Top Halal-Friendly Destinations for a Perfect Ramadan
Travelling during Ramadan poses unique challenges and opportunities for Muslim tourists. Finding places that offer access to prayer facilities, halal food, and a welcoming atmosphere during the holy month is essential. While cities like Istanbul or London often top the list, there are lesser-known destinations across Europe that offer a surprisingly rich and fulfilling experience for halal-conscious travellers.
The Most Underrated Cities in Europe to Spend Ramadan
The most religious destination for Muslim tourists is Makkah where people of the Islamic faith descend on hotels for Umrah. Halalbooking, the world’s leading hotel search and booking site for halal-friendly travellers, has shared a number of destinations that have been overlooked by tourists.
These destinations offer a perfect combination of cultural richness, religious infrastructure and community warmth—elements that can enhance the spiritual experience of Ramadan while allowing travellers to discover new corners of Europe.
Cordoba, Spain
- Halal Hotels: 198
- Average price per night: £27
- Number of halal-friendly restaurants: 213
Cordoba is the once-thriving capital of the historically famous Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus. Dubbed by many as “The City of Flowers”, it is truly a stunning place to visit. With a rich history of Islam, visitors can discover the beauty of the magnificent architecture built during Islam’s Golden Age, including the significant Great Mosque of Cordoba.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of centuries of Islamic influence in the Iberian Peninsula. During Ramadan, travellers can visit Mezquita de Los Andaluces and Al-Morabito Mosque to take part in daily prayers. The narrow, winding streets of the Jewish quarter (Judería) also hide traditional Andalusian houses with inner courtyards that bloom beautifully in spring—offering a serene setting for reflection.
In addition to religious attractions, Cordoba hosts various cultural events during the holy month, allowing visitors to engage with local traditions while enjoying halal cuisine at family-run restaurants.
Oslo, Norway
- Halal Hotels: 150
- Average price per night: £163
- Number of halal-friendly restaurants: 360
Scandinavia is often referred to as one of the happiest places in the world to live, so it is no surprise that it offers a great travel opportunity for Islamic travellers. The capital of Norway, Oslo, offers plenty of halal-friendly opportunities for Muslim travellers to enjoy the sites of the city.
There are more than 40 mosques across the city, offering travellers a place to take part in daily prayers. The Islamic Cultural Centre and Central Jamaat-e Ahl-e Sunnat are among the most visited mosques, with iftar gatherings and community dinners during Ramadan.
Oslo also stands out for its clean air, tranquil parks and scenic fjords. While fasting during the long Scandinavian days can be challenging, the sense of peace and safety the city provides often outweighs the difficulties. The diversity of the Muslim population ensures a variety of halal food options—from Middle Eastern to Somali and Pakistani cuisine.
Bucharest, Romania
- Halal Hotels: 355
- Average price per night: £87
- Number of halal-friendly restaurants: 421
A true hidden gem for halal-conscious travellers, the capital city of Romania is a great place to explore for Muslim tourists. With 355 halal-friendly properties, it allows tourists to stay in hotels that align with their beliefs.
There are five mosques across Bucharest, including the Carol I Mosque and the Mosque of the Islamic Cultural Centre. These places not only provide spiritual comfort but also often organise iftar meals and community events for Ramadan.
The city itself is a blend of neoclassical architecture and vibrant street life. Bucharest is also home to one of the oldest Muslim communities in Eastern Europe, mainly of Turkish and Tatar descent. Many halal restaurants offer traditional Romanian dishes adapted for Muslim travellers, such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage) without pork or alcohol.
Glasgow, Scotland
- Halal Hotels: 243
- Average price per night: £188
- Number of halal-friendly restaurants: 756
The vibrant and colourful city of Glasgow can only be described as a multi-faceted marvel. The Scottish port city is known for its fusion of futuristic and historical architecture, intertwined with lush green gardens, a hub of museums and an art walking trail.
There are multiple mosques in Glasgow, most notably Glasgow Central Mosque and Al-Furqan Mosque. These mosques are community centres as much as places of worship, offering food distribution, prayer services and charity initiatives during Ramadan.
Most mosques will prepare iftar meals that are available to attend for all Muslims. For example, Central Mosque hosts iftar dinners throughout Ramadan, creating a welcoming space for both locals and visitors. With a strong Pakistani and Middle Eastern community, Glasgow’s halal dining options are incredibly diverse, ranging from street food to fine dining.
Ramadan in Glasgow is also marked by community spirit, where local initiatives often distribute free meals and organise interfaith events promoting dialogue and understanding.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Halal Hotels: 181
- Average price per night: £100
- Number of halal-friendly restaurants: 96
Sarajevo is fast emerging as the place to be for halal holidays in Europe. The historic city centre is surrounded by rolling green hills and perfectly blends East and West cultures. Although many of its buildings were damaged during the Yugoslavian wars, they have now been restored to their former glory.
Unlike many areas of Europe, over half of the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is Muslim, which means there is an excellent understanding of the needs of Muslim guests. Halal food is readily available and there are plenty of alcohol-free restaurants.
Sarajevo also has a unique Ramadan atmosphere, where the old town (Baščaršija) comes alive at night with food stalls and gatherings. The call to prayer echoes through the cobbled streets, and lanterns light up the courtyards, creating a spiritual and magical ambience.
The city’s many mosques, including the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, are beautifully preserved and remain at the heart of community life during Ramadan. For anyone seeking a deeply authentic spiritual experience in a European setting, Sarajevo is a compelling choice.
