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What is it about food on vacation, the way that it simultaneously welcomes and comforts, how it both educates and nourishes? I love learning about a place’s food and wine, the customs that surround their consumption and the lure around their production. If there’s one thing I’m thinking about on a trip, it’s probably where and when the next meal will be. Europe is brimming with culinary diversity, from each culture’s traditional larder to the imported cuisines made possible by globalization.

Everybody loves food, and (most) places hold the potential for serving up a great meal. But some of us are a bit obsessed with food, and are willing to plan entire itineraries around a specific region or cuisine. To chase after that incredible, unmatched dining experience. Eating one’s way through a place has become one of the most popular methods of experiencing a city. Below, I’ve collected a list of my favorite European cities for discovering Europe’s best food and wine.

Lyon, France

Lyon, nestled in the heart of France, is renowned as the gastronomic capital of France. From traditional bouchons serving hearty Lyonnaise cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, Lyon offers a diverse array of dining options to suit every palate and budget. Visitors can indulge in iconic Lyonnaise dishes such as coq au vin, quenelle, and cervelle de canut, accompanied by world-class wines from nearby vineyards in the Rhône Valley and Beaujolais regions.

Beyond its eateries, Lyon is also celebrated for its bustling food markets and gourmet shops, where visitors can immerse themselves in the city's culinary soul. The historic Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, named after the legendary French chef, is a food lover's paradise, brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and more. Meanwhile, the vibrant open-air markets, such as the Marché Saint-Antoine and the Marché de la Croix-Rousse, offer a feast for the senses with their colorful stalls and tantalizing aromas. For those seeking hands-on culinary experiences, Lyon offers a variety of cooking classes and gastronomic tours led by local chefs, providing insight into the secrets of French cuisine and wine pairing.

In addition to its culinary highlights, Lyon boasts a rich cultural heritage and a wealth of attractions to explore. History buffs can wander the cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture. The city is also home to a number of world-class museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, which houses an impressive collection of European art spanning from antiquity to the present day. For a taste of Lyon's vibrant nightlife, visitors can stroll along the picturesque quays of the Saône River and discover cozy wine bars, lively boulangeries, and chic cocktail lounges tucked away in the city's hidden alleyways. Lyon’s irresistible culinary culture offers an unforgettable experience for food and wine enthusiasts.

Best Culinary Experiences in Lyon

Lisbon, Portugal

Along the banks of the Tagus River, Lisbon, Portugal, beckons food and wine enthusiasts with its fresh seafood, delectable pastries, and world-class wines. Wander through the historic neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa to discover charming eateries, bustling markets, and cozy wine bars tucked away in narrow cobblestone streets. Savor traditional Portuguese dishes such as bacalhau (salted cod), grilled sardines, and pastéis de nata (custard tarts) while indulging in local wines like Vinho Verde, Port, and Douro reds.

For an authentic taste of Lisbon's culinary culture, embark on a food and wine tour to explore the city's diverse flavors and hidden gems. Visit bustling markets like Mercado da Ribeira and Mercado de Campo de Ourique to sample an array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Immerse yourself in Lisbon's vibrant cafe culture with a visit to historic cafes such as A Brasileira, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or afternoon coffee paired with fresh pastries. Don't miss the opportunity to experience a traditional fado performance while savoring a home cooked meal at one of Lisbon's many fado restaurants.

Beyond its culinary sites, Lisbon offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions to explore. A stroll through the narrow streets of the Alfama district reveals ancient churches, Moorish castles, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the city. In the Belém district, historic landmarks such as the Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Discoveries Monument, commemorate Portugal's Age of Exploration. Don’t forget to hop on a tram to explore the charming neighborhoods of Graça and Mouraria. Lisbon offers a gastronomic adventure like no other.

