It’s a fact: experiencing new cultures and their food is one of the main reasons people pack their bags and start traveling. Getting to know a new city or region through its gastronomy gives visitors a unique and valuable insight into its traditions and customs, and a deeper understanding of the everyday life of its locals.
Every travel experience should include a sampling of local foods. Luckily, the world is full of cities that make for a great foodie vacation – whether you are traveling solo or with friends or family, and visiting for a few days or staying long-term. And many of these destinations offer guided food tours which allow visitors to taste and learn about local delicacies and traditions, while sightseeing.
If you happen to be planning your next food adventure, and haven’t settled on a destination yet, we have compiled a list of European cities which offer unforgettable gastronomic experiences, with a particular focus on sweets and desserts. Get ready for your trip with us, and don’t forget to leave room for dessert!
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Paris
Getting to know Paris by food tours is not recommended for anyone watching their waistline. But it is a paradise for foodies, and especially those with a penchant for pastries and desserts!
France’s capital city and #1 most popular tourist destination offers an incredible variety of world-renowned establishments, selling cakes and other sweet delicacies that visitors can sink their teeth into. From soft caramel macarons to top-quality chocolate truffles, the list of treats is endless…
If you have a sweet tooth, the City of Light boasts a number of food tour companies –designed and tailored for different perspectives – which will give you the opportunity to discover the best macarons, croissants and bonbons, and sip the yummiest hot chocolate in town, during a truly unique and memorable culinary experience.
Discovering Paris by food tours is an excellent way to treat yourself, take in beautiful sites, and better understand France’s cuisine, traditions, and culture. A food tour is also handy for travelers who do not have time to research the best places in town, and can’t stand being overcharged in run-of-the-mill tourist traps.
Madrid
One of the hallmarks of Spanish culture is a passion for food. Spain does not mess around when it comes to its gastronomy and, with a large and homogenous population, the country’s cuisine is famously simple and authentic, while bringing together a great deal of different flavors.
Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city, has more of an eating-out culture than most other parts of the country. Its thriving dining scene includes a seemingly infinite amount of bars and restaurants which cater to all tastes.
Madrid can also be a dream destination for sweet-lovers. The city has many traditional establishments in which travelers can enjoy iconic sweet treats and snacks like turrones (a nougat confection) and churros (probably the most prominent dessert in the entire country).
Often served together with coffee or hot chocolate, churros are fried sticks of dough which taste like doughnuts, and share similar ingredients. They are fluffy on the inside but have crispy ridges on the outside – an excellent combination when served fresh. Churros can be coated with sugar, chocolate, caramel, or cinnamon, and make for a fantastic breakfast or sweet treat after all the rigors of sightseeing.
Rome
There is plenty to recommend about Rome, not least its excellent food – which is absolutely not limited to pizza and pasta. The city has a great deal of excellent spots in which to enjoy pastries and sandwiches, together with a shot of the local espresso, over the course of a hard day’s sightseeing.
The Italian capital also has a wide range of options for sampling sweet treats and desserts – way more than can be covered in just one article. No matter how much pizza, pasta or salad you eat when in Rome, you should always save room for dessert. However, you should also be aware that the city has a great deal of tourist traps which serve subpar, overpriced fare.
As a result, we highly recommend taking a food tour when staying in Rome. This is an excellent way to explore the capital, combining great food with the city’s iconic sights. Cannoli, sfogliatelle, cassette and traditional gelato are just some of the sweet treats you can sample during a Roman food tour experience.
What to expect on a food tour?
As you may know, a food tour consists of walking around a city with a local guide, and visiting shops, cafés, and restaurants to sample different foods, while learning about the history of the city’s culinary traditions and their place in the local culture.
Food tours are great for tourists looking to steer clear of substandard establishments that are anything but traditional or authentic. They will also spare you the expense of an underwhelming meal at an overpriced restaurant which the locals tend to avoid.
Things to know before booking a food tour
Traditional food tours (including sweet food tours) are typically suitable for children and vegetarians, but travelers can check in advance whether they include unsuitable dishes, so that the organizers can arrange for a replacement. Bear in mind that food tours are often an excellent opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things…
It is worth noting that, in most cases, the price of the tour includes food and tips at all stops, so you can relax and not worry about extra expenses. On the other hand, alcohol is usually charged separately, so be aware that you will probably have to spend a few extra euros if you want to sample a glass of wine or craft beer together with your food.
Last but not least, if you are headed to a crowded tourist spot like Paris, Madrid, or Rome, it pays to book your food tour tickets in advance. This will guarantee your spot, and save precious time which would otherwise be wasted in long queues!
