World Beer Day 2025: 8 Cities Around The World To Travel For The Love Of Beer

NDTV

3 days ago

Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world, and it totally has reason for being so. Whether it is cracked open at a backyard barbecue, poured fresh at a buzzing pub, or lovingly crafted at a centuries-old brewery, beer blends versatility, tradition and community like no other beverage. It is easy-going, social and, at times, surprisingly complex. Over the years, beer culture has evolved from rustic brewing to refined tasting experiences across continents. Some destinations have embraced beer as part of their identity, turning local brews into a passport for culture, flavour and discovery.
This World Beer Day, we take you on a globe-trotting tour of cities where beer is more than just a drink. It is the culture, career and ritual of the place. From coriander-infused lagers in India to wild-fermented lambics in Belgium, each destination serves up a story worth sipping.
8 Cities Across The World Serving Best Beers:
1. Munich, Germany:
Beer is embedded in Munich's tradition. Locals gather in beer gardens like it is a ritual, and even first-timers get swept into the festive spirit. From the famed Oktoberfest to quieter beer halls tucked behind cobbled streets, every pint in Munich has a story.
Signature brews: Helles lager at Augustiner-Keller, wheat beers at Hofbrauhaus
When to go: Spring or early autumn, for lively gardens without the tourist rush
Fun fact: Nearby Hallertau produces the world's largest harvest of hops
2. Brussels And Bruges, Belgium:
Belgium is all about finesse and fermentation. With over 350 beer varieties, from monk-made Trappists to wild-fermented lambics, this country takes brewing seriously, without compromising flavour or charm.
Expert insight: Try lambic at Cantillon Brewery or sip Bruges Zot at De Halve Maan
Taste tip: Pair strong ales with Belgian chocolate - trust us on this one
3. Prague, Czech Republic:
Prague proves that great beer does not need to break the bank. A frothy mug here costs less than bottled water and comes steeped in history and crisp Czech pride.
Iconic sips: Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Kozel
Where to drink: U Fleku brewery-pub has been pouring since 1499
Trivia: Czechs drink more beer per person than any other nationality
4. Dublin, Ireland:
Dublin's pub culture is part poetry, part pour. While it is home to the iconic Guinness, the city also nurtures a thriving craft scene of rich porters and bold stouts.
Where to sip: Try the classic at Guinness Storehouse, then branch out with Plain Porter from The Porterhouse
Pro tip: Ask for a tasting flight at Galway Bay Brewery to sample their rotating taps
5. Portland And San Diego, USA:
The United States has cultivated a beer renaissance, and Portland and San Diego are leading the charge. Whether you enjoy hop-heavy West Coast IPAs or brews infused with unexpected botanicals, these cities offer endless variety.
Photo Credit: Pexels
6. Cape Town, South Africa:
Cape Town's brewers are fearless with flavour. From raspberry wheat ales to dry-hopped sours, this city offers a beer scene as diverse and sunny as its landscape.
Top picks: Darling Brew's Pearl Rose, Devil's Peak's Vannie Hout
7. Copenhagen, Denmark:
Clean, clever, and craft-forward, Copenhagen delivers some of Europe's most innovative brews, thanks to its thriving microbrewery scene.
Taste experience: Some bars offer "beer brunches" with smoked fish and Nordic rye
8. Pune, Delhi And Goa, India:
India is no longer just about whisky or rum. Breweries here are pushing boundaries with experimental ales infused with Indian spices and botanicals like mango, kokum, cinnamon, orange peel and coriander.
In Conclusion:
From heritage hops to local experiments, the beer trail is as much about the pint as it is about the place. So, raise your glass to curiosity and culture...who knows, your next drink might just come with a passport stamp!