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Usually, our travel guides focus on the classic highlights: the landmarks, beaches, museums and must-see spots. But this guide takes a slightly different route… because we know that one of the most rewarding ways to get to know a place is through its food and drink.
Whether you’re enjoying the delicacies of the bustling markets of Florence, savouring pintxos in San Sebastián, or sipping world-class wines in Bordeaux, this guide is all about experiencing destinations through their unique flavours, not just their sights.
Below is our run-down of the top 10 foodie destinations and the top 5 favourite places for wine lovers.
Florence is famous for its art, history and architecture, from the towering Duomo and Michelangelo’s David to the masterpieces inside the Uffizi Gallery. But for foodies, the city offers another kind of masterpiece: its cuisine. Tuscan food is famously hearty and unfussy, with grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, earthy herbs, and peppery olive oil being the flavours of the day.
A great place to start your food exploration is at the Mercato Centrale, a lively food market inside a large industrial steel-and-glass building. Downstairs you’ll find locals shopping for cheese, meat, and fresh produce. Upstairs is a busy food hall that’s open until late, with lots of stalls. There’s a huge variety on offer, from handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza to truffle crostini, buffalo mozzarella, and freshly fried seafood. You’ll also spot many locals tucking into lampredotto, which is a traditional sandwich made with slow-cooked cow stomach. It’s a beloved Florentine staple, so for a true taste of the city, join the queue and give it a go. It’s tastier than it sounds!
For something a little more sophisticated, there are plenty of great restaurants across the city, even near the main tourist spots. And with lots of competition, the quality is very high. For a more local feel though, cross the Arno River to the quieter Oltrarno area. This is a great place to try bistecca alla fiorentina – a thick, rare T-bone steak from local Chianina cattle. For hands-on foodies, cooking classes offer a fun way to learn the secrets of Tuscan cuisine whether you’re learning how to make handmade pasta or mastering the perfect ragù. Many of the courses also finish with a chance to sample your creation over a shared meal. And of course, no visit to Florence is complete without trying a scoop or two of artisanal gelato. Look for shops using metal tubs (rather than plastic) and natural colours, which are key indicators of quality.
On the shores of the crescent-shaped Concha Bay, San Sebastian is widely regarded as the food capital of Spain, and it’s easy to see why. Despite its relatively small size, this Basque city boasts an incredible concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, making it one of the top culinary destinations in the world. Foodies flock here for the famous pintxos bars (the Basque version of tapas), where you help yourself to a selection of small bites, spider crab, salty anchovies, and rich seafood stews.
At these bars, your bill is often tallied by counting the toothpicks left on your plate, adding a fun twist to the whole experience. This tradition is not just about the food though. Part of the enjoyment is to move from bar to bar, sampling different pintxos and soaking up the lively atmosphere of each spot. It’s like the Spanish version of a pub crawl, but far more sophisticated and a brilliant way to try a variety of flavours in one evening as you wander the narrow streets of the old town. And as you might expect, you can wash down the delicious food with some incredible local wine. Whether that’s a crisp white from the Basque region or a fuller-bodied Rioja Crianza from nearby. Both perfectly complementing the flavours on offer.
Lyon is known for its Renaissance Vieux Lyon, the stunning St. Jean Cathedral, the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame, and its riverside, which lights up beautifully at night. But it’s the city’s food scene that often draws people in, especially to its small, traditional bouchons tucked away in the city’s cobbled streets.
These restaurants serve classic dishes inspired by the pioneering Mères Lyonnaises, a group of women from the early 20th century. Many had been cooks for wealthy families, but after being displaced by the changes after WW1, they opened their own restaurants in the city. In the process, they transformed simple, local ingredients into iconic Lyonnais recipes. Mère Brazier was the most famous of these, and the first to earn three Michelin stars. In fact, her restaurant still stands on Rue Royale. The food here is rich, hearty, and often creamy, using fresh produce and artisanal cheeses. Must-try dishes include quenelles (light dumplings typically made with chicken), salade lyonnaise (with crispy bacon lardons, a soft poached egg, and croutons) and andouillettes (a strongly flavoured pork sausage). For a sweet finish, try the tarte à la praline rose, made with pink pralines. And of course, such wonderful food calls for equally excellent wine. Local favourites include Beaujolais from just north of the city and the rich wines of the broader Rhône Valley, such as Côtes du Rhône.
