best food tours in london

THE 10 BEST London Food Tours

London food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Eating London: Borough Market & Bankside Food Tour

2. Eating London: Twilight Soho Food & Drinks Tour

3. Eating London: Brick Lane, Shoreditch & Spitalfields Food Tour

4. London Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

5. London East End Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

6. Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours

7. London Walking Indian Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

8. River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience

9. Brixton Market Tour with African and Caribbean Cuisine

10. London Borough Market Small Group Food Tour

11. The Ultimate Cheese Crawl

12. The Authentic British Food and History Tour (Try many British Foods)

13. Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour (Small Group)

14. Private Mayfair Chocolate Ecstasy Tour for 2!

15. Gastronomic 6-course fine-dining Dinner on luxury London Bus

16. English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

17. Luxury 4 Course Lunch Experience by Coach

18. 3 Hours Borough Market Morning Food Tour with London Bites Tours

19. PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of London With Locals (B-Corp certified)

20. London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour

21. Greenwich Food Tour in London

22. Chelsea Sweet Treats Adventure

23. VIP British Food Tour

24. Private Tour: "The Authentic British Food Tour" (8+ Tastings)

25. London Street Food - Private Taxi Tour

26. Chocolate Tasting tour

27. London's Cosmopolitan Cuisine Foodlover's Tour

What travelers are saying.

17 Best London Food Tours in 2024 (worth the money!)

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When you think of Mexico’s culinary output, you think of Mexican food.

Then there’s French food which speaks for itself – as does Spanish tapas.

When you think about England, it may be harder to identify its classic foods.

What are the quintessential English foods, and more specifically what food defines the city of London?

You’ll find out on these London food tours and food experiences in London!

Think fish and chips, bacon baps, and scotch eggs – all washed down with a nice cup of tea.

London is a multicultural city – meaning there are lots of culinary delights including tasty curries.

⏳ Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best London food tour is this secret London Bridge walking and tasting tour.

Click here to check prices and availability.

The city has some of the best artisan bakeries around, plus one of the best ranges of plant-based foods anywhere in the world. 

Whatever your taste, we guarantee that London caters to it.

In this article, we’ll explore our favorite London food tours – each offering a chance to see the landmarks while dining on delicious English grub.

What are you waiting for, let’s get eating on these food walking tours in London.

Hey! Want more honest UK tips and planning advice? Click here to join my London and UK Travel Tips Facebook group , where I can answer more of your questions!

Easy Guide: Best Food Tours in London

1. london bridge walking tasting tour with secret food tours : best food tours in london.

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 830+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THIS TOUR

• Small-group tour
• Food including bacon and egg bap and fish and chips
• Local professional guide
• Drinks including fresh tea and honey mead

The London Bridge Walking Tasting Tour is perfect for those looking to explore the city’s market food culture.

You’ll visit Borough Market, famous for its diverse range of delicious food.

Journey between pubs, artisan bakeries, and market stalls and spot iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.

You’ll try award-winning Lincolnshire sausages, cheese and chutney, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding.

What could be more British?

There will also be a secret dish that’ll be revealed on the day. 

Your guide on this tour is a foodie who is passionate about finding spectacular food that’ll excite you and locations that’ll entertain you.

If you’ve never tried a pint of London ale before, this is your chance.

And of course, there will be tea to sample too.

2. London Thames River Dinner Cruise

⭐️  RATING:  4 out of 5 Stars, 520+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Boat trip along the River Thames
• Live entertainment
• Views of London
• Food (it’s a London eating tour!)

You’ve never experienced London’s scenic cityscapes and food landscape until you’ve taken a trip along the river.

The London Thames River Dinner Cruise is a unique dining opportunity not to be missed. 

You’ll be taken to your table by professional waiters who are passionate about delivering high-quality service and food.

Begin your meal with a goat’s cheese and baby spinach tartlet, followed by a roast chicken main, and closed with a scrumptious raspberry and strawberry Eton mess. If you’ve not had an Eton mess before, you’re in for a treat.

Sip on delicious wine as you take in the sights.

From your window, you’ll see Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

If glistening water, remarkable landmarks, delicious food, and fine wine weren’t enough – you’ll also be treated to live entertainment onboard.

This is the perfect food tour for fans of the finer things.

3. Vegan Food Tour Experience in London

⭐️  RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Delicious food
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options
• Visit several restaurants on this best London food tour

Climate-conscious consumers rejoice!

The Vegan Food Tour Experience in London offers a special walking tour for both devout vegans and those testing the plant-based waters.

Unlike big tour groups, this one is for a small party only.

Because of this, there are lots of opportunities to ask questions about the city’s vegan food scene and get chatting with others in the group.

You’ll meet people passionate about great vegan food and those trying plant-based food for the first time.

The tour takes place in Shoreditch – a lesser-known spot from a tourist’s perspective but a popular area for London natives with lots of exciting things to see, do, and – most importantly – taste.

It’s one of the city’s hippest areas, with lots of restaurants where you’ll try delicious samples. 

If you’re not a plant-based eater, you’ll be amazed by how delicious and nutritious the vegan food on offer here is.

It’s a chance to try something different and discover the wonders of plant-based dishes.

4. Traditional English Food Tasting Walking Tour in London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 40+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• A professional guide from the local area
• 10 food-tasting experiences
• Learn about the history of London

Looking for a great-value-for-money food tour in England’s capital city?

Look no further than the Traditional English Food Tasting Walking Tour in London .

Attendees will visit at least a dozen different eateries and taste ten varieties of food including scotch eggs and cheese.

This is a seriously amazing London food tour.

The English disagree about how to pronounce the word scone.

How you just read that word then establishes whether you say it like the Scots – scone like gone – or Londoners – scone like cone.

Fortunately, you won’t be worrying about how to say it because you’ll be enjoying eating them too much on this tour.

If you want a more intimate tour experience, this is a great option for you.

There’s a maximum of ten people allowed on the tour, giving you plenty of chances to ask questions to the experienced guide.

5. The Cheese Crawl – With Glass of Fizz

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 230+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Alcoholic beverages
• Cheese-related quiz
• Walking tour experience

What’s better than cheese?

Cheese with a glass of bubbly.

On The Cheese Crawl – With Glass of Fizz , you’ll sample some of the finest cheeses London has to offer. 

You’ll step into the iconic Fortnum & Mason, where they shift tons of cheese every year to their loyal customers.

The cheese here is second to none, and if you don’t believe us just ask King Charles because this is where the royal household gets its cheese. 

Expect to snack on great-tasting cheese, all while passing through interesting London areas including Mayfair, Piccadilly Circus, Soho, and Covent Garden.

If you don’t drink alcohol, or just don’t fancy a glass – reviewers note that they’ll swap this out for a juice on request which is a neat little touch.

Cheese knowledge to the ready.

This interactive tour includes a cheese-related quiz. Do you know your Camembert from your Cheshire? 

6. London Downtown and Borough Market Doughnut Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  2 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Bottled water
• Views of Tower Bridge
• Tasty sweet treats
• Walking tour

The London Downtown and Borough Market Doughnut Tour is a food experience with a twist.

While most focus on savory treats like sausage rolls, this one is focused entirely on sweet treats.

As you stroll along the River Thames, your tour guide will take you to some of the most mouthwatering doughnut shops in the city.

You’ll taste incredible artisan doughnuts filled with flavor from high-quality London bakers including St. John Bakery, Doughnut Time, Bread Ahead Bakery, and Crosstown London Bridge.

What’s better than seeing Tower Bridge?

That’s easy – looking at Tower Bridge with a doughnut in your hand.

On this tour, you’re guaranteed unique experiences and photo opportunities.

There’s also the opportunity to purchase cookies and coffee.

7. Food & Drink Walking Tour in South East London: Bermondsey to Borough Market

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• A chance to see lesser-known London highlights
• Six different venues

The Food & Drink Walking Tour in South East London: Bermondsey to Borough Market is a great experience for food-lovers.

If you don’t like delicious food, interesting venues, or knowledgeable tour guides, this isn’t the tour for you.

Fortunately, who couldn’t love those things?

You’ve likely never heard of Bermondsey before, but this enticing place makes up the first part of your journey – and we know you’ll love it. 

This tour offers so much more than just food.

It’s also a chance to see some interesting landmarks – some you’ll know and some you won’t.

Regarding those you’ll know, you can expect to visit Tower Bridge – walking right underneath it to truly appreciate its majesty.

At Shad Thames, you’ll see the buildings that inspired Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.

You’ll also visit Borough Market as part of this walking tour, which is London’s oldest fruit and vegetable market – and now boasts a great range of street food vendors. 

8. London East End Food Tour : foodie tour London

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 650+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Up to eight food or drink options
• Six different locations
• Local tour guide
• Learn about the East End’s multicultural cuisine

If you’ve ever seen the British soap opera Eastenders you may have a little knowledge about how Londoners live, but how much do you know about the East End’s food and drink scene?

The London East End Food Tour is on hand to show you the best that this neighborhood has to offer.

You’ll sample a bacon sandwich at St John Bread and Wine and a salt beef bagel at Beigel Bake.

Also expect scrumptious cheese, flavorful curries, and fish and chips.

If you have lots of questions to get off your chest, this is a great tour for you.

Your guide is very knowledgeable about the East End food scene and knows a lot about the history of the area. 

9. London Indian Food Tasting Tour with Secret Food Tours : London food walking tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 240+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Food tasting including a selection of curries
• A delicious secret dish to be revealed on the day

The London Indian Food Tasting Tour showcases the very heart of this modern city – a multicultural place where different people and their cultures and customs are celebrated. 

It’s the perfect experience for those wanting a taste of 21st-century London.

Expect to dine on curries, savories, and sweets from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. 

Limited to just a dozen foodies, this tour is intimate – allowing you to make friends and ask your host any questions that you may have about the foods you’re trying.

You’ll spend the tour on Brick Lane, which includes what locals affectionately call the ‘Curry Mile’ – a set of restaurants stretching as far as the eye can see. 

There’s no danger of leaving this tour feeling hungry because you’ll try ten different dishes including sizzling lamb, creamy ras ghulla, and fluffy naan bread.

You’ll also get two drinks.

10. Eat 8 English Foods & See 30+ London Sights Walking Tour

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  6 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• 30+ London landmarks
• British foods including scotch egg and fish and chips.
• Learn about the history of British food and culture

The Eat 8 English Foods & See 30+ London Sights Walking Tour is ideal for those wanting to combine an eating experience with sightseeing.

It’s perfect if you’re only in the city for a short time – as you can experience lots of amazing things all in the space of a single afternoon.

As you hop from place to place sampling delicious foods, you’ll spot well-known London landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the Tate Modern, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. 

Remember as you pass, if there’s only a Union Flag flying above Buckingham Palace then the King isn’t there. If more flags are flying, he’s in residence.

One of the plates you’ll try on this tour is pie and mash.

It’s so good, it’ll have you visiting London much more often.

11. Private Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of London with Locals (B-Corp Certified

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 18+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Vegetarian options
• C02 neutral tour
• Private tour
• Customizable to your food wishes

Looking for a private food tasting experience in London?

Look no further than Private Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of London with Locals . 

The tour is organized by a B-Corp-certified company, meaning you can expect high-level social and environmental performance.

They offset all of their carbon emissions, making them a unique choice among a crowded field of food tours in the city.

You’ll start the day just like the Brits, with a nice hot cuppa (cup of tea).

Your guide is very clued up about food history and will educate you about the history of tea and why it’s so popular in the UK.

Food-wise, expect to sample bhajis, fudge, and artisanal cheese. 

Great news for vegetarians, there are non-meat options available on the tour – meaning you don’t have to miss out on the excitement.

In total, there are seven dishes and three drinks to enjoy. It’s great value for money and worth your consideration.

12. Twilight Soho Food Tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 140+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Nine food samples

Soho in London’s West End is a major entertainment district, and has gained international prominence because of it being mentioned in the novels Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, A Tale of Two Cities, and Nicholas Nickleby.

It’s also referenced in the song Pinball Wizard by The Who and is the setting for the 2021 movie Last Night in Soho.

The Twilight Soho Food Tour welcomes food lovers into this fashionable neighborhood, where you’ll see locations from the movie and sample tasty foods from Chinese dumplings to Spanish jamón. 

This is a fantastic option for one of the best food tours in London.

Your guide is a Soho expert, meaning you’ll learn all about the best places to eat and drink here.

While the tour is only three hours and 30 minutes, we recommend spending time after your tour exploring additional places on your own.

13. Walking Food Tour in Borough Market

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 40+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Visit a hidden wine bar
• Pass by Southwark Cathedral, Golden Hinde and Clink Prison Museum
• Fish & chips
• Learn more about the food vendors at Borough Market

Picture the scene.

You’re exploring Borough Market, but don’t have any knowledge about what to prioritize.

You only have three hours, and make the mistake of starting at the very beginning and moving through one stall at a time.

With hundreds of stalls here, you inevitably miss the best stalls and later reflect on the day with disappointment.

This doesn’t have to be your story on this eating London food tour.

By booking onto the Walking Food Tour in Borough Market, you’ll be escorted through this bustling market by a passionate guide who knows the very stalls to visit. 

The food on this tour is included in the price, but don’t make the mistake of leaving your wallet at home.

With so many interesting stalls here selling vintage clothing, old-fashioned ornaments, and locally-made crafts – we’re confident you’ll find something you want to buy.

14. Food and Drink Walking Tours in West London’s Notting Hill Area

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 20+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Visit Portobello Road Market
• See the bookshop from the Notting Hill movie
• Discover the Banksy Tunnel
• Food and alcoholic beverages

If you haven’t seen the movie Notting Hill before, put your life on pause and watch it right now.

Then return to this article…

Welcome back.

Now you know how beautiful Notting Hill is, we’re excited to let you know about the best food tour in this area of London.

The Food and Drink Walking Tours in West London’s Notting Hill Area is a fun day out with lots of scrummy food and interesting locations.

You’ll visit the Notting Hill bookshop from the movie and see where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts filmed the movie’s most famous scene.

If you’re not a fan of the movie, don’t worry as there’s plenty more to this tour.

The Banksy Tunnel presents some of the graffiti artist’s pieces, while Portobello Road Market offers delicious global foods.

15. The Authentic British Food and History Tour (Try Many British Foods)

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 10+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Breakfast and lunch
• Award-winning food
• Tea tasting

The Authentic British Food and History Tour is true to its name – it’s as authentic as they come.

You’ll sample quintessential British food and gain an insight into the history and culture that defines the cosmopolitan city of London. 

This is one of the only food tours in London to include Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the route.

You’ll marvel at this classic venue where the Bard put on his plays and entertained Londoners hundreds of years ago.

This tour is ideal for those wanting to take some pictures of London landmarks because you’ll pass Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Golden Hinde.

You’re advised to attend this event hungry, because all the samples amount to a full meal.

You’ll leave the tour with food in your belly, new knowledge in your brain, and beautiful pictures in your Camera Roll.

16. Chelsea Sweet Treats Adventure

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 8+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Sample delicious sweet treats
• Water included
• A knowledgeable tour guide
• The opportunity to learn more about one of London’s most expensive areas

The Chelsea Sweet Treats Adventure puts you at the very heart of one of London’s most stylish and poshest areas.

Belgravia and Chelsea are two of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, so it’s no surprise they excel at offering high-quality sweet treats.

Indulge in the finer things on this tasty tour.

Fans of rich chocolate and sweet doughs – this is the perfect tour for you.

Expect to sample hot chocolate, gelato, cookies, doughnuts, and much more.

Personalized attention from your tour guide is guaranteed, with this tour having a cap of eight guests. 

You’ll walk during this tour, making it a great opportunity to enjoy the city’s culture and people-watch.

There’s no better way to spend an afternoon than eating scrumptious baked goods as you wander around this elegant district.

17. Bike & Food Tour from Southbank to Camden – NO DIET CLUB

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 2+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

• Food including halloumi fries, ice cream, and more
• Bike tour of London
• An opportunity to meet other foodies
• Food markets

The Bike & Food Tour from Southbank to Camden is a unique opportunity to see the city of London.

Unlike all the other tours on this list, you’ll travel around on a pushbike costing you just £4 to rent for the whole activity.

As part of a group, you’ll meet other passionate cyclists and foodies.

Plus, being a four-hour cycling activity means you’ll definitely work up an appetite. 

If you’re worried about rain, fear not – this experience simply changes to a walking tour and you’ll board a bus for longer journeys between locations. 

This is a memorable experience like no other, and you can expect to dine on halloumi fries, burgers, truffle mac and cheese, and ice cream.

Hey! Want to use our trusty guides to the best tours in other places across the UK? Check these out!

• 11 Best Tours of the Cotswolds from London in 2023
• 11 Best Tours of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh in 2023
• 5 Best London Open Top Bus Tours
• 9 Best Scottish Outlander Tours
• 9 Best Ghost Tours in Oxford
• 5 Best Bath Ghost Tours
• 9 Best Bus Tours in Edinburgh
• 19 Most Unique London Tours
• 9 Best Day Trips to Oxford from London
• 7 Best Stonehenge Day Trips from London
• 7 Best Changing of the Guard Tours in London
• 11 Best Oxford Walking Tours
• 11 Best London Rock ‘n’ Roll Tours
• 11 Best London Museum Tours
• 3 Best Morse Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best London Beatles Tours
• 11 Best Walking Tours in Bath
• 13 Best Harry Potter Tours in Oxford
• 11 Best Jack the Ripper Tours in London
• 9 Best London Literary Tours
• 9 Best Street Art Tours in London
• 13 Best Evening & Night Tours of Edinburgh
• 15 Best London Pub Crawl Tours
• 11 Best London Bus Tours for Families
• 17 Best Harry Potter Tours in London
• 11 Best London Biking Tours
• 13 Best Ghost & Haunted Tours in Edinburgh
• 11 Best Edinburgh Walking Tours
• 11 Best Private Tours in London
• 11 Fun Tours of Royal London
• 13 Isle of Skye Tours for a Magical Time
• 13 Mysterious Tours of Loch Ness
• 7 Best James Bond Tours in London
• 7 Best Paris Tours from London
• 7 Best Stratford-upon Avon Tours from London
• 7 Best Tours of Bath from London
• 7 Best Black Cab Tours from London
• 11 Best Downton Abbey Tours in the UK
• 11 Best Ghost Tours in London
• 5 Best Graffiti Tours in London
• 9 Best London East End Tours

UK Travel Planning Guide: the FAQs

🏥 Should I buy UK travel insurance?

Absolutely yes. Basic coverage is not expensive, and as a visitor you are NOT covered under the NHS. Compare policies and prices with Travel Insurance Master here , a big name in the travel insurance business, and cross that off your list.

🔌 Do I need travel adapters for the UK?

Yes, you do, otherwise you won’t be able to plug in your electronics/phone/lifelines. I recommend this one , which is all-in-one so you can use it in other countries.

🚗 What do I need to drive in the UK?

The first thing you need to check out if you’re planning on renting a car in the UK is this guide to driving in the UK for visitors – the roads, signs, and driving experience will likely not be what you’re used to and it’s essential to prepare yourself to stay safe and aware.

🛌 What’s the best way to book hotels in the UK?

For UK hotels, Booking is the best site as it offers free cancellation on many properties. If you want an apartment, I always recommend VRBO over AirBnb.

📳 Will my phone work in the UK?

Yes – if you set it up right. Check out my guide on making your foreign phone work in the UK to ensure that you get the type of service you need.

🚿 Can I drink the water in the UK?

Yes, UK water is great and perfectly safe. But drink out of taps in any kitchen or use water fountains. Double check before drinking out of the taps in hotel bathrooms, though, as they may be on a different system. London water is safe to drink .

Heading to London? Want the best tips?

Check out my Ultimate Guide to London for Visitors. Using text, images and video, this guide is packed full of tips, tricks, safety advice, knowledge on how to get around and what to do, and more!

Moving to the UK or already an Expat?

Grab my book which covers moving to the UK, struggles I faced and that you might face too, and uplifting advice to help you along the way! Available in hard copy and on Kindle.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Food Tours in London & How to Choose

Last updated: June 1, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 3 Comments

If you are planning a trip to London you are probably hoping to try some of the local British food and drink. But other than fish and chips and a pint of beer, you might be wondering what else you should be trying, and where you should go to get the best of what’s on offer.

Well, one of the options that we recommend is to take a food tour in London. This will help you sample a lot of British foods in a fun, informative, and efficient way.

Laurence actually lived in London for a couple of years, and ate a whole variety of foods at different locations across the city. But even he enjoys taking food tours in England’s capital as there’s always something new to discover.

Food tours vary greatly in length, the amount of food included, and price. We’ve done a number of food tours in London, and wanted to share what we think are the best options available for your visit. If you are looking for a food tour or cooking workshop in London, we’ll help you choose the best one for you.

Before we do though, let’s answer a couple of questions about food tours in London and also give you a good list of British foods you might want to sample.

Why Take a Food Tour in London?

A food tour is an excellent way to try a curated range of delicious dishes. Tours will let you try the best of what’s on offer, covering many of the highlights of British cuisine, at some of the best spots in the city for each dish.

Food tour companies often have a special arrangement with the food vendors, chefs, and restaurants that they visit on the tour.

As part of an organized tour, you will often have the advantage of visiting places outside of normal hours (or at least during quieter hours). You’ll avoid waiting in lines to order, and be given smaller portions than you’d be able to order on your own. This allows for a more effective tour where you can try more things than you’d be able to do on your own.

You’ll also normally get an expert guide to help you along the way, so you can understand some of the history of the food you are trying. A good tour guide will help give you some background about the foods you are tasting, the area of London you are visiting, and also be an excellent resource for answering questions and providing recommendations.

If you are visiting London for a few days, then a food tour can also be a good way to learn what’s good to eat and where. Ask your guide about what other places that are good for X, Y, or Z, their favorite pub, or their favorite takeout spot.

Depending on what you like, they should be able to point you to some good spots for both traditional dishes and historical venues as well as contemporary dishes and trendy new hotspots.

Now most food tours will focus on more traditional British foods which is probably what most visitors are going to enjoy most. If you are looking for a tour that focuses on traditional British classics then we’d recommend a walking tour such as this one or this one .

Or if you prefer one more focused on pub food and drink then we’d recommend a tour like this one which pairs beers and ciders with classic pub food and snacks.

But if you have already tried a lot of the British classics, you might want a food tour that focuses more on something like Indian curries, beer, cocktails, afternoon tea, Caribbean foods, or local cheeses.

