Beer Travelers Take Note: Six Destinations to celebrate International Beer Day

08 August, 2023

International Beer Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of August and is a time to come together with friends and family to enjoy the craftsmanship that goes into one of the world’s most popular alcoholic beverages. From ancient beer cellars in the Czech Republic to Bavarian beer halls in Germany, on August 4 this year the hoppy brew will be celebrated in pubs, breweries and backyards all over the world. With its mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world, we have rounded up six of the most beer-smitten cities around the world, and delved into its more than 28 million listings of homes, apartments and other unique places for beer-inspired stays that will have travelers clinking their pint glasses to new brews and booze. 

Prague, Czech Republic

Famed for its old town, cultural landmarks and historical sites, the capital city Prague sits on the Vltava River and is renowned for being a beer lover’s paradise. The Czech Republic has been brewing beer since the 10th century and is said to be the country with the highest consumption per capita in the world. International Beer Day in Prague will go down as an unforgettable experience, as travelers explore its ancient beer cellars or submerge themselves in a bubbling tub of beer, a well-known spa attraction said to rejuvenate the skin. Be the judge of whether the Czech Republic produces the best beers in Europe by visiting Zlý časy, a gastro pub known for its vast selection of craft beers. Or, get deep into the history of brewing beers with a Self-Guided Tour of the Czech Beer Museum to view its 13th-century cellars and enjoy a tasting experience. There’s even the unique opportunity to personalize a beer bottle to remember the experience or gift one to friends or family. 

Where to stay: The U Medvidku-Brewery Hotel is in a prime location situated in the heart of Prague old town and boasts a famous microbrewery with tours available upon request. Along with a pub serving homemade beer and authentic Czech cuisine, this historic hotel offers a grand stay with painted renaissance ceilings and wooden beams. Guests can grab a pint at the bar and head to the beer garden or the impressive beer hall at the property. For guests seeking a more sustainable stay, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable property provides locally sourced, organic beer and food and offsets a portion of its carbon footprint.

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Osaka, Japan

Craft beer has surged in popularity over the past few years in Japan and travelers will be sure to enjoy International Beer Day in the nation’s party city of Osaka with its new craft breweries and old izakayas (Japanese drinking dens). The huge Suita brewery there produces Japan’s most popular and best-selling beer and offers tours of the production process of this world renowned, super dry lager – the accompanying beer museum is also highly recommended with its immersive exhibits. Elsewhere, travelers can head to Kamikaze bar, renowned for its extensive collection of Japanese craft beer, or TNT with its rotating taps of flavors from IPA to stout all served with gyoza (Japanese dumplings). Located on the mouth of the Yodo River, travelers can get a taste of the city on a Private City Tour and experience Osaka’s quirky districts and landmarks. Visit beautiful shrines, a traditional bathhouse or ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, and explore the exciting culinary scene through the maze of bars and restaurants in the Tenma neighborhood.

Where to stay: The trendy Hotel Noum OSAKA is located in the center of Osaka, a short drive or easy underground journey away from the Suita brewery. Rooms boast riverfront views and popular nearby sites include the Nakanoshima Rose Garden and the Horikawa Ebisu Shrine. After an insightful day at the brewing factory, guests can head to the homey bar and restaurant and enjoy an ice-cold beer with dinner. What’s more, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable stay offers guests plenty of green spaces to relax in the heart of the city. 

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Munich, Germany

Brewing beer is an ingrained part of German culture and Munich is a dynamic city brimming with Bavarian beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus founded in 1589. In recent years, craft and organic beer manufacturers have been popping up, offering a bit of competition to the traditional breweries and reflecting local and visitor demands. With over 60 beer gardens and six major breweries dotted around the city, Munich will have travelers in high spirits during International Beer Day. Head to Tap House, home to more than 200 craft beers from local makers (the chili con beer is a favorite), sip German beer with a side of ribs at Red Hot or start early at Getränke Oase which opens in the morning for those keen to get going. Beer fanatics can book a Munich Brewery and Hofbräuhaus Tour to visit the oldest brewery in Munich and learn more about the art of beer-making with a traditional German meal such as bratwurst (grilled sausage) or schnitzel (breaded cutlet) included.

