Plant-based power is soaring! That’s right, veganism is rocketing right now, with many people bidding goodbye to all animal products for good.

With meat, dairy and eggs off the cards, dining choices can be pretty limited. However, an influx of dedicated vegan eateries are sprouting up left, right and centre to cater to the new wave of vegans – hoorah! European cities are proving to be the leaders when it comes to whipping up plant-based creations, helping make sure you don’t go hungry while on holiday.

So you can plan where to go around what to eat, here are five of the top vegan-friendly cities in Europe.

1. Barcelona
2. Naples
3. Paris
4. Venice
5. Prague

1. Barcelona

Think Spanish cuisine’s all about jamón and queso? Think again! Barcelona’s a plant-based paradise, chock-full of vegan restaurants and cafés. In fact, the biggest challenge of all is whittling down the endless list of gourmet greats!

For local produce, natural wines and a range of vegetable-inspired plates, it’s got to be Rasoterra. You’ll be totally spoilt for choice, and as the menu shifts with the seasons, you have the perfect excuse to visit more than once! A fan of Asian-fusion flavours? Make your way to Roots & Rolls for sushi filled with crispy king oyster mushrooms, marinated carrots and spiced pumpkin.

2. Naples

Naples is renowned for its lip-smacking pizza - fact. But just because you can’t eat meat or cheese doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. In fact, Naples actually has some great designated websites with vegan food guides to help its visitors out.

‘O Grin is a recommended venue for its lentil pasta, vegan ragu and potato pizza. You can also play things safe and simple with humble salads. Meanwhile, Amico Bio – Un Sorriso Integrale lets you enjoy the taste and texture of meat, without actually eating it. New to seitan? Give it a go in the form of cutlets or kebabs.

3. Paris

Vegan food isn’t just about eating carrot sticks and steering clear of meat. Likewise, it isn’t simply about finding ways to make junk food out of plant-based products. Although you can find plenty of vegan patisserie shops and burger joints serving loaded veg patties in Paris, the cute, industrial-style Hank Burger excels in vegan cheese-topped, veg-loaded pizzas. Wash them down with wine and you’ll be in for a meal to remember.

You can’t go to Paris and not experience French cuisine. But just because you aren’t eating rich beef or duck dishes, doesn’t mean you need to forgo the bistros. Since 2003, Le Potager du Marais has been a purveyor of veganism, showcasing diverse three-course meat-free menus. From traditional French onion soup to red wine and seitan stews, you’ll be in for taste sensations.

4. Venice

In just a few short years, vegan cuisine has taken Italy by storm. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that inventive and delicious offerings have been popping up and making their mark on Venice’s restaurant scene.

Plant-based Italian fare is yours for the nibbling at La Tecia Vegana. Lentil burgers, aubergine lasagne and vegan tiramisu are just a few of the options. Vgoloso is the place to be if you’re after an eclectic mix of dishes. Start with an organic durum-wheat carbonara, then move on to basil-infused sushi or almond-flour pizza. Tomato-studded focaccia, spinach schnitzel, chickpea omelettes – you name it, they serve it.

5. Prague

It’s unusually easy to veer from rich dumplings, stews and roasted meat in Prague, a city that usually hinges on these dishes. Despite its typical Czech cuisine, vegan food spots aren’t in short supply.

Looking for a light bite with a coffee? Fancy a falafel salad for lunch? Take yourself off to Moment for flavour-packed morsels. Meanwhile, Etnosvět pushes the boat out. Start with delights like the vegan steak tartar, then chase that up with savoury baba ganoush baklava, fried sushi or a Japanese meze platter. Surely, you’ll have room for pudding? Pineapple ravioli, anyone?

If our food for thought has whet your appetite, why not book one of these vegan-friendly cities today?