Florence named world’s top city for hands-on food experiences

Florence has been ranked as the best city in the world for hands-on food experiences in a new international survey, reinforcing the Tuscan capital’s reputation not only for art and history but also for its culinary tradition.

The ranking, carried out by the travel company Titan Travel and reported by several UK media outlets, analysed destinations based on the number and quality of cooking classes and similar interactive food activities available to visitors.

According to the research, Florence offers 231 cooking classes, with around 74% rated four stars or above. On this basis, the city was placed at the top of the global list.

Seven Italian cities in the top ranking

Italy dominates the ranking, with seven cities listed among the best for immersive culinary experiences:

• Florence
• Palermo
• Bologna
• Rome
• Venice
• Naples
• Milan

The list reflects the diversity of Italian regional cuisines, from Tuscan and Emilian traditions to Sicilian and Neapolitan specialities.

For Florence, the appeal lies in the combination of traditional recipes – such as fresh pasta, ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina – and a well-developed offer of small-group classes, market tours and workshops often run by local chefs or family businesses.

Easy connections by train

One element highlighted in the study is how closely connected many of these cities are by high-speed rail, making it possible to combine multiple food destinations in a single trip.

Florence and Bologna are around 35 minutes apart by train, while Florence and Rome can be reached in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Rome and Naples are also roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes apart. Milan and Bologna are connected in about an hour.

For international visitors, this means that a stay in Florence can easily be extended to include other culinary hubs without long travel times.

Beyond sightseeing

The research reflects a broader tourism trend: travellers increasingly seek participatory experiences rather than traditional sightseeing alone.

Cooking classes, food markets and tastings allow visitors to engage directly with local products and techniques, often offering historical and cultural context alongside practical skills.

For Florence, the ranking adds to a long-standing identity built around both cultural heritage and food culture. While the city’s museums and monuments remain central to its appeal, its culinary workshops and food-focused activities are becoming an increasingly visible part of the tourism offer.

(Cover photo by Or Hakim via Unsplash)

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