What To Drinking What The Locals Drink In These Top Destinations
Updated 2026
By Rebecca Brown, Special to PubClub.com
Europe is filled with amazing architectural gems, art museums, and historical monuments, but if you want to get close to the places you visit, you should taste your way around them.
The best way to do this is to eat and drink like the locals, and with them, as well.
Here is a rundown of the traditional drinks you’ll find in seven major European cities.
Visinata in Bucharest, Romania
Eastern European cities are now on all passionate travellers’ must-visit lists. And Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital, is definitely a great starting point if you want to explore this part of the continent.
When it comes to beverages, you will find delicious wines and tasty beers, but if you want to get close to Romanian traditions, you have to drink visinata. Tuica might be known as Romania’s national drink, but visinata is preferred among the younger people. You won’t find it in fancy bars and clubs, but in the restaurants like this one where real, traditional food is served. The delicious speciality is made of rachiu, cherries and sugar and it goes perfectly with Romanian meat dishes.
Palinka in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is known for many things, but the mouthwatering traditional food and the strong palinka are two of the things you should not miss when visiting the Hungarian capital.
This interesting fruit brandy is made of different fruits, including plums, apricots, and apples and varies in its alcohol content, but travelers always need to be aware of how strong it is.
You can try it at restaurants and pubs and even join one of the many annual festivities that celebrate this strong beverage. For instance, the Budapest Palinka and Sausage Festival (which is not being held in 2019) gives the locals and visitors a chance to choose from many types of palinka and learn about the making of this beverage which has risen to an art.
Becherovka in Prague, the Czech Republic
Every travel enthusiast knows the Czech Republic is famous for its beer, but if you plan to visit Prague, you should not only pack your walking shoes because the city is an open-air museum, but also indulge in the national drink of the country. Made from a secret recipe which includes various spices and herbs, becherovka is a special drink with an alcohol content of 38% ABV (76 proof) that has a gingery or cinnamon flavour and is served chilled. Locals love their “beton” which is a tasty, refreshing drink made of becherovka and tonic.
Guinness in Dublin, Ireland
Ireland’s beautiful capital is paradise for everybody who loves whiskey and beer. Not all beer lovers go for whiskey too, but nobody can say no to a creamy Guinness beer. And if Dublin is your next destination, you can not only enjoy a few beers in some of the most cheerful pubs of Europe, but also visit the Guinness brewery and see how the tasty drink is made. Not convinced? According to a few studies, this beer is good for your heart, thanks to the antioxidant compounds in it, which are quite similar to those found in certain fruits and vegetables. Ready for a glass of Guinness now?
Ouzo in Athens, Greece
If you plan to visit Athens, get ready for a memorable encounter with history as well as unforgettable evenings in Greek taverns, listening to good music and indulging in tasty food and drinks. If you want to try something traditional, ouzo is exactly what you need. The liquor is not only high in sugar but also in alcohol, so you should be careful with the amount you drink as it releases into your system quite slowly. However, mixing it with anything else is not something people do in Greece.
Sangria in Barcelona, Spain
Visiting Barcelona is not all about following Gaudi’s steps, discovering Miro’s art, or getting closer to Picasso’s genius. Barcelona is also a foodie’s paradise and the best place you can enjoy warm weather and a tasty glass of sangria all year round. Traditionally made with cut fruits, including oranges, lemons, berries, and apples, mixed with red wine most of the times, this delicious drink is named after the Spanish word for blood, “sangre,” because of its colour. There are places where you will be served sangria with sugar, orange juice, brandy, or honey.
Port in Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal’s capital is a fantastic destination if you love good food and good wine. If you want to get to know Portuguese traditions, you can begin with a glass of delicious Port wine in one of the many cosy wineries in Lisbon. What is special about Port wine is that it is typically a sweet, red wine made with distilled grape spirits exclusively in the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal, and it is a fantastic dessert wine.
About the writer: Rebecca Brown runs the lifestyle website RoughDraft.au.
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