Or maybe you want to learn how to cook a British dish or bake something like scones. We’ll be providing recommendations for all kinds of options later in this post.

Despite Laurence having grown up in the UK and Jess living there for 7 years, we have really enjoyed the various food tours, afternoon teas, and food workshops we’ve done in London.  We’re always discovering new variations of classic British foods (and new places to try them) and learning more about the history of British cuisine.

Taking a food tour is one of our recommended ways to start your food journey in London, but we definitely encourage you to use it as a starting place and a springboard to continue exploring the food scene in the city on your own.

Types of Food to try in London?

Before you choose a food tour of London, you should probably have an idea of what types of food the capital is known for and what kinds of foods you wish to try.

London is a cultural hub, which means there’s a huge range of flavors to try, from traditional pub food through to international cuisines such as curries. You can find traditional British foods everywhere from street market stalls to fine dining restaurants.

Most foods are not unique to London but are eaten throughout the UK with lots of regional variations. Many traditional British dishes can be hard to find outside the British Isles.

As a general idea though, we think most people would enjoy trying at least some of the following popular British foods and drinks (all of which we’ve tried):

• Meat dishes like meat pies (e.g., steak & kidney pie, pork pie), Sunday roasts, British lamb, gammon, Beef Wellington, hearty stews, and bangers and mash
• Seafood like oysters, salmon, mussels, cockles, kippers, white fish (cod, haddock, whiting, and hake are common ones), mackerel, potted shrimp, and of course fish and chips (the fish is often haddock or cod)
• Breakfast favorites like bacon sarnies, kippers, black pudding, Marmite on toast, sausage rolls, and of course the Full English breakfast
• Lunchtime foods like jacket potatoes, cheese and pickle sandwiches, Cornish pasties, and Coronation chicken sandwiches
• Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian curries – chicken tikka masala is a British favorite and was invented in the UK
• Desserts (or puddings as we like to call them in the UK) like sticky toffee pudding, Eton mess, bread and butter pudding, treacle tart, fruitcake, Scottish shortbread, Welsh cakes, Victoria sponge, and spotted dick
• Pub snacks like Scotch eggs, fried fish bites, and packets of British crisps
• Other typical British foods include Yorkshire pudding (often a part of the Sunday roast meal), chips (fries), mincemeat pies, black pudding, British cheeses (there are over 700 types, including cheddar, Cheshire, and Stilton), scones, Welsh cakes, and chocolate digestives (all often eaten with tea), spag bol (nickname for British version of spaghetti bolognese typically made at home), and beans on toast
• Some of the common locally grown fruits and vegetables in the UK include cabbage, onions, potatoes, carrots, leeks, turnips, peas, beetroot, broccoli, tomatoes, runner beans, swedes, Brussel sprouts, radishes, apples, pears, strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, and plums.
• Tea – probably no drink is more associated with the British than black tea – you can enjoy an English breakfast tea at breakfast, have a cream tea (tea, scones, clotted cream, and jam), or splurge for a full fancy afternoon tea in London
• Alcoholic drinks like beer (particularly ales), Scotch whisky, London dry gin, English cider, and British cocktails such as the Pimm’s Cup, Vesper martini, and Tom Collins

The above is just a short list of typical foods eaten in the UK and focuses more on traditional British foods. It would of course be impossible to try all these things in one trip but it should give you a good idea of what most people think of as British foods (and probably some you’ve never heard of).

If the above is more overwhelming than helpful, then here is a shortlist of some of the most popular foods that travelers tell us they want to have in London:

• Fish and chips
• Full English breakfast
• Sausage roll and/or bacon sandwich
• Chicken tikka masala
• Sticky toffee pudding
• A pint of real ale and/or English cider
• Cream tea (tea and scones)

Many of the above are popular dishes on London food tours focused on British food.

The Best Food Tours in London

There are actually a number of different types of food tours and experiences in London, so we have divided this guide into some of the main options we think you should consider.

These vary from more traditional food walking tours through to tours that focus more on beer, tours and experiences that cover afternoon tea, tours that take place on a vehicle of some kind, and cooking classes that have you learning how to make iconic dishes.

We think that between all the various options you are sure to find something you’ll enjoy!

Food Walking Tours

A food walking tour is definitely one of the most popular types of food tour you can do in London. This type of tour normally has you exploring a part of the city and trying a number of different foods at various locations.

The tour should also include a knowledgeable guide who can tell you about both the food you are trying and something about the history of the area you are visiting.

There are a few different food walking tours in London. One of our favourites is this Borough Market and Southwark Tour with Take Walks / Devour Tours .

As a quick note, we’ve taken many walking tours with Take Walks and their sister food walking tour Devour Tours. They run tours all over the world, with a focus on small groups and great guides. We’ve always had an excellent time and are happy to recommend their tours.

The Borough Market and Southwark tour they offer focuses on the Southwark area of London, which is the part of the city to the south of London Bridge where you will find sights such as The Shard and Southwark Cathedral.

Southwark is also home to the world-famous Borough Market, where you will find a huge range of eateries and food stalls. So, it makes sense for a food tour to focus on this area!

When we took this tour it included seven food tastings and a drink stop, including popular classics such as fish and chips from arguably the best fish and chip shop in London, as well as oysters, a bacon and egg sandwich, sausage rolls, and sticky toffee pudding. And those are just a few of the dishes we tried.

All the food was delicious, and as this tour largely revolved around Borough Market there wasn’t a huge amount of walking involved. There were also some stops that included sitting.

Overall, we really enjoyed this tour and can recommend it if you want to try a lot of different foods in a small group setting. If you like the sound of this tour, you can book it here .

Of course, there are a number of other tours that included Borough Market and this area, including this popular option which can be booked on GetYourGuide here , and as a private tour on Viator here . There’s also this tour which focuses on the foods of Borough Market.

There are also a number of other walking food tours in London you might consider. Below we list all the ones we recommend you consider, which we’ve divided into more traditional food tours and those which focus on other popular types of food.

Traditional English Food Walking Tours

• This food tour of Borough Market and Southwark which focuses on popular British dishes
• Another very popular food tour of Borough Market which also focuses on British flavors
• This is a private version of the above Borough Market tour for those wanting to book a tour for just their group.
• This food tour is another option if the above two Borough Market tours are full or don’t work with your dates.

Other Food Walking Tours

• This very popular walking tour which focuses on the best cheese in London. Definitely one for the cheese lovers.
• This food tour which focuses on London’s Indian food culture, a must for curry lovers
• This food tour of London’s East End which includes Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, including a curry experience
• This evening food tour of SoHo which covers a range of drinks and food, focusing on more trendy London eateries and bars with food from various cuisines
• If sweets are your thing, this sweet walking tour focuses on doughnuts. You get to choose a donut at each stop and also includes a coffee or tea.

As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from!

Pub and Drink Tours

One thing we really love about London are the remarkable historic pubs, many of which have been serving traditional drinks and food for literally hundreds of years. You too can eat and drink in places where London’s historic figures partook of their victuals, sometimes by a cosy real fire to boot.

As there are so many good pubs to experience, we wanted to share a selection of tours where pubs and drinks are as much of a focus as the food. So, whilst these tours usually include food, they also include a good selection of drinks as well.

One of our favorite tours of this type that we have taken in London is the Tastes, Tales & Traditional Ales: Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs with Devour Tours.

This tour had us visiting four of London’s oldest and most traditional pubs, found around the Fleet Street area which was famous for being the home of journalism in London. At each stop we tried a delicious traditional drink (primarily beers).

We also tried a range of traditional pub foods including fish & chips, a homemade Scotch egg, whitebait, and more. Jess doesn’t normally like Scotch eggs, but she actually really enjoyed the freshly made version on this tour.

One of the most fun parts of the tour was at the end when we played a traditional and historic pub game, made popular by Henry VIII!

Overall, we really enjoyed this pub tour, which is a good option if you want to visit some truly iconic London pubs and enjoy a good mixture of traditional foods and drinks. You can check availability and pricing and book this tour here .

There are also some other food tours in London which combine food and drink which you might want to consider. We’ve included all our recommended tours below:

• The historic pubs tour with Devour Tours. This is the one we’ve done and really loved.
• If you want to know more about the process of creating beer, check out this brewery tour and tasting in Hackney
• If you’d like to visit a number of pubs but don’t want to drink a lot, this great value tour of pubs visits some of the oldest pubs in London but only includes a half pint. So you can opt to drink or not, as you wish. Note this one doesn’t include any food, but the pubs do serve food.
• One of London’s most popular central nightlight spots is SoHo. This tour has you drinking and dining your way around the SoHo area in the evening. This is another popular evening SoHo food and drink tour to consider.
• If you’d like to try out a number of different craft beers across London, take a look at this three hour craft beer tour of London.
• Finally, if you  plan to buy a London Pass (a sightseeing discount pass), then we’d also recommend considering this pub tour which is included with the pass (be sure to reserve your spot). It is a guided walking tour of 4 historic pubs but you do need to choose and buy your own drinks.

Afternoon Tea in London

Popularized in the UK in the mid-19th century, afternoon tea is a delicious tradition that is well worth experiencing in the city it became popular in.

An afternoon tea is traditionally served in the afternoon (although you can often book one for a late morning). Normally, it includes a course of savory items including sandwiches, followed by scones and then sweet treats.

Of course, this is all accompanied by hot tea, although some establishments will give you the option to have coffee or another drink.

We have had afternoon all over London, including at the Berkley and the Ritz . It’s always been an enjoyable experience. Our one tip would be to come hungry, because an afternoon tea involves a lot of food!

There are a number of options for having an afternoon tea in London, including walking tours that have an afternoon tea component.

You can also of course book an afternoon tea directly with your preferred location if you’d rather just focus on the afternoon tea and skip the walk part.

Below, we’ll share some options to consider that include afternoon tea.

• This guided walking tour takes you around three of the Royal Palaces and Parks, before finishing with a delicious afternoon tea
• This slightly unusual tour has you taking a pedicab tour of London whilst you enjoy an afternoon tea on the go
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out this walking tour of London Harry Potter locations which finishes up with a magical themed afternoon tea
• This small group tour of lesser-known gardens in London finishes off with an afternoon tea
• This tour of London’s National Gallery has you learning all about the art, after which you will enjoy an afternoon tea
• This tea tasting masterclass tour isn’t exactly afternoon tea, but it does feature tea, as it has you becoming a tea tasting expert

Boat & Bus Food Tours

If you like the idea of sightseeing around London, eating, and doing those things whilst sitting down, then you should consider taking a boat or bus food tour.

There are a number of options to choose from. For the boat tours, these obviously are limited to the River Thames. However, as this goes right through the heart of London and passes by a number of major landmarks like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London , London Eye and Houses of Parliament, you will still get spectacular views.

For the bus tours, the routes vary depending on the tour you choose, but will normally cover London’s major landmarks such as the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and so on.

If there are specific landmarks you want to see it’s a good idea to check with the operator before booking to see what is covered, although be aware that routes can of course change depending on things like road works.

In terms of options, there are a number to choose from. These offer different menus and routes. Some suggestions to consider are as follows.

• This tour has you boarding a luxury coach for a gourmet six course meal as you pass some of London’s iconic sights
• If you like the idea of afternoon tea but would also like to take a bus tour, then this tour has you covered. You’ll see London’s major sights whilst enjoying a full afternoon tea
• There are a number of children’s themed afternoon tea bus rides as well, including this Peppa Pig afternoon tea bus ride and this Paddington Bear afternoon tea bus ride
• To the river now, and this river cruise which includes a 2-course lunch and tea or coffee as you cruise down the River Thames
• This is another river cruise , which takes place in the evening and includes a four course meal, live music and the opportunity to dance. A lovely way to spend an evening in London

Food Workshops in London

If you’d love to learn how to actually make a classic London dish, then you we’d suggest you look into taking a food workshop or class during your visit to London.

Now, unlike somewhere like Rome for example, London doesn’t have a great many food classes to choose from. However, there are definitely some options out there. We’ve chosen some options which highlight the more traditional foods and drinks you might want to learn how to make in London.

• This 5 hour tour and cooking class has you visiting Borough Market to check out locally available produce and ingredients before preparing a multi-course gourmet meal with drinks in the chef’s home. Wine is included.
• You can’t have afternoon tea without scones! This cooking class will teach you how to make this classic item, plus you’ll be able to take home your scones when you are done
• A pork pie is a delicious British treat, and this workshop will walk you through the process of making your own pork pie from start to finish.
• If you have a sweet tooth you might like to head out to Notting Hill and learn how to make your own delicious chocolate on this tour

Tips for Choosing a Food Tour in London

Before you book your food experience in London, we wanted to share some tips to help ensure you have a great experience, and book the right tour for you.

Check What is Included / Excluded

When you are comparing different tours, you should check to see what is included and excluded. Tours should list in detail what you actually get for your money.

Normally, you should be told if food or drink is included, and if so, how much. Most food and drink walking tours do include food and drink, but not all of them, so it’s always good to check!

Tours will also list any other inclusions or exclusions. For example, some tours might visit attractions and have the attraction fee included. Others may include soft drinks.

Tips are generally not included on most tours, although they are of course always appreciated.

When comparing tours by price, you will always want to compare what is included. A tour may cost less, but if you have to pay for a lot of food and drink, then the final cost might end up quite different.

Confirm Dietary Requirements and Food Allergen Information in Advance

This one may seem obvious, especially if you have dietary requirements, but it is important to note.

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, you definitely want to communicate these with the tour organizer in advance to ensure your needs can be met on the tour you want to do.

Check Restroom Availability

The majority of walking tours take place over a few hours, and there’s always a chance that you might need a restroom break as part of your tour.

Pretty much all the food tours we’ve ever taken have had ample restroom stops. However, some of the tours we’ve listed take place on vintage buses for example, where a restroom is not available for the duration of the tour.

This is definitely something to keep in mind should you feel it might be an issue for you.

Confirm Walking Distance

In our experience, the majority of food walking tours take place in a fairly small area, and don’t require a great deal of walking. However, this isn’t always the case.

Depending on your mobility and how comfortable you are walking, you might want to check with the tour organiser before you book to see how far you will actually be required to walk as part of your tour, to ensure it will be a comfortable experience for you. Reading recent tour reviews can also help with understanding if there’s a lot of walking involved.

Confirm Any Accessibility Requirements

If you have any accessibility needs, you will want to communicate with your tour organizer in advance of booking your tour to ensure they are able to meet these requirements.

Some tours will list as to whether or not they are accessible for wheelchair users for example, but the listings don’t generally cover every accessible need.

As such, we highly recommend reaching out to ensure you are going to have a good experience prior to booking and avoid any challenging situations on the tour itself.

Bring Appropriate Attire

It’s important to bring and wear attire that is appropriate to the experience you book. For London, the weather is never guaranteed, and rain or sun are possible year round.

As such, we always recommend packing something like an umbrella or rain coat just in case. You can get more packing tips in our guide to what to pack for London here .

In terms of a dress code, whilst most food tours won’t have a dress code, if you are visiting a high-end hotel for afternoon tea then you should definitely check to see if they have any dress code requirements. You can see an example dress code for the Ritz Hotel’s afternoon tea here .

Further Reading for your Visit to London

That’s it for our guide to food walking tours and experiences in London. Before you head off, we wanted to share some more content and resources we’ve put together to help you plan your time in London. We hope you find it useful!

• We have detailed itineraries for  1 day in London ,  2 days in London ,  3 days in London  and  6 days in London
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , which covers all the neighborhoods and a whole range of price points
• If you plan on doing much sightseeing in the city, you will likely save money with a London Pass. See our complete  London Pass review here  to see if this might save you money on sightseeing.
• We have a guide to  getting around London , and a guide to  using the Oyster card in London .
• If you’re flying into one of London’s six airports, see our guide to  getting to London from the airport .
• We have a detailed guide to  what to pack for London , to help you prepare for your trip to London.
• We put together some tips on finding the  best Photography Locations in London
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to finding  Harry Potter in London
• We have suggestions for Things to Do in Kensington , in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• If you enjoy military museums, take a look at our guide to  London’s best military museums and memorial . Also see our  Winston Churchill in London guide .
• We have detailed guides to  visiting the Tower of London  and the  London Eye  which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• Thoughts on  visiting Stonehenge from London as a day trip
• Other good day trips from London include Oxford and Cambridge. See our guide to  Oxford in a day  as well as  things to do in Cambridge  for ideas.
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information
• Thinking about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris  to help you plan

And that’s it! We hope you found our guide to food tours in London useful, and as always, if you have any questions, just pop them in the comments and we’ll answer them as soon as we can!

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Donna Miller says

31st May 2024 at 11:26 pm

What a timely article, Laurence as I am going to Europe in July with a couple days in London!!!!! I have actually been before but back in my hostel days when I was traveling with my best friend and we were splitting a lot of our food due to our shoestring budget – she was a vegetarian and nondrinker which seemed to rule out a lot traditional english foods & pub grub. We did get both a regular and vegan sausage rolls (Greggs!) and had scones and tea. I tried marmite (why?!) and had a fried English breakfast at a pub.

But now I’m going back with a healthier (albeit not huge!) budget and a traveling companion who is down to eat and try anything. But we do have limited time in London sadly – what food tour(s) from the ones you listed would you recommend for a wide variety of more traditional english foods? trying to keep it to around $100 or less per person…

If it helps, I think separately we are going to book a nice afternoon tea at one of the fancy hotels as a treat and do a Sunday roast lunch (our hotel offers this in the attached pub on weekends, I checked after reading your article that mentioned this so happy about that!). for roast, they are offering choice of chicken or roast beef, do you have a fave? they are asking us to specify in advance, maybe one of each?

btw, kinda afraid to ask but what in the world is spotted dick? could not imagine choosing that off a dessert menu!

Laurence Norah says

1st June 2024 at 1:16 am

Glad to be able to help! Ah, the joys of traveling on a shoestring, I remember those days well. It is nice to have a bit more to splurge though 🙂

So I would probably recommend this food tour with Devour Tours , which has quite a lot of food, mostly classics. We really enjoyed it when we did it. It doesn’t have as many drinks as the pub tour they do but it has a lot of great food.

I’d also recommend visiting an old English pub in London if you have the time, I’d say Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese would be my favourite and it has an amazing menu of classic dishes, including the best suet steak pie I’ve had in a long time. You can book online in advance I think which is a good idea.

For the roast, I personally prefer roast beef when out (although my personal favourite would be lamb!), as I like to make my own roast chicken at home. As long as the roast beef comes with a Yorkshire pudding though you are all good (Jess’s mum was very confused about being served a “pudding” with her main when we took them around the UK!).

A spotted dick is a a steamed pudding with dried fruit in. The spotted part references the dried fruit, which give it a spotty appearance. The term dick was actually a common way to refer to a pudding back in the 19th century, as was the word dog for some reason! The things you learn 😉 It’s definitely not a common pudding to see any more but definitely give it a try if you see it somewhere, it’s a classic!

Have an amazing time in London and let me know if you have any more questions!

2nd June 2024 at 1:25 am

thank you, thank you! you’re very kind and helpful – and this has made me even more excited for our trip and time in London! wishing you a good weekend

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18 Best Food Tours in London – Chocolate, Cheese, Curry, Cocktails, Markets & More

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

If you’re going to be spending time in London, then you need to taste and smell London as well as seeing the sights, hearing the sounds and touching the historic buildings . 

The UK has, in the past, had a reputation for poor food, but things have moved on so far since the many choices were simple dishes based on the meat and two veg principle. London is a multicultural melting pot, and the range of cuisine you can now sample in the city reflects this perfectly. 

Whether you prefer cheese to sweets, drinks to desserts, English-style fish and chips, or a spicy Indian curry, there are fabulous food and drinks to be enjoyed all over the British capital. 

This post details 18 of the best food tours in London. Whether you want to find a London secret food tour, see one of the world’s best markets for yourself or sample cheese, gin, chocolate, doughnuts or cocktails, this guide includes all the top London tours for committed or even casual foodies. 

Read on to discover the true flavour of the UK food and drink scene . Some of the best food tours in the world are to be found in London, so here’s a great selection of the top options. 

Our Top 2 Picks: Best Food Tours in London

Summary – best london food tours, brunch borough market tour, london gin sampling experience, evening food tour of soho, historic london pubs walking tour, secret british food tour of london, cheese tasting walking tour, secret indian food tour, east end food and drinks tour, south bank & borough market tour, downtown doughnut walking tour, the full english private food tour, 10 tastings with locals private tour, london gin palace & distillery tour, vip chocolate tour of london, soho food & cocktail tour by twilight, taste of britain foodie cruises, which food tours in london will you take , london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks).

#1 TOP PICK 🏆

Food Tour of London’s Historic Pubs ✔️ Explore 5 historic pubs in the City of London ✔️ Expertly guided small group walking tour ✔️ Enjoy traditional pub fare and a drink at every stop

Food Tour of Borough Market & Southwark ✔️ Taste 7 delicious foods and 1 drink at 6 local businesses ✔️ Unravel the fascinating connections between food and history in London’s oldest borough ✔️ Expertly guided small group walking tour

18 of the best food tours in London

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Destination: Borough Market
• Meeting time: 10:30
• Meeting point: The Needle Sculpture 
• What’s included: Small group tour, samples, brunch & drinks
• What’s not i ncluded: Extra purchases

This semi-private tour has a maximum group size of six, so you’re assured of personal attention throughout. Taking in the famous Borough Market – which is a firm feature of the foodie scene as well as starring in many films – you’ll emerge well-fed as well as educated about British food.

Dishes and morsels you’ll try along the way include a traditional English breakfast, fish and chips (the national dish), British cheeses and the city’s finest sausage rolls. You’ll also discover the history, and see why London now plays such an important role in the global food and drink scene. 

You can also book this tour as a private experience here .

• Destination: Covent Garden
• Meeting time: 16:00
• Meeting point: Trafalgar Square
• What’s included: Small group tour, 4 gin samples
• What’s not included: Extra purchases

It’s all about gin for many Britons right now and even in supermarkets and local pubs there’s an astonishing array of brands and flavours available. The tour introduces you to the UK’s gin scene while showing off the fine pubs of the Covent Garden area. 

You’ll explore centuries of the history of this part of London as well as the development of the popular, juniper-based spirit. By the end of the tour, you’ll also be pro at pairing gin with tonic, plus which garnish to use for which drink. 

