Time Out’s latest ranking lists the 20 best destinations for foodies in 2026: from Bangkok’s street food to Barcelona’s fine dining. Find out which city tops the global ranking
Choose a tour in Ukraine for any taste
Exploring local cuisine has long since ceased to be merely a side note to a holiday. For many modern travellers, food is the main factor when choosing a country to visit. Time Out magazine has published its latest ranking of the best gastronomic destinations for 2026, having surveyed thousands of locals, as well as leading chefs and restaurant critics.
When compiling the ranking, the experts assessed not just the number of trendy restaurants, but also affordability, culinary traditions and the authenticity of the food culture.
Where should you go to eat well and affordably in 2026?
This year, Lima (Peru) has been named the world leader in gastronomic tourism. Peru’s capital has won over the experts with its cultural and regional diversity: here you can find both Amazonian dishes and authentic recipes from the southern regions. As well as the famous ceviche, critics strongly recommend trying causa Limeña. At the same time, Lima has become the most budget-friendly city in the ranking: 85% of locals consider food prices to be absolutely affordable.
No less vivid experiences await tourists in Asia and Latin America:
Bangkok (Thailand): A true Mecca of street food, shaped by Chinese traditions and international trade. The perfect Thai dish here is always a harmonious explosion of sweet, salty, sour and spicy flavours.
Mexico City (Mexico): A city where ancient Mexican ingredients meet global trends. The undisputed culinary symbol of the capital remains the taco al pastor — the most tender pork with chilli on a corn tortilla.
Gastronomic tourism in Europe: the best destinations
The European continent is represented in the top five of the ranking by two cities that are completely different in spirit but equally delicious.
London (United Kingdom) shatters stereotypes about boring British cuisine. Today, it is a global melting pot where centuries-old English traditions coexist peacefully with the finest authentic establishments from India, Korea and China. As the authors of the study note, in no other city in the world do locals enjoy eating out as much as Londoners do.
Barcelona (Spain) offers tourists the chance to immerse themselves in a rich Mediterranean history. Catalan cuisine has absorbed both its Roman heritage and the bounty of the New World.
“Barcelona was also the first place in Spain where the concept of the modern restaurant took shape,” the experts emphasise.
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Full ranking: the best cities for culinary tourism
In addition to the recognised top five, other destinations stand out on the 2026 gastronomic map. Experts have compiled a diverse list covering all continents.
If you’re planning a trip to Asia, it’s worth paying attention to the rich flavours of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the colourful markets of Beijing and Hong Kong, as well as the street food of Osaka and the spicy dishes of Bangalore in India.
Lovers of European classics will enjoy the fresh seafood of Athens and Lisbon, the quintessential pizza in Naples, the refined cuisine of Marseille in France, and the Scandinavian minimalism of Copenhagen.
America and the Southern Hemisphere are represented by multicultural New York, the meat-centred traditions of Buenos Aires, the vibrant flavours of Medellín in Colombia, as well as Melbourne and Cape Town, which round off the top twenty destinations for true gourmets.
Have you been inspired by the global rankings and are already planning your next culinary adventure? You can start your gastronomic journey right now!
The Visit Ukraine platform offers exclusive gastronomic tours of Ukraine that will transform your perception of the richness of the national cuisine. Discover authentic recipes from Zakarpattia, sample craft cheeses and wines from the southern regions, or embark on a culinary expedition through the historic, concept-driven establishments of Lviv and Kyiv.
A reminder! After a century and a half, Barcelona is celebrating a historic triumph: the Sagrada Família has found its central feature. The consecration of the Tower of Jesus Christ has officially made Gaudí’s masterpiece the tallest church on the planet. Find out what secrets this legendary long-term construction project hides and when it will be completed.
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Frequantly
asked questions
What is gastronomic tourism in simple terms?
Gastronomic tourism (or culinary tourism) is a form of travel whose main purpose is to explore the national cuisine, local produce and culinary traditions of a particular region.
Unlike conventional tourism, where food is merely a means of satisfying hunger, on gastronomic tours, tasting dishes becomes the primary way of exploring a country’s culture and history.
How does a culinary tour differ from a standard tour?
The main difference lies in the priorities and the itinerary itself. The entire route is built around visits to farms, wineries, traditional cheese dairies, bustling local markets and concept restaurants. Furthermore, such trips are highly interactive. Tourists don’t just taste the food, but also take part in culinary masterclasses led by chefs, harvest crops or observe the production process. The whole group is usually accompanied by a specialist — a gourmet guide, restaurateur or sommelier with in-depth knowledge of the history of local gastronomy.
Which countries are best for a food tour?
Choosing the perfect destination depends entirely on your personal taste preferences. For timeless classics, cheese and wine, travellers traditionally head to Tuscany in Italy, Provence in France, Catalonia in Spain or hospitable Georgia. Connoisseurs of vibrant street food and exotic spices should take a look at the bustling streets of Bangkok, Vietnam, Mexico or Japan. If the main aim of the trip is the freshest seafood, the coastal regions of Portugal, Greece and Peru are the ideal choice. It is also worth noting the growing global trend towards domestic gastronomic tourism, which allows you to rediscover the unique artisanal produce of your own region.