About the List

About The 50 Best Bars Europe

The 50 Best Bars Europe (formerly Europe's 50 Best Bars) celebrates the best of the region's drinks industry. The list represents the ultimate guide to the region's top bars and drinking destinations.

Thanks to its panel of more than 300 drinks experts, as well as its structured and audited voting system, the annual list of Europe's finest bars provides a snapshot of the best destinations for unique drinking experiences, inspiring people to travel, unveiling up-and-coming bartenders and industry trends, and showcasing the subtlety and complexity of various cultures – with many more still to discover and celebrate.

Incorporating every style of bar, from grand hotel bars to neighbourhood hangouts and everything in between, The 50 Best Bars Europe list is a celebration of the diversity and universality of drinks culture and a reflection of new bar scenes developing all over the region.

The history of The 50 Best Bars Europe

The 50 Best Bars Europe awards ceremony is the drinks industry's most anticipated night of the year. It brings together the best bartending talent from around the region, with a live countdown of the list, culminating in the announcement of The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Perrier.

The first list was announced in Amsterdam in 2026.

In 2026, Europe's 50 Best Bars evolved into The 50 Best Bars Europe.

The strength of the ranking lies in the relevance of its geographical network and the level of expertise of its voters, who together comprise The 50 Best Bars Europe Academy. We are dedicated to transparently sharing our voting mechanics and methodology, and to continuing to evolve it, with structural improvements being made every year. You can read more about the voting process and the Academy and consult our FAQs.

The 50 Best Bars Europe Academy is comprised of 11 voting regions: Hungary, Southern Europe & Northern Balkans; Benelux; Eastern Europe & Baltics; Czechia, Slovakia & Poland; Greece, Türkiye & Southern Balkans; Spain & Portugal; UK & Ireland; Nordics; Germany, Austria & Switzerland; France and Italy.

Each year, the celebration creates a unique opportunity to connect an incredible community, recognising the very best and inspiring more people to come together through the shared experience of extraordinary hospitality.

But The 50 Best Bars Europe is more than just the rankings and awards, with our extensive editorial, social content and consumer experiences, we are passionate about uncovering the stories behind the places and people shaping global hospitality.

The 50 Best Bars Europe is part of The 50 family.