For an authentic taste of local life, visit the bustling Halles Paul Bocuse market, where you can sample artisanal cheeses, fresh seafood, and seasonal delicacies before heading for a wander through the atmospheric streets of Lyon.
Seville is the sun-drenched capital of Andalusia in southern Spain. Renowned for its warm climate, Moorish architecture, and iconic sights such as the grand Seville Cathedral, the Giralda tower, and lush Alcázar palace gardens, it boasts a food scene that is just as captivating as its sights. With bold Andalusian flavours and fresh local ingredients, the city offers everything from tapas bars to elegant restaurants. Thanks also to its proximity to the coast, the seafood here is fresh and delicious. However, it’s pork, especially the renowned jamón ibérico, that truly takes centre stage. Often cooked with the region’s high-quality olive oil, the region’s pork dishes are hearty yet perfectly balanced by bright vegetables and fragrant herbs.
At the heart of Seville’s dining culture is the tradition of tapas. Classics include salmorejo (a chilled tomato soup topped with cured ham and egg) carrillada pork cheeks, and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas and spices). There are plenty of tapas bars dotted all over the city, but some of the best areas to head for are Santa Cruz, Triana, and La Alameda. Santa Cruz, the old Jewish Quarter, has narrow streets full of traditional bars. Across the river, Triana is known for lively bars serving fresh seafood and local dishes. While La Alameda is popular with a younger crowd featuring trendier places and a more modern take on tapas.
Madrid is widely recognised as one of the world’s most exciting culinary cities. Unlike other Spanish cities that proudly stick to their regional roots when it comes to cuisine, Madrid is a true melting pot. Its location at the geographical heart of the country means that over the years, it’s attracted immigrants from every corner of Spain bringing their own flavours and food traditions with them. That’s why you’ll find restaurants serving the best of Galician seafood, Andalusian fried fish, Basque pintxos, and Castilian stews often on the same street.
The main areas such as La Latina, Huertas, Malasaña, and Chamberí are packed with tapas bars of every kind. Whether it’s a down-to-earth place where locals meet or a more trendy spot. Make sure you try some of the city’s iconic dishes, such as callos a la madrileña (a rich tripe stew), the much-loved bocadillo de calamares (fried calamari sandwich), and slices of jamón ibérico de bellota. And for a surprising twist in a city known for meat-heavy food, book a table at Madrid’s Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant El Invernadero. With a highly imaginative tasting menu, it pushes the boundaries of plant-based cooking.
Madrid’s food markets offer something for every food lover. Mercado de San Miguel, just off Plaza Mayor, offers a wide variety of tapas in a beautifully restored historic setting. It’s quite touristy, but still a great place to sample a wide range of tapas. For a more local feel, head to Mercado de Antón Martín in Lavapiés which has a mix of fresh produce stalls and global street food, with lively bars. You could also take a guided tapas and wine tour around the city which is a great way to mix popular spots with lesser-known gems that you might never find on your own. Plus you’ll have the benefit of a guide to share insights into Madrid’s food and culture.
It will come as no surprise that Paris is a food lover’s dream, offering everything from bustling markets, to buzzing brasseries, fine-dining restaurants and trendy new spots popping up all over. Paris can be quite expensive to eat out, but the quality and variety of food make it worth the visit for any foodie.
A great place to start exploring is Rue Montorgueil, where you can soak up the Parisian atmosphere while popping into bakeries, patisseries, and cheese shops – ideal for putting together a picnic.
