Exploring a new city can be thrilling, but if you’re a food lover, there’s one thing that likely tops your to-do list: eating your way through town. A foodie tour isn’t just about trying great dishes; it’s about experiencing the local culture and getting a deeper sense of a place through its flavors. Whether you’re into street food, hole-in-the-wall joints, or fine dining, planning your own culinary adventure is a delicious way to make your trip unforgettable.

But how do you even start putting together a foodie tour? Especially if you don’t know much about the city? Luckily, it’s easier than you think. With a little research, curiosity, and a plan that leaves some room for surprises, you’ll be well on your way to a satisfying (and appetite-fueled) adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about designing the ultimate foodie tour.

1. Research the Local Food Scene

Before you even arrive, spend some time learning about what the city is known for. Different regions have unique specialties, ingredients, and food traditions that you’ll want to focus on. For example, heading to New York City? Think bagels, pizza, and international cuisine from around the world. Visiting New Orleans? Don’t miss a chance to try jambalaya, beignets, or gumbo.

Read Online Reviews and Blogs

Websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google Reviews can give you an idea of which restaurants and food spots are most popular. Take it a step further and search for blogs or articles written by foodies who’ve already explored the city. They often include hidden gems you might not find otherwise.

Watch Videos and Social Media

Platforms like Instagram or TikTok are great for seeing food recommendations in action. Search hashtags like #[CityName]Eats or #Foodie[CityName] to find restaurants locals and visitors rave about. You can also check YouTube for vlogs showcasing local eats.

2. Decide on a Theme

There’s a lot to explore when it comes to food, so narrowing down your focus can help you plan a more structured (and manageable) foodie tour. Think about what excites you the most.

Options for Themes

  • Local Specialties: Focus entirely on iconic dishes from the region.
  • Street Food Adventure: Track down carts, markets, and food trucks.
  • Dessert Dream: Map out bakeries, ice cream shops, and dessert cafes.
  • Global Feast: Try a mix of international cuisines specific to the city’s immigrant communities.

Selecting a theme doesn’t mean you can’t mix it up later, but it gives you a framework to start with.

3. Map Out Your Stops

Once you’ve decided what you want to eat, it’s time to figure out where to find it. This step takes a bit of planning, but having a game plan ensures you make the most of your foodie tour without wasting time wandering aimlessly.

Group Your Spots Together

Look at a map of the city and figure out if you can group your stops into neighborhoods. For instance, if you’re in Los Angeles, you might decide to spend the morning eating tacos in Boyle Heights, then head to Koreatown for dinner. Having clusters of food stops in a specific area saves time and keeps you energized.

Plan Around Mealtimes

Think about your stops in terms of meals. Maybe you want a light breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, an afternoon coffee, and a blowout dinner. Build your schedule to give yourself plenty of time between meals to savor and digest each stop.

4. Balance Iconic Spots with Hidden Gems

A great foodie tour is all about balance. Yes, you want to try that famous spot everyone talks about, but don’t stop there. Often, it’s the tiny, unassuming eateries tucked away in local neighborhoods that serve the most memorable meals.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

If you see locals lining up for a cafeteria-style restaurant that doesn’t look fancy, get in line too. Those bustling, no-frills spots are often where you’ll find the most authentic food.

Ask for Recommendations

Strike up a conversation with locals or even the servers at your first foodie stop. “Where do you like to eat?” can lead to some truly unique discoveries.

5. Mix Sit-Down Meals with Quick Snacks

To avoid feeling too full (or breaking the bank), balance your foodie tour with a mix of restaurants and grab-and-go bites. This way, you can try a wider range of flavors without spending your entire trip in food comas.

Tips for Balancing Your Appetite

  • Start small. Order appetizers or share dishes if you’re traveling with a friend.
  • Pace yourself. A tourist’s appetite paired with a foodie tour can lead to feeling burnt out by lunch if you’re not careful.
  • Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your energy up and enhances your ability to taste different dishes.

6. Incorporate Food Markets

Food markets are a dream for any foodie. Not only will you find a variety of delicious and affordable bites in one place, but markets often showcase local ingredients, snacks, and food artisans.

What to Look For

Many cities have main public markets like Pike Place in Seattle or Borough Market in London. These spots are often hubs for local farmers, cheesemakers, and pastry chefs. Try a few samples, pick up a picnic-worthy snack, or watch food vendors prepare meals right in front of you.

7. Be Open to Surprises

While having a plan is crucial, some of the best foodie experiences happen when you least expect them. Spot a hole-in-the-wall with an intriguing smell wafting out the door? See a sign boasting “the best sandwich in town?” Trust your gut (literally) and take a detour.

Follow Your Curiosity

Some of the most memorable meals are the ones you didn’t plan for. Say yes to recommendations, explore seemingly small or offbeat spots, and keep an open mind for foods you may not normally try.

8. Capture the Memories

Half the fun of a foodie tour is enjoying the experience again through photos or notes. While you don’t need to go overboard, snapping pics of your meals or jotting down a quick description of standout dishes helps preserve those tasty memories.

Share Your Experience

Post about your foodie adventure on social media. You might inspire someone else to try the same spots, or get recommendations for even more hidden gems in return.