• Duration: 3 hours
• Destination: Soho
• Meeting time: 18:00
• Meeting point: Hippodrome Casino
• What’s included: Small group tour, 5-course meal + wine & beer

This tour takes you through the vibrant Soho district in the heart of London. During the evening you’ll visit over five locations to taste foods from all over the world. Your group of six or less will be led by an expert guide.

Typical dishes you can sample include British favourites like fish and chips and bangers and mash (sausages with mashed potato), plus more exotic foods like Indian curry or Chinese dumplings.  

• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Destination: 4 traditional London pubs
• Meeting point: St Paul’s underground station
• What’s included: Small group walking tour
• What’s not included: Food & drinks

Follow in the footsteps of famous authors like Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare by taking this London walking tour . Starting out in the city’s historic heart, you’ll end up close to the Strand. 

The walk is two miles long and you’ll visit four historic London pubs, which are the ideal places to sample British brews. The oldest pub visited dates back to the mid-16th century.  

• Destination: Borough Market & other locations
• Meeting time: Varies
• Meeting point: Evans Cycles, near London Bridge station
• What’s included: Guided tour, British food & drinks

If you’d like to see and sample all the foodie highlights the UK has to offer, then book this ‘secret’ food tour. The first port of call is Borough Market , and you’ll also visit a historic pub, London Bridge, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast.

Culinary delights to taste as you wander include Cumberland sausage, English fudge, British cheeses, London beers, desserts like sticky toffee pudding and English tea. A secret dish will also be revealed – and sampled – by the end of the tour. 

• Duration: 2 hours
• Destination: Fortnum & Mason, Little Italy, Covent Garden
• Meeting point: Statue of Goddess Diana, Mayfair
• What’s included: Guided tour, British & Italian cheeses, prosecco

If you have something of a sweet tooth then this is the tour for you! You’ll visit upmarket food retailer Fortnum and Mason, a London institution. This store has been selling cheese for three centuries and even supplies the Royal households. 

Little Italy is a lesser-known destination and here you can sample cheese served with Italian sparkling wine. After learning all about cheese, your tour will end in Covent Garden.  

• Destination: Brick Lane
• Meeting point: Whitechapel Art Gallery
• What’s included: Guided tour, a range of Indian foods, wine or beer

Indian food is a firm British favourite and many a night out isn’t seen as complete without a visit to an Indian restaurant or ‘curry house’. There are streets lined with Indian eateries in various British cities, and London’s best can be found in the East End.

While touring the restaurants of Brick Lane you’ll sample the likes of spicy, hot or sour curries, fluffy naan bread, crispy pakoras and meats from the Tandoori oven. Soft drinks, wine or Indian beers are supplied to wash it all down with. You can also try Indian sweets and a secret dish that will only be revealed on the day. 

• Destination: East End
• Meeting point: Shoreditch High Street underground station
• What’s included: Guided tour, 4 foods & 4 drinks

This food tour also takes place in the East End but this time it’s focused on British fare. Try Scotch eggs, fish and chips, an English pie and some sweet treats. You can also sample 4 different drinks.

The tour doubles up as a trip around some traditional London pubs, and you’ll visit five of the East End’s best during the tour. 

• Destination: South Bank & Borough Market
• Meeting point: Southwark underground station

The South Bank and Borough Market are some of London’s foodie hotspots and this tour takes in them both. Setting out from Southwark, you’ll see Shakespeare’s Globe, the RIver Thames and the ancient Anchor pub before reaching the famous food market. 

Baked goods like scones and pies plus local beers can all be sampled during this tour. During the two-and-a-half hours you’ll stop at some traditional British pubs too.

• Destination: Borough High Street & Tower Bridge areas
• Meeting point: St. John Bakery near Borough underground station
• What’s included: Guided tour, curated doughnut tasting

They’re not donuts in the UK – they’re doughnuts. Whatever you call them, this tour allows you to sample all sorts, including freshly made and glazed or chocolate sweet treats.

The tour allows you to see the area around the famous Borough food market, plus the jaw-dropping Tower Bridge. 

• Duration: 4 hours
• Destination: Borough Market and Thames areas
• Meeting point: Flexible
• What’s included: Private guided tour, British food & drinks

The ‘Full English’ private tour lets you experience it all in four hours. During this time you’ll sample all sorts of British foods and drinks, including the likes of fudge, sausage, cheese, Scotch egg, carrot cake and craft beer.

As this is a private tour it can be tailored to your preferences and the meeting point is also flexible. 

• Destination: London Bridge & Southwark Cathedral areas
• Meeting point: The Spike at London Bridge Walk
• What’s included: Private guided tour, 10 food & drink tastings

Experience foodie London as the locals do with this exclusive, private tour. Your two-and-a-half-hour culinary journey of discovery includes ten tastings with local people.

This one’s not only about traditional British foods like pies or drinks like George ale, it’s about discovering local culture and history too. You’ll explore the areas around Southwark Cathedral and London Bridge during the tour to gain a real insight into London life. 

• Meeting point: Leicester Square Underground Station
• What’s included: Guided tour, 4 gins at 4 Gin Palaces

If you love gin then you cannot miss this tour! You can sample four different gins, and also visit the City of London Gin Distillery. A London historian will also explain all you’re seeing and tasting as you go.

• Destination: Mayfair area
• Meeting point: Green Park Underground Station
• What’s included: Guided tour, 7+ tastings, 10% chocolate discount 

Live the high life while taking a chocoholic’s tour of upmarket Mayfair. Perhaps best of all is the fact that your guide will explain the health benefits of the brown stuff as you go!

Some of the world’s best artisan chocolatiers are based here and you can taste their gold award-winning truffles and other concoctions. Two of these even supply the Royal family with their sweet treats. 

• Meeting time: 17:15
• Meeting point: The Spice of Life, Moor Street
• What’s included: Guided tour, 9+ tastings, 5 locations 

Take a Soho food tour by twilight and see one of London’s most lively nightlife areas. You’ll also get to try nine different foods at five locations in the beating heart of this vibrant city.

By the end, you’ll know all the best places to eat – or party – in Soho. Secret little cafes and restaurants are visited, so you can try everything from Chinese dumplings to Spanish-cured meats. 

Taking a boat tour of London is a very popular way to see the city, and there are plenty of foodie cruises to choose from in the UK capital. Pick a lunch or dinner cruise or an afternoon tea trip, or enjoy cocktails and canapes during an evening cruise while seeing the city from the water at the same time.  

So what will it be? Whether you opt to sail along the Thames while sampling afternoon tea, take a walking tour of traditional pubs to sample national dishes or explore Borough Market under expert guidance, there are plenty of ways to taste London during your visit.

Our top tip? Ask your expert foodie guide for their favourite, little-known restaurant, deli or market stall, so you can perhaps return to that later. The British food scene only continues to improve at an incredible pace, so who knows what secret culinary delights will await by the time you arrive in the UK. 

• London foods – 23 foods to sample in London
• London Travel Guide – links to everything you need to know to plan your trip
• Looking for accommodation? Read our guide to where to stay in London
• First time visitors? Read our top tips for visiting London for the first time
• How to get around London? Read our guide to using public transport in London and our guide to London’s main train stations.
• What to see and do – Complete London bucket list with guide to all the top sights and attractions & Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• How to purchase tickets for London attractions – Guide to purchasing tickets for the most popular London attractions & Best London bus tours reviewed
• Boat trips and cruises – Comparison guide to the best boat trips and cruises on the Thames
• Visiting on a budget? Read out budget guide to London with tips to save money when visiting
• Free things to do in London – Discover 32 free things to see and do in London
• Best day trips? Read our guide to the best day trips by train and ou r guide to the best tours from London
• Love castles? Our guide to the most popular castles to visit from London
• Beatles fan? Read our guide to the Beatles in London
• More London tours? Read our comprehensive guide to the best London tours

London Food Tours For All Tastes

Food & drink walking tours in london, for all tastes.

Step off the tourist trail, leave the beaten track behind, do something different in London and see the secret spots that locals love. 

We take our walking tours down the back streets, underneath the railway arches and through the alleyways, to share great food with our groups.

Go with our guides to try modern and traditional dishes, British treats and food from far-flung places. All served with lashings of history about London. 

We've got private tours for ready-made groups and our regular tours for people who are ready to mingle.

Interested in the history of London? Why not join us on our latest London jogging tour called

'London Before Dawn'  click here to learn more.

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Private food tours

We do team-building and corporate tours. Tours for schools, colleges and university groups. Hen, stag and hag tours. And tours for groups of friends and family. However many people you have in your group, we can design a tour to suit you.

If English isn't your first language - not to worry - for an extra fee we can get in an interpreter as-well.

Regular food tours

We have a tour that takes you between The City of London and East End and a second tour that goes from Tower Bridge to Borough. Our third tour starts near Portobello Road (West London) and finishes at the top of Notting Hill. All three tours run on the weekends with the exception of the Portobello Tales tour which also runs on Friday mornings too ( Sign up to the mailing list to hear more about them).

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straight-up food tour on Condé Nast's 15 best walking tours in London

food tour in The Telegraph's 5 best London guided walks

UK tour in Lonely Planet's Top 10 tours for globetrotting foodies

And we've been:

seen by 4.2m viewers on NBC's Today Show

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The best food tours in London

London is a thriving culinary hub that brings together flavours and culinary traditions from around the world. Foodies on a tight schedule, visitors trying to get their footing, or locals looking for a fun day out can join one of London's food tours for an entertaining and informative gastronomic experience. Whether you're craving a gourmet adventure, a stroll through bustling food markets, or a deep dive into local specialities, our guide to the best food tours in London caters to every palate and preference.

• London Food Tour – Off the beaten path
• Devour London – Titbits of the info and food kind
• Eating Europe – Explore the local scene
• Secret Food Tours – Global food tour group
• Walk Eat Talk Eat – Locals in the know
• Gastrotours – In person with a celebrity chef
• Caldesi – Part market tour, part cooking class
• Top Tasting Tours – Unique experiences
• Chubby Fellow – Private tour specialists
• See Your City – One for the cheese-lovers
• Chocolate Ecstasy Tours – It's all in the name
• Underground Donut Tour – A holistic experience

Food tours in London

London food tour, off the beaten path.

If you're a foodie who's eager to explore the city's culinary legacy, try a walking tour with London Food Tour. They provide themed tours that promise a delightful gastronomic experience and valuable insights into London's culture, all whilst venturing off the usual tourist paths. These relaxed tours last approximately three and a half hours and go on regardless of the weather.

• Website • 077-063 048 88
• Read more on Thatsup

Devour London

Titbits of the info and food kind.

Devour London Food Tours is an experienced tour operator that celebrates local culture – especially the foodie paradise aspect. Their walking tours impart fascinating knowledge about the capital, along with the chance to try all sorts of gourmet delights. A full meal is included in every tour, and there are always bites and nibbles to sample as you walk around.

• Website • 0151-308 17 72

Eating Europe

Explore the local scene.

Foodies can head out on a variety of gourmet walking tours in London with Eating Europe. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll explore renowned eateries, markets, bars, and bakeries, gaining insights into the vibrant local food culture in areas such as Soho or the East End. Whether you choose a group tour or opt for a personalised private walk, the highlight remains the same: ample opportunities to savour all sorts of goodies throughout.

• Website • 074-765 625 49

Secret Food Tours

Global food tour group.

Uncover authentic local food spots with a walking tour by Secret Food Tours, a global operator that can be found in more than 50 cities. You can delve into a specific area's food scene, try the city's finest drinks or street food, or book a bespoke private tour. All Secret Food Tours are guided by enthusiastic locals who make sure you're entertained throughout.

Walk Eat Talk Eat

Locals in the know.

Walk Eat Talk Eat tours are guided by local food experts with detailed knowledge of the city's food scene. They'll take you away from the usual tourist traps and show you the places Londoners love. The walking tours cover different areas, stopping off at various foodie hotspots to let you try tempting food and drinks. The tours last about three hours, and private tours for larger groups are available as well.

• Website • 075-186 459 37

Gastrotours

In person with a celebrity chef.

Celia Brooks, a renowned American chef and bestselling vegetarian cookbook author, personally leads her engaging Gastrotours, navigating various food havens across the city. She's known best for her Borough Market tour, as she's the only guide permitted to operate tours there by the Market authorities, but she also covers other areas like Portobello Road or Covent Garden. Her tours cater to all dietary preferences, not just vegetarian.

• Website • 0795-615 28 99

Part market tour, part cooking class

Caldesi is an Italian restaurant founded by celebrity chef Giancarlo Caldesi, and it also operates a dedicated cookery school that covers a broad assortment of Italian dishes and techniques. One of the offered courses is Sunday Market Kitchen, a monthly class that starts off with a visit to the Marylebone Farmers' Market . Accompanied by your mentor, you'll select fresh artisanal ingredients then head back to the school to use them in seasonal Italian dishes.

• Website • 020-748 707 54

Top Tasting Tours

Unique experiences.

Instead of the usual culinary exploration of London areas, Top Tasting Tours focuses on offering different specialised tours. Whether it's learning more about the infamous British cuisine, polishing off afternoon tea after a tour of a royal palace, or discovering some of the city's top vegan dishes, TTT's professional guides will make sure you're full of food and knowledge when you're done.

• Website • 020-353 807 37

Chubby Fellow

Private tour specialists.

Though they offer ready-made food tours, including trips around Soho, Camden and other foodie neighbourhoods, Chubby Fellow specialises in curating personalised private experiences. With the help of a convenient online questionnaire, you can let them know your preferences, and then they put together a bespoke food tour for you and your group. This can be especially handy if you've been tasked with organising a corporate get-together or similar events.

See Your City

One for the cheese-lovers.

This small, up-and-coming tour operator is present in several UK cities, offering a select number of themed tours, such as an immersive Harry Potter film tour and a Jack the Ripper tour. The highlight for foodies, however, is undoubtedly the Cheese Crawl, a two-hour tour of some of the best cheesemongers in the city, with the chance to try delicious rare cheeses such as prosecco cheese.

• Website • 020-812 340 81

Chocolate Ecstasy Tours

It's all in the name.

Run by self-professed chocolate obsessive and renowned expert Jennifer Earle, these tours are aimed directly at sweet-toothed patrons. They don't cover just chocolate, either. Their themed private tours take you around the best chocolate shops, ice cream parlours, bakeries, and patisseries in the city. Expect a massive sugar high by the time you're done.

• Website • 020-343 213 06

Underground Donut Tour

A holistic experience.

For years, the Underground Donut Tour company has been satisfying the doughnut cravings of customers around the hole world. Their London tour in the busy London Bridge area includes stops at the likes of Borough (Boro?) Market and the local Crosstown branch. Alongside loading up on the delicious round treats, participants are treated to historical insights and fascinating facts about the area.

• Website • 020-397 427 12

THE 10 BEST London Food Tours

Food tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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4. London Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

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6. Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours

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8. River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience

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19. PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of London With Locals (B-Corp certified)

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What travellers are saying.

THE 10 BEST London Food Tours

Food tours in london.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Eating London: Borough Market & Bankside Food Tour

2. Eating London: Twilight Soho Food & Drinks Tour

3. Eating London: Brick Lane, Shoreditch & Spitalfields Food Tour

4. London Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

5. London East End Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

6. Traditional English Walking Food Tour With London Food Tours

7. London Walking Indian Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

8. River Cruise and Six Course Tasting Menu Experience

9. Brixton Market Tour with African and Caribbean Cuisine

10. London Borough Market Small Group Food Tour

11. The Ultimate Cheese Crawl

12. The Authentic British Food and History Tour (Try many British Foods)

13. Tea and Doughnuts: Borough Market Walking Food Tour (Small Group)

14. Private Mayfair Chocolate Ecstasy Tour for 2!

15. Gastronomic 6-course fine-dining Dinner on luxury London Bus

16. English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

17. Luxury 4 Course Lunch Experience by Coach

18. 3 Hours Borough Market Morning Food Tour with London Bites Tours

19. PRIVATE Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of London With Locals (B-Corp certified)

20. London Cheese Crawl & Walking Tour

21. Greenwich Food Tour in London

22. Chelsea Sweet Treats Adventure

23. VIP British Food Tour

24. Private Tour: "The Authentic British Food Tour" (8+ Tastings)

25. London Street Food - Private Taxi Tour

26. Chocolate Tasting tour

27. London's Cosmopolitan Cuisine Foodlover's Tour

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London Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

We are Londoners who are wildly passionate about all the delicious food found around this world-famous and historic city. It is true that English food has a bit of a bad reputation, however we are here to change that view. Just wait until you try our food. Once eaten, even the most discerning food critic will change their mind! When you book Secret Food Tours: London, enjoy a trip and culinary journey through British heritage and cuisine.

Embark on our Exclusive Secret Food Tour of Camden Market, where you'll be guided by a local food expert with exclusive access to Camden Market through a thoughtfully crafted 7 course tasting across vibrant Camden Market.

On our Secret Food Tour: London Bridge, you'll enjoy a variety of classic British foods such as award-winning Fish & Chips, World Famous Sausage Rolls and traditional Bacon & Egg Baps, tasters from street food vendors.

On our Secret Indian Food Tour: East London, you'll enjoy a variety of classic Indian foods. You'll discover and taste exciting curries, flavoursome dishes, try Indian sweets and learn about spices and Indian cuisine.

On your Secret Food Tour SoHo, discover the lesser-known side to the neon lit bohemian underbelly of London’s nightlife capital. From the fashionable home of the Swinging 60s, to the lamp lined lanes of Chinatown, follow your local food guide as you eat.

On our Secret Food Tour: London Shoreditch, you'll enjoy a variety of classic British foods, such as world-famous bagels, delicious fish and chips, desserts and lots more including our Secret Dish.

On our Secret Beer Tour: London you will taste the revival in London's brewing history. Come on a journey with us to discover and taste the liquid that this city was built and thrives on. We'll drink beers in some of the coolest and funkiest craft beer drinking holes

London is without a doubt one of the most iconic cities on the planet. With its impressive architecture, symbolic sites and array of stories hidden behind it's streets and buildings, London's culture and historical richness really is something to behold. Our Secret Tours London will introduce you to some of our most famous landmarks, whilst at the same time exploring some of our favourite 'Secret' locations.

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10 of the best London food tours and tastings

Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2023

Eat your way around the world on the streets of London with these 10 delicious London food tours and tastings, from neighbourhood walks and market tours to cheese tastings and sweet treats.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Food tours and tastings are one of my favourite things to do when I’m travelling – from Thai street food tours to Caribbean chocolate tastings, they’re a great insight into a new destination. But some of the most interesting food tours I’ve done have been in London .

The UK has historically had a bad reputation for its food, but things have changed and London is now home to a huge array of top-quality food producers who’re challenging those preconceptions with tours and tastings which show off what they have to offer.

From tours of Brick Lane and Borough market to afternoon tea and chocolates, there’s the perfect London food tour for you. So here are my picks of London’s best food tours and tastings, featuring my favourites and those from six other food-loving bloggers.

10 great London food tours and tastings

1. A Taste of Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s best-known food markets, with delicious produce from across the UK and beyond to try and buy. But if you don’t want to just wander around and pick up a few samples, you can join a tour and feast your way around the market.

Food writer Celia Brooks is the only guide licensed by Borough to run tours, which start early on a Friday morning when the market is at its quietest. We stopped off at different producers who pulled out plate after plate of rare-breed meat, freshly seared scallops, British cheeses, Spanish charcuterie and creamy Sicilian cannoli.

There’s time to talk to producers and learn about how their goods are grown or made. You can buy as you go or ask the stallholders to hold it for you, and we ended the tour in Bedales wine bar for a wine tasting, feeling stuffed and laden with bags. Celia really knows Borough and its producers and by the end you get a real insight into the place.

The details: Celia Brooks’ A Taste of Borough Market tours run on Fridays from 10am to 1pm, and cost £110 per person. She also runs other group and private London food tours, including in Covent Garden, Portobello and Marylebone.

2. Twilight Soho food tour

Coming to London, our perception of British food was fish and chips. So we thought we’d sign up for a London food tour to see what else the city has to offer. The Twilight Soho Food Tour wanders through the one of London’s most famous neighborhoods, mixing stories of the Beatles and ladies of the night with some incredible cuisine and drinks.

As a neighborhood, Soho is really a microcosm of the world, and the food tour reflects that fact, visiting little-known local spots you’d never find on your own. There are shrimp tacos and margaritas from Mexico, British gin and meat pies, Spanish delights like Iberico ham and tapas, Chinese dim sum dumplings, and continental chocolates.

Strolling through Soho is like seeing the world without leaving the city. The tour features really generous portions along the way – so make sure to pace yourself.

The details: The Twilight Soho Food and Cocktail Tour * runs daily at 3.30pm, 4.45pm and 5.15pm. It costs £126 per person and lasts around 3.5 hours.

Recommended by Lance and Laura Longwell from Travel Addicts.

3. Secret Food Tour of London Bridge

I love taking food tours wherever I travel, but I admit I was skeptical about taking a British food tour in London, given that I’m British! However, I was intrigued by what the food would be, and what would be deemed the best British food by our guide. I wasn’t disappointed, and I certainly wasn’t hungry after eating all of the delicious food.

Our Secret Food Tour started with a bacon and egg bap from a stall in Borough Market. We wandered around the market, sampling other foods from the stalls, from creamy cheeses to chewy fudge, waiting for our guide to bring our freshly cooked fish and chips.

After that we tried a traditional sausage roll and selection of British cheeses paired with English beer and cider. A shot of honey mead and a cream-filled doughnut by Tower Bridge almost ended the tour, but the day wouldn’t be complete without a British classic – sticky toffee pudding and a cup of tea, all introduced by our knowledgeable guide.

The details: The Secret Food British Tour * runs daily except Mondays, with departures around 11am and 3pm. It costs £84 per person, or for £99 you can upgrade to add a drinks package which includes a house special cocktail and 10-year-old aged port.

Recommended by Claire Sturzaker from Tales of a Backpacker.

4. Seafood School at Billingsgate market

Billingsgate fish market in east London is the UK’s biggest fish market, and has been running on various different sites since back in the 16th century. As well as the fish market, Billingsgate also have their own seafood school, which is a charity run to promote healthy eating and help people learn how to prepare and cook fish.

They do a whole range of courses, including the Morning Catch. You arrive at the market when it opens at 6am for a market tour and a lesson in identifying and choosing fish, then pick a couple for your breakfast which their chefs show you how to cook.