For classic French cuisine such as steak frites, foie gras, and escargots in butter, head to the bistros of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Alternatively, for something less touristy, explore the small, family-run bistros around Oberkampf and the wider 11th arrondissement. This area is also a hotspot for chefs pushing culinary boundaries, so alongside traditional Parisian dining, you’ll find plenty of inventive restaurants to experience the cutting edge of Parisian cuisine. For something sweet, the Latin Quarter offers excellent traditional crêpes, while patisseries scattered throughout the city offer tartes, colourful macarons, and beautifully crafted pastries. For gourmet shopping, explore sprawling food halls such as La Grande Épicerie or Galeries Lafayette Gourmet. Or for something more immersive, join a food tour with a local guide to uncover hidden gems or take a cooking class to master some classic dishes and bring a taste of Paris back home.
When in Rome… eat like a local and enjoy some of the best Italian food around! Rome isn’t just about famous sights such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, it’s also a fantastic place to discover wonderful food. Whether that’s classic dishes, something more modern, or some of the best gelato in the country.
Trastevere is a great place to start, with narrow cobbled streets and traditional restaurants. Here you can try classic dishes including carbonara, cacio e pepe (a simple but delicious pasta dish), and bruschetta, along with local meats and cheeses such as prosciutto, bresaola, and pecorino. Testaccio also offers a taste of authentic Rome and is where many locals go to eat. In Campo de’ Fiori, you’ll find a lively market selling fresh ingredients and quick bites by day, while evenings come alive with buzzing restaurants and bars, perfect for people-watching.
If trendy spots are more your thing, Monti, near the Colosseum, offers a blend of traditional recipes with a modern twist. For more refined and elegant dining and some of the best gelato in the city, Prati is the place to be. And if you want something a little bit off the beaten track and creative, go to Pigneto, which boasts a growing foodie scene with imaginative restaurants and bars.
In more recent years, Athens has earned its reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting food cities, thanks to a new wave of chefs and creatives who are reimagining Greek cuisine while staying rooted in tradition.
In the centre, around Syntagma Square, you’ll find rooftop spots and modern bistros putting a fresh twist on Greek classics such as slow-cooked lamb with island herbs, or beautifully presented takes on spanakopita (spinach and feta-filled pastry). Nearby, the lively areas of Monastiraki and Psyrri are packed with energy, where you’ll find street food stalls and traditional tavernas serving up favourites such as keftedakia (meatballs), tzatziki, dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), and saganaki (fried cheese), ideal for sharing over a bottle of wine.
In Pangrati, brunch culture is thriving with cafés and more casual spots combining local produce with global influences. Over in Exarchia, you’ll find a more bohemian atmosphere, with relaxed spots offering hearty, comforting dishes such as soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs in tomato sauce).
Traditional Athens cuisine, though, can still be found in areas such as Koukaki and Petralona, where family-run tavernas serve classic home-cooked meals. This is where you’ll find simple, flavourful food such as grilled souvlaki, meze platters, and stews simmered for hours. In Kolonaki, dining takes a more refined turn, with stylish spots offering dishes that showcase the best of Greek produce with fresh seafood and farm-sourced meats.
In recent years, Prague has quietly transformed itself from a destination best known for cheap beer and stodgy food into one of Central Europe’s most exciting foodie cities. Once defined by its comfort food such as slow-roasted pork, dumplings, and thick sauces, Czech cuisine is undergoing a bold transformation. A new generation of chefs, many trained abroad, have returned with fresh ideas, aiming to reimagine traditional recipes while staying true to local ingredients.
You’ll find some of the most exciting culinary experiences in areas such as Holešovice and Letná, where minimalist cafés and small bistros serve locally roasted coffee, seasonal pastries, and modern takes on Czech classics using regional produce and foraged ingredients. These areas are also home to farmers’ markets and food pop-ups that celebrate everything from wild game to fermented vegetables.
In Karlín, another food hub that’s growing in popularity, stylish restaurants blend Czech traditions with international influences, while Nové Město (New Town) and Staré Město (Old Town) which were once better known for tourist traps now offer elegant dining spots and cosy cafés.
