Where to find the best burgers in the world

Are you in search of the best burger in the world? Well, get ready to dive into some of the most delicious patties, grilled to perfection, topped with fillings of your choice placed between two halves of a bun. Our mouths are watering already. But where does this popular staple come from?

Well, there seems to be contention around whether these patty-filled buns were invented in Germany or the USA. 

One story goes that the dish originated in Hamburg and others believe a German immigrant in Texas first put a Hamburg steak between two buns.

Whatever origin you think is most fitting, it's undeniable: diners, fast food chains – and the whole world for that matter – loved the concept.

Now, 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.

Given the hamburger’s Germanic origins, it makes sense that some of the best burgers in the world can be found in Berlin. 

For the iconic smash burger, Goldies Burger in the Kreuzberg borough is certainly a standout. With Michelin-starred chefs behind the scenes, these burgers are sure to promise more than your average fast food. Expect delicious simplicity paired with a potato roll for a bun. 

For those after more of a get-and-go situation, try the ‘Bronx Jon’ or ‘Breakfast Burger’ at The Bird in Berlin.

Athens’ love for American pop culture extends to its food, especially its burgers. PO'BOYS BBQ in Psyrri offers burgers off the scale when it comes to taste. Expect Southern barbecue classics along with Cajun and Creole influences.

Other popular spots in Athens include Tarantino Burgers, who are known for their Black Angus burgers, smoked meats, homemade sauces and music.

If you haven’t tried a ‘Balkan burger’ yet, make sure to add it to your list. In this dish, you’ll find a pljeskavica – a meat patty made up of any combination of ground beef, lamb and pork.

This is then placed in a lepinje (Serbian pita) and is paired with cheese, paprika and grated onion.

These bad boys are best eaten at Belgrade’s many kiosks – try Loki, the clubbing district’s late-night favourite since the 90s.

Manchester loves its burgers and you can find this dish on most streets in the city centre.

A hidden gem perfect for anyone burger-obsessed is Cardinal Rule, part of Northern Monk – a popular brewery. Expect to find fried chicken encased in a ‘fluffy, buttery biscuit’, not to be confused with the Brit’s beloved scone. 

Other popular spots across the city include Dog Bowl and Yard & Coop Manchester – all not to be missed.

Pizza and bagels step aside, New York has a greasier offering, sure to appease fast food enthusiasts. And trust us, 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 favourite of the city is Red Hook Tavern – a classic eatery inspired by NYC’s bold, iconic flavours.

Other popular spots include Shake Shack, 4 Charles Prime Rib and Gotham Burger Social Club.

Barcelona’s been bitten by the burger bug, hard. Bacoa Burger’s juicy burgers may be the best in the city – which is unsurprising, as their organic char-grilled beef is topped with delicacies like manchego. Beware, their sauces can get messy so be ready to have a napkin (or two for that matter) to hand.

And there’s no lack of rivals either, other popular spots around Barcelona include Smash House, Fast Eddies, Vicio and Folks and Foc i Ol.

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 Big Cheese’, doused in halloumi, feta, cheddar and cream cheese.

The Twin Cities really love a big burger. Hearty Midwestern portions are served up in casual diners and bars, with most menus favouring traditional toppings like cheese, bacon and onion. 

The Blue Door Pub is a classic, its flagship burger ‘Blucy’ a garlicky, blue cheese masterpiece. On the other hand, Parlour is famous for its ‘smashed’ double patty burgers, along with killer cocktails. 

Other popular spots include King's Place Bar and Grill, which has 100 burger combinations, so whatever you’re in the mood for, this spot is sure to deliver.

Ljubljana already had a couple of hamburger joints by the mid-90s, but it wasn’t until two 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 locals love.

It makes sense that this party town has such delicious burgers – there’s nothing like a delicious meal after a night out. 

Big Al’s Burger Bar is one of Sitges’ best, with massive American-style burgers always served with a minimum of two patties. Other notable burger spots in the town include El Santo and El Pou.

From Berlin's classic cheeseburgers to the ‘Balkan burger’, the world offers a diverse array of patties, perfect for any fast food lover. 

So, whether you prefer a Michelin-starred experience or a late-night get-and-go, these destinations are sure to only make your love for the burger grow. 

With each city offering a different take, your quest to find the world's best burger starts now.