Food-focused travel is taking centre stage in 2026, with travellers increasingly choosing destinations through local dishes, regional drinks and hands-on culinary experiences. Tripadvisor’s latest Travellers’ Choice ranking places European cities and regions prominently among the world’s best food, wine and beer tours.
The awards are based on reviews and ratings collected during the previous 12 months. Reykjavik’s food walk took the overall top spot in the food-tour category, while a Tuscany wine-tasting excursion from Florence ranked second in the global wine and beer list.
Reykjavik food walk leads the 2026 ranking
The Reykjavik Food Walk – Local Foodie Adventure in Iceland was named the world’s highest-rated food tour in Tripadvisor’s 2026 list. The three-hour experience takes visitors to around six local venues, including food trucks and restaurants.
Rather than focusing only on Iceland’s most familiar attractions, the tour introduces visitors to a range of local flavours. Tastings include Icelandic hot dogs, cheeses and ice cream, giving travellers an opportunity to explore the capital through everyday food as well as established culinary traditions.
The result reflects a broader shift in travel, with food tours offering visitors a way to understand a destination through its ingredients, neighbourhoods and independent businesses.
European cities dominate the food tour list
Several European destinations feature in Tripadvisor’s top 10 food tours worldwide. The ranking includes experiences in Portugal, the Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Spain, Greece and France.
The European entries are:
- Reykjavik Food Walk – Reykjavik, Iceland
- Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour – Lisbon, Portugal
- Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour – Split, Croatia
- Rome Twilight Trastevere Food Tour – Rome, Italy
- Montserrat, Tapas & Wine Tour – Barcelona, Spain
- Greek Food Walking Tour – Athens, Greece
- Devour Paris Ultimate Food Tour – Paris, France
The selection covers a wide range of travel styles, from walking tours through historic neighbourhoods to excursions combining scenery, regional produce and wine. Lisbon, Rome, Athens and Paris are represented through city-based culinary experiences, while the Split tour combines food and wine tasting with a visit to the Krka waterfalls.
Tuscany wine tour ranks second worldwide
European destinations also performed strongly in the wine and beer category. A small-group Tuscany wine-tasting tour from Florence placed second overall.
The half-day experience visits several wine estates and includes tastings of Tuscan wine, olive oil, cheese and cured meats. It also features a traditional Tuscan lunch or dinner, bringing together the region’s wine-making and food traditions.
Other European wine and beer experiences in the global top 10 include tours in Porto, Prague, Mykonos, Florence, Madrid, Santorini and London. The full European selection includes:
- Tuscany Wine Tasting Tour from Florence – Florence, Italy
- Douro Valley Small Group Tour – Porto and Lisbon, Portugal
- Prague Historic Pub Tour – Prague, Czechia
- Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land – Mykonos, Greece
- Siena, San Gimignano and Chianti Wines Day Tour – Tuscany, Italy
- Toledo Tour and Vineyard Experience – Madrid, Spain
- Santorini Wine Stories – Santorini, Greece
- Royal Historic Pubs Walking Guided Tour – London, United Kingdom
The list shows the variety of European drinking experiences available to visitors. Some focus on vineyard landscapes and formal tastings, while others explore historic pubs, local producers or food-and-wine pairings.
What the Tripadvisor awards measure
Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards use traveller reviews and ratings gathered over a 12-month period. The food and drink categories cover tours, tastings, cooking experiences and other activities connected with local cuisine.
The awards are therefore a review-led guide rather than an official assessment by a tourism authority. Rankings can reflect factors such as the quality of guides, organisation, atmosphere, food selection and how memorable visitors found the experience.
Tripadvisor also announced restaurant awards covering areas such as fine dining, hidden gems and plant-based meals. A new “viral right now” category highlights eateries attracting current online attention, including Dishoom in London, Banh Mi Huynh Hoa in Ho Chi Minh City and Cremeria Santo Stefano in Bologna.
Why food tours are shaping European travel
Culinary tourism allows visitors to experience a destination beyond major landmarks. A guided food walk can introduce travellers to neighbourhood businesses, regional specialities and cultural customs that may be missed on a conventional sightseeing itinerary.
For travellers planning a European break, the rankings also highlight several practical considerations:
- Book ahead: popular small-group tours may have limited capacity, particularly during peak travel periods.
- Check what is included: tastings, drinks, meals and transport vary between experiences.
- Consider dietary needs: visitors should confirm whether vegetarian, vegan or allergy-friendly options are available.
- Review the location: some tours take place entirely in a city, while others require transfers to vineyards or nearby attractions.
- Read recent reviews: conditions, menus and tour arrangements can change over time.
The takeaway for travellers
Tripadvisor’s 2026 ranking places Reykjavik at the top of the global food-tour table, while Tuscany remains one of Europe’s standout wine destinations. Lisbon, Amsterdam, Split, Rome, Athens, Paris, Prague, Porto, Madrid, Santorini and London also feature among the leading experiences.
For travellers building an itinerary around local cuisine, the awards offer a starting point for comparing highly reviewed activities. The strongest choice will ultimately depend on budget, dietary requirements, travel dates and whether the priority is street food, fine dining, wine tasting or historic pubs.