Must-try dishes include svíčková (marinated beef sirloin in a creamy vegetable sauce), kulajda (a rich mushroom and dill soup), and the ever-popular vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut). For something sweet, try koláče which are soft pastries filled with fruit, poppy seeds, or sweet cheese and a dusting of sugar.
Copenhagen has truly blossomed into a world-class foodie destination, with a dining scene that blends traditional Danish flavours with cutting-edge cuisine. The city proudly hosts two restaurants that have earned the prestigious title of The World’s Best Restaurant. Geranium, which claimed the top spot for the second time in 2022, and Noma, a multi-time winner of the award. Geranium serves locally inspired, seasonal tasting menus and its stunning setting on the eighth floor overlooking the tranquil Fælledparken gardens adds to the appeal. Meanwhile, Noma has revolutionised Nordic cuisine by using seasonal and often foraged ingredients with wild herbs, seaweed, berries, with a groundbreaking approach that has inspired chefs across the world.
Beyond the Michelin-starred establishments, there’s also a plethora of more casual restaurants, cafes and street food markets. Nyhavn is a picturesque waterfront area known for its colourful buildings and cafes, where you can enjoy classic Danish dishes such as smørrebrød (open-faced rye bread sandwiches topped with smoked fish, pickled herring, or roast beef) while taking in the pretty views of the harbour. Just a short walk away, Torvehallerne is a popular food market, filled with dozens of stalls selling fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, breads, pastries, and international street food. For a trendier and more experimental dining experience, the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) offers a lively atmosphere in a former industrial area, with innovative restaurants and bars. While Vesterbro is known for its cafes and famous Danish street food such as hot dogs topped with pickles and crispy onions. Finally, Christianshavn, with its canals and charming streets, offers a relaxed place to enjoy the local restaurant scene.
Vienna, Lisbon, Barcelona and London may not have made our top 10 foodie destinations, but they’re still great places for anyone who loves good food. Vienna is well known for its lovely coffeehouse culture, while Lisbon offers plenty of fresh seafood and buzzing markets. Barcelona’s famous for its lively tapas bars and tasty Catalan dishes. While London offers amazing variety, from classic British food and historic spots such as Borough Market to cutting-edge Michelin-starred restaurants.
With over 2,000 years of winemaking history, this region in southwest France has built a reputation that’s hard to beat. Bordeaux’s vineyards stretch across more than 6,000 estates in 65 different areas. The region is broadly divided into Left and Right banks. On the Left Bank, you’ll mostly find Cabernet Sauvignon wines, while Merlot is more prominent on the Right Bank.
Walk through the beautiful vineyards and historic châteaux such as Château Margaux and Château Pétrus, where you’ll learn about the wine making traditions and all the elements that come together to make Bordeaux wines special – such as the soil, weather, and the skill of the winemakers. Many vineyards also run workshops where you can try blending your own wine or learn how to pair wines with food.
But Bordeaux isn’t just about tasting wine – it’s also about learning about it. Bordeaux is home to La Cité du Vin, a fantastic wine museum with interactive displays, tastings, and great views over the Garonne River. The city itself is lovely, with elegant 18th-century buildings and a lively riverside area that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout the year, Bordeaux holds festivals including the Bordeaux Fête le Vin, where people come together to enjoy tastings, music, and celebrations.
Tuscany is known not only for its stunning rolling hills but also for producing some of the world’s most popular and beloved wines from Chianti to Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.
The region is dotted with beautiful vineyards and historic wineries that you can visit, taste their wines and enjoy the breath-taking views of the countryside. In the Chianti area, the town of Greve is a great place to start. Here you’ll find vineyards such as Castello di Verrazzano, which offers tours of its medieval castle, wine tastings, and delicious local food pairings. Further south, the town of Montalcino is famous for Brunello di Montalcino and wineries such as Castello Banfi and Caparzo offer guided tours and tastings in stunning settings.
