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!
1. London, England
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!
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 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.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
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!
7. Munich, Germany
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 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.
