9 Best Muslim-Friendly City Breaks in Europe for 2022

By Muzna Noohu | 20, Dec, 2017
9 Best Muslim-Friendly City Breaks in Europe for 2022
As Muslims, when we look for holiday destinations for Muslim families or the best city breaks for couples, we tend to gear towards Asia and the Middle East. This is because we perceive them to be the most Muslim-friendly places to visit, and at times that can be true.
 
But what that means is that we're missing out on a chunk of the world that is full of amazing experiences, incredible places, and extremely friendly people. Yes, we're talking about Europe. Maybe 100 years ago, there might not have been enough Muslim-friendly facilities to make you feel comfortable on a Halal holiday in Europe. But it's about to be 2022, and that's no more!
 
There are plenty of Muslim-friendly cities in Europe, where you will have the time of your life! These places also offer plenty of Halal food and prayer options. Here are 9 of the best Muslim-friendly city breaks in Europe for 2022:
 

1. London, England

london aerial view
Image Credit: Benjamin Davies on Unsplash
 
Visit famous landmarks, fill your tummies with delicious food, stroll through beautiful gardens, or shop till you drop in London!
 
London is one of the most famous cities in the world, and has got to be on the bucket list of any travel bug! This beautiful metropolis gives off an elegance that is unmatchable. With iconic buildings like the Big Ben and the Buckingham Palace nestled innocuously amongst modern buildings, high-tech facilities and a diverse mix of people, it's a place that you cannot miss!
 
London is also one of the most Muslim-friendly cities in Europe. With over a million Muslims living in the city, there is no shortage of Halal food for whatever cuisine or price range you're in the mood for. There are also plenty of mosques in the city, including the famous London Central Mosque.

Find nearby Halal food places in London 

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in London

 

2. Vienna, Austria

 
Vienna is a European city that draws it's visitors in with a sort of old world charm that is hard to find in this day and age. If you're looking for the best city breaks for couples, you cannot go wrong with this delightful city because it allows you to slow down and spend some quality time with your loved one. Take long walks through the elegant parks and gardens, enjoy your evenings in cosy coffee shops, immerse yourself into the culture, enjoy delicious Halal food, or go shopping – in Vienna, you'll live the good life.
 
You won't have too much trouble finding Halal food near you in Vienna as there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Vienna is also home to a number of mosques; Islamic Center Vienna and Kuba Mosque are two of them. Some hotels are also very Muslim-friendly, offering facilities like qibla direction and prayer mats.

3. Istanbul, Turkey

 
Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey, one of the only Muslim-majority countries in Europe. But that's not the only reason why Istanbul is one of the top tourist destinations in the world for 2022!
 
In Istanbul, there is a sort of magic in the air that captivates it's visitors and leaves them feeling like just one visit is not enough. It is a place like no other, with a perfect mix of East and West; in fact, it is the only city in the world that lies in two continents – Europe and Asia! Istanbul is full of amazing architecture like the historic Hagia Sophia.
 
As a Muslim country, you won't have any trouble finding nearby Halal food, which is definitely a good thing because Turkish food is definitely something that would be a shame to miss! There are also lots of mosques in Istanbul to explore, and they are as magnificent as the rest of the city's architecture.

Find nearby Halal food places in Istanbul

Find nearby prayer places and Mosques in Istanbul

 

 

4. Rome, Italy

the colosseum in rome

Image Credit: Spencer Davis on Unsplash
 
The capital of Italy is one of the top travel destinations in 2022 for a Halal holiday in Europe. Rome takes you back to the ancient days with iconic attractions like the Colosseum and the Vatican (a city inside a city!). There are so many other places to visit, like ancient ruins, fountains & parks, museums, and more. You'll have plenty to do while there. Shopping is also something you cannot miss in Rome, with Italy being one of the top fashion capitals in the world!
 