Or if you don’t fancy the early start, they also run an evening seafood school. Starting after work on a Friday, the focus is on easy-to-cook dishes you can whip up using just one pot, like seafood laska or French bouillabaisse . If like me you don’t cook fish much it’s a great opportunity to get more confident in choosing, preparing and cooking it.

The details: Billingsgate’s Seafood School courses take place 2-3 times a month. The Morning Catch tour runs from 6am to 9.30am and costs £60 per person. The Friday Evening Seafood class runs from 6.15pm–9.15pm and costs £89 per person.

5. East End Food Tour

The East End of London is a fantastic area for foodies to explore and covers the gamut of London’s amazing ethnic and international foods, markets and street food – as well as plenty of local pubs which serve typical English specialties. I did a fantastic food tour of London’s East End with Eating Europe, and love how diverse the food tour was.

We visited a variety of specialty food markets, pop-up eateries, traditional pubs and the winner of the UK’s best fish and chips award. Among the delicacies along the route were bread and butter pudding, cheese, bagels in Spitalfields and Brick Lane curries.

Along the way you also get an insight into the history of this part of London and how it’s become one of London’s trendiest areas. The East End food tour is perfect those wanting to get a better understanding and taste of the wonderful venues in this part of London.

The details: The East End Food Tour * runs daily at 10.30am, 11am and 11.30am. It costs £99 per person and lasts around 3.5 hours.

Recommended by Noel Morata from Travel Photo Discovery

6. Sunday Market Kitchen

A patch of Italy in Marylebone, Cucina Caldesi is the only Italian cookery school in central London. We headed there to try out their Sunday Market Kitchen, which is a mix between a market tour and a cookery class. First you shop for ingredients from Marylebone farmer’s market before cooking a pranzo della domenica , aka an Italian Sunday lunch.

Our chef took us on a whirlwind tour around the market where we picked up local seasonal produce. What you cook varies depending on the time of year – on our menu was pea and broad bean bruschetta, salmon and prawn skewers, and fruit meringues. Everyone gets involved in preparing different parts of the menu under the chef’s watchful eye.

You’re talked through how to do everything, and a few hours later, the group gathers to taste the end results with a few glasses of wine. Simple ingredients come together to make something delicious, and you’re given copies of the recipes to recreate it at home.

The details: La Cucina Caldesi’s Sunday Market Kitchen classes run monthly, starting at 10am and finishing around 3pm, and cost £120 per person.

7. English Tea and Desserts

A taste of the city’s sweet treats is on offer during this tour of London’s luxury stores and establishments. If you have a taste for the sweeter things in life, then you’ll love indulging in this delicious London food tour . Feast on chocolates, cakes, desserts and macarons in London’s sweet spots, some by royal appointment no less.

As you treat your taste buds you’ll be guided on a moveable feast which is garnished with snippets of London gossip and insights into the lives of the rich and famous, and topped off with a taste of London trivia. Expect to sample a choice of chocolates from sea-salted caramels to tempting champagne truffles and fruity ganaches.

Indulge your French fancy with a patisserie of pleasure and home-grown baked desserts. The tour ends on a quintessentially British note with afternoon tea and scones in a secret London location including a choice of rare blend tea or barista-made coffee.

The details: The  English Tea and Desserts tour * runs from 11am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, and costs £89 for adults and £79 for children (minimum age six).

Recommended by Suzanne Jones from The Travel Bunny

8. The Afternoon Tea Bus

What do you get when you add a double-decker bus and afternoon tea – two quintessentially ‘London’ things – together? You get the Afternoon Tea Bus! Offered in conjunction with B Bakery, the Afternoon Tea Bus tour has you riding a converted double-decker bus around central London as you sip your tea and eat your scones.

It’s definitely one of the city’s more unique afternoon tea experiences. As you enjoy all the normal afternoon tea trappings (savoury sandwiches, scones, homemade cakes and tarts, and tea served in a souvenir travel mug), the bus navigates in a big loop around Hyde Park, passing London icons like the Houses of Parliament, Harrods and Oxford Street.

A recorded narration accompanies the 1.5-hour ride, making this a great introduction to London if it’s your first visit. Prices for the tea bus tour vary depending on where you want to sit – it’s definitely worth it to splurge for a table on the upper deck for the views.

The details: The Afternoon Tea Bus tour runs several times daily from 8 Northumberland Avenue (off Trafalgar Square) and Victoria Coach Station. Lower tables start around £45 per person, while the front tables on the top deck can run up to £72.

Recommended by Amanda Williams from A Dangerous Business.

9. Chocolate Ecstasy

One of the most delicious food tours in London is the Chocolate Ecstasy tour. Jennifer Earle, who is very knowledgeable about all things chocolate, takes you on a fabulous jaunt around some of London’s best chocolatiers and patisseries.

Her tours are in small groups of not more than eight, so there’s lots of time to chat and taste along the way. Each tour takes about three hours and stops in multiple artisan chocolate shops, with lots of chocolate and confectioneries to taste. I did the tour around Mayfair and Belgravia which took us to some exquisite, high-end chocolatiers.

Our tour ended at Rococo Chocolate where we got an education about how chocolate is made and how to taste chocolates, all as you enjoy a delicious tray of truffles. Chocolate Ecstasy Tours is not just about chocolate, you get to explore different areas of London too. It’s definitely a London food tour not to be missed.

The details: The Mayfair Chocolate Tour is currently only available as a 3-hour private group tour, which starts from £175. Or you can take a similar Chocolate Tasting 3-hour group tour * of Mayfair for £49, which is led by a former cocoa and coffee trader.

Recommended by May from Eat Cook Explore .

10. The London Cheese Crawl

Spent an afternoon feasting on delicious cheeses on a walking tour of London’s top cheese spots. The tour starts at the famous Fortnum & Mason department store, which has been serving cheese to the public – and the Royal Family – for over 300 years.

After stopping off at a traditional cheesemonger to taste the classic British blue cheese Stilton, we headed to an Italian deli in Soho’s Little Italy to try some ‘drunken cheeses’. Next we walked over to Covent Garden to visit Neal’s Yard Dairy, who stock over 70 British and Irish cheeses, before finishing the tour with an amazing baked Camembert.

It’s a great chance to try new cheeses, learn about their history and how they’re made. There are plenty of ‘cheesy’ puns along the way as well as a cheese-themed quiz, and enough tasting samples to guarantee a few strange dreams that night.

The details: The London Cheese Crawl * takes place on Saturdays at 12pm and 3pm. It costs £35 per person and lasts around 2.5 hours.

Looking for somewhere to stay in London?*

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Jane Farmer

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

My son just moved to London and I would love to give him a food tour for a Christmas gift. Is it possible to get a gift certificate for these tours?

Lucy Dodsworth

Yes Celia Brooks, Cucina Caldesi and Eating Europe (who run the East End and Soho tours) all do gift vouchers – it's a great idea for a present!

Melvin Appleford

Sunday 6th of September 2020

Bagel Bake is one of our favourite!!!

Next time we're in London we'll defo try some of your suggestions ❤

Monday 28th of September 2020

Thanks – hope you enjoy them!

Monday 27th of May 2019

Omg these places all look so amazing!! I didn't know about the Twilight Soho London Walking Food Tour, only always knew the lunch market on Berwick St. Thanks for sharing!

xx The C Edit

Thursday 30th of May 2019

So many great tours aren't there! London is such a great place for food now.

Ammy Watson

Thanks, LUCY For this blog, I will definitely try these foods on my upcoming journey to London. I can't wait to have this delicious British Food my mouth is watering.

Hope you enjoy it!

Brit on the Move

Friday 29th of March 2019

I grew up in the UK and this is a fantastic list. Very modern, hip and funky. I just wish that more people would showcase some of the old school grub like traditional fish and chips from a fish shop, a Sunday Dinner (roast) in a pub or pie and peas. I know it's totally cliche and some of these foods give the UK a bad name lol but done right and eaten in the right place it's food people should try. Also, for cream buns, you must add the vanilla slice :) Yes, I am 100% biased having grown up there but can't help that it :)

Saturday 30th of March 2019

Funny how things go through phases and are fashionable for a while then it moves on – the classics will always be there though, and the roast dinner is one of my absolute favourites however much I've travelled the world!

• United Kingdom

19 Best Food Tours in London for a Culinary Journey Through the City

• 3 Pinterest

If you are passionate about food and want to get a deeper feel of what British cuisine has to offer, consider embarking on one of the best food tours in London !

Taking a food tour is without doubt one of the top things to do in London for those curious to discover its multi-cultural diversity. Tuck into some classic London dishes ranging from fish and chips, meat pies, scotch eggs, cream teas to delicious ciders and ales!

Check out our top 3 food tours in London below, or keep reading to learn more about the range of experiences on offer.

Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!

• food tours in London

1 – Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 1211 reviews )

“I would highly recommend taking this tour. Our guide – Billie- shared great historical information and wonderful food. She introduced us to the Borough Market, which was a ver special treat.” Margaret, Viator

Discover the delicious delicacies of British cuisine during a Secret Food Tours & Secret Tours foodie journey in the company of a small group. Opt for the London Bridge Tour to get a flavor for some classic English dishes such as fish and chips, sausage rolls, British cheeses and locally brewed beers and ciders.

On this walking food tour , amble past the iconic Tower Bridge with its distinctive drawbridge design and Victorian Gothic style towers! If you are lucky you may even see it open to allow river traffic to pass through. Arrive at the historic Borough Market and allow your guide to help you navigate through the busy stalls, explaining insiders tips into London cuisine!

Summary of tour:

• 7 tastings: fish and chips, sausage roll, cheese selection, sticky toffee pudding, drinks (beers and ales), secret dish
• Visit Borough Market and a historic pub, among other locations
• Small group tour with guide

We loved discovering Borough Market, one of the oldest in London and dating back to the 12th century! The guide was really passionate about food and gave us lots of local insights. After the market it was fun to visit a nearby historic pub and sample a traditional English sticky toffee pudding!

Read more: Best walking tours in London

2 – The Ultimate Cheese Crawl

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 336 reviews )

“Very enjoyable, tasty and educational tour. Nic was a great guide, the places we stopped were interesting and the cheese was delicious!” Bryan, Viator

Cheese lovers will fall in love with this See Your City London walking tour that also incorporates plenty of stops for high quality cheese tasting ! Stop off at cheese counters in Mayfair, enter inside the world famous Fortnum & Mason store and discover the cheesy delights of Soho’s Little Italy district.

Learn more about the history of London’s central neighborhoods as well as detailed information on British cheeses and styles! The guide will keep you on your toes with a cheese related trivia quiz to give participants the chance to showcase their cheese passion!

• Numerous cheese tastings, including blue cheese and baked camembert
• Visit Mayfair, Piccadilly Circus, Fortnum and Mason, Little Italy in Soho, Covent Garden
• Interactive cheese-related quiz during tour

Fabulous melt in the mouth stilton! The guide made us smile throughout the walking tour with plenty of cheesy jokes and facts about London. Lots of stops at specialty cheese shops and we loved the bustling atmosphere of Covent Garden! Was lovely to have a thrown in glass of Prosecco!

Read more: Things to do in Central London

3 – Walking Indian Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 376 reviews )

“Knowledgable tour guide, well run, a lot of fun! We enjoyed the tour, the food and learning about the spices and area” Laurence, Viator

Uncover the rich and colorful flavors of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh with Secret Food Tours as you make your way through some of London’s most multicultural and vibrant East End neighborhoods!

Join this small group tour for a whirlwind of different curries, tandooris and crispy pakoras! Discover the famous ‘Curry Lane’ of Brick Lane and inhale those inviting aromas of fresh spices, crushed herbs and sizzling meats!

Finish up your tour browsing the market stalls of Old Spitalfields, one of London’s surviving Victorian Market Halls! Your guide will keep you up to date with plenty of historical details and recommendations.

• Tastings include a selection of curries, naan bread, chicken/lamb delicacies, tandoori, lassi, gulab jamun and a secret dish
• Tour Brick Lane in the East End

An amazing tour experience with a great mix of eating and walking. We were completely stuffed after sampling numerous yummy dishes and learning more about the rich cosmopolitan history of the East End. Would definitely recommend the spicy chickpea snack and the refreshing lassi!

4 – Food Walking Tour with 8 Stops

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 13 reviews )

“The tour was delicious, educational and had a very diverse selection of food. Our guide was both friendly and full of information at each stop and had plenty of recommendations of what we should try.” Hannah, Getyourguide

Follow See The Sights Tours for a food inspired journey around London’s East End , stopping off along the way at a wide range of different food shops and stalls.

Discover where to find some of the best fish and chips in London, tuck into some tantalizing African chocolates or indulge with a cone of sugar coated Brazilian churros ! This food tour is definitely a celebration of London’s colorful diversity with food ranging from Indian treats to Greek style gyros .

Your guide will also introduce you to the local London street art, the history of the neighborhood and even a Banksy special!

A good introduction into London food culture! We could pick and choose from the guide’s recommendations and enjoyed listening to the historical snippets at each stop off. We particularly enjoyed the bagels at Bagel Bake, a secret favorite of Prince William!

5 – Tea and Doughnuts: Historic Walking Food Tour of Southwark

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 95 reviews )

“What a fun tour! Our kids loved getting to sample some of London’s fabulous donuts, and we appreciated learning some info about London and the area around Borough Market.” Rachel, Viator

Embark on a doughnut adventure though the streets of London’s Southwark with the Underground Donut Tour!

This is definitely one of the best food tours in London for those with a sweet tooth! Get ready for some flavorsome and sugary donut styles ! Follow your knowledgeable guide though the bustling Borough Market, learning about its rich history, architecture and traditions.

Munch along to different freshly baked warm donuts along the tour and take some excellent photos of the Thames and the iconic Tower Bridge.

A tasty and educational walking tour for donut lovers! It was great to discover 4 different donut shops and walk around Southwark learning more about the local history. The English breakfast tea was delicious and kept us warm so we could power on with more sightseeing!

6 – Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings

Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 ( 78 reviews )

“The food was incredible! There was so much that we were stuffed by the time we got to dessert. Highly recommend!” Crystal, Getyourguide

Discover the secrets and vibrant flavors of London’s historic Borough Market with Carpe Diem Tours . Learn more about the origins of this market which date back to the 12th century with an expert guide who will help you navigate around a range of classically British as well as exotic food stalls!

Tuck into some traditional fish and chips , try out some spicy Indian delicacies and sip on a warm cup of British tea ! Learn more about British pub culture with a stop off at a local pub or historic wine bar to sample some typically English beverages!

An excellent introduction to British food for foodie enthusiasts! The guide provided plenty of background knowledge and interesting tips so we could make the most of our visit around Borough Market! We loved the market’s diverse offerings and locally sourced produce!

7- London Beer Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 87 reviews )

“We had a great time with a great host. It was very informative on beer and the history of the area” Dean, Viator

Delve into the local breweries and bustling pubs on this beer orientated walking tour around London’s trendy area of Shoreditch with  Secret Food Tours & Secret Tours. Get off the beaten tourist track and discover the hidden watering holes of this lively neighborhood!

During the beer tasting participants will sample a variety of 7 different beer styles from refreshing lagers, Indian Pale Ales to smokey stouts. Learn more about the process of beer production from your local guide who will also fill you in with the history of Shoreditch!

Fascinating to learn more about the old brewing district of Shoreditch! We loved grabbing a pint in some of the historic and atmospheric pubs near Tower Bridge! It was great to try 7 different beer styles throughout the tour plus a cheeky drink in a secret venue!

8 – Soho Food Tasting Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 40 reviews )

“Theo was a fantastic host, friendly and informative. We met so many lovely people and the food was delicious! Highly recommend!” Katharine, Viator

Explore the neon lit bohemian streets of trendy Soho , London’s neighborhood that is famous for nightlife and the buzzing entertainment scene with Secret Food Tours !

This is one of the best food tours in London for those looking to experience some of London’s trendiest bars, glamorous speakeasies, street food and the twinkling lights of Chinatown!

Sample some local historic gins , try some exotic culinary flavors and eclectic delights such as coconut beef curries or croquettes ! Your guide will regale you with tales of Soho’s history, highlighting its enduring allure that has drawn artists and musicians to its theaters and comedy clubs over the years!

Lots of delicious food spots along the walking route, we particularly enjoyed the French Choux pastry and trying the bitter sweet vermouth. The guide was enthusiastic and informative, with lots of historic insights throughout the tour!

9 – 3-Hour Secret British Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 ( 323 reviews )

“The tour was absolutely amazing! The guide was so well informed and had a rich knowledge of the history of food in London. We tried so many diverse dishes. I was worried I’d be too full to try all the dishes but surprising they were all great portions that you were able to enjoy every single one.” Caitlin, Getyourguide

Indulge your taste buds with Essor on this British food orientated London walking tour! Discover the area around London bridge, see some of the best tourist attractions in London and dive into the historic Borough Market and delve into a cosy historic pub to sample some fine English cheeses .

Expect plenty of British culinary delights such as classic fish and chips , hearty Cumberland sausages , home made freshly baked breads and plenty of real British ales !

Your guide will blend plenty of historic London curiosities with foodie tips and lots of British humor! Finish off your walking tour on a sweet note with a British dessert!

A good length walking tour with 8 different stops. We enjoyed stopping off at Borough Market to watch the daily trade and try the typically British egg and bacon bap! The international group was really friendly and the guide took excellent care of us.

10 – Private Mayfair Chocolate Ecstasy Tour for 2

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 440 reviews )

“Excellent Tour! What a fun experience we had! Our guide was so knowledgeable about chocolate and historical places we went by. The pace we went was perfect. Of course, the chocolates were wonderful.” Barb, Viator

Chocoholics will enter paradise during the Chocolate Ecstasy Tours walking tour around some of London’s most luxurious neighborhoods!

Stop off at high quality chocolatiers, patisseries and sweet shops for chocolate tastings along the way and learn more about the production of chocolate from the cocoa bean to the finished truffle. Warm up with a delicious rich hot chocolate and scrumptious handmade chocolates .

Learn more about the history of Mayfair with your experienced local guide as you make your way to the next chocolate filled destination!

An educational and sensory journey for those keen to learn more about the world of high quality chocolate making! Spend time browsing artisanal chocolate shops and appreciating the architecture and landmarks of Soho and Mayfair! A delicious mouth-watering experience!

11 – English Wine and Cheese Tour from London

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 20 reviews )

“Very well organized day! Wonderful wine experience!I” Lusine, Viator

Discover the dynamic up and coming British wine producers that are giving Champagne a run for their money! Embark on a day of adventure with English Wine Tastings Tours to discover the beautiful vineyards of Kent and some high quality cheeses.

On this wine tour , learn more about the chalky soils of Chapel Down and what makes them excellent for producing fine sparkling wines. Discover what grapes flourish in the cool English climate such as delightfully crisp Chardonnay and Pinot Noir!

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the Kent countryside and indulge in an outstanding tasting of English wines paired with carefully selected local cheeses .

Very exciting to visit Chapel Down, the award winning British wine producer who have been known to feature in many Royal celebrations and events. It really opened our eyes to the potential of the British wine industry and we were blown away by the finesse of the bubbly!

12 – East End London Food Tour with Eating Europe

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 774 reviews )

“This tour was a highlight of our trip! Our guide was excellent. Besides tasting a variety of the best food to be found in the area, she provided us with a thorough history of the East End. This was a wonderful way to explore this part of London.” Cristy, Viator

Get an overview of the diverse culinary delights of London’s East End with Eating Europe . With 8 different tastings and 6 different locations along the walking route, this walking tour will leave your stomach feeling more than satisfied!

Tuck into some classic freshly battered fish and chips sprinkled with finger licking salt and vinegar and try one of the warm salt beef filled bagels , an integral part of the East End’s Jewish community heritage!

Other foodie highlights include Indian curried treats , caramel tart with English tea or try a typical British desert such as the fruit crumble !

Wonderful tour for those looking to find some culinary delicacies that the average tourist is unlikely to encounter on their own! The tour guide was friendly and offered clear explanations on the history of various streets and buildings. Be sure to arrive on the tour feeling peckish!

13 – Twilight Soho Food Tour with Eating Europe

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 268 reviews )

“This was our first food tour for the 5 of us and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Delicious tastings and fun locations, including a speak-easy bar that we never would have found ourselves.” James, Viator

Get a flavor for the electric atmosphere of Soho at night in the trustworthy company of London food tours by Eating Europe .

Discover the international cuisine offered in some of Soho best bars and restaurants from Spanish tapas, Mexican spices to Chinese dumplings. Your local guide will take you to explore recommended trendy bars and explain the history of Soho, from entertainment hub to some of its more darker stories!

A night food tour round Soho wouldn’t be complete without diving into the heart of one of Europe’s largest Chinatowns or checking out the quirky and creative Soho mural!

We emailed ahead to advise that I am vegetarian and this was taken into account during the tour with plenty of alternative food options. We loved the atmosphere of the speakeasy bar that we would have never have found on our own. A fun group of travelers and a range of world foods to kick off our evening!

See also: Fun things to do in London at night and discover the best night tours in London

14 – London Shoreditch Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 179 reviews )

“Excellent, enthusiastic guide, very knowledgeable and attentive to our group of 8. Excellent choice of a diverse selection of foods and drinks.” Neville, Viator

Explore the vast spectrum of Shoreditch’s best eateries with Secret Food Tours . Follow your local guide round the best hideaways to find freshly baked bagels, traditional fish and chips and exotic international street food from bustling marketplaces!

Learn more about the rich and multi cultural history of Brick Lane and Spitalfields in between food stops and get a real feel for the streets of London’s East End.

Take in the buzzing sounds of street vendors, the inviting aromas wafting from different restaurants and the intense flavors as you immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere of Shoreditch!

Excellent to try some of the authentic London flavors! Our guide was super cheerful and kept us entertained throughout the 3 hour tour. In addition to lots of restaurants, we also got to see a lot of street art and enter inside a 50s style pub! Will definitely be returning to Shoreditch!

15 – Private London Food Tours – Borough Market, Soho, East End

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 191 reviews )

“Excellent tour guide. Full of knowledge and enthusiasm. Went to places that you would have normally just have walked past. Great experience.” Sally, Viator

For those who fancy discovering the culinary delights of London during a personalized private tour in London , the Chubby Fellow food tours tick all the boxes.

Follow your guide through the neighborhood of London that you want to fully explore, tasting lots of food samples along the way at carefully selected venues and listening to engaging historical details and local stories!

Venues along the route will range from historic pubs, trendy bars, celebrated local restaurants and street food venues to ensure your tour to gives you a true flavor of each London neighborhood selected!