Where to stay: The Bavaria Boutique Hotel offers a stylish bar and peaceful courtyard, perfect for sipping on a foamy beer whilst relaxing, and a tasty buffet breakfast for those nursing a hangover. Situated near the Augustiner-Bräu Brewery, Munich’s oldest independent brewery, this design-led hotel is within walking distance and with easy transport links into the city center. For those travelers looking for a more sustainable stay, this Booking.com Travel Sustainable property serves organic and locally sourced beer and food, reduces food waste and uses 100% renewable energy throughout. 

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St. Louis, Missouri, United States

St. Louis has a storied brewing history decades old putting` St. Louis beer on the map for newcomers and seasoned brewers. Placed in the confluence of the Mississippi, St. Louis is the second largest city in Missouri with a flourishing beer scene. To get a true glimpse into the history of the city, book a private St. Louis Sightseeing Tour and pit stop at notable attractions such as the Missouri Botanical Garden, the iconic Gateway Arch and Forest Park. The experience will also highlight the popular food and drinks which have originated from St. Louis such as peanut butter, iced tea and its world-renowned beer from the Anheuser-Busch brewery

Where to stay: Set along the banks of the fabled Mississippi River in the heart of downtown, the Four Seasons St. Louis is a seriously luxe hotel with a range of spa services, steam rooms and whirlpools. This upscale hotel features magnificent views of the Gateway Arch from its spacious rooms or poolside from one of the lavish cabanas on the Sky Terrace. Travelers can enjoy a hoppy drink on the outdoor terrace or at the swanky cocktail bar before a delicious evening meal at its onsite fine-dining South American-focused restaurant.

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Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is a beer lover’s dream, with plenty of famous breweries, craft microbreweries and traditional Irish pubs to visit. Beer in Ireland traces back to roughly 5,000 years ago, with beer-making commercialized in the 18th century. Located on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey, this glorious capital city caters to all travelers who desire an ice-cold beer, with a thirst-quenching pint available to suit pretty much any taste – from hoppy classics that combine fruit and caramel notes that date back to 1856 to balanced pale ales and dark and aromatic stouts that blend flavorful grains and fresh oysters. Also renowned for its whiskey, travelers can book a Guinness and Jameson Tasting Tour to visit a famous brewhouse and distillery, the perfect experience to get a true feel of Dublin. During this skip-the-line tour, travelers will learn about the history of beer and whiskey production with a tasting experience at the popular Gravity Bar.

Where to stay: Located in the heart of Dublin and a short distance from the lively Temple Bar, the Irish Stay - Dame Street apartments provide travelers with a home-away-from-home feel. With street views and complimentary drinks, this apartment complex offers a brightly lit space with modern furnishings and is a comfortable stay for those sipping their way around the city. For visitors searching for something stronger, take a stroll to the nearby Irish Whiskey Museum and trace the history of whiskey through interactive exhibits. 

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Brussels, Belgium

Belgium has a long history of brewing beer that dates back to the 12th century with a range of unique methods, including Trappist beers brewed in Trappist monasteries. Its capital Brussels has a booming world-famous beer culture, known primarily for its ales as opposed to lagers, with an emphasis on malt and fruity yeast flavors including sweet fruit beers, surprising sour brews and strong 9% monks-made ales. Experience the best of Brussels beer by joining one of the many award-winning tasting tours to learn more about the golden liquid including the state-of-the-art Brussels Beer Project brewery where visitors can savor weird and wonderful ales and discuss beer and food pairings – and even music and beer pairings. Alternatively, combine sightseeing with drinking and book an interactive Brussels Old Town and Beer Exploration Game. On this self-guided tour, travelers will solve riddles, find clues and complete challenges to unlock the next destination on a quest to find the best beer recipe in town, stopping off at some of Brussel’s most iconic bars and landmarks including the Jeanneke Pis sculpture and the Mont des Arts.

Where to stay: The unique Hotel Brouwerij Het Anker is a must for beer lovers, situated in a 15th-century brewery a short drive from Brussels where visitors can spend the night in Belgium’s first brewery hotel. Guests won’t even need to leave their accommodation to get a taste for Brussels beer with an onsite tour and tasting experience, and they can head to the onsite brasserie serving beer-infused Belgium dishes afterwards. The hotel is a short walk from many bars in the center of Mechelen, and has easy transport links into the city.

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