Why Do a Food Tour?
You’ve arrived and are settled into an exciting new city, had “the big sleep“, and are ready to go exploring on your first full day. Trying to get acquainted with new cities on your own with limited time can be fun but challenging and you need to be prepared.
- Do you know which neighborhoods are worth spending your time in?
- Do you know any local people?
- Are you aware of local customs and things to watch out for?
- Are you familiar with local specialty dishes, drinks, and the best places to try them?
Most people arriving in a new city will not be this prepared and it will take time to orient yourself and absorb the culture. And, since travelers often have just a few days in one place, it’s important to familiarize quickly to squeeze the most out of your time. Thankfully, there is a fast-track option – food tours.
Food tours are a wonderful modern concept. For the price of a ticket, you are instantly connected with a local that speaks your language and is your guide/friend for a few hours of fun and incredible food.
Here are the reasons why I think a food tour is the best thing to do on your first full day in a new city:
Discover Local Cuisine
One of the greatest things about traveling is the opportunity to try new foods in their natural habitat. With a food tour, you’ll get to sample some of the best local dishes while learning about their history and cultural significance. Your guide will take you to the best restaurants, cafes, and markets, and introduce you to local chefs and food artisans. You can taste everything from street food to gourmet cuisine, and experience the flavors and aromas of the city like a local.
Want to be adventurous? Most food tours I’ve experienced cover the spectrum of adventurous eating – from traditional favorites to local delicacies you may never have heard of. On food tours, I’ve had crickets, durian, balut, frog legs, and more. Would I order these at home? Probably not. But, traveling is all about trying new things! If you don’t like something, that’s okay – but, try everything!
Since travelers often have just a few days in one place, it’s important to familiarize quickly to squeeze the most out of your time. Thankfully, there is a fast-track option – food tours.
And of course, this epic meal would not be complete without beverages, and many food tours include these as part of the experience. You may have the opportunity to try local wine, beer, spirits, or soft drinks – think Rioja wine in Spain, beer in Belgium, mezcal in Mexico City, and Moxie in Maine.
Get Oriented
A food tour can help you get your bearings in a new city. As you walk from one food stop to another, you’ll get a sense of the city’s layout, landmarks, and neighborhoods. Your guide will share insider tips on where to go, what to see, and how to get around. You’ll also get to meet other travelers and foodies, exchanging tips and recommendations on what to do in the city.
I’m still connected with several guides and fellow travelers that I’ve met on food tours – birds of a feather flock together! Let’s eat.
Learn About Culture and History
With a food tour, you’ll learn about the city’s culinary traditions, as well as its cultural and historical heritage. Your guide will share stories about the origins of the dishes you’re tasting, the ingredients used, and the customs and rituals associated with them.
Support Local Businesses
Finally, a food tour is a great way to support local businesses. The places you’ll visit are often small, family-owned businesses that rely on tourism to survive. By choosing a food tour, you’re not only supporting the local economy but also promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. You’ll get to meet the people behind the dishes and learn about their passion and dedication to their craft.
Often, your guide will have special access that ensures your group will get into popular places even on busy nights. You might come before they’re open to the public or have a reserved table waiting for you. You may even get to dine in a special part of the restaurant like wine cellars, crypts, or private rooms. Rest assured, the owners know you’re coming and are happy to host you. Be sure to let them know if you enjoyed the food and experience!
Choosing a Tour
As food tours have grown in popularity, so have the many options available to book. So, how do you choose one that you’ll love?
First, consider your destination and decide what type of food you want to try. Do you prefer classic local cuisine, street food, or experimental dishes? Are you open to trying new things or do you have dietary restrictions? Make sure the food tour you choose caters to your preferences.
Is there a specific neighborhood you want to explore? Neighborhoods often have distinct personalities and the foods and establishments you will find there will reflect that.
Do you want a small group, large group, or private tour? This depends on your preferences and budget, but I always recommend small groups for food tours. Groups of 8-12 people are ideal – any more and it feels crowded. With a small group, you can quickly find another traveler to chat with and enjoy a shared experience. Private tours can be great for larger groups, but if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you will be engaging with your guide the entire time – this can be fascinating or tiring depending on how much you each have to say.
Next, research the tour company. Read reviews from other travelers to get an idea of what to expect. Check their website for an itinerary or helpful advice. What is the general ‘vibe’ and does it suit you? How long have they been in business? Are their guides knowledgeable about the local food scene?
Finally, consider the logistics – length, time, meeting point, and price. Do you want a shorter or longer tour? Afternoon or evening? Is the meeting point relatively convenient for you? Does the price fit your budget and are there any current promotions like cash back or coupon codes? Keep in mind that some tours may include alcohol or other extras, so factor that into your decision-making.
Making the Most of Your Experience
There is only one rule – come hungry. These are not skimpy nibbles, you’ll be trying many different dishes and the portions are generous. If I have an evening food tour booked, I’ll start with a substantial breakfast and eat nothing more all day. For afternoon tours, I would only have coffee in the morning. The last thing you want is to be presented with an incredible dish that you’re too full to enjoy!
Also, remember that your guide is there to help you have the best time possible in their city. Have a friendly chat and ask questions about other restaurant recommendations, logistical advice, and even other cities that you’ll be visiting. Chances are good that your guide is a traveler, too!
My Favorite Food Tours
I’ve experienced some wonderful food tours that made cities come to life in a way that I would not have been able to achieve on my own. Here are some favorites with links to the exact tours that I did and can recommend highly. Of course, tour availability and details may have changed. Check out other destinations from these companies, too!
- Eating Europe (Rome, Italy)
- Devour Tours (Madrid, Spain) – Use code CASSIEH10 for 10% off your tour in any city
- Back of the Bike Tours (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)
- Hungry Birds (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
- Secret Food Tours (Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
- Maine Day Ventures Foodie Tours (Portland, Maine, USA)
- Free Tours by Foot (Manhattan, New York, USA)
Other booking options:
Most established food tour companies have a website where you can book directly. There are also several third-party booking portals where you can browse tours and book online with reputable companies or local experts. You can read reviews from other travelers and – If you’re going on a long trip – these can help keep your booked activities in one place for easy reference.
My favorite third-party portals for booking food tours:
- Viator
- Get Your Guide
- AirBnB Experiences*
*AirBnB Experiences offer tours by local people, generally not tour companies. Be sure to check reviews! This one in Mexico City was fantastic.
So, there you have it. Now you know why a food tour is the best thing to do on your first day in a new city. It’s a fun, informative, and delicious way to discover local cuisine, get oriented, and support local businesses. So, book a food tour for your next trip, and get ready for a mouth-watering adventure.