The world’s 11 most burger-obsessed cities

Burgers are an American classic. The story goes that a German immigrant in Texas slapped a Hamburg steak between two buns and, voila: food history was made. Bring on the diners and fast-food chains, and you’ve got a cultural institution on par with baseball.

Thankfully, a hundred odd years later, the whole world’s fallen in love. You can find burgers nearly everywhere, made with everything from halloumi to chicken and black beans. Here are some of the tastiest spots to try them.

Berlin, Germany

Given the hamburger’s Germanic origins, it makes sense that Berlin ranks high on this list. That being said, the capital’s many burger joints favour American roots. Try the ‘Bronx Jon’ or ‘Drunk Texan’ at New York-style Bird Berlin, or hit up Nalu Diner for late-night chilli cheese fries and bacon burgers. In between meals, the cocktail happy hour at Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt is an atmospheric break.

Athens, Greece

Athens’ love for American pop culture extends to its food. The 24-hour chain diner ‘Hot Hot’ is all pin-up style and rock ‘n’ roll, the walls covered in Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Then there are trendy burger bars like La Esquina Kolonaki, known for truffley Black Angus burger and cocktails with names like ‘Lose My Spicy Mind’. Athens’ hotel scene offers plenty of variety too – opt for the vintage-style hostel beds at Athens Quinta or luxe it up at Coco-Mat’s celebrity-style suites.

Belgrade, Serbia

If you haven’t tried pljeskavica yet, you’re missing out. Serbia’s national dish is made up of a meaty, oniony patty tucked in warm lepinje (Serbian pita), then topped with cheese, garlic sauce, cabbage, or bacon. These bad boys are best eaten at Belgrade’s many 24-hour kiosks – try Loki, the clubbing district’s late-night favourite since the 90s. You’ll find highly rated Zepter Hotel right nearby.

Manchester, UK

Manchester’s ‘burger boom’ is legit – some even say that the city has too many burger restaurants. We disagree. One of the best is Almost Famous, a Manchester original beloved for epic portions and cheeky names like ‘Blame it on the Vodka’ or ‘Phok-Meat’. Then there’s Byron, Dog Bowl, or Archie’s Burgers and Shakes, all not to be missed. Sleep it off at the modern Abel Heywood Boutique.

New York City, USA

You’d be hard pressed to find a city with a better burger spread than New York. There are mouthwatering spots in every neighbourhood, from retro diners and Jewish delis to swanky restaurants. A few favourites are Shake Shack, Joe Jr., Boilermaker and The Spotted Pig – follow your nose and try to pick a favourite. Hotels like CitizenM and Room Mate Grace Boutique Hotel put you right near Times Square and Rockefeller Centre.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s been bitten by the burger bug, hard. Bacoa Burger’s juicy burgers may be the best in the city, their organic char-grilled beef topped in delicacies like manchego and Iberico ham. Can’t get a table? This same chef also opened a mouthwatering hamburguesería called Kiosko Bacoa – and there’s no lack of rivals either (Bburger and Oval are both excellent). Afterwards, digest on the terraces of Hotel Lleó or TOC Hostel.

Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki is a well-loved street food destination, so it’s no surprise that this Greek city has mastered its burgers. Brothers in Law is an industrial, New York-style burger house – try the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, topped with goat cheese and raspberry, or ‘The Big Cheese’, doused in Halloumi, feta, cheddar and cream cheese. The restaurant be* also does a mean burger, conveniently located within boutique hotel The Excelsior.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Twin Cities really loves a big burger. Hearty Midwestern portions are served up in casual diners and bars, with most menus favouring traditional toppings like American cheese, bacon, and onion. The Blue Door Pub is a cult classic, its flagship burger ‘Blucy’ a garlicky, blue cheese masterpiece. Both Parlour and Saint Dinette are famous for their creamy ‘smashed’ double patty burgers, along with killer cocktails. For easy access to all of Minneapolis’s burger joints, stay downtown – try the Hampton Inn & Suites or Hilton Garden Inn.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana already had a couple of hamburger joints by the mid-90s, but it wasn’t until two unemployed economics graduates opened Hood Burger that burger mania really took off. Hood Burger remains a favourite for its homemade potato buns and juicy Slovenian beef patties. There’s also Pop’s Place, a burger bar that ages its beef in house, and Lars&Sven, a spot that has critics raving. Stay central at Bed & Breakfast Atticus for easy access to all of them.

Sitges, Spain

It makes sense that this party town has such delicious burgers – there’s nothing like a juicy, cheesy plateful to revive you after a night out. Big Al’s Burger Bar is probably Sitges’ best, with massive American-style burgers always served with a minimum of two patties. There’s also El Santo, El Pou, and the aptly-named Burgers and Beer, which is right by Platja de la Ribera Beach. Just a minute away is the seafront Platjador, a favourite for its sunny pool and terrace.

Sheffield, UK

Like the rest of the UK, Sheffielders have been getting more and more into burgers. The Twister Burger Company is a local favourite, serving up cleverly named burgers in epic meat, veggie, and vegan varieties. Then there are the classic burgers of Urban Social, the fried chicken burgers of Lucky Fox, and the gourmet aged beef of Cow Boys Burgers, a pop-up food truck and catering service. As far as where to sleep, Leopold Hotel has stylish rooms right in the city centre.