Best Culinary Experiences in Lisbon

Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy, situated in the Emilia-Romagna region, is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts, legendary for its savory cuisine and world-class wines. The city's culinary heart beats loudest at its historic markets, such as Mercato di Mezzo and Mercato delle Erbe, where you can sample an array of local delicacies, including fresh pasta, artisanal cheeses, and cured meats. Local restaurants serve traditional dishes like tagliatelle al ragù (Bolognese pasta), tortellini in brodo (stuffed pasta in broth), and mortadella, all washed down with a glass of Lambrusco or Sangiovese wine.

So much of Bologna’s charm comes from its reputation for fresh ingredients. Countless food tours are available to guide you through the secrets of Bologna's culinary heritage. A local guide will be able to navigate you through the city's winding streets and hidden alleyways, stopping at traditional trattorias, osterias, and wine bars along the way. You can also learn about the art of pasta making, sample regional specialties like crescentine fritte (fried dough) and tigelle (flatbread), and savor the flavors of authentic gelato at one of Bologna's famed gelaterias. Don't miss the chance to visit the nearby towns of Modena and Parma to taste iconic products like balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and Prosciutto di Parma, all of which are celebrated throughout the world for their exceptional quality and flavor.

Bologna’s cultural and historic bona fides are just as impressive as its culinary accolades. The city's medieval streets are home to iconic landmarks such as Piazza Maggiore, home to the magnificent Basilica di San Petronio and the historic Palazzo d'Accursio. The iconic Asinelli Tower allows visitors to climb atop it for panoramic views of the city skyline. Art enthusiasts will delight in the city's numerous museums and galleries, including the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, which houses a rich collection of Renaissance masterpieces by artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio. Bologna is not to be missed, offering a truly unforgettable experience for food and wine enthusiasts alike.

Best Culinary Experiences in Bologna

San Sebastian, Spain

Renowned as one of the world's top gastronomic destinations, the charming seaside city of San Sebastian boasts an array of Michelin-starred restaurants, pintxos bars, and lively food markets, making it a paradise for epicureans. From its location on the coastline of Spain’s Basque Country, savory seafood dishes and delectable pintxos showcase the region's finest ingredients and bountiful seafood. Wash it all down with txakoli wine, a lightly sparkling, very dry white wine produced locally in San Sebastian. For fine dining aficionados, the options are seemingly endless, as San Sebastian has the most Michelin starred restaurants, per capita, in the world.

But food and wine isn’t the only reason to visit San Sebastian. The picturesque La Concha promenade offers panoramic views of the bay and is especially stunning as the sun sets over the horizon. The city is full of architectural treasures, including the iconic Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the grand Belle Époque-era buildings that line the waterfront. For outdoor enthusiasts, San Sebastian's surrounding countryside beckons with its lush green hills, scenic coastal trails, and world-class surf breaks. Nearby Mount Urgull is popular with hikers for the breathtaking views of the city and the shimmering waters of the Bay of Biscay visible from its peak.

The culinary charms of Basque Country lie in the villages and countryside surrounding San Sebastian. The coastal town of Getaria is renowned for its fresh seafood and txakoli wine, while the picturesque wine region of Rioja Alavesa contains centuries-old wineries open for tours. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Basque cider house experience, where you can enjoy a hearty meal of cider-house steak, chorizo, and bacalao (salt cod) paired with unlimited cider straight from the barrel. The unique combination of culinary excellence, natural beauty, and cultural heritage makes San Sebastian a food and wine destination that every enthusiast should visit.

Best Culinary Experiences in San Sebastian

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux has captivated food and wine enthusiasts for centuries as the heart of France’s famed wine country. Known as the capital of wine, Bordeaux boasts a prestigious wine-growing region that stretches across picturesque vineyards, producing some of the world's finest vintages. There’s a lot to discover, from the historic wine estates of the Médoc, where you can sample acclaimed red wines such as Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Estèphe, to the rolling hills of Saint-Émilion, with its charming medieval villages and elegant Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious wine neophyte, Bordeaux offers a plethora of wine-tasting experiences to suit every palate and experience level.

