5 Best Vegan-Friendly Destinations To Explore in 2023

For vegans and vegetarians looking to make travel plans in 2023, there’s no shortage of green-friendly spots around the world. To make finding the most vegan-friendly countries easier, we’ve come up with a list of the top destinations for veggie lovers, including key travel tips and recommendations.

So whether you’re looking to fly far or stay closer to home, here are the best places for those seeking a vegan-friendly adventure this coming year.

5 Most vegan-friendly countries and cities you’ll love

1. Bali, Indonesia

Bali has long been an ultimate destination for vegetarians and vegans and in 2023, it’s still up there with one of the best veggie destinations on the planet.

With tantalizing tempeh satay and jackfruit rendang to classic Balinese dishes such as nasi campur and gado gado, you won’t be left hungry.

As well as the extensive array of vegan eateries, Bali also offers vegan-friendly accommodations, perfect for a truly unforgettable vegan getaway.

Make sure to check out Vegan Warung in Ubud for their renowned tempeh tacos and Plant Cafe in Seminyak for a heavenly plant-based cheesecake.

• How to get around: The only true way to explore Bali is by scooter. You can rent these extremely cheap – just be careful of the traffic if you’re new to scootering around Asia.

• Travel tip: Remember to barter during your two weeks in Bali. Almost everything is priced higher (a lot higher) for foreigners, and bartering in most cases is expected.

• Food: You can eat vegan at almost any local restaurant in Bali with tofu and tempeh hugely popular.

• Where to stay: While everywhere in Bali is good for vegans, Canggu and Ubud have the highest concentration of vegan-friendly restaurants.

• When to go: Bali is warm all year around. However, between May and September you’ll find consistent warm and sunny conditions.

Read next: 10 Things to do in Bali (What to See, Do, Eat & Enjoy).

2. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland is renowned for its vegan-friendly options; with a myriad of eateries, cafes, and stores spread across the city, plant-based diners will be able to satisfy any craving.

Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ, Vtopia Cheese Shop, Harlow, Sweet Pea Baking Co., No Bones Beach Club, and Off the Griddle are some of the top vegan restaurants in the area.

If that weren’t enough, veggie-loving visitors to Portland in 2023 can enjoy a host of festivals and events, including VegFest, Veg Out Portland, and World Vegan Day. From comfort food to gourmet delicacies, the city has it all!

• How to get around: If you’re based in downtown Portland, the city is quite walkable with access to many vegan restaurants. There is also a light rail, bus, and streetcar service via the TriMet public transportation system. However, exploring a little further afield will require a vehicle.

• Travel tip: Visit Portland in the summer months when the weather is beautiful and you can enjoy the city on foot.

• Food: Portland has incredible vegan restaurants dotted throughout the city, but there are also a number of juice bars, cultural restaurants, and vegan cheese shops to visit on your trip.

• Where to stay: There is no one area of Portland that vegan foodies should consider staying. The restaurants are spread out across many neighborhoods. However, downtown Portland has the highest concentration of vegan restaurants.

• When to go: June to August is the best time to visit Portland for weather and festivals. Portland can get quite rainy in its colder months.

Read next: 60 Best Places to visit in the US for the best trip ever.

3. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is an incredibly captivating destination for vegan and health-conscious travelers.

It boasts some of the best vegan and vegetarian-friendly eateries, markets, and traditional cuisine in Mexico, which makes it a highly sought-after destination in 2023 for plant-based diet aficionados.

Whether you’re looking for quaint cafes, indulgent desserts, or hole-in-the-wall restaurants, you’re sure to find something that will tickle your taste buds.

Furthermore, Mexico City’s vegan-friendly hangout spots are especially popular among younger crowds, which you can find mainly in the Roma and Condesa suburbs.

• How to get around: CDMX is a very walkable city. However, if you’re not in the mood to stretch your legs, Uber is incredibly cheap and a great way to get around.

• Travel tip: Airbnb is very popular in CDMX and you can find great accommodation around the city by booking in advance.

• Food: There is simply so much amazing vegan food in Mexico City. Check out the Ultimate CDMX Vegan Guide for in-depth vegan options in the city.

• Where to stay: By a long shot, the best neighborhoods for vegans in Mexico City are Roma and Condesa.

• When to go: Between March and May is often the best time to visit Mexico City.

Read next: Cheap Places to Travel in Mexico | 3 Sunny Spots You’ll Love

4. Colombo, Sri Lanka

As the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo offers a variety of vegan-friendly restaurants and markets to please both vegans and vegetarians.

From classic curries to imitation meats, all palates can be satisfied.

Nivasa, an Indian-inspired eatery with an abundance of vegan options, and Café Soya, which serves up vegan sandwiches, salads, and wraps, are just a few of the favored vegetarian establishments. Additionally, Rasa Kama has excellent vegan-friendly Sri Lankan food.

In addition to these vegetarian eateries, Colombo also boasts many all-vegan cafes.

• How to get around: Colombo is a huge city and not very walkable. However, tuk-tuks are super affordable and are on every corner, so there is always a way to get around.

• Travel tip: Female foreigners in Colombo will likely draw a bit of attention, with locals sometimes gazing or wanting to talk to you. This is mostly innocent and is due to the fact Colombo is a less traveled destination.

• Food: Make sure to try local Sri Lankan cuisine like Rice and Curry and Dal.

• Where to stay: The best suburbs to consider in Colombo are Colombo 7 & Colombo 2.

• When to go: Sri Lanka is a small island with two seasons running parallel between the West and East coast. The best time to visit Colombo (West) is from December to March.

• Itinerary: If you want to go on a trip around the country, don’t miss this post with the best Sri Lanka itinerary.

5. Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv has a warm climate and an ever-expanding selection of vegan-friendly restaurants, making it the ideal destination for vegetarians and vegans.

Popular spots include Anastasia 1 and 2, and Vegamore, which offer dishes like falafel and shawarma, as well as more unique options like vegan sushi and ramen. No matter what your preference is, Tel Aviv has something to please every palate.

• How to get around: Tel Aviv is known for its flatness and bicycle lanes. With many top attractions close together, it’s easy to jump on a bike and see the city.

• Travel tip: If you’re planning to visit religious spots in Israel like Jerusalem, make sure to dress modestly.

• Food: Tel Aviv is known to be one of the best cities in the world for vegan eats. Wherever you find yourself in Tel Aviv you’ll be met with vegan options guaranteed to please.

• Where to stay: The area of Tel Aviv called the White City around Rothschild Boulevard and Allenby Street is known as a cultural hub with incredible restaurants and historic buildings.

• When to go: The best times to visit Tel Aviv are between the warmer months of April – October as winter can be quite rainy.

Author Bio: Jase is a tireless traveler who has roamed the globe for 7+ years. He is the founder of the vegan travel blog Roaming Vegans. When not abroad, he’s off exploring the wilderness or playing his guitar by a fire.