Perfect low-cost getaways for foodies
Travel is about more than just sightseeing: it’s about ordering something you can’t pronounce, discovering a dish you didn’t expect, and returning home with new favourites on your list. We're taking off towards new flavours!
Travel to eat
If the first thing you check when choosing a destination is the food, you’re one of us. We’re not (necessarily) talking about fine dining, but about historic bars, markets heavy with the scent of spices, quick bites on the go, and casual spots where you always want to stay for "just one more". Plan your weekend gastronomic getaway or a multi-day tour through the most appetising destinations—we’ll take you there!
Best gastronomic destinations
At Vueling, we fly to destinations chosen by appetite. From the creative cuisine of Copenhagen to the bold, straightforward flavours of Naples or Athens, passing through foodie classics like San Sebastian and Lyon. Hungry for more? Barcelona, Porto, or Bologna never fail. And if you look south, Morocco awaits with markets full of spice and dishes that change everything. You pick the city; the plan is to go out and taste it all.
✈️🍴 San Sebastian
San Sebastian is explored bar by bar. In the Old Town, pintxos set the pace: one in Plaza de la Constitución, another near the port… carrying on until you lose count. Here, tradition is served in miniature, but the flavour is massive. Add a cold txakoli wine and a sweet treat to end the day. In Donosti, the plan is simple: arrive hungry and go with the flow.
✈️🍴Bologna
Bologna is best experienced bite by bite. Here, the itinerary starts in a neighbourhood trattoria with tagliatelle al ragù, continues in the Quadrilatero snacking on freshly cut mortadella and parmesan, and ends with a toast of good Lambrusco. Join a local food tasting, try fresh pasta made on the spot, or improvise a bar crawl where every stop has a speciality. In Bologna, arriving hungry isn't optional—it's mandatory.
✈️🍴Lyon
You come to Lyon to eat well. Seriously well. Here, bouchons rule: hearty dishes, traditional recipes, and tables where nobody watches the clock. Between markets—Les Halles is essential—you can snack on cheeses, charcuterie, and desserts impossible to share. Tradition without pretense and flavour without filters.
✈️🍴Naples
Naples smells of pizza fresh from the oven. Here, the mozzarella is the real deal, espresso is served fast and strong, and life revolves around street food. Order a margherita, try something fried from a stall, and finish with a sfogliatella. Chaotic, intense, and delicious. That's how you eat in Naples.
✈️🍴Porto
Porto is savoured slowly. Brave a francesinha sandwich, continue with cod (bacalhau) in any of its versions, and finish by toasting with Port wine by the river. Between the markets, taverns, and terraces, the city makes it very easy to order another round.
✈️🍴Copenhagen
Copenhagen proves that simple can be spectacular. Plenty of seasonal produce, artisanal bread, modern food halls, and cuisine that surprises without being over-complicated. Here you can alternate creative street food with restaurants reinventing Nordic style. Minimalism on the plate, maximum flavour.
✈️🍴Barcelona
Barcelona is a constant mix: a local vermouth in the neighbourhood, tapas coming and going, and markets like La Boqueria that instantly whet the appetite. 'Sea and mountain' on the same menu, lively terraces, and a cuisine that effortlessly combines tradition and trend.
✈️🍴Istanbul
Istanbul is spice, smoke, and fire. Start the day with a simit on the street, continue with kebabs and meze to share, and leave room for baklava with Turkish tea. Here you eat between continents, mixing flavours unlike anywhere else.
✈️🍴Brussels
In Brussels, the plan is clear: freshly made waffles, crispy frites (chips), and a massive selection of craft beers to choose from at your leisure. Add some quality chocolate and a traditional stew at a local brasserie. Simple, hearty, and perfect for an uncomplicated foodie getaway.
✈️🍴Athens
Athens tastes of olive oil, feta cheese, and charcoal grills. Share meze, order freshly made souvlaki, and toast with ouzo at sunset. Everything here is informal, tasty, and designed for lingering over your meal.
✈️🍴Marrakech
Marrakech awakens the appetite from your first step in the Medina. Steaming food stalls, the scent of spices invading everything, and slow-cooked tagines. Couscous, pastilla, freshly squeezed orange juice… eating here is part of the journey, and the memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are foodie holidays?
Foodie holidays (or gastronomic tourism) are a way of travelling where local cuisine becomes the heart of the experience. It includes trying typical dishes, visiting traditional markets, discovering local produce, and booking tables at iconic restaurants. It is the perfect combination of tourism and gastronomy to truly understand a destination from the inside out.
What are the best food destinations in Europe?
Among the best gastronomic destinations, cities like San Sebastian, Bologna, Lyon, and Naples stand out. Porto, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Istanbul, Brussels, and Athens are also benchmarks. Each offers its own specialities and a well-defined culinary identity.
How many days do I need for a gastronomic trip?
For a gastronomic city break, 2 or 3 days focused on key neighbourhoods and selected restaurants are enough. If you want to dive deeper into the destination, combining markets, culinary tours, and local experiences, the ideal is to book between 4 and 7 days.
What is the best time for foodie travel?
Gastronomic trips can be enjoyed all year round. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring cities at a relaxed pace and enjoying seasonal produce. In winter, many European capitals offer comforting culinary options (like hearty stews and markets), while summer brings lively terraces and outdoor dining.
How do I organise a foodie trip with Vueling?
With Vueling, you can fly to some of the main European food capitals and personalise your experience from the moment you book. Choose your fare, add luggage for those edible souvenirs, and collect Avios on every journey. Your next foodie adventure starts taking shape before you even take off.