Europe's best food cities in 2026: where to eat this summer?

Food experiences have become an increasingly important part of travel, and many people now choose destinations based on local cuisine. Europe boasts numerous cities offering exceptional gastronomic experiences. This summer's must-visit food capitals have been revealed.

Travel today is no longer just about visiting landmarks; more and more people are choosing destinations based on what local cuisine has to offer. Food experiences have become central to travel planning, as good food tells more about local culture and lifestyle than any museum could.

Why food has become the heart of travel

Local food is like a gateway to a region's culture, history and the inner world of its people. From street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, food traditions reflect centuries of agricultural practices, trade routes and the blending of peoples. This is precisely why gastronomic tourism has exploded across Europe.

Europe offers a rich selection of destinations in the summer of 2026 where food takes centre stage. Spain's San Sebastián remains one of the cities with the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the world, where pintxos-Basque tapas-have become a global cultural symbol. Italy's Bologna is renowned for its rich cuisine and as the birthplace of Bolognese sauce. Portugal's Porto stands out for its fresh seafood and wines, while Greece's Thessaloniki offers some of the Mediterranean's most diverse flavour profiles.

Lesser-known food paradises

Beyond the classic destinations, new and exciting food cities are emerging. Slovenia's Ljubljana has gained recognition in recent years for sustainable gastronomy, becoming one of the first cities in Europe to earn UNESCO's creative economy title in the food category. Georgia's Tbilisi is increasingly attracting visitors with its unique cuisine, where khinkali dumplings and khachapuri cheese bread have become global hits.

For Estonians, it's interesting to know that Riga and Vilnius also offer gastronomic discoveries; Lithuanian cuisine is rapidly gaining prestige across Europe, and Riga's markets showcase the best examples of Nordic food culture. This summer, it's worth planning a trip to one of these destinations to enjoy food that tells stories of local life and creativity.