Best European Cities For Culinary Travel

A TASTE OF EUROPE: THE BEST CITIES FOR CULINARY TRAVEL 

Europe offers a rich landscape of culinary experiences. From local delicacies, to immersive food tours and hands-on cooking classes, discover the top spots for food tourism. 

• The food on offer is an important factor for 4 in 5 (80%) British travellers when planning a trip abroad

• Experiencing the local cuisine is a priority for almost half (49%) of holidaymakers when planning where to eat while abroad

• 9 in 10 (90%) have taken part in a food-related experience on holiday

• New data from travel insurance experts at Confused.com reveals the best European cities for foodies to visit 

With the food tourism industry continuing to grow rapidly(1), culinary experience has become a key part of planning a holiday abroad for 4 in 5 (80%) Brits. New data from travel insurance experts at Confused.com explores the role food plays in shaping holiday plans and reveals the top European destinations for food tourism. 

Embracing local cuisine is a priority  

Embracing authenticity when it comes to food is important for holidaymakers, with over two-thirds (68%) trying regional dishes while abroad. Almost half (49%) also shared that experiencing local cuisine was a core factor in deciding where to eat on their trips. 

The majority of travellers take part in food-related experiences 

9 in 10 (90%) British travellers have taken part in a food-related experience while abroad. Immersive dining options are particularly popular.Over half (53%) visited food markets and just under 1 in 4 (23%) attended food festivals (23%) as well as booking local food tours (22%). 

The top European cities for food lovers  

Rank*	City	Restaurants (rated 4 stars +)	% local cuisine	Food experiences
1	Rome, Italy	5,800	26%	880
2	Paris, France	9,433	14%	582
3	Barcelona, Spain	5,054	16%	407
4	Lisbon, Portugal	3,155	18%	431
5	Athens, Greece	1,816	17%	341

*Rank based on 5 food related data points collected for each city (see methodology)

1. Rome, Italy 

Italy’s culinary heritage is firmly established, so it’s no surprise that Rome tops the list. The city has an extensive offering of almost 6,000 highly rated restaurants, 26% of which serve local cuisine. Dig in to the simple yet flavoursome Cacio e Pepe pasta dish or try Maritozzo, the city’s iconic brioche pastry, if you fancy something sweet. 

Rome boasts 880 food experiences, including tours of street food spots and hidden gem eateries, as well as immersive cooking classes. 

The city is popular with foodies across the world. Around 136,000 Instagram posts sit under the hashtag #romefood.  There’s also 6,272 TikToks revealing  visitor’s favourite spots and dishes.  

2. Paris, France

Discover France’s rich culinary traditions in the romantic capital, Paris. The city features 9,433 highly rated restaurants and 14% specialise in authentic French cuisine. You’ll find the classic, hearty French Onion Soup in many bistros, or can try Escargot if you’re feeling adventurous! 

There are 582 food-related activities to do in Paris, such as dinner cruises along the river Seine, combining sight seeing with culinary experience. There are also a range of walking food tours, baking classes and wine tastings. 

880,000 posts have been shared about Parisian food on Instagram, on top of 81,100 TikToks. These demonstrate the popularity of what’s on offer through ‘must visit’ restaurants, cosy bakeries and charming cafes.  

3. Barcelona, Spain

The third best location to visit is the vibrant city of Barcelona, with over 5,000 top rated restaurants, 16% serving authentic local specialities. From the simple yet delicious Pa amb Tomàquet (translated to bread with tomato!) to the irresistible Creama Catalana, a classic smooth and sweet Spanish dessert. 

You can taste your way through the city while enjoying the busting atmosphere with a choice of 407 food related activities. These include a wide range of curated tapas tours and market visits.

The hashtag #barcelonafood has 439,000 posts on Instagram. There’s also  18,300 videos on TikTok of visitors and locals alike showcasing the dishes and restaurants they’ve enjoyed. 

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Fourth place on the list is Lisbon, Portugal’s coastal Capital. Here you’ll find 3,155 highly rated restaurants with 18% offering regional dishes. Must-trys include their world-renowned Pastéis de Nata. Then there’s Portugal’s family favourite,  Bacalhau à Brás, a cod, potato and egg based delicacy. 

Experience an authentic taste of the city through the 431 activities Lisbon has on offer. From guided walking tours to Tuk Tuks showcasing hidden gems and food spots. 

There are 179,000 posts about the food in Lisbon on Instagram and 12,400 on TikTok, documenting everything from unique street food to cosy wine bars. 

5. Athens, Greece 

Last, but by no means least, is the culturally rich city of Athens. Here you’ll find 1,816 top-rated restaurants, 17% of which serve traditional Greek dishes. Staples to try include a refreshing greek salad, as well as Fasolada, a nourishing bean soup dating back to Ancient Greece. 

There are 341 food experiences to take part in. You can wander through the heart of the city on tours day and night, join cooking classes run by locals or attend olive oil workshops. 

Under #athensfood there are 150,000 Instagram posts and 13,900 TikToks, showcasing the delicious delicacies and atmospheric eateries. 

Alvaro Iturmendi, travel insurance expert at Confused.com, comments on preparing for European breaks: 

• “Set yourself a budget: Establish how much you want to spend, not just on flights and accommodation, but local transport, activities, excursions and of course, food. According to Confused.com research, British holidaymakers budget £410.71 on average a day for eating out (per person) while away. It’s always a sensible idea to set aside spare funds in case of emergencies - or an irresistible, unplanned food experience!

• “Book in advance: Whether there’s a particular restaurant you’re keen to visit, or a unique food-related activity you want to try, secure your spot ahead of the trip. This means you won’t miss out, and you can plan your holiday itinerary more effectively. 

• “Don’t forget travel insurance: Whichever European destination you choose, it’s important to ensure you’re financially protected if there are any unexpected disruptions. A GHIC (or EHIC - which are valid up until their expiry date), entitles you to state level health care for medical emergencies at the same cost as locals. Bear in mind this may not necessarily mean it’s free. Having travel insurance on top offers more protection. Policies can cover private healthcare, repatriation (in case you have to travel back to the UK for treatment) cancellations, disruptions, delays, as well as lost or stolen luggage.”

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