Ho Chi Minh

The destination has been named the best city in the world for food and among 30 top foodie favourites across the globe

When it comes to culinary delights, most people’s minds wander to Italy’s pasta, Japan’s sushi or Mexico’s tacos. However, a recent study by TasteAtlas has revealed the top foodie destinations around the globe.

The team analysed nearly half a million ratings from 17,073 cities on its database. Interestingly, many of the top-rated locations are just a short hop from the UK, with the majority of the top 10 situated in Europe.

Naples clinched the top spot, thanks to its world-renowned dishes such as pizza, lasagna and macaroni, reports the Express.

But Naples wasn’t the only Italian city to make the cut. Milan bagged second place, with its famous risotto and panettone, not to mention the iconic Campari cocktail that originated there.

Italy continued its gastronomic dominance with Bologna securing third place, known for its spaghetti bolognese, ragu and tortellini.

Despite the Italian-heavy list, other global cities made the top 10, including Paris, Vienna and Mumbai.

Unfortunately, the UK didn’t make it into the top 30, along with Hong Kong, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Amsterdam.

Here are the top 30 best cities for food:

1. Naples
2. Milan
3. Bologna
4. Florence
5. Mumbai
6. Rome
7. Paris
8. Vienna
9. Turin
10. Osaka
11. Madrid
12. New York
13. Genoa
14. Nice
15. Lima
16. Jakarta
17. Kyoto
18. Gaziantep
19. Ferrara
20. New Orleans
21. Catania
22. Singapore
23. Venice
24. Istanbul
25. Tokyo
26. San Francisco
27. Lisbon
28. Guadalajara
29. Chicago
30. Philadelphia

The best cities for food have been revealed and they are not all in Italy

When it comes to culinary delights, most people’s minds wander to Italy’s pasta, Japan’s sushi or Mexico’s tacos. However, a study by TasteAtlas has revealed the top foodie destinations around the globe.

The team analysed nearly half a million ratings from 17,073 cities in their database. Interestingly, many of the top-rated locations are just a short hop from the UK, with the majority of the top 10 nestled within Europe.

Naples clinched the top spot, thanks to its status as the birthplace of pizza, lasagna and macaroni.

But this stunning city wasn’t the only Italian gem to make the list, reports the Express.

Milan bagged second place, with its famous dishes such as risotto and panettone earning it high marks.

And let’s not forget that Milan is also the home of Campari, perfect for washing down those delicious meals.

Italy dominated the top three, with Bologna securing third place.

This city is renowned for its spaghetti bolognese, ragu and tortellini.

Despite the Italian dominance, other popular cities like Paris, Vienna and Mumbai also made the cut in the top 10.

Sadly, the UK didn’t manage to crack the top 30, with other notable absences including Hong Kong, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh, Bangkok, and Amsterdam.

The top 30 best cities for food:

1. Naples
2. Milan
3. Bologna
4. Florence
5. Mumbai
6. Rome
7. Paris
8. Vienna
9. Turin
10. Osaka
11. Madrid
12. New York
13. Genoa
14. Nice
15. Lima
16. Jakarta
17. Kyoto
18. Gaziantep
19. Ferrara
20. New Orleans
21. Catania
22. Singapore
23. Venice
24. Istanbul
25. Tokyo
26. San Francisco
27. Lisbon
28. Guadalajara
29. Chicago
30. Philadelphia

This comes as Booking.com has unveiled its 2026 Travel Predictions, declaring the year ahead as the era of YOU – where individuality takes the spotlight.

One of the trends they found was Shelf-ie Souvenirs. This is where Brits will look to turn kitchen shelves into cultural showcases.

These shelf-ie souvenirs are moving from fridge magnets to pantry shelves, with travellers increasingly seeking edible and design-led treasures that turn everyday kitchens into showcases of global culture.

This shift is as much about meaning as aesthetics.

More than a quarter (25%) say edible souvenirs help them relive a destination each time they cook, while 24% value how these items showcase local craft, sustainability, and traditional methods.

For others, exclusivity and style play a role, with nearly one in five (16%) choosing destinations for rare souvenirs, limited-edition cookware, or packaging that looks as good on a shelf as it does on social media.

The Foreign Office urged UK tourists them to stay vigilant for a number of issues, including sexual assaults, harassment and groping

British holidaymakers have been issued a stark warning after a spate of sexual assaults and harassment in Vietnam. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice, stating that women have been targeted for inappropriate touching and groping while walking alone.

