Gastronomy is no longer just a complement to travel; it has become one of the main criteria when choosing a destination. According to a recent independent study conducted by TUI Musement with Appinio more than 56% of travellers say they are “interested” or “very interested” in taking part in culinary activities during their holidays.
In addition, 71% prefer to book these experiences in advance, while 60% choose sunset or evening hours as the ideal time to enjoy them. The preferred duration is between two and four hours, and travellers value authentic tastings and local cuisine above all, confirming that sampling traditional flavours is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with a destination’s culture.
As a Tours & Activities specialist with a wide portfolio of culinary experiences, TUI Musement continuously monitors travel trends and, based on Google search volume data**, has compiled a list of the most popular European cities for food tours.
Italy is considered the dream destination for culinary experiences, dominating the ranking with six cities featured in the top 20.
Foodie Ranking 2026: Top 10 European Cities for Food Tours
1. Rome (Italy)
With more than 80,600 searches, the Italian capital tops the ranking. From hands-on pasta-making classes featuring fresh fettuccine and traditional tiramisù to tasting tours around Campo de’ Fiori and the Trastevere district, including visits to Mercato Trionfale, Rome blends history and culinary heritage in every bite.
Recommended experience: Pasta and tiramisù cooking class with limoncello tasting
2. Bologna (Italy)
A true gastronomic icon, Bologna is a paradise for pasta lovers. Tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini and traditional lasagne workshops are among the most popular activities. Classes hosted by the renowned Cesarine, Italy’s network of home cooks dedicated to preserving culinary traditions, offer an especially authentic experience.
Recommended experience: Guided gastronomic and cultural tour of Bologna
3. Lisbon (Portugal)
Exploring neighbourhoods such as Alfama, Bairro Alto and Baixa through their flavours is one of the most engaging ways to discover the city. From pastel de bacalhau and grilled sardines to the iconic pastéis de nata and ginjinha liqueur, each stop tells a story of Portuguese tradition.
Recommended experience: Lisbon food and wine walking tour
4. London (United Kingdom)
The English capital offers a wide variety of culinary tours, combining iconic landmarks with traditional dishes such as fish & chips, historic pubs and multicultural flavours in areas like Chinatown, Soho and Covent Garden. Borough Market, the city’s oldest food market, is an essential stop.
Recommended experience: Borough Market and South Bank food tour
5. Amsterdam (Netherlands)
The Jordaan district is home to some of the best foodie experiences in the city. Cheese tastings, visits to specialist shops such as Henri Willig, and excursions to Edam and Gouda are among the most sought-after activities.
Recommended experience: Dutch cheese tasting at Henri Willig
6. Madrid (Spain)
Spain’s capital is the perfect place to master the art of tapas. Many tours combine major landmarks such as Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor with stops at historic markets like Mercado de San Miguel and traditional taverns serving classics such as bocadillo de calamares and croquetas.
Recommended experience: Tapas and history tour of Madrid
7. Paris (France)
Each neighbourhood offers a different perspective on French cuisine: from modern pâtisserie trends in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to cheese and wine tastings in Le Marais, as well as macaron workshops at Galeries Lafayette. Traditional markets such as Aligre and Président Wilson complete the culinary journey.
Recommended experience: Macaron baking class at Galeries Lafayette
8. Athens (Greece)
Gastronomy is at the heart of Greek culture. Food tours in Athens typically include visits to the Varvakios Central Market and the Psiri district, known for its traditional tavernas, where visitors can sample olive oil, local cheeses and Mediterranean specialties.
Recommended experience: Greek food walking tour in Athens
9. Porto (Portugal)
Beyond francesinha and cod dishes, Porto’s food tours introduce travellers to Mercado do Bolhão and the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for Port wine. A flavourful journey through Portuguese tradition.
Recommended experience: Porto food tour with visit to a historic wine cellar
10. Naples (Italy)
With nearly 25,000 searches, Naples further reinforces Italy’s strong presence in the ranking. In addition to specialities such as cuoppo fritto and sfogliatella, pizza-making classes are among the most popular activities.
Recommended experience: Traditional pizza-making class
