The world’s gastronomic capitals topped the new ranking of the best cities for food lovers. Find out which cities have become leaders in food tourism, what attracts travelers to them, and what dishes are worth trying in each one
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Gastronomic tourism is rapidly gaining momentum. According to a study by the Acorn travel portal, three-quarters of travelers worldwide choose their destination based on culinary experiences. The focus is not only on restaurants, but also on local markets, signature dishes, family cuisine, and the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional dishes in master classes.
Acorn experts analyzed a number of indicators: the availability of culinary courses, pricing policies, tourist ratings, and global search demand. Based on this data, the top 10 cities in the world for gastronomic tourism were formed, as reported by UNIAN with reference to the DailyMail.
Florence — the world capital of gastronomic experience
Florence took first place in the ranking — a city that combines high culinary culture and deep historical tradition. Florence offers 231 culinary master classes, and almost 75% of them have received a rating of 4 stars or higher.
Florence is a paradise for meat lovers. Here’s what you should try:
● the legendary bistecca alla fiorentina, a thick steak on the bone;
● the local delicacy lampredotto, a sandwich made from beef tripe;
● traditional Florentine gelato, considered one of the best in the world.
And, of course, no one leaves Italy without a serving of pasta or pizza — in Florence, these classic dishes take on a special flavor.
Palermo — Sicilian cuisine and authentic markets
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, took second place. The city offers about 50 culinary courses, and 88% of local hotels are rated 4 stars and above, making it attractive for both foodies and those seeking comfort.
Sicilian cuisine is known for its bold combinations, fresh seafood, and legendary markets where locals sell cannoli, arancini, and other signature dishes of the island.
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Bologna — the birthplace of Bolognese sauce and the center of gastronomic culture
Bologna came in third place, which is not surprising — this is where the world-famous Bolognese sauce originated. Bologna is also famous for mortadella, tagliatelle, tortellini, and Lambrusco wine.
This city is considered one of the best places to understand the essence of Italian culinary simplicity and quality.
Lisbon — the capital of pastéis de nata and seafood delicacies
Lisbon took fourth place on the list. The Portuguese capital offers a unique combination of seafood and sweets.
The iconic pastéis de nata dessert, served with cinnamon and coffee, has become a symbol of the city and one of the most famous European sweets.
Full ranking of the best cities for food tourism
1. Florence
2. Palermo
3. Bologna
4. Lisbon
5. Rome
6. Brussels
7. Barcelona
8. Venice
9. Osaka
10. Hue (Vietnam)
Why is food tourism becoming the number one trend in the world?
According to Titan Travel product manager Cassie Strickland:
“Today’s travelers want more than just sightseeing. They want to truly experience their destination. Food is a great way to do that because it connects you directly to local life and traditions…. The most valuable experiences are usually associated with local chefs and family kitchens, where you not only learn recipes but also hear the stories behind them.”
Important to remember: if you are planning to go on a food tour by car, you will almost certainly have to use toll roads. To avoid fines and wasting time looking for payment points, you can purchase an electronic road vignette online in advance. On the Visit Ukraine platform, it only takes a few minutes and allows you to travel without any hassle.
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Frequantly
asked questions
Which city is considered the best in the world for food tourism and why?
According to Acorn’s ranking, Florence ranks first. The city has a record number of culinary master classes, high-quality local restaurants, and centuries-old gastronomic traditions.
How much does food tourism cost in Europe and which cities are considered the most budget-friendly?
The cost varies greatly depending on the city. For example, in Lisbon and Bologna, you can find affordable master classes and inexpensive family restaurants. In Palermo, food tourism is often cheaper than in Florence or Rome, thanks to the large number of local markets and traditional street fast food.
Which countries are the most popular among foodies?
Italy consistently tops the global rankings. Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Japan, and Vietnam are also in high demand. In these destinations, gastronomy is an integral part of cultural identity.
Dining and Cooking