In Montepulciano, known for its Vino Nobile, a red wine made from the Sangiovese grape, visit wineries such as Avignonesi and Poliziano, where you can learn about traditional winemaking and enjoy food pairings with local cheeses and homemade bread. Not far from there is San Gimignano, a beautiful medieval town famous for its towers and white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This crisp, fresh wine makes a welcome change from Tuscany’s reds.
Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region, known for its smooth red wines made mostly from the Tempranillo grape. A big part of Rioja’s character comes from ageing in oak barrels, which adds flavours such as vanilla, spice, and soft red fruits.
Visiting the region’s wineries offers a mix of centuries-old cellars filled with ageing barrels and modern tasting rooms with sweeping views. Guided tastings help you learn about the grape varieties, the ageing process, and the history behind each wine. All while sampling the wines, of course!
Logroño, the capital of La Rioja, is a great base for exploring. It’s famous for Calle Laurel, a lively street packed with tapas bars. Here, locals and tourists enjoy small plates of traditional dishes, perfectly paired with local wines by the glass. Beyond the wine scene, Logroño also has charming old streets, historic churches, and plenty of lively plazas. To venture further afield, you have your pick of three distinct areas in the region. Rioja Alta is home to traditional wineries including La Rioja Alta and Bodegas Muga in Haro. Whereas Rioja Alavesa is where you’ll find more stylish wineries such as Bodegas Ysios and Bodegas Baigorri in the medieval hilltop town of Laguardia. Finally, Rioja Oriental (formerly known as Rioja Baja) is where you’ll find smaller, family-run producers in towns such as Aldeanueva de Ebro and Calahorra which offer quieter, more intimate tastings away from the larger estates.
Sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s made in the Champagne region of France, using grapes grown there. And the region itself is every bit as special as the drink. Its cool climate and chalky soil create the ideal conditions for the three key grapes that go into Champagne: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay.
In Reims, the region’s largest city, you can tour iconic Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Ruinart, many of which offer guided visits through their vast underground chalk cellars. In the nearby town of Épernay, the Avenue de Champagne is a large boulevard lined with historic mansions belonging to big names such as Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. Here, you can stroll from one tasting room to the next, learning about each house’s unique style and history.
For a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience, it’s well worth heading into the countryside. Villages such as Hautvillers (where Dom Pérignon once lived) are home to small, family-run producers who offer relaxed, personal tastings in more rustic settings. These ‘grower Champagnes’ are made by the people who grow the grapes themselves, and many offer exceptional quality and character. To find them, look out for signs marked ‘Récoltant-Manipulant’ (RM).
The Douro Valley in northern Portugal is one of the world’s oldest officially recognised wine regions, famous for producing Port. Situated along the Douro River, the landscape is filled with steep terraced vineyards that cling to rocky hillsides, perfect conditions for growing grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. While Port is the region’s fortified wine, the Douro also produces excellent dry reds and whites too.
To enjoy tastings with stunning views, head to one of the quintas (wine estates) ranging from family-run producers to internationally renowned wineries. Larger, well-known producers include Quinta do Noval, Quinta do Crasto, and Quinta do Vallado which offer tours, showcasing their historic cellars, traditional wine-making methods, and tasting sessions with views over the vineyards. For a more intimate experience, there are plenty of smaller family-run estates such as Quinta da Roêda and Quinta de la Rosa.
A great place to base yourself is in the pretty town of Pinhão with its charming streets and famous azulejos, or in Peso da Régua or Lamego, both great hubs for exploring nearby vineyards. Taking a river cruise along the Douro is a fantastic way to appreciate the stunning terraced vineyards from a different angle.
If you’re ready to plan your perfect food or wine holiday to Europe, take a look through our favourite food and wine itineraries. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our team who’ll love to plan a food or wine-based trip that’s tailored perfectly for you.
Inspired by the guide? We’ve handpicked a few holidays that bring it to life—perfect for turning travel ideas into reality.