There are plenty of Halal food restaurants available in Rome; although they might also serve alcohol on the side so be cautious. You can also find quite a few places specializes in the Halal versions of the famous gelato – so don't miss out on them! As for prayer places in Rome, you've got an abundance of options as there are numerous mosques in the city.
 
Note: Although wearing the hijab (headscarf) is permissible and people are not bothered about it, wearing the niqab (face cover) is against the law. You might also be required to remove your hijab for security purposes at times (you could request to get checked by a female officer in a private area).
 

5. Paris, France

 
The city of love is a great European honeymoon vacation for couples, but also an amazing holiday destination for Muslim families. Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world and has some of the most recognizable attractions in the world like the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum. You can also stroll through the captivating streets, brunch at chic cafes, and shop in swanky boutiques.
 
Paris will have you spoiled for choice when it comes to Halal food – with over a 100 Halal restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual. That's definitely good for us because another thing Paris is famous for is the food! Mosques are also amply scattered all over the city; the grandest of them all: the Grand Mosque of Paris!
 

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

the canals of amsterdam
Image Credit: Eirik Skarstein on Unsplash
 
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe. Amsterdam is one of the top travel destinations for Muslim travellers in 2022, because not only are there sufficient Halal-friendly facilities, but also an abundance of unforgettable experiences. Visit renowned locations like the Anne Frank Museum and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, stroll through charming streets and waterways, go shopping in street markets, take your picture at the famous “I Amsterdam” letters, and enjoy delicious food!
 
With a population of 4% Muslims, Islam is the second largest religion in the Netherlands. As such, there is an abundance of Halal-certified and Halal-friendly restaurants to dine in, as well as a number of mosques all over the city.

7. Munich, Germany

 
Munich is the capital of the German state of Bavaria. Germany is a country that is extremely accommodating to Muslims, with around 5 million of them living there. Apart from Berlin and Frankfurt, Munich is a great place for a Halal holiday in Europe. There are more than enough Halal restaurants in Munich, as well as plenty of mosques – the Penzberg Mosque is absolutely gorgeous and something you definitely cannot miss!
 
What also makes Munich one of the best places to travel to in 2022 is that there's plenty of stuff to do and see, whether you're travelling alone or are on holiday with your family. You can explore the city's magnificent architecture, historic buildings, the Tierpark Hellabrunn (the largest zoo in the world!), the remarkable Englischer Garten with its natural swimming pools, and so much more.
 

8. Oslo, Norway

 
Oslo is one of the best Scandinavian cities you can visit on a Halal friendly trip to Europe in 2022! It is the capital of Norway and offers visitors a unique mix of undeniable nature, majestic mountains and sparkling seas, an eclectic culture, warm people, and plenty of exciting opportunities. To sum it all up, a trip to Oslo spells fun!
 
The best time to visit Oslo would be during the months of winter when you can take to the slopes and participate in other winter activities. Oslo also has a variety of Halal food restaurants to choose from, and also quite a few mosques.
 

9. Barcelona, Spain

the streets of barcelona

Image Credit: Dorian D1 on Unsplash
 
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear Barcelona might be football, but the Catalonian capital brings so much more to the plate. It is also a great Muslim-friendly place to visit. In Barcelona, you can explore the famous buildings of renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, immerse yourself into the street life at La Rambla, spend relaxing evenings in gorgeous parks, and fill yourself to the brim with amazing tapas!
 
If you're there in the summer, don't forget to visit the spectacular beaches and participate in the number of summer activities like volleyball, hiking, etc. And of course, whether you're a die-hard football fan or not, how can you miss out on the world famous Barcelona F.C. Stadium?
 
When it comes to Halal food, there's no need to worry because Barcelona has many Halal restaurants serving cuisines from all around the world, from local and Mediterranean, to Asian, Middle Eastern, and more. There are also a few mosques in Barcelona, including the Masjid Tarek ibn Zayed and Barcelona's Central Mosque.

 

Muzna is a writer experienced in all things travel and food, influenced by her own travels, running a food blog and YouTube channel, as well as the various publications she has contributed to.

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