We chose to take a tour of Chinatown and the experience was super personalized to our groups needs! The guide explained the fascinating background behind every dish that we ate and there were also a few surprises thrown in. Delicious food!

16 – Michelin Star Indian Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 5 reviews )

“Excellent choice of restaurants and dishes. Mukta is very knowledgeable about Indian food. Right on time!” Pawan, Viator

This high quality Michelin star tour around the award-winning Indian restaurants of London is one of the best food tours for those who love curries and tandooris but want to take it to the next level!

Discover dishes from different regions throughout India and learn more about the best Indian sweets! In one of the restaurants, participants will also get a glimpse of the cooking process behind the scenes to see the mixing of spices, the preparation of fresh vegetables and the sizzling of the meats first hand!

Visit a range of different Indian restaurants throughout the city with some walking included to make space for more culinary delights and exploration of London’s diverse neighborhoods!

Exquisite Indian cuisine for those who love to experience the authentic flavors of India first-hand. The tour catered to our groups dietary requirements and we loved the intimate group size, it also felt like a private tour! A very memorable evening!

17 – Traditional English Walking Food Tour

Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 ( 51 reviews )

“Our tour guide, Kevin Bond, was so friendly and so knowledgeable. The food was incredible and the tour was through one of the best places in London.” Megan, Viator

Uncover the classic culinary delights of London and the Southwark Borough during this classical London Food Tour .

In a small and intimate walking group (no more than 10 travelers), allow your local guide to take you on a journey to explore the essence of London cuisine, with plenty of details on the history of British food culture!

Get ready to sample traditional scones and jam , fish and chips along with bacon rolls and hot meat pies ! Browse around the famous Borough Market , one of London’s oldest operating markets and capture unforgettable moments through your lens, seizing the essence of London in remarkable photographs!

It was wonderful to try some typically British food specialties we weren’t familiar with such as tasty Scotch eggs and jellied eels. We loved the oysters and fizz along with the selection of British cheeses. It was fun to visit Shakespeare’s favorite pub and try some typical ale!

18 – London: Historic Pubs Traditional Food Walking Tour

“very charming, fantastic tour guide, thanks Beckie!!!” Kathrin, Getyourguide

Want to combine London pub culture with a dose of history and a walking tour? Then join Devour to discover some unusual historic pubs that are off the beaten tourist trail and sample some typical pub grub such as pork pies , sausage rolls or whitebait .

Discover pubs associated with legendary London figures such as the famous Charles Dickens or the murderous fictional barber Sweeney Todd.

Enjoy some heartwarming British pints of ale or try out some cider and connect with your fellow tour guides over some English pub games !

What an experience to enjoy a pint in a 500 year old pub! The guide kept us entertained with lots of stories and historical curiosities and we even learned how to play the traditional pub game shuffleboard. The group size was small so there was lots of group interaction throughout the tour!

19 – Greenwich Food Tour in London

Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 ( 11 reviews )

“Our tour guide, Victoria, did an absolutely wonderful job! Would highly recommend this tour. Great food and lovely neighborhood :)” Grace, Viator

Explore the foodie scene of Greenwich with Greenwich Royal Tours , one of the best places to visit in London , a fascinating area famous for its Royal Observatory, the beautiful Greenwich Park with views of the Thames, the Old Royal Naval College and the Cutty Sark 19th-century clipper ship.

Delve into some of the best cafés and hand picked restaurants with the help of a local guide and discover the bustling Greenwich market , a historic market established back in 1827! Sample some traditionally British food along the way and learn more about Britain’s rich culinary heritage!

It was lovely to get a great overview of Greenwich through the culinary delicacies. The small group made the tour feel really personal and we loved tasting the English cider at the gastropub. The food samplings were generous and we left the tour feeling stuffed. A good range of typically British food and intercontinental delights!

How to book food tours in London?

We hope that this article has inspired your taste buds to book up a food tour in London!

There are many companies offering the best food tours in London and there are also many travel websites selling the same tours online. Many offer discounts, so be aware that the price may vary from one website to another!

To ensure that you grab the best bargain for your trip, take a look at the TourScanner search engine to compare the range of offers, reviews, and competitive prices!

• compare food tours in London

Best London Food Tours by a Local

By: Author Amanda OBrien

Posted on Last updated: 17/02/2024

It is now hard to believe that English food used to be mocked. London is now one of the most foodie cities in the world.

However, it is a big sprawling city and can be intimidating for visitors and new residents. So if you’re a food lover visiting town, taking one of the London food tours is a great idea.

Also, some of the best bits of Foodie London are not in the guidebooks. It takes a local – like me – and your tour guide – to bring them to life.

From street food tours in London to Indian food tours in London options to a traditional English food tasting walking tour in London there is every type of tour you could imagine available.

Book these popular London Food tours before you leave home to avoid disappointment. 1. Afternoon Tea on a London Bus 2. Historical Pub Walking Tour 3. 3 Hour Secret British Food Tour 4. London East End Food Tour

London Food Tours – What are the Options?

I have been on quite a few London Food Tours. There are several key types/areas for tours.

The first is the Borough Market and the area around it – London Bridge. Second, is a London East End Food tour or around Brick Lane – the traditional home of Indian food in London.

Third are tours around traditional and modern British food where you can try England’s favorite foods for yourself. Fourth is touring around the English tradition of afternoon tea . And the fifth is quirky/slightly different types of London Food Tours.

Included within all of these are London food walking tour options, London bus tour options and every type of eatings tours London you can imagine.

I have gone through and reviewed the best options within each – as well as some other different foodie things to do in London.

I live in London and love to write about it. You might enjoy reading my articles on London’s Bridges , Unusual Experiences in London , Where to watch the Sunset in London , Where to watch the Sunrise in London , Famous Landmarks in London , Things to do in Notting Hill , Cotswolds Tours from London , Facts about London , Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea in London , Restaurants near Clapham Junction and Earlsfield Restaurants.

Wondering what else to do whilst in London? Check out this useful post on a 4 Day London Itinerary.

1. Best London Food Tours – Borough Market & Around

Borough Market is one of my favorite places in London. I first started going there when I moved to London 16 years ago. This is not very long ago considering this market has been operating for 1003 years.

It is the oldest fruit and vegetable market in London. There is so much on offer that sometimes it can be challenging when it comes to Borough Market what to eat, which makes it a perfect place for a food tour of London.

It is one of my most regular haunts – Monmouth coffee, burrata cheese flown in from Italy that morning, the amazing smell and colors of the vegetables – it is a bit of a happy place for me and no terrorist activity will ever change that.

It has become far more popular in recent years and quite a few London food walks now cover the area – a great solution to the Borough Market what to eat there is a million options problem.

One of the best tours I have done of Borough Market was with London Tailored Tour s. London Tailored Tours are led by the lovely Charley who is filled with enthusiasm and passion for Borough Market and the Borough area in general.

She is also a passionate foodie, which shines through – it is a pleasure going for a stroll with someone who is talking about their favorite thing.

If you’re visiting London – or live here – check out this great post on the Best London Weekend Breaks 

So our London food tours kicked off with the Borough Market what to eat classic – a Bacon Butty. For my non-UK readers, a bacon butty is a British institution and consists of bacon in fluffy white bread and butter or a fluffy white roll.

Tradition would then dictate you add your sauce of choice – red for me – before enjoying the perfect breakfast. Once you taste one, you will realise why this is where all the market traders come for their breakfast at 5 am.

This is one of the England food traditions. After the bacon butty, Charley took us to meet several different types of market traders where we had private tastings.

We kicked off with the rather different British cured meats stall. From seaweed and cider salami from Cornwall to pork, garlic and peppercorn and finishing with the unique blood, wine and chocolate this was a taste sensation.

Next up was cheese. We headed to a Swiss cheese stall – not as in the type with lots of holes in it but other types of Swiss cheese.

Most intriguing was the blue brain cheese and I took a few home with me including the amazing truffle cheese. There is an opportunity to purchase at every stall so make sure you bring a backpack or carry bag as it is very hard not to shop.

Charley is also a fantastic source of information on all types of tales of Borough Market – including showing you the door that was used as Bridget Jone’s home in all of the movies.

Then it was time to sample another British classic – a scotch egg. This was from a stall that only does scotch eggs – yes it has fryers sitting right there and you can have your scotch egg gooey and warm.

The Scotch Egg is a British tradition – egg and sausage meat done in breadcrumbs – the perfect breakfast before you start a big day.

Then on to oysters and a stall that has been in the one family for seven generations. Again they just do oysters, and there is quite the queue. Luckily when you are on the tour lines don’t exist as all had been pre-organized by Charley.

Next up on our Food Tours London was chocolate. The market’s best hot chocolate as well as amazing brownies. This is one I will be returning to as it serves a chocolate afternoon tea and has a lovely terrace.

Charley then takes her tours through the local area with some amazing finds like Crossbones and a secret view of the Shard. Next up was a local wine shop that used to be an old cork factory for a tasting.

We then finished this London food walking tour at a fantastic local pop up/street food venue near elephant and castle tube where we enjoyed some delicious Sicilian sweet puffs with chocolate sauce and pistachio.

The 3-hour food-tasting tour in London flies by and it is fantastic value. All the food is, of course, wonderful but it is all the great stories behind it and behind the Borough area that makes this such a memorable tour – no wonder it is one of the most popular London food tours Trip Advisor has listed.

This is a great tour to do if you’re a Londoner or a first-time visitor to the capital:

⇒ The Borough Market Food Tour runs every Monday and Friday at 230pm and Saturdays at 930am.

If you are looking for some other great places to eat in London why not take the view of a European? Here is a great post on Where to Eat in London from the great blog Travel Eat Enjoy Repeat. 

2. East End Food Tour

If you’re looking for an alternative London Food Tour then the East End is the place.

We met our lovely tour guide Amicie not far from Liverpool Street station on a luckily bright and sunny Saturday morning. Appropriately we met under the Goat sculpture.

Our first stop was coffee! We visited Nude who roast their own coffee and I had a fantastic flat white.

We were then on the edge of Spitalfields market. The tour wasn’t about Spitalfields (which is great if you haven’t been) but we did have a quick wander through.

Amicie then pointed out the classic Ten Bells pub. It was a little early for a pint but again this is a great place to go for a drink when in London.

The focus of this London walking tours foodie extravaganza was the back streets around Brick Lane. Brick Lane is traditionally known as being the centre of Indian food in London.

The famous Indian restaurants still dominate the street but now cool cafes and stores have been added as well as stunning London graffiti.

Amicie is a qualified art historian and her knowledge and understanding of art really helped us to gain an appreciation of the London graffiti that we saw.

We were fascinated to discover that one of the major trends in London graffiti is using smaller areas of the walls. Artists are essentially producing stickers and then applying them to the walls. This creates amazing collages with the works of multiple artists.

We also explored some of the lovely old architecture of the backstreets. Amicie shared with us background stories on the classic brick buildings.

I particularly loved the wooden shutters – it was almost like a touch of Amsterdam in London.

Our next stop was the Nomadic Community Gardens. I would never have known this place existed. It is a bit of a wander off Brick Lane so not so easy to find.

Essentially it is like an allotment on steroids. Apparently, the council will be developing this rather large plot in the future. As that is the case they have basically offered the space up free to residents to do with it what they will.

Importantly there is a little cafe – the Roving Cafe – on offer for coffee and cake.

We were able to stop for London street foods snacks along the way – all at spots of course recommended by Amicie. A highlight was the amazing bubble waffles.

These are waffles that basically act as a wrap for different fruit and sweet combinations. Our first stop, however, was at the Tibetan dumpling stand for some chicken momos. They were much better than most of the momos I tasted in nepal.

We then headed to the Old Truman Brewery . This gorgeous building is now filled with street food vendors. Every cuisine that you can imagine represented.

There is also a decent-sized seating area so that you can enjoy your food. Perfect for an eating London tours option.

Korean fried chicken with every variety of sauce you could imagine was on offer. However, the vendor that stood out to me was the one from Peru.

He was selling La Causa which is basically ceviche in a kind of milky mayonnaise-type sauce. He differentiated his offer by providing La Causa in mini sandwiches on purple bread – very Instagram-ready.

We then went past the Cereal Killer Cafe . Yes, what a brilliant name. This cafe actually does sell cereal – every kind you can imagine. It is quite small so we weren’t able to go in and try it but it was filled with quirky retro packaging and super cute.

Our last stop was appropriately chocolate based. Amicie introduced us to an amazing chocolate shop called Dark Sugars . There are two of them along Brick Lane.

They have a mix of chocolate truffles and slabs. And the most interesting were pearls. These looked like bath drops but tasted incredible.

This was a fantastic London eating tours option to really discover hidden London Graffiti and street food. Even as a Londoner I saw and learned many new things.

As you can also hopefully tell it was a very photogenic tour so make sure you take your camera.

3. English food traditional and new London Tours

As I mentioned earlier, English food now receives far more respect than it did, for good reason. London is full of fantastic versions of all food things in English – from the classic pub experience to Modern British Dining.

-You can’t head to London and not visit a pub. Check out this Historical Pub Walking Tour

– Enjoy Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace Gardens

-Enjoy a Gin Tour and Tasting in London’s East End

– Take an Authentic British Food Tour

4. Afternoon Tea Based Food Tours

I believe it is illegal to come to England and not enjoy a classic afternoon tea at least once. But why not make that afternoon tea experience as fun as possible? Check out these interesting tours:

– Afternoon Tea on a Bus with Prosecco

– Kensington Palace Gardens Tour with Royal High Tea

– Three Palaces guided walking tour with High Tea

– Vintage Bus Tour and Harrods Cream Tea

5. Interesting and Different London Food Tours

Did you know that London now has an exciting donut scene? I appreciate that donuts aren’t what first comes to mind when you think about London and food but these days you’ll find some interesting and delicious donut makers all over London.

The best way to discover London’s donuts is with the fab Underground Donut Tour . The Underground Donut Tour started in Chicago in 2015 and now runs in 17 cities across the world. These people know their donuts!

The London Underground Donut Tour includes four delicious donut stops including a Michelin star donut stop. In addition to donuts, you’ll visit Borough Market, see where Shakespeare used to drink and learn loads of quirky and interesting facts about London.

Camden is one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods and home to the famous Camden Market. Check out this Camden Town Brewery Tour with a Beer Tasting.

Or take a Cheese Walking Tour or how about a Secret Indian Food Tour ?

3 More Foodie Things to Do in London

1. bustronome london.

Buses and great food are not normally associated with each other. Bustronome is looking to change this perception with gourmet high-quality food experiences. Where better than London to do this – home to one of the world’s most famous buses.

Bustronome offers lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. I went along to the dinner experience. The pick-up point is on Embankment near the embankment tube and is very easy to find.

I was very impressed when a sleek, black double-decker bus pulled up – and brought out black velvet ropes.

All seating is on the top floor for maximum views. The ceiling and the sides are all glass – and were immaculately cleaned. Essentially the idea is to drive around the key sites of London whilst having a fantastic dinner and wine.

The upstairs deck feels like a high-end restaurant with its wooden floors and design aesthetic.

Bustronome employs lots of clever items to support the experience. The middle of each table features a rather ingenious clear plastic little table that allows glasses to be slotted in to prevent spillage.

And every guest is given a map of the route with key tourism points. This is accompanied by a digital ‘pen’ which means guests can choose which famous London attractions they would like to learn more about.

This means guests can choose to chat or learn more rather than being stuck with a voice-over or loud guide.

Onto the food. Dinner is a 6-course tasting menu (lunch 4 courses) Our first course was a delicious crab & artichoke “gateau” which featured a generous amount of crab. This was followed by a crispy roll with goat cheese and beetroot prepared in 3 ways.

The seared tuna was my favourite course. It was served seared with carrot puree, girolle mushrooms in a tarragon sauce. Roasted guinea fowl followed the tuna.

Then we had both cheese and traditional dessert courses. The strawberries and ginger pavlova served with ginger sorbet were another highlight for me.

A generous amount of beverages accompanied dinner. Dinner brings a glass of champagne on arrival and then white wine for the first 2 courses and red wine for the balance.

The staff were generous with their pouring, which is always appreciated. Mineral water was also available as well as coffee or tea.

Overall this was a wonderful and unique way to experience London and one that I highly recommend.

⇒ Click here to read more reviews of Bustronome London

2. Maltby Street

Not far from Borough Market are four smaller London food markets that not many people know about.

A key thing to know before you head to these markets is that most of the stalls are only open on Saturdays and Sundays – check their websites before you leave – I have put links below.

The two best are Maltby St Market and Druid Street Market. Catch the tube to Bermondsey station and turn left onto Jamaica Road when you exit. Take a right up St James Road and then another right onto Dockley Road.

Follow Dockley Road and you’ll hit the old railway arches. All of these markets are in and around the old arches. These arches are now rented out by London Transport.

There is an interesting mix of tenants – Vespa repair shops and craft breweries. These areas feature in all the best London foodie guide publications.

If you’re visiting London check out this fantastic London City Guide

The first food market that you will hit is the fabulous Spa Terminus . I must say I do think this is my favourite of the lot. The meat and cheese shops here are extraordinary.

All of these markets are extremely generous with their samples and don’t hesitate to ask if you can try something. I do warn you though that it is highly likely anything you try you will end up purchasing as the quality of the produce is so excellent.

There are nine different stalls. Little Bread Pedler seems always to have a long queue and for good reason. Their pastries are pretty extraordinary, and the queue is worth it.

There is a Honey stall and, of course a coffee roaster. But Spa Terminus is mostly about amazing meat and cheese, which are the items to focus on.

The second is a tiny food market on the corner of Marine Street and Enid Street. This is literally the next thing in the arches after Spa Terminus. The fruit and vegetable stalls here are EXTRAORDINARY!

It is serious fruit and veg porn. They do samples and again you will not be able to leave without purchasing. I bought the most amazing melon I have ever eaten here on my last visit.

The next block or so along Enid Street are mostly repair shops. Keep heading towards London Bridge station and take a right under the arches at Abbey Street.

Walk down Druid Street, go under the arches and you will hit the final secret London food market –  Maltby St market .

This London food market is what started the whole area. A few stallholders at the Borough market wanted to try something different and the Maltby Street market was born.

There are permanent little bars and restaurants here – the pops ups only appear on Saturdays and Sundays (same for Druid Street). Again the stallholders will vary, but there are a few classics.

Depending on which end you start with, you will hit the most amazing giant bowl of tartiflette you have ever seen. I went quite early last time and saw the raw ingredients going in – wow.

The stalls are mostly food or drink-based (coffee roasters and craft brews of course!) but there are a couple of lovely toiletries stalls as well.

Try to pass the Cheese Truck without buying a toasted cheese sandwich – it is hard work. Then there are Dhans. These are sort of flat egg-shaped crosses between a waffle and a doughnut.

They are served in egg cartons and then you choose the sauce to be drizzled on the top – I went with salted caramel and custard, which was fantastic.

There is a serious gyoza stall that adds delicious sauces to the top of the gyozas and they aren’t all soy .

Unlike the other secret London food market options in this post, there are a few permanent residents on Maltby St. The St Johns Wine bar is one popular option as well as some very cute little restaurants.

You can visit these during the week – and on the weekends. It is just the stalls that appear on Saturday and Sunday.

At the other end of Maltby st is the super cute Lassco. Lassco is everything. It is a vintage antiquey kind of store but also with some newer stuff. And it is a bar. And it is a restaurant. It is a great spot for breakfast and a coffee before exploring.

Allow about 2 hours to walk and wander the arches and the 4 markets – assuming you stop somewhere for a meal along the way.

3. London Restaurant Festival

If you’re a foodie try to time your visit to London for October so that you can visit the fantastic London Food Festiva l . Every year this fantastic festival offers great deals at some of the top restaurants in London – at every price point and cuisine type.

This year I had a fantastic meal at one of London’s top Asian Restaurants, Hakkasan . Hakkasan has a couple of branches in the capital and I visited the one on Hanway Lane which is very near Tottenham Court Road Tube station.

This is one restaurant where you will need to book to get in – and they usually do a couple of turns, so most likely, you will need to take a 630, 830 or 10 pm slot.

For the London Restaurant Festival, Hakkasan allow access to their Taste of Hakkasan menu outside of the standard early and late options.

For just 38 pounds, there are 5 courses on offer plus one of Hakkasan’s delectable cocktails. I enjoyed the Hakka – vodka, sake, lychee, lime, coconut and passionfruit – fantastic.

If you can try to arrive a little early and have a seat at the stunning bar. Hakkasan is drop-dead stunning in terms of design. The bar has a terrific atmosphere.

The first course is Dim Sum – your choice if standard or vegetarian. The dim sum at Hakkasan is rather beautiful – dollops of scallops and pork in colourful wrappers – so so good.

Next up we shared the Stir-fry black pepper rib-eye beef with Merlot and the Three style mushroom stir fry. The ribeye was oh so tender and with a hint of greens.

Exotic mushrooms created a delicious stir fry as well as some fun ingredients like gai-lan, lily bulb and macadamia nut. Chinese vegetables and Vegetable fried rice complemented this.

And finally, dessert. This and the start dim sum were my personal favourites. The Chocolate Bomb is a sensation. It is made up of a hazelnut praline-style ice cream covered in rice crispies and milk chocolate sauce.

So many fantastic textures and tastes going on together. An outstanding multi-course meal.

Boutique Hotels in Londons

Artist Residence is located in Pimlico which is fabulously central. It is in a gorgeous 5 store regency building and has a cute bar.

⇒ Read reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

The Portobello Hotel is located in one of London’s best known and cutest neighbourhoods Notting Hill. This is also the hotel where Kate Moss and Johnny Depp filled up the bath with champagne. The hotel is located on a quiet street but is a great location.

The Great Northern Hotel is ridiculously close to Kings Cross and St Pancras stations which is incredibly convenient. The hotel dates back to 1854 but has had a major refurb so it feels fresh and modern.

The Hoxton hotel is in the heart of East London in Shoreditch and a perfect base for exploration. The rooms aren’t huge but the location makes up for it – as does the great value for London with rooms starting at £99 a night.

Getting to London and Getting Around:

⇒ Flights to London

Best Ways to get from the airport into London

London has several airports. It can be confusing and expensive to get from each of the airports into central London. And the last thing you need after a flight. It is much easier to organize tickets before you fly.

