Athens tops TUI Musement’s ranking of the top 10 European cities for food experiences in 2026, indicating the impressive growth of the Greek capital’s food scene in recent years and the city’s establishment as a mature gastronomic destination.
More specifically, Athens ranks eighth in Europe for food-focused travel, according to a TUI Musement survey that analyzed Google searches for the term “[city] food tour” in both the city’s original name and its English translation from January to December 2025 to rank the 20 most popular European cities for culinary tours.
The study included all European cities with a population of more than 150,000 residents.
“Athens is the ideal place to discover Greek cuisine. “Simply ingredients, traditional recipes, and a strong connection to history and place make this culinary journey a truly exciting experience,” the research states.
According to TUI Musemen, food tours in Athens help travelers understand the relationship between local dishes and the city’s cultural identity. “Historic markets and traditional tavernas offer an authentic taste of the city,” he notes, and suggests two places that must be visited to understand Greek gastronomy: the Varvakio market and the Psirri area.
Athens is among the top ten cities in Europe for a food tour, with 27,900 Google searches.
Rome is ranked first with 80,600 searches, while Italy is ranked second, specifically Bologna with 60,100 searches. The Italian presence is particularly noticeable in TUI Musement’s list, as 6 out of 20 suggested destinations are Italian, confirming Italy’s rise as a top gastronomic destination in Europe.
Focus on culinary experiences is given by 56% of travelers
Gastronomy is no longer just an added element of travel, but has become one of the main criteria for choosing a destination, with over 56% of travelers showing “interest” or “very interest” in participating in gastronomic activities during their vacation, as revealed by the TUI Musement survey in collaboration with Appinio.
Additionally, 71% prefer to book these experiences in advance, while 60% choose sunset or evening hours as the ideal time for culinary delights. The preferred duration for these experiences is between two and four hours, and travelers value authentic, tasteful experiences and local cuisine above all else, confirming that trying traditional flavors is one of the most important ways to connect with the culture of a destination.
In parallel with culinary tours, which include visits to local markets, street food stalls, and historic neighborhoods, which interest 74% of travelers, travelers are also interested in dining in unique locations, such as on the beach or under the stars (84.4%), sunset dinner cruises (78.9%), and experiences that combine gastronomy with entertainment (76.5%).
These findings confirm a clear trend: travelers are seeking memorable experiences where the environment, authenticity, and cultural connection are just as important as the food itself.
The 20 top gastronomic destinations in Europe
| Ranking | City | Country | Search |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rome | Italy | 80600 |
| 2 | Bologne | Italy | 60100 |
| 3 | Lisbon | Portugal | 47200 |
| 4 | London | UK | 45100 |
| 5 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | 35100 |
| 6 | Madrid | Spain | 32000 |
| 7 | France | France | 31000 |
| 8 | Athens | Greece | 27900 |
| 9 | Porto | Portugal | 25500 |
| 10 | Naples | Italy | 24960 |
| 11 | Venice | Italy | 22280 |
| 12 | Barcelona | Spain | 21380 |
| 13 | Vienna | Austria | 17400 |
| 14 | Florence | Italy | 17370 |
| 15 | Budapest | Hungary | 15960 |
| 16 | Prague | Czech Republic | 14880 |
| 17 | Milan | Italy | 14440 |
| 18 | Edinburgh | UK | 13420 |
| 19 | Seville | Spain | 13140 |
| 20 | Dublin | Ireland | 13000 |
