Gone are the days of traveling just to stretch out on a sun lounger. Today, people want to experience everything a destination has to offer, from its unique way of life to its local delicacies. With over two thirds (68%)* of travelers saying they’d happily bring home stylish kitchenware or tasty pantry treats from their trip, Booking.com highlights five cities from around the world which come with rich culinary scenes and local specialties worth saving suitcase space for.Porto, PortugalRenowned for its port wine, beautifully colored tinned seafood and richly layered heritage, Porto is a historic maritime city in northern Portugal where centuries of seafaring culture continue to shape local culinary traditions. Set along the banks of the Douro River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s signature tinned seafood is deeply rooted in Portugal’s fishing history. A hub for canning factories in the 1900s, Porto once produced tens of thousands of tonnes of canned fish annually. Beyond Porto’s much-loved seafood tins, travelers won’t want to miss the UNESCO-listed “hillsides of Ribeira” waterfront district, with its steep, narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful stacked houses, baroque churches and lively cafés overlooking the river. In the evenings, the city’s cultural spirit comes alive through traditional Fado performances, where travelers can experience intimate live music in atmospheric venues, accompanied by local wine and food.Where to stay: After a day of exploring (and eating), Acta The Avenue in the heart of Porto is an ideal stay for couples, families and groups. With spacious rooms, central location, and a restaurant, guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s stunning terrace to watch the sun set over Porto’s steep, terraced landscape.Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul, widely regarded as Turkey’s economic, cultural and historical heart, is known the world over for its vibrant culinary offerings of tasty grilled meats, enticing street food, and signature Baklava and Turkish Delight. A sensory wonderland, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar, or ‘Mısır Çarşısı’, lies at the city’s historical and culinary heart. Built in 1660 and famed for its vibrant stacks of spices, fragrant aromas, and tempting sweets, the market draws travelers into rows of dried fruits, nuts, teas, and beautifully crafted ceramics. Rather than committing to full purchases straight away, visitors can wander from stall to stall, sampling produce as they go, tasting dried meats, sweet treats, and even up to 200 varieties of cheese before deciding what to buy. Top traveler tip? Brush up on haggling skills, as prices for the uninitiated can be steep! After a day of taste sensations, hop on a breathtaking boat tour down the Bosphorus Strait, a historic waterway straddling the city that flows between Europe and Asia, or visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a UNESCO-listed site over 1,500 years old to round out the day. Where to stay: With sensational city views, Walton Gardens Pera is the perfect stay for families looking for that extra bit of comfort, with stunning luxury apartments that blend modern design with homely touches. Parents can enjoy a long soak in the jacuzzi or wind down in the outdoor seating area while children play in the hotel’s gardens.Pasadena, CaliforniaA lush and walkable city in the heart of Southern California, Pasadena has a thriving culinary scene. Old Pasadena, one of the city’s most eclectic historic districts, is a must-visit foodie haven. Home to over 650 restaurants, from upscale steakhouses to picturesque brunch, coffee spots, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Visitors will also want to swing by the original Trader Joe’s on Arroyo Parkway, the well-known American grocery store chain, where they can ‘bag’ themselves an infamous tote bag. The chic shopping accessory is the perfect foodie souvenir to take home and cherish. In store, travelers will want to pick up Trader Joe’s customer favorites such as its steamed pork and ginger soup dumplings, chili and lime flavored corn tortilla chips and, of course, its iconic ‘everything but the bagel’ seasoning, which pairs well with just about every savory food. To walk off the day’s feasting, visitors can wander through Pasadena’s beautifully preserved 19th- and 20th-century streets lined with elegant historic architecture and tree-lined cobbled pavements.Where to stay: Located in the heart of the city, Pasadena Hotel and Pool is an ideal stay for couples. A picture of true beauty, guests can lounge in the outdoor pool surrounded by the shade of palm trees, or enjoy a luxurious soak in one of the many hot tubs. A short drive from the National Historic Landmark Rose Bowl Stadium, it also makes a great base for those hoping to catch a football game during their stay.Oaxaca City, MexicoOaxaca (pronounced Wahaca) is a feast for the senses, where food tasting and immersive culinary experiences take center stage. Known for its deep indigenous heritage and bold, complex flavors, the region’s famed mole, made from a rich blend of spices, herbs, and chocolate, is a must-try, served across a variety of traditional dishes. At Mercado 20 Noviembre, visitors can graze their way through authentic Oaxacan cuisine, sampling everything from chapulines (grasshoppers) to freshly grilled meats in the lively ‘Hall of Meat,’ all best paired with a crisp cerveza. Beyond the tasting, the market is a treasure trove of foodie souvenirs, from artisanal chocolate and spices to local ingredients that capture the essence of Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. After indulging, travelers can explore the city further on a guided street art walking tour. As the heartland of mezcal, Mexico’s iconic agave spirit