Heathrow is the most common airport for international flights. The fastest way to get from Heathrow into Central London is the Heathrow Express . This train only takes 15 minutes to get from Heathrow to Paddington Station and runs 4 times an hour. The Heathrow Express is much faster than a cab or any other option.

The lowest cost way to get from Heathrow to central London is the tube . The tube is actually one of the fastest options as well – and will get you the closest to your final destination.

There is also a bus or coach option which drops passengers at Victoria Station. This is a cheap option but you will have to deal with London traffic. If you are taking this option during peak hour it could take up to 2 hours each way.

Who Paid for What in this Post

Thanks to London Tailored Tours, Bustronome, London Restaurant Week and London Guddy for inviting me on their tours and to their restaurants. I live in London so there weren’t really any costs involved for me but as always my opinions are my own.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click through on them and make a purchase I will receive a small commission. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of this.

Like this Post? Why Not Pin It?

Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Mamie Mckinlay

Monday 23rd of March 2020

The https://theboutiqueadventurer.com website is one of the best we have found, and the Definitive Guide to the Best London Food Tours article is very well written and useful! I want to share with you a link that also helped me a lot in cooking: https://bit.ly/easy-fat-burning-recipes Thanks and kisses! :)

Tuesday 22nd of October 2019

It’s like a foodies paradise, It seems like you had a great fun.

The Boutique Adventurer

Wednesday 23rd of October 2019

Ken it was a foodie paradise! I had loads of fun!

Monday 14th of January 2019

Im such a foodie when I travel. If I ever make it to London I am definitely going on a Food tour!

Tuesday 25th of December 2018

This looks exciting! I have to try this whenever I make it to England!

Sunday 23rd of December 2018

Wow, what a helpful post with so much helpful stuff. I really love it. Merry Christmas everyone!

Like this post? Why Not Share It?

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1. Seafood School at Billingsgate Market

2. chocolate making tour in notting hill, 3. experience a taste of borough market tour , 4. secret food tours in london, 5. east end food tours, 6. afternoon tea bus tour.

photo by Sebastian Coman Unsplash

6. London Cheese Crawl

7. chocolate ecstasy.

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8. Sunday Market Kitchen

9. cupcake and macaron tour.

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10. Twilight Soho Food Tour 

11. indian food tour.

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12. Greenwich Food  Tour

13. 6- course luxury dinner bus tour, 14. private food tour , 15. cheese tasting tour.

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The 5 Best Food Tours in London in 2024

The 5 Best London Food Tours

London is historic, beautiful, and diverse. It’s also foodie heaven! There is truly no better way to explore the city than through your tastebuds. A food tour in London is the ideal way to dive into the culture head first and experience the city like a local. That’s why we’ve selected the 5 best London food tours.

This carefully curated list features the very best tours you can embark on. Each one gives you the chance to walk through the city like a true Londoner while giving you an authentic feel for the city. You’ll be well-versed in the history, the trends, and most importantly, the food!  If you want to pack the ultimate educational and delicious trip into 3 or 4 hours, make sure to join one of these food tours!

1. Twilight Soho Food Tour : from £109 

Sip on cocktails and dine of award-winning food in the coolest spot in London. Your guide will take you on an evening like no other around the hub of central London. Prepare yourself for a night of learning, laughter, and lots and lots of food. This is the best way to discover the very best of Chinatown and get an exclusive taste of the famous nightlife. It’ s not just about tasting the food, it’s about tasting the centuries of culture and history, and becoming a true expert about your surroundings. In 3.5 hours you will experience cuisines from around the world that have found their home in London. The Twilight Food Tour will leave a memorable mark on any foodie trip.

2. The Cheese Crawl : from £25

Think you know your cheeses? This is your chance to put your knowledge and tastebuds to the test on this trivia route. Indulge in London’s finest cheeses and take part in the interactive challenge: ‘QUIZtro Fromaggio’. Beginning in Mayfair, and ending in Covent Garden, this tour will take you across the city, whilst you consume dairy delights. Experience Fortnum and Masons iconic department store dairy counter. Then, water it down with perfectly paired wines in Little Italy. The selection of cheeses on offer is exciting and advanced. The guide will put a cheesy grin on your face as you compete in teams to outsmart one another’s cheese expertise. For £25, this is the ultimate 3 hours London food tour to satisfy all your cheese cravings.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by The London Cheese Crawl (@seeyourcitycheesecrawl)

3. East End Food Tour : from £89

Become a true cockney Londoner for the day and escape the typical tourist trail. This tour will show you London’s best kept food secrets. The variety of foods ranges from sweet treats created in the second world war, to chicken tikka masala (England’s national dish), from the best curry house in Brick Lane. And, of course, fish and chips! This is the ultimate introduction to British cuisine. By the time you end with afternoon tea with your guide and new friends you have made, you will be an expert in the landmark’s history and culture. This is more than just a food tour, it’s a deep dive into the remarkable communities of East London. What better way to explore the home of the hipsters than through their delicious food. 

 4. Plant Power Tour : from £60 

You don’t need to be Vegan to enjoy plant based food, especially in Camden Town! This London borough is famous for its creative spirit, and identity of punk music. At the heart of its alternative character is alternative food. Your vegan guide is an expert in meat-free treats. Across 2.5 hours you will explore Camden Market, the town, and the beating heart of the community – the wild Camden lock. This is the perfect chance to try something new in the safe hands of an expert on all things vegan. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Rebel Tours (@rebeltourslondon)

 5.  London Downtown Doughnut Tour  : from £54.14

If you have a sweet tooth this is the London food tour for you! Explore the breath-taking scenes of London Bridge, and the famous foodie paradise of Borough Market with a doughnut at every stop. The baked goods are fresh and delicious. You will sample a variety of different flavours. This is two hours of sugar heaven and with a range of iconic bakeries, to commercial leaders, you will be an expert in the London Doughnut scene. History is certainly easier to take in with a doughnut in your hand and we think you will agree!

@undergrounddonuttour @dippeddonutsinc has regular sized AND mini donuts! Best of both w🍩rlds. This gem is featured on our Toronto donut tour! #undergrounddonuttour #toronto ♬ Astro Beat – Staysee

Final Thoughts

No matter which option you choose, a food tour in London is the perfect way to truly experience the culture and history of the city. You’ll get an intimate feel for London, with the opportunity to sample authentic local dishes, drinks, and entertainment. Whether you are a foodie, history buff, or just wanting to explore the city with travel companions, we hope you can enjoy one of the best food tours in London on your next visit!

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About Kenny Dunn

Kenny’s love for European cuisine was sparked after moving to Rome in 2009. He fell in love with the city’s backstreet eateries, and even more with the people and stories behind each dish. Now he's turned his passion into food tours, so  Eating Europe  guests can also share a taste of local life.

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The 13 Best Los Angeles Tours

Maximize your time in Los Angeles with the insider tips and historical context provided by the best local tours.

Courtesy of Bikes and Hikes LA

At more than 465 square miles, Los Angeles defies easy exploration. Even those who dream of touring the city's top attractions in a sporty convertible may be discouraged by the city's notorious traffic congestion and tough parking rules. To enjoy that stress-free, laid-back vacation California is famous for, choose an easy, efficient guided tour. Using both traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected some of the top tours in Los Angeles whose entertaining introduction to the city will engage intrepid explorers, first-time visitors and local residents alike.

Bikes and Hikes LA – Hollywood Sign Hike

Price: From $29 Duration: 3 hours

Summit Mount Hollywood on this hiking trip. You'll see Griffith Park and the Forest Lawn Mausoleum as well as the world-famous Hollywood sign and panoramic vistas of the city. Be ready for a workout: You'll hike approximately 4 miles round-trip. Reviewers say the tour is excellent and the guides provide lots of history during the hike.

Tours are offered daily year-round and depart at 8:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. The company also offers a shorter version of this hike and several bike tours of LA.

Check prices & availability on:

Open Bus Tours – Movie Star Home Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Open Bus Tours whisks you through Hollywood and Beverly Hills in an open-top van to show you the places where the rich and famous play. The guide will point out landmarks associated with past and current celebrities, contemporary sports figures and YouTube stars, plus drive past famous movie studios and filming locations, if available. You can snap photos of mansions, the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, the Dolby Theatre and more. Visitors say they like leaving the LA driving to fun, knowledgeable guides who entertain them with gossip. Others emphasize that this is more of a sightseeing tour and wish that they saw more celebrity homes.

The tours are available from Thursday to Monday; there are four departures each day. The company also offers private tours.

Big Bus Tours Los Angeles – TMZ Celebrity Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $49 Duration: 2 hours

Gossip, secrets and buzz-worthy names are the focus of this popular Hollywood Celebrity Hot Spot Tour from Big Bus Tours Los Angeles and TMZ, the famous celebrity news website. The guided bus outing departs several times daily from Hollywood and makes no stops. Instead, the entertaining guides show video clips, share stories, do giveaways and play games. Recent tour-takers who love celebrity gossip and pop culture offer very positive reviews of the outing, while some complain about not seeing any celebrities during their tour.

Tours depart multiple times daily. TMZ also runs a Hollywood Selfie Tour, which shuttles tourgoers to the best photo spots.

ExperienceFirst – Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour: True Crime, Creepy Tales

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $35 Duration: 2 hours

This ghost tour not only covers paranormal activity in Hollywood, but also delves into LA's crime history. You'll learn about serial killers who traumatized the city as well as the infamous Manson family murders. Among the locations you'll visit are the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel and the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Reviewers say the tour is excellent and that guides are wonderful storytellers.

Trips depart at 6 p.m. nightly. ExperienceFirst also operates guided hikes to the Hollywood sign, among others.

Courtesy of A Day in LA

A Day in LA Tours – LA City Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 7.5 hours

Cruise from Venice Beach to Griffith Park and everywhere in between on this tour. Tourgoers will hop on an air-conditioned bus that's equipped with device charging ports and cruise in comfort to areas like Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica. First-time visitors to LA rave about how much you see in one day despite the city's famous traffic. Others appreciate spending about 40 minutes at each attraction so they could explore and take photos.

Trips depart daily around 8 a.m. A Day in LA Tours offers hotel pickup from Los Angeles area hotels for an additional fee. You can also take this tour from Anaheim.

Six Taste – Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 4 hours

On this Downtown LA walking tour by Six Taste, visitors will sample signature dishes from five eateries while learning more about the history of downtown and the city's diverse cultures. Tastings may include pupusas, pizza, chicken mole and gelato. The company partners with more than 100 restaurants, so these tastings may change. Locals and visitors alike rave about the Six Taste guides and their selection of hard-to-find stands and shops, as well as the delicious food.

Downtown tours run on Saturdays and Sundays only at 11 a.m. The tour is vegetarian friendly. Some dietary accommodations can be made as long as you notify the company at least 72 hours in advance. Other popular Six Taste tours explore Santa Monica and the Arts District.

Malibu Wine Hikes – Malibu Wine Hike & Trail Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2 hours

California wine is a must-try for oenophiles, but you won't need to venture to Napa, Sonoma or Santa Barbara to sample some vino. Approximately 30 miles west of LA you'll find Malibu, a well-known beach town and home to Malibu Wine Hikes. On its 2.5-mile wine tour, you'll explore Saddlerock Ranch and its incomparable beauty, including the property's grape vines. Guides will tell you about the varietals the ranch grows and you'll get to taste the wine it produces. Visitors say they had a great time and are particularly wowed by the scenery.

Keep in mind this hike isn't accessible and strollers and wagons are not allowed. Tours depart Wednesday through Monday. Times can vary by day, but you can generally expect tours in the late morning and mid-afternoon. Malibu Wine Hikes also offers a popular tour in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Sunset Ranch Hollywood – Mulholland Trail Tour

Price: From $75 Duration: 1 hour

Hop on a trusted steed and explore Griffith Park with Sunset Ranch. As you ride through the park, you'll see the Hollywood Sign, the Pacific and LA vistas. Tour-takers say that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable; the ride is a great option for beginners. They also rave about the views from the trail. While children are welcome, they must be at least 8 years old to ride; they company doesn't allow double riders.

You'll want to book your tour online in advance to secure a spot. Tours depart hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want a longer ride, consider the two-hour Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour.

Courtesy of Architecture Tours L.A.

Architecture Tours L.A. – Silver Lake

Price: From $80 Duration: 2-3 hours

Architecture buffs and design professionals should book ahead for this tour of the Silver Lake neighborhood. For up to three hours, you'll view midcentury modern and contemporary homes by master architects Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner and other notables. Architectural historian and author Laura Massino Smith is your expert guide as she chauffeurs you through the neighborhood via van. Tour-takers appreciate Smith's insider access to homes designed by master architects that would otherwise be impossible to find or view up close.

Tours run daily around 10 a.m. and are given by reservation only. You can get tickets by contacting the company directly and you must have at least two people to book. Architecture Tours L.A. hosts a variety of other tours through Los Angeles neighborhoods, such as Hancock Park/Miracle Mile and West Hollywood/Beverly Hills.

Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles – Downtown LA Food Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $75 Duration: 3 hours

This vegetarian-friendly food tour of downtown Los Angeles appeals to travelers interested in the neighborhood's history and ethnically diverse culinary scene. You'll make six food stops that could include doughnuts, French pastry, Mexican tacos and Asian fusion. You'll also walk through Grand Central Market and see sights like the Biltmore Los Angeles, a luxury hotel, and the Million Dollar Theatre. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides and appreciate finding restaurants to return to, while locals enjoy learning about downtown and the city's hidden gem restaurants.

Expect to walk or stand the entire tour and bring a full water bottle. Tours run at 11 a.m. Friday through Monday. Many stops can accommodate gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free diets. Sidewalk Food Tours also offers a West Hollywood Food Tour and private food tours.

Surf City Tours – The Perfect Malibu Tour

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $70 Duration: 5.5 hours

See the homes of the rich and famous – with a side of spectacular ocean scenery – during this tour. Surf City Tours whisks you through Malibu to see the homes of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Cher as well as historic sites and filming locations. It also includes an hourlong stop so you can explore the beach on your own. Travelers say the tour is a must-do and appreciate the guides' enthusiasm and historical knowledge.

Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. daily. You must bring a car seat for all children 8 and younger. Tours depart from the company's location in Santa Monica. The company also runs a surfing trip and a Hollywood tour.

Universal Studios Studio Tour

Price: Included with park admission Duration: 1 hour

Movie fans will get a thrill out of Universal Studios' Studio Tour, a theme park attraction that moves tram riders around the studio backlot. Jimmy Fallon serves as your video tour guide who introduces short clips that serve to enhance the narration from your in-person guide. During the tram ride, you'll encounter the Jupiter's Claim set from "Nope," the shark from "Jaws" and other key props. Interactive experiences include watching a 3D King Kong battle a T. rex and racing alongside stars from "The Fast and the Furious" movie franchise. Both experiences are favorites of reviewers who especially enjoy the special effects. Some tour-takers feel that it is more of another theme park ride than a tour.

The backlot tours leave throughout the day. Tours are included with the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park ticket, which starts at $109 per person for one-day general admission. The park offers multiple shows and rides featuring famous animals, cartoon characters and blockbuster hits.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Price: Adults from $70; kids from $60 Duration: 3 hours

Spend time with friends, scientists and wizards during the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. For one hour of the experience, a guide will drive you around the backlots of the studio while they tell you about the company's history and how they produce films and shows. The remainder of the the tour is self-guided. Tour-takers can explore sets from "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory," see numerous costumes and props (including items from the DC Universe and "Fantastic Beasts") and grab a bite to eat or a souvenir at the cafe and shop. Tourgoers rave about this tour, calling it an absolute must for movie fans.

Tours are available daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must select a specific time slot when you book. You can upgrade your experience to a Plus or Deluxe tour, which include longer guided tours and meals.

You may also be interested in:

• Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
• Best Los Angeles Hotels
• Best San Diego Tours
• Best California Tours
• Best California Beaches

Tags: Tours , Los Angeles , Vacations , Travel , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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Europe Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

From beautiful Paris to smoke-filled coffeeshops in Amsterdam, Oktoberfest to La Tomatina, Europe is a massive, diverse continent with an unlimited assortment of things to see and do. You won’t have any problem filling your time, whether you’re backpacking Europe for a few months on a budget or just spending a few weeks there on a well-earned vacation.

The continent boasts wonderful beaches, historical architecture, amazing wine, and tons of world-class festivals. Every country is incredibly different from the next too, providing limitless variety in what you do during your trip.

I first backpacked Europe in 2006 and was hooked immediately. I’ve been visiting every year since, have run tours around the continent, and even wrote a book on traveling in Europe . It’s a destination I love and never get tired of exploring.

This guide will give you an overview of Europe and the tips and tricks you need to start planning your trip. I’ve also written extensive travel guides to each country on the continent (linked below in this post) so you can get more in-depth information for your specific itinerary too!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Europe

Click Here for Country Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in europe.

1. Tour the Greek Islands

These islands are the mecca of summer beach fun and each is unique in its own great way. There’s Ios (beach party central with archeological ruins and awesome boat tours); Kos (ancient ruins and nature); Crete (Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, hiking, beaches, and wine), Santorini (iconic blue water, white buildings, and local wineries); Mykonos , (the upscale party island with beautiful beaches, villages, and sunsets), Naxos (best island in the Cyclades). Plus, Milos, Corfu, Lemnos, Zakynthos, and so many more! With hundreds of islands in the country, you can always find what you are looking for!

2. Ride the rails

Europe is famous for its international rail system. Rail passes like the Eurail Pass have been around forever and still make it very easy to get from country to country on a relatively small budget (and with lots of flexibility). Europe has some of the fastest trains in the world that travel up to an incredible 217 mph (350 kph). The whole continent is connected by trains and there’s a growing push for even more connections and long-distance, high-speed trains in order to reduce flying and help combat climate change. There’s nothing more quintessential than riding the trains in Europe and I encourage you to take as many trains as possible. It’s one of the best ways to see the continent.

3. Get lost in Paris

The “City of Lights” is everything people say it is. I fell in love with it the first time I stepped foot in Paris . The city is just magical. You have a ton of museums, cafes, jazz clubs, famous art, and beautiful architecture. I love just strolling around the streets of the Quartier Latin (Latin Quarter) or Montmartre neighborhood as it makes for a breathtaking day. Another one of my favorite things to do here is just sit in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées park and picnic like the Parisians. For something a bit different, check out the famous Catacombs and Paris Sewer Museum. With so much to offer in the way of culture, history, and gastronomy, it would take years to see everything here but you can still get a good feel of the city in a few days.

4. Go city hopping

There are so many amazing cities in Europe that we’d need a top 100 to list them all. Here are some of my personal favorites and must-see cities: London is rich in history, culture, and the famous Big Ben clock; Edinburgh is a vibrant medieval city with cozy pubs and a famous castle with a huge New Year’s Eve Party; Amsterdam has cozy coffee shops and canopied tree-covered canals; Berlin has a wild party scene, street art, and the Berlin Wall; Barcelona has tapas, beach, and unique Gaudi architecture; coastal Lisbon has colorful tiles, old tramcars, cobblestone streets and plenty of fresh seafood; Prague has a beautiful intact Old Town, incredible architecture and eclectic bars; Tallinn Estonia has beautiful medieval buildings with colorful roofs. Florence  is a mecca for Italian Renaissance architecture, art history, and gelato; Stockholm mixes medieval architecture and modern art and design. Crisscross the continent, take in the culture, and enjoy all the historic cities!

5. Hit the Alps

Whether you go skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the Alps hold some of the most breathtaking views in all the world. You don’t even need to be an expert hiker because there are mountain trails for all levels and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. Check out the spectacular Eibsee trail loop in Bavaria at the foot of Die Zugspitze, Germany’s tallest mountain, for the clearest, multi-colored, sparkling lake you’ve ever seen. Or the Männlichen Kleine Scheidegg Panorama trail in Switzerland’s stunning green and snow-capped Alps. Or visit Italy’s Dolomites in South Tyrol for the scenic Seceda trail. The Alps have trails for every fitness level and in every season.

Other Things to See and Do in Europe

1. tour amsterdam.

I love Amsterdam so much that I lived here for a short period of time in 2006. Here cobblestone and brick streets weave around lovely canals as people ride their bikes to and fro. My favorite things to enjoy here are Amsterdam’s vibrant art and music scene and there are also a ton of interesting museums here like the Anne Frank House, FOAM, the history museum, and the hemp museum. Be sure you get out of the center into Jordaan and Oost with their wonderful outdoor cafes and fewer tourists. Also, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be complete without a canal cruise to visit the many islands and there are many to choose from that include snacks and drinks, sunset cruises, live guided tours, and more.

2. Hang out in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that goes 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It truly could give NYC a run for the “city that never sleeps” title. Be prepared for late-night dinners and parties until dawn. Besides a great food and nightlife scene, there is a wonderful beach, tons of Gaudi architecture (including the fairytale-like Parc Güell, as well as the iconic Sagrada Familia , which has been under construction for over 100 years!), incredible food tours, one of the best history museums in the country, and lots of outdoor spaces. What I love about Barcelona is that when you’re ready to chill, you can wander around Parc de la Ciutadella and marvel at the majestic fountains, plant life, and buildings created from an ornate military fortress.

3. Visit Berlin

Hip and trendy Berlin is an energetic destination. It is one of Europe’s most affordable capital cities, with a vibrant music and art scene and a growing foodie movement. Be sure to spend some time learning about the city’s darker history via the many excellent museums, memorials, and landmarks. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that’s now painted with murals, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe are two especially powerful reminders of Germany’s past. For all periods of German history, don’t miss the Deutsches Historisches Museum (German Historical Museum) – it’s one of the best history museums in the world. Once you’ve had your fill of history, relax in Berlin’s many green spaces, from Tempelhof Field, the site of a former airfield and popular local hangout spot, to Tiergarten, a tree-covered former hunting ground for 17th-century aristocrats.

4. Drink beer at Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a must for anyone going to Germany at the end of September. While not a budget option since beers now cost 15 € a maß, I love the energy and friendly camaraderie this event inspires. For two weeks, millions of people from all over the world gather for lots of beer, excitement, music, and wild fun. Watching thousands of people sing together, raising quart-sized beer mugs for endless toasts, and enjoying the general party atmosphere makes you feel good about the world. (Or maybe that’s just the beer?) Just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance and be prepared to pay top prices for them. If you don’t have an outfit, don’t worry, there are plenty of shops even at the main train station where you can buy a Bavarian dirndl dress and men’s lederhosen.

