Travelling to different cities in Europe for a city break offers many positive experiences, one of which is trying delicious new foods. But what is the best city in Europe for foodies? According to a new study conducted by Solo Female Travelers Tours, these are the top ten cities in Europe for food lovers…

The women-only female solo travel tour provider analysed TripAdvisor data, including the number of restaurants offering local cuisine, Michelin-star establishments, and vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in each European city. Index scores out of ten were awarded for each factor based on the number of establishments, and this determined the ranking.  

Top Ten Best Cities in Europe For Food Lovers

1. Paris, France

As a result of its index score of 74.69, Paris is ranked as the leading foodie city in Europe. For the number of Michelin-starred restaurants and restaurants in general, Paris received the highest possible score of 10 which makes it an ideal place to visit if you love food and fine dining.  

2. Florence, Italy

Florence, Italy, earns the silver medal for one of the best cities in Europe for food lovers with an index score of 70.39. It is known for its stunning architecture and an abundance of museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery and Accademia Gallery. In addition to the number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants and establishments offering local cuisine, Florence received the highest possible score of 10 for multiple factors. The city’s signature dish, tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms and truffle sauce, is vegetarian-friendly.    

3. Rome, Italy

Third on the list of the best cities in Europe for food lovers is Rome, the capital of Italy, with a index score of 67.12. There are a number of attractions in Rome, including the Colosseum and the Pantheon, as well as a wide range of restaurants – so you can try a variety of restaurants after exploring the city. 

4. Dublin, Ireland

With an index score of 61.57, Dublin, Ireland’s capital, takes the fourth spot. One of Dublin’s most stunning features is its Georgian architecture, as well as its lively atmosphere. The number of vegan-friendly restaurants in Dublin scored 9.99.   

5. Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy, is fifth with an index score of 61.36. In addition to being known for its historical and artistic heritage, the city has also earned a spot in the ranking for its number of bars and pubs, as well as for its number of restaurants that provide online delivery, so you can take advantage of this after a night out.  

6. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Sixth on the list of the best cities in Europe for food-obsessed travellers is Amsterdam, Netherlands, standing out for its 8.74 for the number of vegan-friendly establishments and a score of 60.09.  

7. Milan, Italy

The seventh spot in the ranking of the best cities in Europe for foodies is Milan, Italy, with an index score of 59.08; The fashion capital offers a variety of activities, including canal-side drinks in the Navigli District and visits to the Duomo. As a result of Milan’s rating of 7.81 for restaurants that deliver online, you can order food to take away after a busy day of sightseeing. 

8. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona places eighth on the list of best cities in Europe for food lovers, just below Milan, with an index score of 59.00. The Spanish city, which is home to La Sagrada Familia and other spectacular works of Gaudi, earned a high score of 7.63 for the number of restaurants offering healthy food. 

9. Naples, Italy

With an index score of 56.89, Naples, Italy comes in ninth place. In addition to being the birthplace of pizza, Naples also received a score of 7.42 for the number of restaurants that serve coffee, a drink that is nearly religious to many people.  

10. Madrid, Spain

In tenth place is Madrid, Spain, with an index score of 56.26. The nation’s capital received a high score of 10 for the number of restaurants overall, like Paris – so whatever food you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a spot that satisfies you during your trip. 

Best European Cities for Foodies

Speaking about the findings, a spokesperson from Solo Female Travelers Tours said: “Our data suggests that 63% of women consider how appealing the local gastronomy is when choosing a destination. Foodies will be particularly interested in these ten cities which stand out for their culinary scene”. 

“Most of these cities are also in the most visited countries in the world such as France, Italy or Spain, and are popular destinations in our portfolio of tours for women, where we curate rich and immersive food and wine experiences at homes, wineries and farms”.

This information on the best cities in Europe for food lovers was provided by Solo Female Travelers Tours, a women-only tour company who strive to shape the travel industry to be more equitable for women. By employing only female guides, staying at female owned hotels and featuring activities led by local women, they aim to give more opportunities to local women at the destinations they visit, from Tanzania to Iceland, Oaxaca to Morocco, Tuscany to Croatia.