The Best Places to Travel for Solo Travelers Who Love Food

Solo travel is a thrilling adventure, and for food lovers, it offers the perfect chance to explore a city and try different tastes at your own pace. For solo travelers who love food, Europe and the Middle East are gold mines of gastronomic experiences, offering an array of flavors, cultures, and unforgettable memories.

Here are the best destinations for food-obsessed solo travelers, focusing on local food markets, vibrant street eats, and delectable restaurants. 

Spain – Madrid & Barcelona

Spain is a dream for food lovers, offering everything from tantalizing tapas to food markets. Madrid and Barcelona are two cities where the food scene is in full swing, and they’re both friendly to solo travelers.

Highlights:

• Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid): This iconic food market in Madrid is a must for solo travelers. You can try different small plates, ranging from Iberico ham to oysters, and interact with local vendors.
• La Boqueria (Barcelona): Known for its colorful stalls, La Boqueria is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, jamón, cheeses, and local Catalonian delights.

Travel Tip:

Don’t shy away from eating at bars in Spain. Many tapas places have communal seating where solo diners can enjoy dishes like patatas bravas, croquetas, and gambas al ajillo without feeling out of place.

Italy – Rome & Bologna

Italy is synonymous with fantastic food, and cities like Rome and Bologna make it easy for a solo traveler to get local flavors.

Highlights:

• Campo de Fiori Market (Rome): This historic market is a fantastic place to sample fresh produce, cheese, pasta, and wine. Rome’s street food scene, with delights like supplì (fried rice balls) and pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), is perfect for solo snacking.
• Mercato di Mezzo (Bologna): Bologna is the food capital of Italy, famous for its fresh pasta and cured meats. Visit Mercato di Mezzo for local products like tortellini, balsamic vinegar, and mortadella, or try the region’s best tagliatelle al ragù.

Travel Tip:

Join a cooking class! Many Italian cities offer classes where solo travelers can learn to make pasta, tiramisu, and more while meeting fellow travelers.

France – Paris & Lyon

French cuisine is world-renowned, and as a solo traveler, the food markets and bistros of Paris and Lyon provide endless gastronomic delights.

Highlights:

• Marché d’Aligre (Paris): A charming food market with a lively atmosphere, it offers an authentic Parisian experience. Be sure to try French cheeses, pastries like croissants, and local charcuterie.
• Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse (Lyon): Lyon is often called the culinary capital of France, and this food market is a temple to French gastronomy. Sample traditional dishes like quenelles or explore a wide range of patisseries.

Travel Tip:

Many French bistros and cafes cater well to solo diners. Opt for lunch menus, where you can get gourmet meals at a reasonable price.

Portugal – Lisbon

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, offers a rich culinary tradition that combines fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and delicious pastries.

Highlights:

• Time Out Market (Lisbon): This vibrant food hall brings together some of the best chefs in Lisbon under one roof. From traditional bacalhau (salted cod) to modern Portuguese cuisine, there’s something for every solo traveler.
• Mercado da Ribeira: A local favorite for fresh produce, seafood, and more, this market is perfect for sampling petiscos (small plates) and the famous custard tart, pastéis de nata.

Travel Tip:

In Lisbon, be sure to try the local port wine. Many bars welcome solo travelers and offer tastings of the country’s famous wines.

Turkey – Istanbul

For a taste of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fusion, Istanbul is a foodie paradise. The city’s bustling markets and aromatic street food make it a fantastic destination for solo travelers.

Highlights:

• Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar (Istanbul): These markets are sensory overloads in the best way, offering spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, and nuts. You can also try local street food like simit (sesame-encrusted bread rings) and köfte (meatballs).
• Kadıköy Market: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, this market is more laid-back but still brimming with local produce, seafood, and pickles. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of strong Turkish tea while people-watching.

Travel Tip:

In Istanbul, many eateries have communal tables or bar seating, which is great for solo travelers who want to experience dishes like meze (small dishes) or lahmacun (Turkish pizza).

Egypt – Cairo

For solo travelers with a passion for rich, ancient culinary traditions, Cairo is a fantastic destination. Egyptian cuisine blends Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African influences with hearty dishes and flavorful spices that tell the story of the country’s long history.

Highlights:

• Khan El Khalili Market (Cairo): This bustling bazaar in the heart of Cairo is famous for its crafts, souvenirs, and local food stalls. Here, you can try Egyptian staples like koshari (a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and a spicy tomato sauce), falafel (made from fava beans), and hawawshi (a meat-stuffed bread).
• El Tahrir Street Food: Exploring El Tahrir Square and surrounding streets is a must for street food lovers. Try local favorites like shawarma, fiteer (Egyptian pie), or molokhia (a green leafy soup served with rice or bread).
• Zamalek District: Zamalek, an island in the Nile River, offers a variety of cafes and restaurants perfect for solo travelers. From traditional Egyptian cuisine to modern takes on local dishes, Zamalek is a great area to explore while soaking in Cairo’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Travel Tip:

Egyptians are known for their hospitality, and being invited to share meals with locals is common. Solo travelers can comfortably enjoy communal tables at local eateries, and many restaurants have takeaway options if you want to explore the city while you eat. Try basbousa (a sweet semolina cake) or um ali (a creamy Egyptian bread pudding) for dessert!

Morocco – Marrakech

Marrakech is a magical city for food lovers, where the aromas of spices fill the air. The city’s souks and food markets are filled with exotic ingredients, perfect for solo travelers seeking adventure.

Highlights:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech): This world-famous square comes alive at night with food stalls offering everything from tagine to couscous, kebabs, and traditional Moroccan mint tea.
• Souk Semmarine: Wander through the winding streets of this market and sample dates, nuts, olives, and pastries like chebakia.

Travel Tip:

Street food is a must-try in Marrakech, and communal seating at food stalls makes it easy for solo travelers to feel comfortable interacting with locals.

Solo Travel Tips for Foodies:

• Join food tours: These are a great way to taste local cuisine while also meeting fellow travelers. Many cities offer market tours or street food experiences.
• Eat at the bar: Many restaurants in Europe and the Middle East offer bar seating, which is ideal for solo diners who want to eat in a social setting.
• Ask locals for recommendations: Don’t hesitate to talk with locals to find the best hidden food spots.
• Be adventurous: Part of the joy of solo travel is stepping out of your comfort zone. Try the local specialties, even if they seem unfamiliar!

Traveling alone as a food lover is a rewarding experience. You have the freedom to eat when and where you like, try new things, and fully get to know the local culture. Whether you’re exploring the rich food markets of Europe or savoring the aromatic spices of the Middle East, these destinations promise a feast for the senses.