Gastronomy is no longer just a complement to travel but has become one of the main criteria when choosing a destination. According to SAPO, a news and information portal, more than half of European travelers say they are interested or very interested in participating in culinary activities during their holidays.
According to the same source, 71% prefer to book these experiences in advance and 60% choose the late afternoon or evening as the ideal time to taste local flavors. The preferred duration is between two and four hours, and what is most valued are authentic tastings of typical cuisine, with a clear commitment to experiencing the culture of the destination through taste.
Italy dominates the top of culinary experiences
Rome takes the top spot with over 80,000 searches. The Italian capital offers everything from workshops on preparing fresh pasta such as fettuccine and traditional tiramisù to tasting routes in emblematic places such as Campo de’Fiori square and the Trastevere neighborhood. The Mercato Trionfale is another stopping point, where history and gastronomy intersect.
Following the Italian path, Bologna emerges as a gastronomic reference, especially for pasta lovers. Tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini or traditional lasagna workshops are among the most popular experiences. Classes promoted by Cesarine, a network of Italian cooks that preserve traditional recipes, allow for an even more authentic immersion in local cuisine.
Naples rounds out the top 10. In addition to specialties such as cuoppo fritto or sfogliatella, Neapolitan pizza classes, a Unesco Intangible Heritage Site, are one of the main attractions for anyone visiting the city (Credits: DR). In addition to these, Venice, Florence and Milan reinforce Italy’s position in the top 20.
Portugal among the gastronomic destinations of choice
Lisbon stands out in third place in the ranking. Exploring the neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto and Baixa through flavors is one of the most engaging ways to get to know the city. From cod pastry to grilled sardines, including the iconic pastéis de nata and ginjinha, each stop reveals a piece of Portuguese tradition.
Porto appears in ninth place, standing out for its cod, francesinha and visits to the Bolhão Market and the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, famous for Port Wine, in a true immersion in the Portuguese gastronomic tradition.
Other European capitals not to be missed
London ranks fourth, offering a wide variety of gastronomic routes that combine traditional dishes such as fish and chips with the multiculturalism of neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Soho and Covent Garden. The Borough Market is a must-visit, as it is the oldest market in the city.
Amsterdam comes in fifth place, focusing on the Jordaan neighborhood. Cheese tastings, visits to specialized stores such as Henri Willig and excursions to Edam and Gouda are among the most popular programs among travelers.
Madrid occupies sixth place, ideal for perfecting the art of tapas. Routes combine iconic monuments such as Puerta del Sol or Plaza Mayor with stops at the Mercado de San Miguel and traditional taverns, where classics such as bocadillo de calamares and croquettes are sampled.
Paris comes in seventh place, with diverse cuisine ranging from the pastry shop of Saint-Germain-des-Prés to cheese and wine tastings in Le Marais, including macaron workshops at Galeries Lafayette. The Aligre Market is another point that completes the experience.
Athens occupies eighth place, with gastronomic routes that pass through the Varvakios Central Market and the Psiri neighborhood, known for traditional taverns, olive oils and local cheeses.
Europe reveals gastronomic diversity
In addition to Italy and Portugal, Spain maintains its presence with Barcelona and Seville in the top 20, while the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic complete the list, showing the gastronomic diversity that Europe offers.
According to , each city reveals its own traditions, historic markets and authentic flavors that attract more and more travelers in search of memorable culinary experiences
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