From workshops to prepare fresh pasta fettuccine and the traditional tiramisu, to tours with tastings in the shops of Campo de' Fiori square and the Trastevere district, including visits to the Trionfale Market. We are talking about Rome (1), yes, the city that combines history and culinary tradition at every stop. And we talk about it because it leads the ranking that reflects an unstoppable trend in the world of tourism: the search for gastronomic experiences in every destination.
Compiled by TUI Musement, a specialist in tours and tourist activities, with the market research platform Appinio, and based on Google search volume, the top ten of the most popular European cities for a gastronomic tour is full of Italian cities.
Following Rome is another giant of good food: Bologna (2). A gastronomic reference in the country, this city is another paradise for pasta lovers. Workshops for tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini, or Bolognese lasagna are part of the most demanded activities. Classes at the homes of the famous Cesarine, the network of Italian home cooks responsible for safeguarding and sharing gastronomic tradition, allow for an even more authentic immersion.
Lisbon (3) receives the bronze medal in this ranking. Exploring the most characteristic neighborhoods of the Portuguese capital, such as Alfama, Bairro Alto, or Baixa, through their flavors is one of the most attractive ways to get to know the city. From bacalhau pastries, grilled sardines, to the iconic pastel de nata or Ginjinha, the cherished cherry liqueur, each stop reveals a piece of Portuguese tradition.
View of the famous historic store Bacalhoaria Silva, one of the oldest and most famous establishments in Lisbon.SHUTTERSTOCK
The British capital also offers a wide range of gastronomic tours. It is a way to explore the most iconic attractions of London (4) and, at the same time, savor traditional dishes like fish and chips, visit historic pubs, or discover world cuisines in neighborhoods like Chinatown, Soho, or Covent Garden. Borough Market, the city's oldest market, is also a must-visit.
Amsterdam (5) is in the middle of the top ten. The Jordaan district concentrates some of the best proposals to savor Dutch hospitality. Cheese tastings, visits to specialized stores like Henri Willig, or excursions to Edam and Gouda are part of the most sought-after plans.
And thus we arrive at the Spanish representation on the list: Madrid (6). The Spanish capital is the ideal destination to perfect the art of tapas. Many tours combine the main tourist attractions, such as Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor, with stops at historic markets, such as the recently reopened San Miguel Market after a renovation, and traditional taverns, where you can taste classics like calamari sandwiches or croquettes.
Each neighborhood of Paris (7) offers a different perspective of French cuisine, which is why it is in seventh place: from the latest trends in pastry in Saint-Germain-des-Prés to cheese and wine tastings in Le Marais, or macaron workshops at Galeries Lafayette. The Aligre and Président Wilson markets complete the journey through Parisian culinary tradition.
In Athens (8) it is easy to discover that gastronomy is an essential part of Greek culture. Essential tours of the city include visits to the central Varvakios market, the gastronomic heart of the city, and the Psiri neighborhood, full of traditional taverns where you can try olive oil, local cheeses, and other Mediterranean specialties.
Beyond the francesinha or codfish, tours of Porto (9) allow you to visit the Bolhão Market and the wineries of Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for their Port wines. An immersion in Portuguese culinary tradition that combines history and flavor.
We close the ranking in Naples (10). With around 25,000 searches, Naples confirms Italy's weight in the ranking. In addition to specialties like cuoppo fritto or sfogliatella, pizza-making classes are among the most popular activities.