In a fresh alert, officials have urged tourists to be particularly cautious about what they are consuming and take measures to prevent their drinks from being spiked. They also highlighted that many of the offences were committed by unlicensed taxi drivers.

Furthermore, they cautioned that victims would be required to demonstrate that they did not consent to the attack, especially if they had consumed alcohol. Officials stated: “British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in the main tourist areas and places where foreigners live, often committed by or linked to unlicensed taxi drivers. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.”

Foreign Office advice to reduce risk:

• buy your own drinks and keep them in sight to avoid them being spiked
• be wary of accepting snacks, beverages and gum from strangers and new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk
• use pre-arranged transport or official taxi-hailing apps, such as Grab or XanhSM, which supply licensed cabs. Be wary of scammers who claim to be from these companies and always book your full journey on the app
• save the location of your accommodation on a map app (such as Google Maps), so that it is easier to find at the end of the night
• set up a WhatsApp group to keep in contact with others in your group
• report anything that does not feel right to the management of local bars, restaurants, hotels or hostels

An official added: “In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.”

“If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you can reach out to the British Embassy in Hanoi or Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City. Consular staff can assist you in reporting an incident to local authorities, if you would like to do so. Read FCDO’s information pack relating to rape and sexual assaults in Vietnam for more advice.”

The Foreign Office has also issued a fresh warning for vapers planning to visit the country: “Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy vapes in Vietnam or bring them into the country.”

More information on rules and safety issues in Vietnam is available on the Foreign Office website.

The Foreign Office has issued a travel advisory for anyone headed to Vietnam as popular tourist destinations including Hanoi are set to be affected by heavy rainfall with the arrival of Storm Wipha

Tourists planning to visit Southeast Asia this week have been issued a travel warning ahead of Storm Wipha’s descent on the region. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) warned on Monday, July 21 that the typhoon is heading for northern Vietnam, and is likely to lead to flooding and mudslides in affected areas.

Tropical storm Wipha made landfall in northern Vietnam on Tuesday July 22 – in alignment with the forecast shared by the FCDO. Wipha hit the provinces of Ninh Binh and Thanh Hoa early on Tuesday afternoon and authorities remain on alert due to heavy rains. The FCDO has named specific popular tourist destinations as affected areas, including Ha Long Bay, Hanoi and Ninh Binh.

READ MORE: Doomed Vietnam tourist boat passengers begged to return to shore before 38 died

Wipha has already ravaged southern China but wind speeds have weakened since its descent on Vietnam according to the national weather forecasting agency.

The FCDO warned travellers to Vietnam: “You should expect heavy rainfall, strong winds, flooding and mudslides in affected areas in the days after landfall. You should expect travel disruption and should follow advice from local authorities.”

The FCDO also advises that travellers can receive regular news updates in English via VNexpress and Vietnam News. Additionally, travellers can sign up to get email notifications when the FCDO updates its travel advice for Vietnam.

A number of flights in Vietnam were cancelled ahead of Wipha’s arrival. Vietnam Airlines announced on Monday that it would be cancelling several flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong to “ensure the safety of passengers and crew”.

Meanwhile, Pacific Airlines rescheduled two flights, between Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, to depart earlier than planned, while two more flights on the same route were cancelled.

On Tuesday, all flights operated by Vietnam Airlines Group, including Vietnam Airlines and Pacific Airlines, to and from Hai Phong were moved to depart in the afternoon. The group said: “Vietnam Airlines Group regrets the schedule changes caused by this force majeure weather event and appreciates our passengers’ understanding.

“Flight times may continue to be adjusted depending on the storm’s progression. Updated information will be communicated via the airline’s official channels and passenger contact details provided in booking records.”

The new tropical storm is set to strike just days after a tourist boat carrying as many as 53 people capsized in stormy weather in Vietnam on Saturday, July 19. Of the 53 people on board, 38 have been declared dead.

The boat was carrying 48 tourists and five crew members near Đầu Gỗ Cave off the coast of Ha Long Bay when it was hit by a sudden squall and overturned, according to local media.

Over the previous weekend, Wipha hit Hong Kong, leaving 33 people injured and the Philippines has struggles with monsoon downpours that began last week.

Hong Kong authorities erected temporary shelters for around 277 people who sought refuge from the storm. There were also 286 reports to the Government’s 1823 Call Centre and the Fire Services Department, 425 reports of fallen trees and seven confirmed flooding cases received by the Drainage Services Department, according to a statement by the Hong Kong Government on Sunday.