crafted from roasted agave hearts, Oaxaca also offers the chance to visit artisanal distilleries, where visitors can sample dozens of varieties before selecting a few bottles to take home and share.Where to stay: A stylish, adults‑only guesthouse boasting a picture of serenity, Casa 821 creates a relaxed, intimate base within easy walking distance of the city’s cultural highlights. Just a 12-minute walk away is Memelas San Augustin, a street food stall popular with locals for breakfast and lunch, serving snack-sized Memelas (traditional Mexican street food made from thick, hand-pressed corn patties) topped with freshly pulled cheese and black beans.Tainan, TaiwanRenowned for its agricultural bounty, ultra-fresh seafood, and deeply rooted food culture, Tainan is widely considered Taiwan’s culinary capital. Travelers can eat their way through the city’s streets and markets, sampling iconic local specialties like Danzai noodles, served in a rich, umami-packed broth with minced meat, and crispy shrimp rolls, alongside indulgent bites like pork lard rice. During the annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, these beloved street foods take center stage, with visitors gathering to snack, graze, and celebrate one of Taiwan’s most vibrant religious events. Food experiences continue beyond the streets and into centuries-old traditions. In the heart of the city, Taiwan’s oldest tea shop, now run by its sixth-generation family, offers an invitation to slow down and savor. Visitors can explore the depth and diversity of Oolong tea, from light, floral notes to rich, roasted flavors, with hundreds of varieties to taste and take home, alongside beautifully crafted tea sets. Seafood lovers can head to the historic Anping area, where the scent of the sea leads to freshly shucked oysters and golden-fried shrimp rolls at the bustling market. After indulging, a visit to nearby Anping Fort offers the perfect contrast: history, heritage, and sweeping views across Tainan to round off a truly food-filled journey.Where to stay: Cao Ji Book Inn Hostel blends comfort with character, with cozy bunk pods, book-lined spaces and a relaxed social atmosphere. Its rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with local tea at the end of the day. Just a five-minute walk into the city centre, travelers can visit Wagyu Shabu Tainan Zhonghua West Branch, a popular hotpot restaurant where diners cook their own meats and vegetables in richly flavored broths.*Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.Gone are the days of traveling just to stretch out on a sun lounger. Today, people want to experience everything a destination has to offer, from its unique way of life to its local delicacies. With over two thirds (68%)* of travelers saying they’d happily bring home stylish kitchenware or tasty pantry treats from their trip, Booking.com highlights five cities from around the world which come with rich culinary scenes and local specialties worth saving suitcase space for.Porto, PortugalRenowned for its port wine, beautifully colored tinned seafood and richly layered heritage, Porto is a historic maritime city in northern Portugal where centuries of seafaring culture continue to shape local culinary traditions. Set along the banks of the Douro River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, the city’s signature tinned seafood is deeply rooted in Portugal’s fishing history. A hub for canning factories in the 1900s, Porto once produced tens of thousands of tonnes of canned fish annually. Beyond Porto’s much-loved seafood tins, travelers won’t want to miss the UNESCO-listed “hillsides of Ribeira” waterfront district, with its steep, narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful stacked houses, baroque churches and lively cafés overlooking the river. In the evenings, the city’s cultural spirit comes alive through traditional Fado performances, where travelers can experience intimate live music in atmospheric venues, accompanied by local wine and food.Where to stay: After a day of exploring (and eating), Acta The Avenue in the heart of Porto is an ideal stay for couples, families and groups. With spacious rooms, central location, and a restaurant, guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s stunning terrace to watch the sun set over Porto’s steep, terraced landscape.Istanbul, TurkeyIstanbul, widely regarded as Turkey’s economic, cultural and historical heart, is known the world over for its vibrant culinary offerings of tasty grilled meats, enticing street food, and signature Baklava and Turkish Delight. A sensory wonderland, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar, or ‘Mısır Çarşısı’, lies at the city’s historical and culinary heart. Built in 1660 and famed for its vibrant stacks of spices, fragrant aromas, and tempting sweets, the market draws travelers into rows of dried fruits, nuts, teas, and beautifully crafted ceramics. Rather than committing to full purchases straight away, visitors can wander from stall to stall, sampling produce as they go, tasting dried meats, sweet treats, and even up to 200 varieties of cheese before deciding what to buy. Top traveler tip? Brush up on haggling skills, as prices for the uninitiated can be steep! After a day of taste sensations, hop on a breathtaking boat tour down the Bosphorus Strait, a historic waterway straddling the city that flows between Europe and Asia, or visit the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a UNESCO-listed site over 1,500 years old to round out the day. Where to stay: With sensational city views, Walton Gardens Pera is the perfect stay for families looking for that extra bit of comfort, with stunning luxury apartments that blend modern design with homely touches. Parents can enjoy a long soak in the jacuzzi or wind down in the outdoor seating area