5. Experience London

Get a taste of English culture in diverse London . The museums here are some of the best in the world (most are free) and include the Tate, the British Museum, the City Museum, the National Gallery, the Historical Museum. There’s no shortage of iconic sights here as well, with Big Ben, the House of Parliament, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and of course, Buckingham Palace. I love London’s diversity because of the countless international eateries with great food and wonderful pub culture, perfect for after a long day seeing the sights. Head to Brick Lane on the weekends for some amazing food and craft markets. I prefer Paris to London, but there is something sophisticated and fun about London. Just watch those pints — London is not a cheap destination!

6. Get outdoors in Scandinavia

My favorite region in Europe is Scandinavia. The quality of life here is high, the people are beautiful and friendly, and the cities are clean and historic. Cycling the cities, taking canal tours, hiking the vast forested areas, archipelago hopping, enjoying fika (a Swedish coffee break), and warming up in saunas are just a few of the popular activities that await you here. True, this area of Europe is not cheap, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your expenses. Don’t let the high prices scare you away. Highlights for me include Copenhagen , Stockholm , Gotland, Norway’s fjords, and Lapland in Finland .

7. Get enchanted in Prague

Prague has an amazing history and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque cities I’ve ever seen. Highlights include the 9th-century Prague Castle, the magnificent Charles Bridge (built in the 14th century and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world), the 10th-century old square with its iconic astronomical clock, and the winding Jewish Quarter. Even if you only have a few days there don’t miss the free walking tour which is one of my favorites in Europe and the best way to learn about the Old Town and the tragic history of the city that went from thriving Bohemian capital of art, music, and literature to part of the Iron Curtain after WWII. Some of my favorite gems here include the fantastic black light theater shows in 4D and the one-of-a-kind medieval dinner show in an old tavern complete with musicians and jugglers not to mention hearty food and drinks. During the weekends it heaves with people enjoying the bars, cheap beer, and delicious food so try to visit during the week (and in the spring or fall) to beat the crowds.

8. Relax on the French Riviera

Here, you can pretend to live the high life for a little bit. Have fun in the sun, relax on the beach, swim in azure blue water, hobnob with the rich and famous, and sail on (or gaze at) gigantic yachts. As for cities, Nice is nice with its palm-tree-lined promenade, old town, and many art museums. If you want to go see how the rich and famous live, spend an afternoon checking out Cannes to soak up some glamorous vibes on La Croisette where they hold the famous Cannes Film Festival. The kingdom of Monaco with its tiny streets, beautiful buildings, and world-famous casino is just a skip away too.

9. Enjoy the great outdoors in Interlaken

Located in the beautiful mountains of Switzerland, Interlaken is a gorgeous place to unwind with fantastic hiking, delicious hot chocolate, and plenty of outdoor sports. The area is full of natural attractions to explore, including the St. Beatus Caves (complete with a legendary dragon), the cascading 500-meter-high (1,640 feet) Giessbach Waterfalls, the Jungfraujoch mountain railway (which leads to the highest train station on the continent), and a plethora of lakes (hence the town’s name). It’s a good alternative to all the cities and museums. Interlaken is also a popular party destination for backpackers and other young travelers. By far, my favorite scenic and visually stunning trail was the Oberberghorn panoramic hike, where you can wander the green mountain ridge ogling the amazing views and the turquoise-blue Brienzersee.

10. Experience history in Rome

In this thriving historical city, you can’t walk two feet without stumbling over a ruin, making Rome a history buff’s dream. Its tiny streets are perfect for wandering as you explore the Colosseum, see the Forum and Palatine Hill, visit the Pantheon, spend time in Vatican City, admire the Spanish Steps, and toss coins into the famous Trevi Fountain. The skip-the-line tickets can definitely be worth it so you don’t waste time waiting outside attractions. Rome also has amazing food (it’s Italy, after all) and nightlife. Visit the Trastevere area for a taste of “local” Rome and chill bars. It’s my favorite area in the city because you feel like you’re in a small village in the middle of a big city.

11. Hike around the Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is my favorite part of Italy. These five beautiful cliffside towns are perched near warm waters and beautiful olive and grape groves. There are wondrous and strenuous hikes in these hills; for a real challenge, take trail #8. Or just walk the coastline for something less difficult. Many activities here revolve around the coastline: kayaking, swimming, having a beach picnic or visiting the Technical Naval Museum. If you happen to be here in December or January, don’t miss the Nativity Manarola, the world’s biggest lighted nativity scene.

12. Tour Krakow

Krakow looks like it stepped out of a medieval postcard. It’s a hip, trendy, and youthful city that’s the center of education in Poland, meaning there are a lot of university students here. Most travelers come to party here (the vodka is cheap) but try to enjoy the city’s history and food besides just the bars. Walk the Royal Road through the Old Town to the 13th-century Wawel Castle, tour Schindler’s Factory (where Schindler saved over 1,200 Jews during World War II), and visit the sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. You can also take a fascinating day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Wieliczka Salt Mine, a 13th-century mine with cavernous chambers, statues, chapels, chandeliers, and cathedrals all carved out of salt.

13. Visit the ruin bars in Budapest

The coolest nightlife in all of Europe is found in Budapest . Built in abandoned buildings, ruin bars feature funky art installations, repurposed furniture, and quirky decor. They are amazing, fun, and great places to meet locals, as people of all ages flock here. Open since 2001, Szimpla Kert is the original ruin bar and one of my favorites, along with Instant-Fogas Complex, which takes up an entire building and is actually many different bars in one. Don’t skip the ruin bars — they’re one of the most unique things about the city!

14. Explore Cornwall

The best part of England is outside London, yet unfortunately, not a lot of travelers leave London. Head west to the area of Cornwall for cheaper prices, welcoming locals, natural beauty, great hiking, rolling hills, plenty of medieval castles, and picturesque small towns. If you like biking, the Camel Trail from Bodmin to Padstow is worth the trip and you even pass by a local vineyard. It’s an easy way to spend a day (and it’s pretty flat so it’s not too hard to do.) Plus, I had the best fish and chips in Cornwall! Overall, it’s what you think of as “traditional England.”

15. Walk the Camino

El Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is an ancient pilgrimage route that stretches from France all the way across northern Spain. It is a 500 mile (800 km) trail that winds through incredible terrain, ending in Santiago de Compostela at the cathedral where St. James is supposedly buried. As a pilgrim, you get a “pilgrim’s passport” which allows you to stay in affordable pilgrim-only hostels, making this a surprisingly budget-friendly adventure. While it usually takes over a month to complete, you can just walk a section if you don’t have the time. To receive a “Compostela” (certificate of completion), you just need to walk the last 62 miles (100 km), which generally takes 4-5 days.

16. Throw tomatoes during La Tomatina

By far my favorite festival, the largest food fight in the world happens during the last Wednesday of August in Bunol, Spain. What started in 1945 as a local brawl has turned into a massive event drawing tens of thousands of people from all over the world. For about an hour, everyone throws tomatoes at each other, leaving streets ankle-deep in tomato juice. Afterward, everyone walks down to the river, cleans off, and then heads to the town square for sangria and music.

17. Find Dracula in Romania

Not a lot of people visit Romania but this underrated country in Eastern Europe has undiscovered yet picturesque medieval towns like Brasov (home to “Dracula’s castle”), Sighisoara, and Sibiu; gorgeous beaches on the Black Sea; and incredible hiking in the Fagaras Mountains — all at dirt-cheap prices. Other major sights include frescoed Byzantine monasteries, the steepled wooden churches of Transylvania, the hip university town Cluj-Napoca, the post-communist capital of Bucharest, and the Danube Delta, a huge nature reserve.

18. Drink whisky in Islay

Whisky has a long history on Islay , an island off Scotland’s west coast. It’s been made there since the 16th-century — first in backyards and then, starting in the 19th-century, in large distilleries. Over the years, whisky from the island came to be considered a specialty and was used to flavor a lot of other blends on the mainland. There are currently nine working distilleries on the island, all located along the island’s shores, with Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin being the most famous. Most distilleries here make single-malt Scotch, meaning that only one type of grain (barley) is used. My visit here was amazing and, even if you don’t like whisky, there are tons of good hikes and walks throughout this magnificent island.

19. Explore Iceland

Iceland is a magical country with majestic waterfalls, hidden hot springs around every corner, and sweeping vistas unlike anywhere else in the world. After my first visit, the country quickly became one of my favorite countries. With whale watching in the summer, the northern lights in the winter, and geothermal baths for soaking in year-round, there really is no bad time to visit! While Iceland’s main draw is the epic natural landscapes, it’s worth spending a couple of days in Reykjavik with its café culture, artsy feel, and brightly colored wooden row houses.

20. Sail the Croatian coast

With calm winds, short distances, a coastline littered with over 1,000 islands, and countless historical sites, Croatia is one of the world’s best sailing destinations. If you can, go during the shoulder season when you can find some great deals. Plan to stay at least a couple of days on one of the islands, with the most popular being Brac, Hvar, Krk, Cres, and Lošinj. However, don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path and explore some of the lesser-known islands such as Silba, Vis, and Lastovo. If you want to splash out and spend a week partying on a yacht, check out The Yacht Week, which hosts week-long parties, complete with DJs, from May-September. You can book a full boat to share with friends or just a cabin if you’re traveling solo. Prices start at 5,250 HRK per person and go up to 9,300 HRK.

21. Explore the Balkans

While the Balkans have become more popular with backpackers in recent years, it’s still largely overlooked by most budget travelers, despite being an extremely budget-friendly region. The Balkan peninsula is home to great (and again, overlooked) wine, beautiful medieval towns like Kotor and Mostar, stunning mountainous landscapes, beautiful pebble beaches, coffee culture, fresh, hearty yet inexpensive food, and museums covering the area’s history, including the most recent turbulent events of the early 1990s. I especially loved my time in Albania . Don’t miss the beautiful beaches in Ksamil, nicknamed the “Maldives of Europe’ as well as the mountain village of Gjirokastër, which was occupied by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The Balkans have so much to offer for every budget and every country has its unique cultural flavor.

22. Take a wine tour in the Loire Valley

Located in central France, the picturesque Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches 280 kilometers (174 miles) along the Loire River. One of the major wine-producing regions of France, the area is home to some of the best wines in the world, with over 1,000 vineyards open to the public. Even those who don’t drink wine will enjoy the beautiful small towns, great food, and the region’s over 300 impressive chateaux. I loved the medieval Chenonceau Castle and Chateau Villandry and the small villages like Saint-Florent-le-Vieil. Spring and Autumn are my favorite times to visit because you can go biking and do outdoor activities when it’s not too hot and there are fewer people. It’s an area not to be missed.

23. See Fado in Portugal

Fado is an important musical tradition in Portugal , originating in Lisbon and stretching back some 200 years. The word “fado” likely stems from the Latin word for fate, and it’s very haunting, poetic, and emotional music. Most of the songs follow themes of loss and mourning, and the music was popular with the working class (especially sailors). Performances normally take place in restaurants during dinner. In Lisbon, head to Clube de Fado, Tasca do Chico, Parreirinha de Alfama, or Senhor Vinho.

24. Tour green Slovenia

Slovenia is one of Europe’s least-visited destinations, which is mind-blowing to me because it’s an amazing place to visit. Slovenia offers all the beauty of Western Europe but at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the crowds. Perfect for outdoor adventure lovers, Slovenia offers rugged mountains, untouched landscapes, fantastic ski resorts, plentiful wine, sprawling cave systems, incredible food, and postcard-perfect lakes, such as the famous Lake Bled with its castle on an island. I loved Piran, Slovenia’s often overlooked coastal Venetian-style harbor town that was actually founded 3000 years ago. Stroll around its beautiful windy cobble-stoned streets, beautiful plazas, and take advantage of the many affordable restaurants right on the water. Make sure to also spend a few days in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, known as one of the continent’s greenest and most livable cities. Take a river cruise to see the city and enjoy the friendliness of the locals.

  For more information on specific countries in Europe, check out the guides below:

• Albania Travel Guide
• Austria Travel Guide
• Belgium Travel Guide
• Belarus Travel Guide
• Bosnia & Herzegovina Travel Guide
• Bulgaria Travel Guide
• Czechia Travel Guide
• Croatia Travel Guide
• Denmark Travel Guide
• England Travel Guide
• Estonia Travel Guide
• Finland Travel Guide
• France Travel Guide
• Germany Travel Guide
• Greece Travel Guide
• Hungary Travel Guide
• Iceland Travel Guide
• Ireland Travel Guide
• Italy Travel Guide
• Latvia Travel Guide
• Lithuania Travel Guide
• Malta Travel Guide
• Moldova Travel Guide
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Netherlands Travel Guide
• Norway Travel Guide
• Portugal Travel Guide
• Poland Travel Guide
• Romania Travel Guide
• Scotland Travel Guide
• Slovakia Travel Guide
• Slovenia Travel Guide
• Spain Travel Guide
• Sweden Travel Guide
• Switzerland Travel Guide
• Ukraine Travel Guide

Europe Travel Costs

Accommodation – Accommodation prices vary greatly by region. In Western Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 25-45 EUR per night, depending on the room’s size and the popularity of the hostel. I stayed in a 6-bed dorm in Berlin for 20 EUR, while the same one would have cost me around 45 EUR in Paris. A room in Paris costs on the higher end and a room in cheaper Athens costs on the lower end.

In Eastern Europe, hostel dorm rooms cost between 10-15 EUR per night depending on the size of the dorm room and the popularity of the hostel. The further east you go, the cheaper it gets. Expect to pay around 30-60 EUR per night for a private room that sleeps two.

In Scandinavia, hostel dorm beds cost around 25-45 EUR, while private rooms are 65-80 EUR. Budget hotels start around 85 EUR.

Most accommodations offer free linens, free Wi-Fi, and a lot offer free breakfast, but it’s important to check specific websites for exact amenities.

Campsites cost between 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot for two without electricity.

Food – Food traditions in Europe run deep, stretching back centuries to become integral parts of each country’s culture. From baguettes in France to tapas in Spain, from hearty Eastern European stews and goulash to the fresh vegetables and olive oils of the Mediterranean, European cuisine varies as much as the countries themselves. Food prices differ greatly across the continent, so check individual country guides for specifics.

But no matter where you are, even in the more expensive countries, finding places to eat within your budget is easier than you might think. Throughout Western Europe, you can find small shops, street food stalls, or food trucks where you can get sandwiches, gyros, kebabs, slices of pizza, or sausages for between 3-7 EUR. These shops are most often found in train stations, bus stations, and main pedestrian areas, and offer cheap food alternatives that can have you eating on 12-17 EUR per day. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7-10 EUR for a combo meal.

Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese eateries abound in Germany, while Indian food is incredible and everywhere in the United Kingdom. Meals at these restaurants usually cost between 8-12 EUR.

Restaurant meals in casual, traditional eateries generally cost around 13-25 EUR for a main dish and drink. Food is much cheaper in the east than in the west, and in the west, northern regions like Scandinavia and the UK are more expensive than southern countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

In Eastern Europe, even if you are eating out for all your meals, you can still get by on a food budget of as little as 15 EUR per day.

For drinks, a pint of beer is 2-5 EUR, a glass of wine is 2-7 EUR, a cappuccino is 2-5 EUR, and cocktails range from 6-14 EUR.

If you eat out, do so at lunch and get the prix-fixe menu (two-course or three-course set menu). Restaurants offer this set menu during lunch, and with prices between 10-20 EUR, it’s a way better deal than the regular dinner menu. You can also get affordable lunches at outdoor markets. So many European cities have huge fresh food markets throughout town.

You can cook your own food for around 45-65 EUR per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, seasonal produce, bread, and some meat. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Profi, Lidl, Aldi, and Penny Market.

If you want to save big money on meals, head to one of the markets, pick up some cheese, wine, bread, meats, or anything else, and go to the park for a picnic. (Or grab a sandwich for later!) You’ll find the locals doing the same thing, and it’s one of the cheaper ways to get a true taste of local food.

Backpacking Europe Suggested Budgets

Prices for travel in Europe vary greatly depending on how far north, east, south, or west you travel. If you stick to the budget accommodations, food, and tours listed here and use all my tips on saving money, you need about 65-110 EUR per day in Western Europe, 40-50 EUR in Eastern Europe, and about 85-130 EUR in Scandinavia.

Those numbers reflect a traveler who stays in hostels, cooks some meals and eats out cheaply, enjoys a few drinks, and sticks to free and cheap activities like hiking, walking tours, and enjoying nature. This is your typical backpacker budget. You aren’t going to have a fancy time, but you aren’t going to want for anything either.

However, by getting tourist cards and rail passes, avoiding flights, occasionally Couchsurfing or camping, cooking all your meals, and not drinking, you can travel a lot cheaper. On this budget, you could do Western Europe on 35-45 EUR per day, Eastern Europe on 20-25 EUR, and Scandinavia on 50-65 EUR. That would require you to take a train or a bus or hitchhike everywhere, skip most museums, and limit how often you go out.

Generally, the suggested daily budget for Europe is 80-120 EUR. You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Europe Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Individual country guides have more specific information on how to save money in them but here are some general tips on cutting your costs while you explore Europe:

• Picnic – This continent has a lot of little shops where you can buy pre-made sandwiches or ingredients to make your own. Many supermarkets have delis as well where you can get food to go. Buy some food, eat outside, and watch the city and its people go by. It’s a much more enjoyable and cheaper way to eat.
• Eat local and cheap – Not into picnicking? Eat at local sandwich shops, pizza parlors, Maoz, Wok to Walks, and outdoor street vendors. Avoiding restaurants and eating at a lot of the local “grab n’ go” places gives you a taste of the local cuisine at a much cheaper price. If you’re really on a budget, use your creative cooking skills to prepare meals at the hostel as well.
• Stay with a local – Hostels can add up really quickly. If you don’t have any friends with whom you can stay, consider using Couchsurfing , which connects you with locals who let you stay with them for free. Plus, they tend to also have meetups to meet other locals and travelers. It’s a great way to save on accommodation and meet a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp in a garden – A very good camping service specific to Europe is Campspace , which allows you to pitch a tent in someone’s backyard for free or for a small fee (around 10-20 EUR). All of the garden owners have profiles that tell you what services and facilities they offer. Also, many countries allow wild camping (like Sweden), which can save you a fortune if you have a tent.
• Take the bus – Budget bus companies like Flixbus can take you across the continent for cheap. I personally feel it’s best for day travel as sitting up for an overnight bus isn’t really ideal for sleeping. It isn’t glamorous, but with tickets starting at 5 EUR, you really can’t complain!
• Get a Rail Pass – Eurail Passes have saved me hundreds of dollars. If you are traveling far distances and through many countries, they are a great deal.
• Take the free city tours – One of the great things about Europe is that you can find free walking tours in all the major cities. They can be a great way to see the city attractions, take in some history, and learn your bearings without spending any money. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Plan accordingly – Plan your trip around Europe so you avoid doubling back. Transportation is a big expense so proper planning can save you a lot of money (and time). Go in a straight line or a loop. Booking your accommodation ahead helps you save as well since cheap, good places unsurprisingly get reserved first. One thing I’ve learned is that waiting until the last minute means you get stuck with expensive places or cheap places no one wants.
• Fly cheap – If you know where you are going and a train won’t do, try to book flights early. You can often get round trip fares for as little as 5 EUR from many of the European discount airlines like Ryanair or Wizz. Many capital cities have smaller airports farther from the city with ‘inconvenient’ times but cheaper fares. Keep in mind you might need to factor in an early morning Uber or taxi if the busses aren’t running and you have an early flight!
• Drink less – Those 5 EUR beers add up. Hit happy hours or pick and choose when you party. Hostel bars are a good place to get cheap drinks or buy your alcohol at the supermarket. Plus, in Europe, it’s legal to drink outside in parks, plazas, by the lakes or rivers. You’ll find you can save a lot of money by not going to bars and clubs. Partying your way across the continent will destroy your bank balance in no time.
• Get a city tourist card – Many local tourism offices sell a tourism card for all their attractions, tours, and restaurants. This card gives you free entry and substantial discounts on all the attractions and tours in a city, free local public transportation (a huge plus), and discounts at a few restaurants and shopping malls. They save a ton of money. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, get one of these cards.
• Rideshare – If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar to catch rides with locals between cities (or countries) by paying a small fee. It’s like Airbnb but for rides. I used this service in Switzerland and, not only did I save a lot of money, but I got to meet interesting people and learn about local culture and life. Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe, though sometimes rides cancel at the last minute (which is why you need to be flexible). Check their ratings first and try to use rides where the person has done many trips.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water is safe to drink in most of Europe, so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Get a HostelPass – HostelPass is a discount membership for hostels in Europe. Members get 10-20% off select hostels around Europe, as well as perks like free breakfast or free drinks. There are discounts on tours and activities too. It’s a great way to save money if you’re bouncing around Europe as they have hostels in 18 countries around the continent.

Where to Stay in Europe

Europe has a ton of budget accommodation options. The individual country and city guides have tons of recommendations but here’s a short list of some of my favorite budget hostels and hotels around Europe:

• The Flying Pig (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
• Hotel 54 (Barcelona, Spain)
• Generator Hostel (Copenhagen, Denmark)
• Harcourt Hotel (Dublin, Ireland)
• Castle Rock (Edinburgh, Scotland)
• Ios Palm Pansion (Ios, Greece)
• Greg and Tom’s Party Hostel (Krakow, Poland)
• Largo da Sé Guest House (Lisbon, Portugal)
• Sophie’s Hostel (Prague, Czech Republic)
• The Yellow (Rome, Italy)
• City Backpackers (Stockholm, Sweden)

How to Get Around Europe

Public transportation – Transportation around most European cities is by tram, subway, or bus. Prices are typically around 2 EUR for a one-way ticket in Western Europe and closer to 1 EUR in Eastern Europe. Most large cities also have day passes available that offer unlimited public transportation. These passes are usually 5-12 EUR per day.

In large cities with international airports, there is usually a bus or train available that ferries travelers from the downtown core to the airport. Expect to pay around 5-15 EUR to get to/from the airport.

Bus – Buses are not quite as comfortable as Europe’s trains, although certain lines do have great amenities (like roomy seats and Wi-Fi). While buses are not the most efficient way to travel around the continent, they’re certainly dependable, reliable, and cheap. You can find last-minute rides for as little as 5 EUR. A route from Berlin to Munich is about 25 EUR, while Paris to Bordeaux can be as low as 10 EUR. Longer routes, like Amsterdam to Copenhagen, start at around 47 EUR.

