It may surprise you that Hard Rock Cafe was founded in England. It feels like such an American staple, especially since most of the music memorabilia features Elvis and many other American rock icons. There are over 300 Hard Rock Cafes located in over 74 countries with some of the most unique establishments residing in Europe. In our travels around Europe, my spouse and I love trying regional cuisine and specialties; however, when we spot the iconic Hard Rock Cafe  logo (an homage to Chevrolet’s hood ornament) we often pop in to indulge in a burger and fries as well as to check out any special rock relics in that location’s collection.

As someone with gluten sensitivities, it’s also a relief to not have to research what we will be eating for the night as they have a gluten-free menu I can order from. Below are several of many Hard Rock Cafes with special memorabilia or unique locations in Europe that you can check out as you travel. It’s also fun to visit the Rock Shop® and add to your Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt or pin collection or start one stamped with cities from your travels.

London, England

The first ever Hard Rock Cafe was built in Piccadilly Circus London by two Americans; Isaac Tigrett and Peter Morton in 1971. When you stop here, admire the original memorabilia donated by Eric Clapton that started the restaurant’s collection. This location is also where a fan tribute phone booth dedicated to Liam Payne of One Direction stands. The photo booth was originally used on the One Direction 2012 album cover, “Take me Home.” For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/london.

Notable Memorabilia:

• One of Eric Clapton’s guitars, a Fender Lead II (The first true relic of history donated in the 70s by the guitarist to the local owners.)

• Jimi Hendrix’s famous Flying V guitar

• One of Prince’s iconic shirts

Prague, Czech Republic

Located in the heart of Prague, this Hard Rock Cafe is a four-story building with three levels and two vibrant bars. Visitors can watch live music from above as they dine. One of the more beautiful Hard Rock’s, it is adorned with Neo-Renaissance frescos and a five-meter custom-made guitar-shaped chandelier. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/prague.

Notable Memorabilia:

• A pair of Elvis Presley’s studded black bell-bottom pants

• A black shirt embroidered with silver and gold eagles that belonged to Johnny Cash

• A black tuxedo coat, top hat and cane from Madonna’s 1985 “Virgin Tour”

Kraków, Poland

Boasting the “hottest live entertainment in Poland,” this Hard Rock Cafe is right next door to the famous St. Mary’s Basilica. One of the larger locations, with three floors, you can find many pieces of memorabilia to marvel at. After dinner take a stroll through the architecturally stunning UNESCO World Heritage Market Square. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/krakow.

Notable Memorabilia:

• Brian May’s (Queen) black cape, butterfly shirt

• Keith Moon’s (The Who) cowboy boots

• A pair of wire-framed glasses with shield shaped prescription lenses and a design of stars and stripes worn by Elton John.

Dublin, Ireland

The Hard Rock Cafe in Dublin is located in the neighborhood of Temple Bar which has a lively music and cultural scene and, of course, the famous Temple Bar. The restaurant has two floors and regularly plans events and live music. It’s a perfect location as Dublin has its own Rock Route honoring artists and bands like Sinead O’Connor, U2, The Script, Kodaline and more that you can stroll down. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/dublin.

Notable Memorabilia:

• A pair of Bono’s (U2) iconic sunglasses

• Handwritten lyrics by Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries)

• Slash’s (Guns N’ Roses) hat

Vienna, Austria

Viennese charm meets contemporary design at this Hard Rock Cafe, and you can opt for a set lunch or dinner menu (gold or diamond) for a flair of elegance. The collection here is designed to pay homage to international musicians, local artists and up-and-coming acts. It also evokes a glimpse into the musical heritage of Vienna. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/vienna.

Notable Memorabilia:

• Jethro Tull’s Zauberflöte

• Gene Simmons’ (Kiss) signed axe bass

• Chris Martin’s (Coldplay) Yamaha CP-70 electric piano

Munich, Germany

Enjoy a traditional beer and a “Bavarian cheeseburger” at this Hard Rock Cafe in Bavaria’s capital city. The location makes this restaurant special as it is nestled in the historic old town and sits directly across from the Hofbräuhaus a famous beer hall dating back to the 16th century. Here you can admire the medieval and neogothic architecture as you dine. Allegedly, 150 of the greatest music-related memorabilia can be seen at this location. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/munich.

Notable Memorabilia:

• Madonna’s white bustier from her 1985 world tour

• An angel wing jacket from the band, the Fantastic Four

• A bass from Gene Simmons (Kiss) with the fake theatrical blood still visible

Barcelona, Spain

This Hard Rock Cafe with Catalonian flair resides in the historic city center of Plaça de Catalunya. As you sample the classic Hard Rock Cafe menu with flavors from local ingredients, you can admire Barcelona’s gorgeous gothic architecture and lively, famous pedestrian street, perhaps from their outdoor terrace. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/barcelona.

Notable Memorabilia:

• A dark green Aria Pro II autographed by members of Metallica

• A velvet gown worn by Whitney Houston

• Michael Jackson’s personalized leather jacket

Rome, Italy

It seems everything in Rome is more beautiful. There’s even a fancy McDonalds with marble floors and a tile mosaic on the wall. The Hard Rock Cafe in Rome is no exception. With a unique design referencing historical Roman architecture, wide glass windows and painted ceilings, this is a lovely place to dine and admire the city’s architecture and passersby. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/rome.

Notable Memorabilia:

• A vest worn by Elvis Presley

• The bass used by Flea during the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Californication Tour”

• A jacket belonging to John Lennon

Venice, Italy

Pull up to this Hard Rock Cafe tucked into the historic architecture as if it has always been there overlooking the canal in a gondola and dine surrounded by Venetian décor. This Hard Rock is one of the smallest in Europe; however, it is located behind the famous St. Mark’s Square which makes it a perfect area to walk off your meal. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/venice.

Notable Memorabilia: 

• A stage dress worn by Shakira

• Metallica’s original contract with Megaforce Records signed by James Hetfield

• A Fender Telecaster Deluxe Guitar belonging to Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi’s guitarist)

Tromsø, Norway

At the Hard Rock Cafe in Tromsø, deemed the “northernmost” Hard Rock, you might have the unique experience of catching the Northern lights dancing to the live music as you eat your meal. It is located in a beautiful, historic bright red wooden house that once served as the Apotek Nordstjernen, or Northern Star pharmacy. There, you can walk up and down the “Memorabilia Stairs” to check out their collection of rock-and-roll relics. For more information, visit cafe.hardrock.com/tromso.

Notable Memorabilia:

• A signed Joan Jett shirt with jacket

• Signed ESP guitar by Ron Wood (Rolling Stones)

• A signed t-shirt worn by Bjørk

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