while children play in the hotel’s gardens.Pasadena, CaliforniaA lush and walkable city in the heart of Southern California, Pasadena has a thriving culinary scene. Old Pasadena, one of the city’s most eclectic historic districts, is a must-visit foodie haven. Home to over 650 restaurants, from upscale steakhouses to picturesque brunch, coffee spots, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Visitors will also want to swing by the original Trader Joe’s on Arroyo Parkway, the well-known American grocery store chain, where they can ‘bag’ themselves an infamous tote bag. The chic shopping accessory is the perfect foodie souvenir to take home and cherish. In store, travelers will want to pick up Trader Joe’s customer favorites such as its steamed pork and ginger soup dumplings, chili and lime flavored corn tortilla chips and, of course, its iconic ‘everything but the bagel’ seasoning, which pairs well with just about every savory food. To walk off the day’s feasting, visitors can wander through Pasadena’s beautifully preserved 19th- and 20th-century streets lined with elegant historic architecture and tree-lined cobbled pavements.Where to stay: Located in the heart of the city, Pasadena Hotel and Pool is an ideal stay for couples. A picture of true beauty, guests can lounge in the outdoor pool surrounded by the shade of palm trees, or enjoy a luxurious soak in one of the many hot tubs. A short drive from the National Historic Landmark Rose Bowl Stadium, it also makes a great base for those hoping to catch a football game during their stay.Oaxaca City, MexicoOaxaca (pronounced Wahaca) is a feast for the senses, where food tasting and immersive culinary experiences take center stage. Known for its deep indigenous heritage and bold, complex flavors, the region’s famed mole, made from a rich blend of spices, herbs, and chocolate, is a must-try, served across a variety of traditional dishes. At Mercado 20 Noviembre, visitors can graze their way through authentic Oaxacan cuisine, sampling everything from chapulines (grasshoppers) to freshly grilled meats in the lively ‘Hall of Meat,’ all best paired with a crisp cerveza. Beyond the tasting, the market is a treasure trove of foodie souvenirs, from artisanal chocolate and spices to local ingredients that capture the essence of Oaxaca’s culinary traditions. After indulging, travelers can explore the city further on a guided street art walking tour. As the heartland of mezcal, Mexico’s iconic agave spirit crafted from roasted agave hearts, Oaxaca also offers the chance to visit artisanal distilleries, where visitors can sample dozens of varieties before selecting a few bottles to take home and share.Where to stay: A stylish, adults‑only guesthouse boasting a picture of serenity, Casa 821 creates a relaxed, intimate base within easy walking distance of the city’s cultural highlights. Just a 12-minute walk away is Memelas San Augustin, a street food stall popular with locals for breakfast and lunch, serving snack-sized Memelas (traditional Mexican street food made from thick, hand-pressed corn patties) topped with freshly pulled cheese and black beans.Tainan, TaiwanRenowned for its agricultural bounty, ultra-fresh seafood, and deeply rooted food culture, Tainan is widely considered Taiwan’s culinary capital. Travelers can eat their way through the city’s streets and markets, sampling iconic local specialties like Danzai noodles, served in a rich, umami-packed broth with minced meat, and crispy shrimp rolls, alongside indulgent bites like pork lard rice. During the annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, these beloved street foods take center stage, with visitors gathering to snack, graze, and celebrate one of Taiwan’s most vibrant religious events. Food experiences continue beyond the streets and into centuries-old traditions. In the heart of the city, Taiwan’s oldest tea shop, now run by its sixth-generation family, offers an invitation to slow down and savor. Visitors can explore the depth and diversity of Oolong tea, from light, floral notes to rich, roasted flavors, with hundreds of varieties to taste and take home, alongside beautifully crafted tea sets. Seafood lovers can head to the historic Anping area, where the scent of the sea leads to freshly shucked oysters and golden-fried shrimp rolls at the bustling market. After indulging, a visit to nearby Anping Fort offers the perfect contrast: history, heritage, and sweeping views across Tainan to round off a truly food-filled journey.Where to stay: Cao Ji Book Inn Hostel blends comfort with character, with cozy bunk pods, book-lined spaces and a relaxed social atmosphere. Its rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with local tea at the end of the day. Just a five-minute walk into the city centre, travelers can visit Wagyu Shabu Tainan Zhonghua West Branch, a popular hotpot restaurant where diners cook their own meats and vegetables in richly flavored broths.*Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
*Travel Predictions 2026 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 29,733 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,009 from Argentina, 1,005 from Australia, 500 from Austria, 1,013 from Belgium, 1,008 from Brazil, 1,018 from Canada, 1,009 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,010 from France, 1,003 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,007 from India, 509 from Ireland, 507 from Israel, 1,005 from Italy, 1,003 from Japan, 1,003 from Mexico, 1,019 from The Netherlands, 1,033 from New Zealand, 1,006 from Portugal, 500 from Singapore, 1,003 from South Korea, 1,009 from Spain, 511 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1,001 from Thailand, 501 from the UAE, 2,003 from the UK, 2,010 from the US and 505 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2025.