Bordeaux is more than just its world-renowned vineyards, though. The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene and rich gastronomic traditions. At the city’s oldest market, Marché des Capucins, visitors can peruse stalls brimming with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and delectable pastries. Traditional Bordelais meals are served up at the city's acclaimed bistros and brasseries, where you can feast on regional specialties such as confit de canard (duck confit), foie gras, and magret de canard (duck breast) paired with robust Bordeaux wines.

The picturesque countryside and charming villages that dot the region are not to be missed. Along the Route des Châteaux, you can admire the grandeur of historic wine estates and medieval castles nestled amidst verdant vineyards. The enchanting village of Saint-Émilion is a popular destination in its own right, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its medieval architecture and ancient wine cellars. To the southwest of town, the tranquil shores of Arcachon Bay beckon with fresh oysters and seafood paired with crisp white wines. Bordeaux may be the perfect destination for gourmands, with no shortage of world-class wines, gourmet cuisine, or scenic terroir.

Best Culinary Experiences in Bordeaux

Edinburgh, Scotland

Tucked into the stunning landscapes of Scotland, Edinburgh is a haven for food, wine, and Scotch whiskey enthusiasts alike. The city's rich culinary scene reflects its vibrant cultural heritage, offering a tantalizing array of flavors and experiences to satisfy every palate. Along the historic streets of the Old Town, traditional Scottish pubs serve up hearty dishes such as haggis, neeps, and tatties alongside a fine selection of Scotch whiskey. The city’s lively waterfront area of Leith offers a taste of Scotland's famed seafood, from fresh oysters to smoked salmon and beyond.

No visit to Edinburgh would be complete without sampling the city's renowned Scotch whiskey. Embark on a whiskey tasting tour and journey through the iconic distilleries of Scotland's whiskey trail, where you can learn about the age-old traditions of whiskey production and sample a variety of single malts and blended whiskies. Explore the historic Scotch Whiskey Experience and uncover the fascinating history and heritage behind Scotland's national drink, or venture to the charming village of Dufftown in Speyside, home to some of the country's most celebrated whiskey distilleries. Edinburgh offers an immersive whiskey experience for connoisseurs and the uninitiated alike.

In between the whiskey and haggis, make time to explore Edinburgh’s cultural heritage and stunning landmarks. The majestic Edinburgh Castle, perched atop an ancient volcanic rock, brings to life the city's medieval history as you wander through its ancient chambers and royal residences. Or plan your visit to coincide with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world's largest arts festival, where you can experience an eclectic mix of theater, comedy, and music performances. To see more of Scotland beyond its capital, venture to the nearby Highlands, with the rugged landscapes of Loch Ness and Glencoe, or the picturesque shores of Loch Lomond. Edinburgh offers a truly unforgettable experience for food, wine, and whiskey enthusiasts alike.

Best Culinary Experiences in Edinburgh

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Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital city, has a culinary scene bursting with innovation and flavor. Its bustling food markets, like the Torvehallerne Market, is where local vendors showcase their fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet treats. Indulge in traditional Danish smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches piled high with delectable toppings, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a decadent Danish pastry paired with a rich cup of coffee.

For an unforgettable dining experience, venture to the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro, known for its eclectic mix of eateries and hip cafes. The innovative flavors of New Nordic cuisine, where local ingredients are transformed into culinary masterpieces, can be found at an array of fine dining restaurants nearby. Alternatively, the cozy ambiance of traditional Danish bistros offers traditional dishes like frikadeller (meatballs) or stegt flæsk (crispy pork belly) paired with a locally brewed beer. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the canals of Nyhavn. This iconic waterfront district oozes charm, its streets dotted with colorful townhouses and lively outdoor cafes.

Copenhagen is also home to the vibrant neighborhood of Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous commune known for its vibrant street art, quirky cafes, and bohemian atmosphere. Another popular area is the Latin Quarter, sought out for its cozy bookshops and artisanal boutiques. Literary and history buffs may want to venture beyond the city limits, towards the countryside of North Zealand,home to magnificent castles such as Frederiksborg Castle and Kronborg Castle, immortalized in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Denmark's capital city offers a truly unforgettable experience for foodies.