Worried that your plant-based diet will make it difficult to study or intern abroad? As any vegetarian or vegan knows, going out to eat isn’t always easy—especially when you leave home. Even within the U.S., plant-based options vary widely, with certain regions offering more choices than others. And once you leave the country, every culture approaches food in its own way. While you can find food to fit your diet in just about any major city around the world, in some destinations eating vegan or vegetarian is more convenient and requires fewer explanations. Below, we’ll highlight 10 of the best places where studying abroad as a vegetarian or vegan is truly a piece of (plant-based) cake!
Do you follow a plant-based diet? Explore 10 of the top vegan and vegetarian-friendly study abroad destinations around the world!
1. London, England
London is consistently ranked among the top vegan and vegetarian-friendly cities in the world. According to HappyCow, it was home to 214 fully vegan venues in 2025, with some 3,600 vegan-friendly listings across the whole city.
This should come as no surprise—London’s international diversity, strong environmental consciousness, and a broader shift in Great Britain towards more plant-based diets have created enormous demand for vegan and vegetarian food. The Vegan Society reports that 10% of people in Great Britain now follow diets that reduce or eliminate animal products in some way, resulting in a thriving ecosystem of plant-based restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and cafes that make eating well in London a breeze.
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is often referred to as the vegan capital of Europe—and for good reason. The city’s progressive culture, strong sustainability ethos, and significant Middle Eastern and South Asian influences have collectively made it one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world.
Here, you’ll find not only vegetarian-friendly restaurants, but fully vegan supermarkets and bakeries, along with döner shops serving meat-free versions of the beloved Berlin street food staple. Regardless of whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a full meal, you’ll enjoy plenty of vegan options in Berlin.
3. Paris, France
Parisian cuisine might evoke images of duck confit and escargot, but Paris (and France at large) has become a welcoming destination for vegetarians and vegans. While some traditional bistros can be limiting, the city hosts a growing number of dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and the rising popularity of plant-based diets means that even many conventional restaurants now offer at least one solid vegetarian option.
In France, cooking is treated as an art form with chefs as the artists—an approach shaped largely by institutions like Le Cordon Bleu and the Michelin Guide and now applied to elevate delectable plant-based cuisine. So, whether you’re after a simple crepe, a hearty salad, or an elevated plant-based French meal, you’ll always find something delicious in the City of Light.
4. Spain: Barcelona & Madrid
Although Barcelona may be best known for its seafood paella, it has quietly become a melting pot for all kinds of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Here, you can find plant-based interpretations of classic Catalan dishes, creative vegan tapas, and a rich diversity of international plant-based foods that are sure to make your mouth water.
Like Barcelona, you can find everything from vegan tapas and veggie burgers to plant-based fine dining in Spain’s capital. Madrid is home to over 60 fully vegan venues, with many more offering plant-based options somewhere on their menu. Certain neighborhoods are particularly veggie-friendly—Malasaña, Chueca, and Lavapiés are known for their high concentration of vegan fare, making them great areas to explore when you’re looking for something tasty.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
While Czech cuisine may be known for its hearty meat-centric dishes, Prague is quickly becoming an excellent place to find vegan dishes while you study abroad.
If you look at Prague’s history, this should come as no surprise: it’s long been host to a wide variety of cultures and international influences, providing something for everyone—and that openness extends to its food scene. Today, you can find dedicated vegan restaurants and plant-based cafes from the cobblestone streets of Old Town to the farthest reaches of the city.
6. Salzburg, Austria
Austria is another Central European country known for its meat-heavy dishes. Fortunately, Salzburg is brimming with options for people with a wide range of dietary restrictions. Many restaurants and cafes, particularly those in the city center, offer vegan options for those seeking a meal free from animal products.
It may require a bit of research, but vegetarians and vegans studying abroad in Salzburg will find they have more choices than the country’s traditional culinary reputation might suggest.
7. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon has a lively food scene that’s perfect for people with a wide range of dietary restrictions. From traditional Portuguese dishes reimagined in plant-based form to fresh salads, gluten-free grain bowls, and global cuisine, there’s no shortage of flavorful options for vegetarian study abroad students and international interns.
The city’s growing community of health-conscious locals and international residents has driven a steady expansion of plant-based offerings, making Lisbon one of Europe’s most underrated destinations for meatless meals.
8. Athens, Greece
Greek cuisine might seem meat- or seafood-forward at first glance, but many traditional dishes are naturally vegetarian, and plenty are vegan-friendly with little to no modification. From fava and gigantes to spanakopita and fresh salads, Greek tavernas are often brimming with hearty and protein-rich vegetarian options.
Head to the city center or international neighborhoods for an even wider range of choices, including meatless gyros and global vegan cuisine. If you study abroad in Athens as a vegetarian or vegan, finding good food that fits your diet is no Herculean effort; in fact, it’s quite the opposite!
9. Australia: Perth & Sydney
Australia is practically popping with vegan awareness and plant-based food culture, particularly in its major coastal cities. Both Sydney and Perth are home to thriving communities of health-conscious, eco-aware residents, and that mindset extends to the plate.
Oat milk lattés, açaí bowls, veggie burgers, and vegan fine dining are all ingredients that make up everyday Aussie diets. Pair that with an abundance of fresh local produce, a strong emphasis on health and wellness, and a deep respect for the natural environment, and it’s easy to see why Australia is one of the most naturally vegan-friendly study abroad destinations in the world.
10. San José, Costa Rica
If you’re seeking a vegan-friendly study abroad destination in Latin America, look no further than San José, Costa Rica. As a country deeply committed to environmental protection, sustainable food systems, and health and well-being, Costa Rica is a natural fit for plant-based eaters.
In San José, the country’s capital, you can taste veganized local dishes, an abundance of luscious tropical produce, and a food culture built around naturally plant-forward staples like gallo pinto (rice and beans). Here, the national philosophy of Pura Vida (“pure life”) extends to their food systems and the way people eat, making it easy and enjoyable to maintain your diet while studying abroad.
Don’t let your dietary restrictions stop you from studying abroad! Choose from a wide range of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly international destinations with AIFS Abroad.
Whether you eat a plant-based diet for your health, the environment, animal welfare, or any other reason, your lifestyle choices don’t have to hold you back from the transformative experience of studying abroad (or interning abroad). Not only is it an excellent opportunity to travel the world, learn about new cultures, and broaden your perspective while you advance your degree—but it also offers a window into how different cultures approach food and sustainability. You may even return home with a few new favorite recipes from your host country.
With AIFS Abroad, you’ll enjoy the support of knowledgeable on-site staff who can offer local recommendations, help you navigate the food scene, and ensure you make the most of your time abroad—dietary restrictions and all.
