Europe's best craft beer bars
From Ljubljana and Reykjavík to Barcelona, the craft beer scene has become an essential part of Europe’s most exciting cities. Stylish taprooms, experimental breweries and bars pouring local and international specialties now sit alongside museums, music venues and food markets.
If you’re travelling and planning your itinerary around great beer (as you should), this craft beer bar guide highlights five of the best craft beer pubs in Europe right now.
1. MicroBar in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland might be famous for volcanoes, waterfalls and geothermal pools, but it has also quietly become one of Europe’s most exciting hot tourist destinations for craft beer lovers.
MicroBar is one of Reykjavík’s original beer pubs and remains one of its best. Tucked away near the harbour and art museum, it’s a cosy, welcoming spot where locals and visitors mix over excellent beer.
There are 10 taps in total, with most pouring beer from Icelandic brewery Gæðingur, while the remaining taps rotate guest beers from across the country. If you’re new to Icelandic beer, the knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you.
A must-stop for anyone seeking beer bar recommendations in Reykjavík.
MicroBar: Vesturgata 2, Reykjavík | MicroBar at Facebook
2. Sori Taproom in Helsinki, Finland
Finland’s beer scene has exploded over the past two decades, growing from just a handful of breweries to nearly 100 today. One of the best places to experience this growth is Sori Taproom, just steps from Helsinki Central Station.
With 24 taps, the bar pours a mix of Sori Brewing’s own beers alongside carefully selected international guests. Digital screens above the bar show what’s pouring, making it easy to explore new styles.
Add to that an American-style kitchen serving burgers and BBQ, and you’ve got one of the best craft beer bars in Northern Europe.
Sori Taproom: Vuorikatu 16, Helsinki | Sori Website
3. BierCab in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is already one of Europe’s most popular hot tourist destinations, but BierCab makes it even better for beer fans.
Located near the university district, BierCab offers 30 craft beers on tap and more than 100 bottles and cans of Belgian beers, Italian beers, IPA and more. The range is one of the most impressive in the city, earning it top ratings from platforms like RateBeer.
Food is taken just as seriously, with Iberico pork, tapas, sandwiches and ceviche all on the menu.
If you’re building a personal craft beer bar guide for Europe, BierCab belongs near the top.
BierCab: Muntaner 55, Barcelona | BierCab Website
4. Frisches Bier in Germany, München
Munich may be known for its historic breweries (like Paulaner) and Oktoberfest beer, but its modern craft scene is growing fast. Frisches Bier, opened by Tilman Ludwig and Max Heisler, is one of the city’s coolest new beer bars.
With 14 rotating taps, including the house-brewed “Tilman’s Bier”, the focus is on small, creative producers from Germany and abroad. The atmosphere is relaxed, vintage and welcoming. A refreshing contrast to Munich’s traditional beer halls.
An excellent stop for anyone looking for modern beer bar recommendations in Bavaria.
Frisches Bier: Thalkirchner Str. 53, München | Frisches Bier Website
5. Pop’s Place in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana still feels like an insider tip, but its beer scene is anything but small. Pop’s Place, located right by the river in the city centre, is one of the best showcases of Slovenian craft beer.
With around 50 beers available across draught and bottle, the focus is on breweries from Slovenia, Austria, Estonia and Belgium. The relaxed, American-style burger bar vibe makes it easy to settle in and the locally sourced burgers are excellent.
A standout among Europe’s best craft beer pubs.
Pop's Place: Cankarjevo Nabrežje 3, Ljubljana | Pop's Place auf Facebook
Europe’s craft beer scene is thriving, and these bars prove that great beer countries can be found in every corner of the continent. Whether you’re planning a city break or building a beer-focused travel list, these spots offer unforgettable pours, passionate people and a true taste of local brewing culture.
Cheers to discovering your next favourite pint!