From Michelin stars to rising stars, the food in these food travel destinations is so amazing that visitors keep going back for seconds.
1. Rome, Italy
The Eternal City continues to sparkle with its ancient wonders and modern design
Because of its perfect combination of Old World treasures and modern delights, the enormous city of Rome remains one of the world’s most important destinations. All of this and more beckons, including the Colosseum’s ruins, her famed fountains, and languid strolls along cobblestone streets with gelato in hand. Rome is a beautiful, winding city with a lot to see and do. No wonder this city is #1 among the best food travel destinations in the world.
2. London, United Kingdom
A stately city surrounded by a flurry of contemporary activity
London has a rich and lively modern world that is mixed with medieval and Victorian influences. As commuters scramble to catch the Tube, the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are next to neighborhood taverns and marketplaces, and time-honored traditions like the changing of the guards take place. It’s a spot where visitors may take a time-traveling tour of the city and, if they’re tired, go for a “cuppa” tea, like Londoners do.
3. Paris, France
In every aspect, the City of Lights astonishes
The mention of Paris makes the heart swoon like no other place on the planet. Beautiful art, architecture, culture, and gastronomy entice visitors, but there’s also a quieter charm waiting to be discovered: the quaint cobblestoned alleyways, delicious patisseries around the corner, and intimate tiny bistros where a glass of Beaujolais is served. Prepare to construct your own version of Paris.
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A metropolis of superlatives, dazzling and dizzying
Largest. Tallest. Biggest. In a country that has a long history of conservatism, Dubai takes everything to the extreme, striking out for its ultra-modern style. The city is a sight to see and explored, with its towering buildings, palm-shaped islands, and golden beaches, as well as a busy nightlife, luxury shopping, and world-class eating.
5. Barcelona Spain
The Catalan city is a Mediterranean fantasy with perfect beaches, world-famous tapas, and Gaudi
Barcelona is unlike anywhere else in the world. The city is enticing, from days spent meandering around the Gothic Quarter to afternoons spent at the beach and nights spent partying till morning. The work of Antoni Gaudi is Barcelona’s actual crown gem, despite the fact that tapas and busy mercados are worth every bit of attention they get in guidebooks. His monumental masterpieces, including as La Sagrada Familia’s jaw-dropping Basilica, are instantly recognizable and have sparked millions of trip fantasies. During the summer, you won’t be the only visitor in town; but, even in the midst of the masses, you’ll be able to locate your own slice of Mediterranean beauty.
6. Madrid, Spain
Spain’s fairytale capital, powered by Spanish food and wine
It’s partly because so many of Madrid’s buildings have a confectionery, castle-like appearance to them that it makes it feel like a storybook. With its white pinnacles and neo-Gothic characteristics, even City Hall is awe-inspiring. The big bear monument in the central Puerta del Sol might be the starting point for a self-guided architectural tour. Visit one of the city’s numerous art museums after passing past the opulent Royal Palace, then take in the natural splendor of Retiro Park. Close off each day drinking Spanish rioja and eating tapas, since art may also be found on your plate and in your glass.
7. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Vibrant financial center of Brazil
Sao Paulo, South America’s largest city, has a food and art scene that is as diverse as its population of 10 million people. You wouldn’t be out of place travelling to Sao Paulo merely for the food, with the Jardins district’s restaurants dishing up every type of cuisine to customers from all over the world. But you’d lose out on world-class museums, diverse and dynamic neighborhood tours, and insanely amazing shopping if you didn’t take advantage of them.
8. New York City, New York
Stay for the local haunts and the world’s greatest pizza. Come for the huge dreams and dazzling lights
The tallest buildings, the largest museums, and the finest pizza—New York City is a city of superlatives, and it lives up to every one of them. Every time you visit, there’s a new New York to explore, from the glittering spectacle of Broadway to MoMA’s world-class galleries, the boutiques of SoHo, and the multitude of restaurants providing cuisines from all over the world. Beyond those recognizable monuments, though, New York’s hidden side awaits. Even on the shortest of walks, you’re bound to come across indie antique boutiques and locals-only brunch restaurants. When the crowds and noise get too much to bear, just glance up—the skyline will remind you why you came in the first place.
9. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is still one of the most exciting cities on the planet, with people waking up at all hours of the night
There are cities, and then there’s Bangkok, which is the capital of Thailand. Devotees throng temples like Wat Pho throughout the day. There’s a lot of street food to eat in the evening. The heat never ceases to be unbearable. As for the nightlife, it’s second to none, with everything from shady Patpong to chic rooftop pubs and restaurants. This isn’t the end of the gratification. A shopping (and souvenir- hunter’s) paradise, Bangkok is brimming with night markets, giant malls, and the gigantic Chatuchak Weekend Market. Because Bangkok is a tumultuous city, you’ll need to be prepared. Nowhere else in the world compares to it when it comes to local secrets and 24-hour excitement.
10. Singapore
Despite its small size, the ‘Lion City’ has a lot to offer
This tiny island city-state is a study in contrasts and fusions, brimming with wonders just waiting to be discovered. Tranquil gardens are surrounded by modern buildings and opulent retail complexes. A flourishing street food scene and world-class restaurants provide several opportunities to taste and drink your way across Singapore’s gastronomic melting pot. Your first vacation to Singapore will demonstrate that the finest things sometimes come in little packages.
11. Florence, Italy
Tuscan cuisine and wine ignite a paradise of art and architecture
Florence is a city that makes art lovers’ hearts beat twice as fast. The Galleria dell’Accademia, which is brimming with Michelangelo’s masterpieces, will delight fans of Renaissance art. The old Ponte Vecchio bridge is a must-see for architecture aficionados, while the stores of Piazza Santo Spirito are a delight for serious shoppers. Restaurants that pay respect to the region’s abundance will fuel your adventure. You’ll appreciate how wonderful Tuscan food can be when you swipe a slice of fresh bread over a pool of local olive oil.
12. Istanbul, Turkey
A magical city where different cultures converge
Istanbul has been influenced by a diverse range of civilizations over the years. By visiting its mahalles today, you may get a firsthand look at their impacts (neighborhoods). It’s easy to understand why people say Istanbul isn’t just one city, but numerous cities inside one, with the sacred sites of Sultanahmet and the 19th-century European elegance of Beyolu, the high fashion of NiÅŸantaÅŸ, the dynamic café society of Kadköy, and the football-loving streets of BeÅŸiktaÅŸ.
13. Lisbon, Portugal
European splendor, unnoticed
This lovely alternative to Europe’s most renowned cities is nestled among seven hills and provides an enormously accessible metropolis. Lisbon has a thriving nightlife scene, colorful markets, and vivid museums to help you burn off a few obligatory glasses of Porto, a large dish of bacalhau, and days’ worth of pastéis de nata.
14. Valencia, Spain
Magnificent place with its own dialect, Catalan
There are a lot of orange trees in this area, however the “Valencia orange” is a fruit that originated in California. Instead, those interested in local cuisine should focus on paella. The City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, cinemas, theaters, and more, is Valencia’s modern crown gem, despite the city’s many monuments.
15. Naples, Italy
An historic port of mythical proportions—and a gastronomic haven
Naples, the biggest city in southern Italy, is known for its enticing blend of Old World elegance and contemporary roughness. This is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with enough art, architecture, and archeology to compete with other major towns. The wood-fired pizza, though, is what draws the throng. Between pizza breaks, explore Naples’ ancient center (a UNESCO World Heritage site): don’t miss the Chiesa di San Gregorio Armeno, a 16th-century Baroque masterpiece, as well as the Duomo, a Roman Catholic cathedral that first opened its doors in the 13th century. View Pompeii artifacts in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli or bask in the Rococo splendor of the Museo Cappella Sansevero, established in the late 1500s.
16. Cairo, Egypt
An ancient city and a modern metropolis
In addition to being an old city, Cairo is also a contemporary metropolis—one it’s of the Middle East’s largest cities, with the traffic and noise difficulties to prove it. Cairo, the City of the Thousand Minarets, is a wonderful place to learn about Egyptian history and culture if you’re not looking for solitude. When planning a trip to Egypt, carefully evaluate the dangers and keep an eye on your government’s travel advisories.
