the Indian population lives a meat-free lifestyle, it's certainly no surprise to see Chennai on this list. Located in the south of India, Chennai boasts a wide selection of vegan foods ranging from curries to dosas. Whether you want a five-star dining experience at one of the country's best rated vegan restaurants or just a quick bite to eat from a street cart, you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
London, England
London's meat-free history dates back to the 18th century when many members of British society converted to vegetarianism. Since then, London has become a great place for vegetarians and vegans alike, with the vegan population more than tripling in the last decade alone. Among that population is a former KFC employee-turned-vegan who recently opened Temple of Hackney, the world's first meat-free fried "chicken" shop.