Each country has its own national bus service, but some lines also take you long distances internationally. Megabus and Flixbus (which now owns Eurolines) are the most popular companies.

Train – Train travel is a great way to see Europe. Intercity train prices vary wildly from country to country, depending on whether you take the slow train or a high-speed train and how far in advance you book. For example, a high-speed train from Berlin to Munich costs around 38-60 EUR, Bordeaux to Paris is about 50-85 EUR, and Madrid to Barcelona ranges from 45-85 EUR. Non-high-speed trains and other intercity lines are a lot cheaper, generally costing about 40-50% of the price of high-speed trains. Eastern Europe inter-country trains usually cost between 45-100 EUR when the ticket is booked last minute. Short train rides of 2-3 hours within countries cost about 27 EUR.

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

You may also want to consider getting a Eurail Pass , which allows travelers to explore Europe by providing a set number of stops in a specific time period. These passes are continent-wide, country-specific, or regional. It can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Ridesharing/Car sharing – If your schedule is flexible, use a ridesharing service and catch rides with locals between cities (or countries). Drivers are verified and it’s perfectly safe. BlaBlaCar is the most popular.

If you’d rather rent a car yourself and find passengers to share a ride with, use Discover Cars to find the best car rental prices.

Flying – Budget airlines are so prolific that competition helps keep fares low. You can often find tickets where the fare is just 5 EUR round-trip! Companies like EasyJet, Ryanair, Wizz, and Vueling offer mind-blowingly cheap flights throughout Europe. Book at least a month early to scoop up great deals.

Make sure that the airport they fly into isn’t too far out of your way (transportation from the secondary airport sometimes negates the savings from using the budget airline itself).

Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay to check your baggage on these cheap flights. It costs about 25-39 EUR for one checked bag. If you wait to pay for your luggage at the gate, you end up paying almost double. Travel carry-on only to avoid this added cost.

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Europe is very safe, but it’s not for everyone. Hitching is quite common around the continent and I’ve met a number of travelers who have done it (I, myself, traveled this way in Bulgaria and Iceland). Some countries are very supportive (Romania, Iceland, Germany) while others may be a bit more time-consuming (Italy, Spain). HitchWiki is the best website for hitchhiking info.

Here are my suggested articles for how to get around Europe:

• 7 Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe
• Are Eurail Passes a Giant Scam or Do They Save You Money?
• The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap Flights

When to Go to Europe

There’s no wrong time to visit Europe. Peak season is summer, when Europe gets crowded and August is the time most European families are at the beach so everything becomes more crowded and expensive. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season (just book your accommodation in advance — especially in August). Keep in mind it’s much hotter in summer so if you like AC, be sure to check that your hostel or hotel has it before you book. You can expect the most crowds in Western Europe. For this reason, I feel summer is a great time to visit the Balkans and the Baltics because many people head to the beaches in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece.

Shoulder season is spring and fall (April-May and September-October). It’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. This is my favorite time to visit hotspot places like Spain, Croatia and Greece, where it’s still hot enough to swim in the sea but you have way more room on the beach. It’s also a good time to go hiking in the Alps in Germany, northern Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland because it’s cooler during the day so you’re much less sweaty on the mountain without shade. The weather is good, the crowds are smaller, and the prices lower.

Winter is from November to February but in much of Central Europe, it’s wet and cold until March or April. It gets cold, even as far south as it gets (like Greece). On the other hand, the Christmas season has Christmas markets and festivals galore! Even if it’s cold, this is a cultural tradition you can’t miss and why I love Europe in December. There is hot mulled wine, sweets, and plenty of hot snacks, which vary by country. One of my favorites is Prague because the Old Town Square is lit up with a gigantic tree with aromas of crispy cinnamon pastries and mulled wine. Berlin takes their Christmas markets very seriously, so there are around 80 different markets with special themes.

Winter is fantastic in Europe for skiing and snowboarding but it doesn’t have to break the bank if you plan carefully. While Switzerland and France are probably the most famous, they are also expensive, but there are plenty of budget winter options.

How to Stay Safe in Europe

Europe is very safe for backpacking and solo traveling, even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent crimes against tourists are very rare. In fact, some of the safest countries in the world are in Europe. (I wrote a whole article about how Europe is safe to visit right now .)

That said, there are scams and petty crimes you should watch out for, especially around popular tourist landmarks. The most important thing to be aware of is pickpockets in crowds and on public transportation. Zip your bags and don’t put your mobile phone in a jacket pocket where someone could quickly take it. This should be obvious but don’t flash your money to let everyone know you have a huge wad of cash.

When choosing a hostel, look for ones with lockers. It’s always a good idea to carry around a padlock or combination lock. Most hostels are safe and travelers respect each other and I’ve rarely seen things happen to people’s valuables. Nevertheless, I always think that prevention is better.

As anywhere, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). When at the bar, always keep an eye on your drink. Avoid walking home alone at night if you’re intoxicated.

For female travelers in particular, it’s always a good idea to have a bit of extra money on you just in case you need to take an Uber or taxi back by yourself so you don’t take unnecessary risks to save money. If you’re using apps to date people while traveling, please use common sense and meet in public places. Since I’m not a female traveler, please check out the numerous female bloggers who have first hand knowledge of this.

If you’re worried about scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Be aware that the UK drives on the left and that most rental cars in Europe will have manual transmissions unless you request otherwise.

When hiking, always bring water, sunscreen, and bandaids or foot plasters. There is nothing worse than being halfway up the mountain with a blister and nothing you can do about it!

Likewise, when at the coast, don’t forget not only to wear sunscreen! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen people get burnt to a crisp the first day. Be sure to check the weather before you depart and dress accordingly.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Europe Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

GO DEEPER: Nomadic Matt’s In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

While I have a lot of free tips on Europe, I also wrote an entire book that goes into great detail on everything you need to plan a trip here on a budget! You’ll get suggested itineraries, budgets, even more ways to save money, my favorite restaurants, prices, practical information (i.e. phone numbers, websites, prices, safety advice, etc etc), and cultural tips.

I’ll give the insider view of Europe that I got from years of traveling and living here! The downloadable guide can be used on your Kindle, iPad, phone, or computer so you can have it with you when you go. Click here to learn more about my book on Europe!

Europe Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Europe travel and continue planning your trip:

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10 Scotland Road Trip Tips You Need to Know Before You Go

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The 6 Best Hotels in Copenhagen

The 6 Best Hotels in Florence

The 7 Best Hotels in Madrid

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Embark On These 10 Best London Walking Tours For An Insightful Journey

F amous for being one of the most walkable capital cities in the world, London has plenty of things to do that vacationers can reach on foot. It is unusual to drive around the city center, and travelers who are new to the place will feel odd. Booking walking tours allows one to soak in the experience as they navigate through the city’s most iconic attractions. After all, the British capital existed long before there were any means of transportation. So, of course, strolling through the city’s charming streets is the best way of learning the long, fascinating history and exploring the beautiful culture of the locals. Embark on these 10 best London walking tours for an insightful journey.

Related: These Are The 10 Most Famous Landmarks In London

Westminster 3-Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

Westminster is home to some of the top-rated attractions in London , making it a must-visit for vacationers of all interests. The area boasts numerous historical sights that one can explore on a walking tour. Westminster 3-Hour Walking Tour takes visitors through the city's attractions and then to Churchill's War Room, where they'll learn about the legend's life, including the incredible tactics he used to lead soldiers through WWII. During the tour, guests can explore the top 20 attractions in Westminster. The tour also includes a local fun guide and admission into Churchill War Rooms.

• Tour: Westminster 3-Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms
• Duration: Three hours
• Cost: From 483.64 per adult

Book this tour

See Over 30 Top London’s Sights Fun Local Guide!

Taking five hours to complete, this small group tour is one of the best London walking tours for an insightful journey. It takes travelers through a wide range of London's most iconic landmarks and comes with a guide who narrates the history of various places. This is much better than joining a bus tour, as it comes the guide offers personalized commentary. Some of the major stops throughout this tour include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Shakespeare's Globe.

• Tour: See Over 30 Top London’s Sights Fun Local Guide!
• Duration: 5 hours
• Cost: $67.32

Ghost, Ghouls, And Gallows Walking Tour With Boat Ride

Offered by See Your City, Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride that allows vacationers to explore the bustling London by night, when crowds thin out. Visitors will enjoy learning about the city's dark history and later enjoy a cruise on the iconic Thames River, which comes with breathtaking views of London’s amazing landmarks . This tour gives an insight into a unique side of the city, and everyone will have a good time as they pass through the dimly lit parks.

• Tour: Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour with Boat Ride
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: $32.67

Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

Want to explore Westminster for half a day? Well, Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry is one of the best walking tours to book in the area. It helps tourists discover some of London’s most famous buildings, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Downing Street, among others. The cost of the tour includes an entry ticket for Westminster Abbey, which means one doesn't have to stay in long queues to access Westminster Abbey. It comes with a local fun guide who narrates about the attractions and answers all queries that travelers may have concerning the points of interest. Book this tour to learn why Westminster is the place to see most of London’s landmarks .

• Tour: Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry
• Duration: Four hours
• Cost: From $77.11

Book this tour Related: Tower Bridge: Why It's The Most Iconic Landmark In London

Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London

Nestled on the outskirts of London, Warner Bros. Studio is one of the best sights to explore during a visit to the British capital. This walking tour is one of the best in the city and takes vacationers through the studio, allowing them to explore the Harry Potter film sets, props, costumes, and more. One will enjoy plenty of fun activities during the tour, taking Instagrammable pictures and exploring the gift shop. Please note that the food, drinks, and gratuities do not come with this tour package. Travelers will have to fund these from their pockets.

• Tour: Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London
• Duration: 7 hours
• Cost: From $143.76

London Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

London has an incredible culinary scene, and with plenty of options to choose from, ensuring one’s gastronomic experience of the city is the best it could be is definitely daunting. Fortunately, London Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours guarantees unforgettable memories of the city’s food scene. On this tour, visitors will get a chance to stroll through some of London’s best restaurants, especially around the Borough Market and London Bridge. Guests choosing this tour will enjoy personalized recommendations.

• Tour: London Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: From $11.09

British Museum Guided Tour

British Museum is the largest and one of the most iconic museums in the UK. British Museum Guided Tour lets visitors explore an incredible collection of impressive pieces from different parts of the world, including the Rosetta Stone, which is among the most celebrated works in the museum. One will also see relics from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, and Ancient Greece. There is a local expert guide who takes travelers through the museum. Once the tour is done, vacationers are allowed to continue exploring the museum on their own.

• Tour: British Museum Guided Tour
• Duration: 2 hours
• Cost: $61.60

Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London

Jack the Ripper Tour with 'Ripper-Vision' in London is one of the best walking tours one can book in London. The tour takes vacationers back to the Victorian era, allowing them to learn the horrifying tales of how Jack the Ripper committed murders in the 1800s. The images of the period are projected on the buildings along the charming streets of Whitechapel to make the experience livelier. Want to experience London's mystery? The book Jack the Ripper tour with "Ripper-Vision" in London.

• Tour: Jack the Ripper Tour with “Ripper-Vision” in London
• Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Cost: $23.53

The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea

Want to enjoy some of the best high tea experiences in London? Book the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea, which gives vacationers an incredible opportunity to really soak in the British Cultural experience (high tea). High tea originated from British, and booking this tour will let one enjoy the history of the beloved beverage, as they explore the gorgeous gardens that were made by Prince Albert. At the end of the tour, travelers can finally have a taste of high tea, which comes with sandwiches, scones, and taste cakes. Looking for what to do in London ? Get through the Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea tour.

• Tour: The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
• Cost: $129.39

Book this tour Related: Best Hotels in London

Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour In London

Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour is one of the best walking tours in London for an unforgettable experience of the city. It walks vacationers through Central London at night, allowing them to explore plenty of spooky attractions. Visitors will stroll through the city’s dark streets and alleys as they listen to the haunting stories, which are part of the history of London. The tales include murder, crime, and mayhem stories. The tour passes through numerous landmarks, including St. Paul’s Cathedral, where the tour ends.

• Tour: Ghastly Ghost Walking Tour
• Cost: $26.14

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20 Best Culinary Experiences and Food Tours in Paris

By Lindsey Tramuta and Catherine Down

With a reputation so synonymous with food and wine, it’s no wonder Paris is a destination for all manner of gastronomic experiences. Want to bring home a piece of French heritage, or taste it all while you're here? You’ll find it all in quirky bottle shops, specialty coffee roasters, a subterranean winery, and even an English-language cooking school. Whether you’re angling for bottles of bubbly, cheeses and jams, or more one-of-a-kind pantry items, we have you covered. These are our picks for the best places to snack, sip, learn, and, then souvenir shop.

Read our complete Paris travel guide here.

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.

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Cooking classes and food tours at La Cuisine, a recreational English-language cooking school, sell out fast, so be sure to reserve in advance for the three-hour macaron-making class. Ours had just eight people—meaning there was lots of room to move about comfortably in the large classroom, which is well-equipped with professional cooking gear, plastic aprons, and a large dining room table. You'll mingle with enthusiastic home cooks, some of whom have tried (and failed) to make macarons before and others making their first attempt.

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Le Bon Marché's flagship food emporium underwent massive renovations in recent years and is even more expansive than ever before, with nearly 3,000 square meters of retail space and some 25,000 products. It's a veritable food lover's food store; additionally, there are several spots to eat on-site, including in the massive wine cellar with more than 3,000 different wines. You'll spend hours browsing the artisanal goods, colorful produce, and more.

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If the culinary vision of Auguste Escoffier established the Ritz Paris as a dining institution more than 120 years ago, it’s the creative talent of François Perret, the hotel’s pastry chef since 2015, that has anchored its role as food destination today. That was clear from the chef's grand Tea Time menu and plated desserts at the hotel and now it's clear from Le Comptoir, the hotel's pastry shop helmed by Perret. The peach-colored shop features a long molded counter and brushed brass alcoves filled with giftable items, from candles to Champagne, a leather banquette for on-site snacking, as well as a striking series of curved Bohemian crystal light fixtures that nod to the chef’s signature treat: the madeleine. We advise you leave with a collection of Perret's signature Madeleines (keep in mind, he rolls out limited edition varieties at major holidays), the cake marbré, and one of the cake shakes (although perhaps it's best not to consume all of these at once).

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet Arrow

Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet is the food hall associated with—and across the street from—Galeries Lafayette, the iconic Parisian department store. It's its own four-story temple that's completely dedicated to eating, drinking, and home goods. You can really do a number on your credit card statement at Petrossian's caviar restaurant or at Maison de la Truffe, which specializes in (what else?!) truffle-infused dishes, but your best bet is to head straight to the Alain Ducasse chocolaterie for a box of stellar bonbons or a hefty jar of homemade Nutella.

Jessica Chapel

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

Paname Brewing Company Arrow

Although Paname Brewing Company was started by Michael Kennedy of the expat bar The Moose, this microbrewery stands out thanks to its historic location: an old granary along the banks of the Bassin de la Villette. Be sure to sample the craft beers from Paname’s brewers—on a recent visit, there were as many of 11. There’s a pub menu of wacky pizzas, burgers, the standard cheese and charcuterie plates, and less expected options like shrimp curry.

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Julhès is a series of family-owned specialty food shops that have lined the rue du Faubourg Saint-Martin in the 10th arrondissement since 1996. With its multiple storefronts side by side, convivial family ownership, and lengthy history in the area, Julhès feels like the mayor of that stretch of street. The three associated shops along the same street are loosely divided into a boulangerie/patisserie/traiteur (bread, sweets, and cooked foods), an epicerie/fromagerie (cured meats, condiments, cheese, and booze), and a market selling international foods, antipasti, snacks, and (more) booze.

Les Caves du Louvre Arrow

Les Caves du Louvre, run by the team at Ô Chateau, a well-known Paris wine bar, is an underground wine-discovery center in the 18th-century wine cellars once used by King Louis XV’s sommelier. To visit is to tour five rooms to learn the basics of terroir, smelling, tasting, labeling, and bottling wine. Entry is 29 euros for a self-guided tour (done with the Les Caves du Louvre app) or 36 euros for a guided tour in English, tasting included. If you've purchased a Paris Pass sightseeing card, you can gain free admission for a guided tour and tasting of three basic wines.

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The focus in the gourmet food hall in the historic Printemps department store is French goods, which certainly will capture the attention of tourists and locals alike. You name it, you can find it on the 7th floor: small candied hazelnut producers from the Périgord region, artisanal jams, mustards, and other spreadables, teas, herbs, spices, and so much more. Head to the 8th and 9th floors to pick up specialty fresh foods or stay for a light snack or a full meal: here, you’ll find an outpost of Supernature, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant with terrace seating, Le Marché Dans le Ciel, a fresh produce market, pastries from Nina Métayer, and Perruche, a rooftop bar and restaurant with 360° views of the city.

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Taka & Vermo prioritizes cheeses made with raw milk, cheeses made by traditional methods, and cheeses from artisanal producers, but it also offers some modern house creations, including a fresh goat’s cheese topped with yuzu confit and lime zest. An on-site cave for affinage (cheese ripening and aging) allows the cheesemongers to be more creative with their stock. Evening classes—including one about pairing sake and cheese—underscore the shop's commitment to pushing the envelope.

Terroirs d'Avenir Arrow

You’ll find products from Terroirs d’Avenir all over the city, often without knowing it, as the shop started as a food supplier to star chefs and restaurants. It's now branched out to offer the same quality products to customers at a butchery, poissonnerie, bakery, and grocery, a retail quartet perched along rue du Nil in the 2nd arrondissement. The butcher shop works exclusively with whole animals, and offers a range of game birds, specially cured dry-aged grass-fed steaks—hard to find in France—and rare poultry.

Maison du Whiskey Arrow

Maison du Whisky is a leader and standard bearer in importing and distributing whisky throughout France. There are two boutiques within Paris and two abroad; additionally, the company distributes to bars, hotels, and restaurants in France and throughout Europe. Inside, the shops look like the modern and more streamlined version of a wood-paneled library—you know, the kind where you’d retire after dinner for cigars and cards. Most people come to Paris to drink wine, but if you’re a whisky drinker with cash to spend, this is the place for you.

O/HP/E Arrow

O/HP/E is a silly name, but it also gets right to the heart of what's sold in this elegant little concept shop; that is, objects, homemade pâtisserie, and épicerie. In the housewares section, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of pretty paper goods, guide books, notebooks, coffee equipment, and modern decor. In the épicerie, stock up on hard-to-find honeys like carrot or coriander, English jams, and containers of O/HP/E’s house cookies. The café, meanwhile, serves homemade sweets, coffee from Terre de Café, P&T teas, Sassy ciders, and juices from Borderline.

Laurent Dubois Arrow

This is the flagship location for award-winning fromager and affineur Laurent Dubois, who has been awarded the rare honor of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF), which distinguishes him as one of the best in his industry. The cheeses are displayed as beautifully and pristinely as jewels in a case. You'll find an exceptional selection of top-quality cheeses, many of them aged on-site by Dubois and his staff, plus dairy products like yogurt, butter, and crème fraîche.

Liquiderie Arrow

There’s a little something for every beverage drinker at La Liquiderie: obscure American and European beers, hard cider from small producers, natural and biodynamic wines, fancy British sodas made with fresh fruit, and bottled iced teas. Some of the most expensive items in the shop are imported bottles of beer from North America, the U.K., and Scandinavia—a rare treat for Parisians. There's also a good selection of French beers.

Belleville Brûlerie Arrow

Although you’ll find Belleville Brûlerie coffee beans served at specialty coffee shops all around town, this is the brand's only official outpost. A boutique done up in mahogany wood greets you upon entering. It’s well stocked with bags of the company’s coffee–made fresh in the glass-canopied roasting room at the back of the store– in addition to coffeemaking equipment and accessories. You can also order a coffee to enjoy on-site or to-go, sign up for a coffee-tasting workshop, or simply get schooled on specialty coffee from the roastery’s expert staff.

Maison Plisson Arrow

Plisson specializes in artisanal items that reduce waste, eschewing mass-market food (and indulging the growing expectation for transparent sourcing) for some 3,000 products, 80 percent of which are French. The fresh market highlights the talents of leading food artisans from France, from locally grown produce from Alexia Charraire of the Comptoir des Producteurs to specialty coffee served in the café from Parisian roaster Terres de Café. You’ll also find a selection of Roellinger spices exclusively sold here.

Marché des Enfants Rouges Arrow

The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest food market in Paris (it first opened in 1615), and is now a buzzing Marais hub for food sellers of all types. Stroll through the dense maze of stalls selling everything from North African grains to Italian deli specialties. For those who want a break from the formality of the traditional French dining experience, this market offers a relaxed and (mostly outdoors) convivial atmosphere (and a great place to stock up on snacks for your hotel room or Airbnb).

Federation Française de l'Aperitif (FFA) Arrow

FFA, a luxurious épicerie with reasonable prices, has dedicated itself to preserving and diversifying the French tradition of the apéritif—having a snack and drink before dinner to stimulate the appetite. It’s a great spot for a drink with friends, and for cheese and charcuterie boards that go above and beyond. You'll find all things apéro sourced directly directly from artisanal French producers: local craft beer, cured sausages, a handful of cheeses, and much more.

Confiture Parisienne Arrow

This Parisian jam brand rents out spaces to approximately 40 independent crafters and artisans in fashion, design, decoration, jewelry, and food. All the jams are made on-site in copper pots, in small quantities, glass-paneled lab visible to shoppers in the boutique and tea-salon. The brand’s smaller 100g jars won’t cost you more than seven euros each, which makes them an affordable treat for yourself or a space-saving gift to bring home for someone else. Plus, the jars can be customized directly at the boutique with names, monograms, and messages. They also host jam and pastry-making workshops, bookable on their website.

Café Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton Arrow

This pastry café and shop began as a yearlong pop-up tied to LV Dream, the Louis Vuitton installation at Pont Neuf; it has continued for a second year—and shows no signs of vanishing anytime soon. After the LV Dream exhibit, head to the chocolaterie with products crafted pastry chef Maxime Frédéric exclusively for the maison, or to the café where sweets and a savory lunch menu are available. The space is appointed with colorful throw pillows on banquettes and plenty of plants, but the views overlooking the Pont Neuf and the Seine is the major selling points. At the chocolaterie, expect decadent chocolate fare; at the café, pastries are served plated, and you'll find monogrammed éclairs and milky coffee drinks— naturally, LV makes an appearance in the latté art.

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