17. Bordeaux, France
The “Sleeping Beauty” has awoken from her slumber after many years of hard effort
The city has been wonderfully rebuilt, and its public transportation system is cutting-edge. UNESCO has designated the “Port of the Moon” as a World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, with its 17 arches, spans the Garonne and provides walkers with a beautiful view of the docks and port. Take a walk across the Triangle d’Or in ancient Bordeaux and stop at Place des Quinconces, France’s largest public square. Bordeaux is an excellent starting point for discovering the amazing views and flavours of the surrounding wine region.
18. Cartagena, Colombia
Queen of the Caribbean coast
There are wonderful beaches, a historic old town (which is totally accessible) and exquisite colonial architecture in Cartagena, a lovely fishing community on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s also one of the safest spots in the country, so it’s no surprise that cruise ships frequent it. Do you want to take a vacation from the cobblestone streets? For fantastic pastries and people-watching, go to an outside cafe.
19. Lyon, France
France’s oldest renaissance town
Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has 2,000 years of history etched in its streets (yes, the cobblestone kind). Explore this history at Vieux Lyon (Europe’s largest Renaissance quarter) and Lyon’s two Roman amphitheatres, which still host rock concerts today. Lyon is a popular tourist destination for good reason, with its active university, first-rate shopping, antique markets, exciting theater and music festivals, and a variety of noteworthy museums, including the International Puppet Museum and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets.
20. New Orleans, Louisiana
With joyous music, excellent food, and beverages all around, this dynamic city is eager to kick off the celebration
Allow the good weather to pass you by! During Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the good times are always rolling down Bourbon Street, which has a reputation for being a party animal. A second line parade will swagger through the masses if you’re lucky. This city, though, isn’t just about a Solo cup of Sazerac. Take in the sights of the historic French Quarter, the beautiful Garden District, and the great restaurants and cafés of Nola, where beignets are a must-try. Book a ghost tour that takes you through local bars, alleyways, and cemeteries if you’re interested in ghost stories.
21. Mexico City, Mexico
Captivating food, nightlife, art, and culture—all grounded by an ancient past
Mexico City, a huge city, attracts parallels to other cities due to its size and significance as a continental center. When you go around the Centro Historico at night, you’ll notice that it has the same up-all-night excitement and culinary culture as any other global metropolis. But CDMX (Ciudad de México) is more than simply urban activity; it’s a confluence of modern life and ancient history dating back to the Aztecs. That past pervades everything here, from street food to music to vibrant murals, adding a deeper resonance to daily life.
22. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi has grown as a cultural capital that is 100 completely Vietnamese, with influences from France and China
The picturesque capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, has stood the test of time, conserving the Old Quarter, monuments, and colonial architecture while allowing space for new projects. As places such as Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Hoa Lo Prison demonstrate, the city hasn’t forgotten its past, even though it has thrown off its prior titles, including Thang Long, or “ascending dragon.” The city’s charm is enhanced by lakes, parks, shady boulevards, and more than 600 temples and pagodas, all of which are easily accessible by taxi.
23. Charleston, South Carolina
A charming city with beautiful architecture and down-home cuisine
Historic Charleston oozes Southern charm and warmth. Because of its magnificent architecture and surrounding gardens, this city appears to be frozen in time. As you wander through Waterfront Park, take in the spectacular views of the Battery and the French Quarter, then be inspired by the manicured beauty of the gardens of Middleton Place. Try a ghost tour at night for an introduction to the city’s eerie side.
24. Marrakech, Morocco
Discover the Mystical Red City
Marrakesh is memorable, with its colorful souks, Moorish architecture, tiny gardens, and boutique hotels. Spend your days exploring the medieval Medina’s tranquil courtyards and winding passageways, strolling through the calm Jardin Majorelle, or admiring the splendor of the city’s mosques before closing the evening at a one-of-a-kind riad.
25. Hong Kong, China
A bustling port city with a world-class cuisine scene
Last in our list of best food travel destinations, Hong Kong’s enticing attractions include delectable dim sum, floating islands, and a one-of-a-kind skyline, to name a few. You may eat your way through the Temple Street Night Market, which is famous for its fish balls and sour tofu, or you can dine on dim sum at Michelin-starred restaurants like Tim Ho Wan. Head to Ngong Ping Village for traditional Chinese architecture, then ride the tram to the top of Victoria Peak for skyscraper vistas. Nan Lian Garden’s gentle slopes will provide peace, but a trip around the city’s cocktail bars will bring back the city’s energy.