10 Of The Best European Cities For Food Lovers

Tucking into a traditional dish at your local French, Italian or Spanish restaurant may be one thing, but nothing beats tasting authentic local cuisine in the heart of a fine European city. Make your trip all the more rewarding when you book a two-night stay with The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel, and enjoy a $100 experience credit* to use toward authentic delicacies and delicious cocktails at popular hotel eateries with sweeping city views.

Paris

Paris city breaks are ideal for foodies looking to sample traditional French delicacies like escargots, beef bourguignon or the world-famous French onion soup. Browse tempting displays in the elegant Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann department store, and pack a gourmet picnic to enjoy within view of the Eiffel Tower. Staying at the Hilton Paris Opera places you in the vibrant shopping district, where you can use your The Hotel Collection $100 credit to try the expertly crafted cocktails at the hotel’s Le Grand Salon bar.

Prefer to splurge on a meal to remember? The French capital is dotted with outstanding dining options, including the aptly named Épicure, the three-Michelin-star restaurant famed for its modern interpretations of classics as well as its delectable desserts that intersect art and food.

Rome

Rome is another European capital ideal for combining cultural tourism and culinary immersion. Favourites from the Eternal City include pasta carbonara, a classic dish served at the Trattoria da Danilo. Allow yourself to be treated to a selection of regional antipasti in this welcoming restaurant close to the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.

Thin-crusted Roman pizza is another classic dish that’s a joy to crunch into after immersing yourself in the city’s heritage. Visit Pizzeria Emma for a pizza with traditional organic dough rolled and crafted by hand. Vegan dishes are also available, and if you dislike tomatoes, simply order a ‘white pizza’ without sauce.

The Hotel Lord Byron, Roma is a gorgeously decadent place to stay. On request, the chef will pack a gourmet picnic into a wicker basket for you to take to the nearby Villa Borghese Gardens. An unforgettable use for your $100 experience credit.

Munich

Italy is known for its gelato, but the diaspora means the creamy treat can be found across Europe – including in Munich, where the long-established Sarcletti café on Nymphenburger Strasse draws lengthy weekend queues. Typically, 60 flavours are available during the summer, and you can savour your cone as you walk towards the nearby Nymphenburg Palace, formerly the summer residence of Bavaria’s ruling family.

At Schlosscafé in Palmenhaus, an upscale dining venue inside a historic hothouse, you can share a platter with Bavarian specialities including mountain cheese and Obatzda – a creamy dip often served in the local beer gardens. To experience one of those, head to the Hirschgarten where succulent regional delicacies such as Schweinshaxe – roast pork knuckle – are often ordered as an accompaniment to beer. On the edge of the Old Town, the Louis Hotel is a great launching pad from which to explore it all.

Lisbon

In Lisbon, meander through the streets of the charming Alfama district and allow yourself to be tempted by the aroma of grilling sardines. Alternatively, step inside the Moorish-style Casa do Alentejo for rustic dishes that are big on flavour, such as bread-based migas or an açorda stew.

Dried and salted cod is a staple protein in Portugal. Try it served fried, sliced potatoes and onions in the Bacalhau à Ti Narcisa at the Solar dos Nunes, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Alcantara district. In neighbouring Belém, order custard tarts at the Pastéis de Belém bakery before viewing landmarks including the ornate Jerónimos Monastery. The Old World charm of Pousada de Lisboa is our tip for a comfortable stay.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is renowned for New Nordic cuisine that reached legendary status at the highly rated restaurant Noma. Alchemist, Geranium and Kadeau count among other venues offering outstanding fine-dining experiences in the Danish capital.

Far simpler, but also worth travelling to taste, are smørrebrød – open-faced sandwiches whose fresh ingredients are attractively layered on rye bread. Try them at Hallernes Smørrebrød in the Tivoli Food Hall or get takeout to savour in the Tivoli Gardens.

Appreciate views over the city from the modern NH Collection Copenhagen, whose chic restaurant offers a three-course monthly menu and à la carte options; a great use of the $100 experience credit when you book with The Hotel Collection.

