With travel in Europe finally showing signs of life we’ve put together a roundup of the best foodie destinations that have reopened for tourists. Before booking your trip, be sure to check the travel advice from the country you are departing from, as each government will have its own set of rules in place regarding restrictions and quarantine requirements. Remember to have fun, stay safe, and eat the world!
Bordeaux, France
If you’re thinking about a visit to France this summer, consider heading to the southwestern city of Bordeaux, famous for wine, the Saint-André gothic cathedral, and art museums. It’s also a heaven for foodies as Bordeaux has more restaurants per capita than any city in France. New attractions include the impressive Les Bassins de Lumières, the world’s largest digital arts center housed in a former Nazi submarine base which opened in June 2020.
Food-wise there are 1,600 restaurants and bistros to discover, food markets to explore, and hundreds of wines to sample. Foodie highlights include Marché des Capucins, the city’s largest food market nicknamed the Belly of Bordeaux, a dinner cruise on the Garonne River, food and wine pairings at one of the city’s wine bars, or spend a day exploring the region’s vineyards.
Greek Islands
The Greek islands are worth visiting for many reasons, but the abundance of delicious food just makes them even more enticing. Some of the best islands for foodies are Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Santorini is famous for its dramatic views and whitewashed houses. As well as being known as a party island, Mykonos is also home to sandy beaches, picturesque villages, and traditional windmills, whilst Crete offers dramatic gorges, beautiful beaches, and Minoan history.
Eat and drink your way through the islands with wine tasting in Santorini, the famous spicy kopanisti cheese in Mykonos, and Cretan olive oil, cheese pies, and dakos, a meze dish made from dried bread topped with chopped tomatoes and feta.
Helsinki, Finland
Many Finnish people joke that they have practiced social distancing all their lives, and with Finland officially being named the happiest country in the world, summer is the best time to visit when the sun is visible almost 24 hours a day and the temperatures are warm. In the modern capital city of Helsinki, spend your days sauna hopping and checking out world-famous brands in the design district such as Marimekko.
Foodwise, there are plenty of culinary delights to discover. Finnish people drink more coffee per capita than any nation in the world, so try some café hopping and enjoy a good cup of coffee with a cinnamon bun, enjoy a typical Finnish summer barbeque with fat juicy grilled sausages, and feast on fresh seafood sourced from the country’s lakes.
Bavaria, Germany
One of the most popular destinations for travelers in Germany, a road trip around Bavaria will take you to fairytale castles, historic towns, and lively beer halls. Bavaria’s main attractions include the Neuschwanstein Castle, the beer-loving city of Munich, the UNESCO protected historic town of Bamberg, and the well-preserved medieval city of Regensburg, home to more bars per kilometer than any other German city.
Foodie experiences you must try in Bavaria include a visit to Wurstkuchl in Regensburg, the world’s oldest sausage kitchen, followed by a stop at nearby Cafe Prinzess for coffee and cake, Germany’s oldest coffee house. In Munich, pay a visit to the weekly street food market along with their famous food market Viktualienmarkt, before visiting Hofbräuhaus, the world’s most famous beer hall established in 1589.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Known for its wonderful art museums, historical buildings, and expansive canal system, Amsterdam is a delightful city to visit for culture seekers and food enthusiasts. The city’s most popular attractions include the Van Gogh Museum, the recently renovated Rijksmuseum featuring works by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer, and Anne Frank’s house which has been converted into a museum that serves as a poignant reminder of her family’s tragic fate.
There are plenty of culinary adventures to be had in Amsterdam. Try local specialties such as herring sandwiches from a herring cart, beer from a local microbrewery or craft beer bar, dine on Dutch-style pancakes, and try the famous Dutch stroopwafels with your coffee.