Best Tourist Destinations for Foodies in 2024
Los Angeles offers an abundance of fine restaurants, pop-up dining experiences, food trucks and food carts to satisfy any palate during a visit to this vibrant city. If you want to avoid tourist joints in favor of local cuisines then make a point to explore Koreatown or Thai Town for something new and different!
Parisians may be famous for their fondness of French-Canadian fare, but its culinary offerings go well beyond this category. Diners can sample exquisite Eastern European, Italian and Japanese options.
1. Mexico City
From traditional fare at Enrique Olvera’s Pujol to innovative modern cuisine, Mexico City (or CDMX) is an incredible foodie destination. Try delectable tacos al pastor or discover innovative new menu items crafted by talented local chefs at trendy and cutting-edge restaurants.
Texas natives know Austin for its tasty barbeque. Meanwhile, Quebec offers romantic cuisine that features traditional French and Canadian options like beef Wellington and smoked duck breast. To gain an in-depth experience of Quebec’s top dining experiences join a culinary tour led by an expert.
2. Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is home to some of South Africa’s finest wines, boasting an historic town center filled with cafes, restaurants and shops – perfect for exploring on foot! A walking tour is the ideal way to see this town at its best.
Begin a culinary adventure that will take you through wine farms and vineyards, sampling delicious local cuisine while learning more about its fascinating history. From street food to Michelin-star dining experiences, this vibrant city has something for every palette.
3. Helsinki
Helsinki, an idyllic Nordic metropolis, is also home to some of Europe’s top restaurants, from classical institutions like Restaurant Esplanade to hidden gems serving delicious local wild fish dishes, forest berries and foraged mushrooms.
Konditoria Hopia, one of the city’s renowned bakeries, stands out for being an embodiment of tradition while at the same time meeting modern taste in Carelian pie (karjalanpiirakka) lovers. Additionally, restaurant Alexanderplats stands out as an exciting Nordic brasserie offering both Finnish classics and French cuisine on its menu.
4. Amman
Amman is Jordan’s capital city, boasting an eclectic blend of Arabs, Armenians and Iraqis that makes for an exciting gastronomical scene. Take a food tour and sample Amman’s bustling markets, authentic eateries on Rainbow Street and local cafes serving hookah and cardamom coffee – they all make for memorable dining experiences!
Are you indulging in some luxurious accommodations this vacation? Consider booking at the 5-star Amman Marriott. Situated at the center of town, guests enjoy free parking and Wifi access as well as six onsite restaurants and bars including FIVE Grill & Lounge – making for a fantastic luxury hotel stay!
5. Helsinki Food Tours
Denver’s food scene is constantly evolving, from classic cocktails in retro decor to delicious macarons and Sichuan noodles. To experience some of Seattle’s finest bites, take the Pike Place Market tour or Savor Seattle market tour.
Helsinki is an excellent way to experience Finnish traditions through food. Try fried vendace, traditional Lappish delicacies such as cold-smoked reindeer meat and the famous squeaky cheese known as Juustoleipa on one of Helsinki’s walking tours.
6. Dubai
Dubai’s burgeoning culinary scene goes well beyond glitzy malls and luxury hotels, providing visitors with an abundance of dining options. Foodies will appreciate Dubai for being home to world-renowned chef restaurants like DUO Gastrobar serving Asian, European, and American flavors; Berenjak (an Indian-style fusion restaurant), and Sagetsu by Tetsuya Wakuda offering Japanese fare – among many others.
For an effortless casual dining experience, visit one of the local pintxos bars for modern Basque fare or travel to Crete for authentic Mediterranean dining.
7. Amman Food Tours
An engaging tour led by a Jordanian resident can provide the ideal way to discover downtown Amman’s markets. Jumana will show you her home turf: street vendors selling everything from green almonds (still maturing) and bags of green cherries to spiced, flavorful smoked meat products.
Beit Sitti is a women-owned social enterprise offering authentic Jordanian cuisine at both its restaurant and food shop. Enjoy Lebanese classics from hummus Beiruti to ful medames as well as their famous traditional kanafeh for dessert!
8. Helsinki Food Tours
Explore Helsinki’s artisan food scene through the eyes, ears, and palate of local experts. Gain valuable insight into traditions while discovering hidden hotspots for foodies!
After stopping at an Alko (booze store) where I learned of the government-monopoly on alcohol sales and how important planning ahead for any nights out was, we moved onto an indoor/outdoor food hall featuring various stalls.
Chloe is an experienced travel blogger and content creator based in the UK, from volcano boarding in Nicaragua to sailing Sicily and eating her way across Japan. Additionally, she’s an accomplished personal trainer.