Vienna

Viennese cuisine evolved while Vienna was the hub of a European empire. It is characterised by dishes such as Wiener schnitzel, pancake-like Kaiserschmarrn and Apfelstrudel served with custard-like vanilla sauce. Sachertorte is another dessert associated with the city and nowhere tops the Hotel Sacher – where it originated.

Enjoy contemporary cuisine at Das Loft, the restaurant on the 18th floor of the upscale SO / Vienna hotel, whose floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city.

Rotterdam

The 7th-floor roof terrace and Gastrobar Elvy at the nHow Rotterdam allow you to appreciate the bold architecture of the Netherlands’ second city. Use your $100 experience credit on a range of treats served at stalls beneath Horn of Plenty, the vast artwork on the arched ceiling of the Markthal Rotterdam, one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Gouda, Edam and other cheeses are available for purchase here, and you’ll also find the ever-popular stroopwafels.

Additionally, browse the local food and drink providers within the Fenix Food Factory. The hip waterfront space frequently hosts live music and food-themed events.

San Sebastian

For epicureans, San Sebastian in Spain’s Basque Country brings opportunities to pause in pintxo bars while exploring the Old Town’s cobbled streets. Artfully presented, the flavour-packed miniature dishes are often mistaken for tapas. Bergara, Bodega Dinostarra Gros and La Espiga are just three of the many establishments serving pintxos.

Discover the region’s culinary heritage at the network of museums within a short drive of San Sebastian. Explore them and the city by basing yourself near Ondarreta Beach at the NH Collection Aranzazu Hotel, where you can use your $100 experience credit at Kukarri restaurant serving local specialties with ingredients sourced from the markets of San Sebastian.

Brussels

Have a sweet tooth? A break in Brussels gives you an opportunity to sample pralines at the original Neuhaus store in the airy Galerie de la Reine arcade. Laurent Gerbaud is a contemporary chocolatier whose creations feature sweet and savoury ingredients. You can also taste chocolate melted over cream-topped waffles sold near the Grand Place square at the city’s heart.

The Belgian capital offers outstanding dining, but bettering long-established favourites such as moules frites is tricky. Try them at Chez Léon, which has been serving fries since 1867.

Athens

Classics such as dolmades, souvlaki and moussaka count among the Greek dishes served at popular Athenian restaurants, such as Leondi close to the Parthenon. Try out the rooftop Art Lounge of the New Hotel with your $100 experience credit; the terrace presents fine views of that ancient landmark and places you in the central Plaka district.

Regardless of whether clubbing or culture is your thing, restaurants such as 2 Mazi and To Kafenion promise traditional Greek hospitality and flavourful food.

*Browse The Hotel Collection when you’re next looking for a place to stay while travelling and explore exclusive Gold Cardmember perks like a complimentary room upgrade, when available,* and $100 experience credit** to spend on amenities and delicacies at the hotel when you book with American Express Travel. And next time you’re thinking about dashing off to dine in one of Europe’s vibrant cities, remember your Gold Card gives you double points on all your spend in a foreign currency, making all those bites all the more rewarding!

*Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

**Experience credit varies by property.

The Hotel Collection
Valid only for new The Hotel Collection bookings of two or more consecutive nights made online through American Express Travel . Payment must be made in full with an American Express Card in the Preferred Rewards Gold or Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Cardmembers’ name. Cardmember must travel on itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described.*The Cardmember will receive the credit as a deduction from the final bill when checking out of the hotel; they receive $1 for each eligible dollar spent up to $100 USD. Eligible charges exclude charges for taxes, gratuities, fees and cost of the room. Additional exclusions based on specific hotel restrictions may also apply (including without limitation purchases within the hotels that are unaffiliated and/or owned by third parties) –see hotel front desk for details. Credit must be used in conjunction with initial stay and cannot be carried over to another stay, is not redeemable for cash and expires at check-out. Credit is non-exchangeable and non-refundable and is applied in USD or equivalent in local currency based on exchange rate on day of arrival.