From Rome to Amsterdam, these are the European cities best explored through food – with flavour-packed tours and memorable culinary experiences leading the way.

For many travellers, discovering a destination means tasting it, too. Guided tastings, dinners in standout settings and immersive food tours offer a fresh perspective on a city – one that’s closer to its culture, traditions and everyday life.

That’s why TUI Musement analysed Google search trends* to rank the 20 most popular European cities for food tours. The result? A handpicked selection of destinations where food isn’t just part of the trip – it’s the reason to go.

Check out the table below to discover them all.

Rank City Country Searches 
Rome Italy 80600 
Bologna Italy 60100 
Lisbon Portugal 47200 
London United Kingdom 45100 
Amsterdam Netherlands 35100 
Madrid Spain 32000 
Paris France 31000 
Athens Greece 27900 
Porto Portugal 25500 
10 Naples Italy 24960 
11 Venice Italy 22280 
12 Barcelona Spain 21380 
13 Vienna Austria 17400 
14 Florence Italy 17370 
15 Budapest Hungary 15960 
16 Prague Czech Republic 14880 
17 Milan Italy 14440 
18 Edinburgh United Kingdom 13420 
19 Seville Spain 13140 
20 Dublin Ireland 13000 

1. Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the world’s great food capitals, and the huge interest in its food tours proves it. Between historic markets, neighbourhood delis and iconic dishes, Roman cuisine tells the story of generations of tradition.

Why Rome is perfect for a foodie break

Food is at the heart of social life here. You can learn to make fresh pasta, browse the stalls of Campo de’ Fiori or discover authentic flavours in Trastevere. Each neighbourhood has its own specialities, all proudly rooted in local produce.

Planning a weekend in Rome? Take a look at our 2 day itinerary.

We recommend: Fresh pasta and tiramisu-making class with limoncello tasting

2. Bologna, Italy

One of Italy’s culinary heavyweights, Bologna is heaven for fans of fresh pasta, mortadella and easy-drinking wines. It’s the place to try some of Italy’s most famous dishes, including lasagne and tortellini.

Why Bologna is perfect for a foodie break

In this part of the world, culinary know-how is passed down through generations. Eateries, markets and home kitchens showcase an authentic food culture with no filters. Ideal if you want to discover the true meaning of “alla bolognese.”

We recommend: Guided gastronomic and cultural tour through Bologna

 

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3. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon charms with its nostalgic atmosphere and a cuisine that blends sea, tradition and innovation. A food tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s tastiest side.

Why Lisbon is perfect for a foodie break

Stroll through Alfama, Bairro Alto and Baixa sampling everything from pastel de bacalhau and lobster rice to grilled sardines, pastéis de nata and a shot of ginjinha – all served up in relaxed, sociable surroundings.

For more Lisbon inspiration, check out our Two day Lisbon itinerary

We recommend: Lisbon food and wine walking tour

 

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4. London, United Kingdom

London is one of Europe’s most multicultural cities, and its food scene reflects that. British classics sit alongside global cuisines in a vibrant and ever-evolving culinary landscape. From historic markets to refined restaurants, the English capital offers endless opportunities to discover new flavours and cultures through food.

Why London is perfect for a foodie break

From fish and chips and pies to Indian, Jamaican and Chinese specialities, London is packed with flavour. Explore Chinatown, Covent Garden, Borough Market and the street food stalls of Brick Lane.

Two days in London? Discover our perfect itinerary

We recommend: Borough Market and South Bank food tasting tour

 

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5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam wins visitors over with its simple, no-fuss cuisine rooted in local traditions. Wander through canals and historic districts and you’ll find markets, cosy cafés and specialist food shops.

Why Amsterdam is perfect for a foodie break

The Jordaan district is the city’s culinary heart. Here you can try local specialities and dive into Dutch cheese culture, one of the country’s best-known gastronomic symbols.

We recommend: Cheese tasting at Henri Willig Warmoesstraat Amsterdam

 

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6. Madrid, Spain

In Madrid, food is all about sharing and quality ingredients. The Spanish capital is famous for tapas, food markets and traditional taverns, where food becomes the conduit for connection and togetherness.

Why Madrid is perfect for a foodie break

Many tours combine landmarks like Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor with tapas tastings. Try croquetas and garlic prawns, or join a cookery workshop for a hands-on experience, something becoming more and more popular with the madrileños themselves.

We recommend: Tapas and history tour through old Madrid

7. Paris, France

French cuisine enjoys worldwide acclaim, and Paris showcases it perfectly. Elegance, technique and tradition come together in a food scene that’s refined yet accessible, ranging from delicate pâtisserie to neighbourhood markets like Aligre and Président Wilson.

Why Paris is perfect for a foodie break

Each arrondissement tells a different story – from cheese tastings in Le Marais to artisan bakeries in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and hands-on cookery classes that make the culinary experience truly unique.

We recommend: French macaron baking class at Galeries Lafayette

 

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8. Athens, Greece

Athens is the perfect place to discover Greek cuisine. Simple ingredients, traditional recipes and a strong connection to history and place make this foodie journey a truly immersive experience.

Why Athens is perfect for a foodie break

Food tours help you understand the link between local dishes and cultural identity. Historic markets and traditional tavernas offer an authentic taste of the city. Two must-visit spots are Varvakios Central Market and the lively Psiri district.

For more foodie tips, read this guide by our trusted local, Adam.

We recommend: Greek gastronomy foodies walking tour in Athens

 

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9. Porto, Portugal

Porto is a laidback city that invites you to slow down and explore at an easy pace. From beach bars to tucked-away neighbourhood spots, and from riverside wine cellars to bustling food markets, there’s plenty to discover through its flavours.

Why Porto is perfect for a foodie break

Try the famous francesinha and salt cod, visit Mercado do Bolhão and the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia – renowned for Port wine – and let yourself be won over by Porto’s colours and aromas.

We recommend: Food tour in Porto with visit to ancient Port Wine cellar

 

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10. Naples, Italy

In Naples, it’s hard to have a bad meal. Food here is identity, passion and community, from street eats to sweet treats, every bite tells a story rooted in local tradition.

Why Naples is perfect for a foodie break

Pizza, fried pizza, sfogliatelle and babà – you’ll be spoilt for choice. Cookery classes are a great way to connect with Neapolitan culture and head home with a few new skills under your belt.

We recommend: Naples pizza making lesson in traditional restaurant

Beyond the Top 10: more European foodie cities

As well as the highest-ranked destinations, TUI Musement’s list includes many more European cities where food plays a starring role in the travel experience.

In Italy, Venice, Florence and Milan each showcase a different side of Italian cuisine – from typical Venetian dishes via the great Tuscan classics all the way through to the contemporary food scene in Milan.

In Spain, Barcelona and Seville win over foodies with tapas, colourful markets and a convivial food culture.

Central Europe is represented by Vienna, Budapest and Prague, ideal destinations for hearty dishes, local markets and historic cafes.

Anyone who enjoys the exciting flavours of Northern Europe should consider Edinburgh and Dublin, where pubs, classic dishes and modern cooking make the foodie scene ever more interesting.

*Methodology: All European cities with more than 150,000 inhabitants were taken into consideration. For each city, data was used relating to the volume of Google searches for the term ‘[city] food tour’, both in the original name of the city and in its English translation, for the period between January 2025 and December 2025.

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