River Cruising for Foodies: A Culinary Journey Through Europe
River cruises are a wonderful way to journey through Europe’s inland highlights, offering the chance for complete immersion into the ports of call. Their central docking locations, typically closer to the heart of destinations than ocean cruises, allow for more extensive exploration time and often give travellers access to hidden gems due to the smaller ship sizes. This provides the opportunity for a deeper connection through culture, gastronomy and the regions they travel through.
For many travellers, experiencing a culture through its culinary scene is particularly exciting. River cruises, especially those navigating Europe's renowned wine regions, offer an unparalleled and diverse gastronomic journey. The ability to visit multiple countries in a short timeframe also allows for an enriched and varied culinary experience.
To help you discover the top culinary river cruise destinations, we analysed 40 popular European river cruise cities. Using Tripadvisor data, we calculated the percentage of food establishments in each city that received "very good" or "excellent" ratings (four or five stars).
The following 10 destinations ranked the highest:
Data: Iglu Cruise
Contents:
- Belgrade, Serbia
- Arles, France
- Budapest, Hungary
- Basel, Switzerland
- Bratislava, Slovakia
- Avignon, France
- Vienna, Austria
- Lyon, France
- Bordeaux, France
- Passau, Germany
- River Cruise FAQs
Belgrade, Serbia
63.4% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Belgrade, Serbia's lively capital, secures the top spot with an impressive 63.4% of its eateries earning four or five-star ratings. Situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, a river cruise in Belgrade provides beautiful views of iconic landmarks like the Belgrade Fortress and the Victor monument.
The foodie scene in Belgrade is full of classic Serbian dishes like Ćevapi (grilled minced meat), Burek (a flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese), and Ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread); visitors can enjoy these at Kalenić Pijaca, Belgrade’s largest open-air farmers market.
Belgrade is also home to 21 Michelin-recognised restaurants; one of Belgrade's highest-rated Michelin-starred restaurants, Langouste, offers an exclusive luxury experience in the Old Town. Overlooking the Sava River, Langouste's menu is curated by award-winning chef Marko Deric, who reinterprets traditional Serbian recipes with imaginative, contemporary touches influenced by French and Italian cuisine.
Arles, France
62.5% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Arles, a picturesque city in Southern France, holds the second spot with 62.5% of its food venues boasting a four or five-star rating. Located on the River Rhône in the heart of Provence, Arles famously inspired Vincent Van Gogh, who created 300 paintings and drawings during his year-long stay.
Popular local cuisine includes gardianne de taureau (bull meat stew slow-cooked in red wine), saucisson d’Arles (a dry sausage made with bull meat), and the Arles tart (a rustic dessert typically made with apricots and strawberries).
In Arles, guests can sample creative Mediterranean dishes by Chef Glenn Viel at L'Oustau de Baumanière. This award-winning restaurant holds three Michelin stars, signifying exceptional cuisine. Chef Viel became the youngest French chef to receive three Michelin stars in 2020 at age 39.
Beyond the plate, Arles offers a captivating historical backdrop; its home to the UNESCO-listed Roman Amphitheatre, which is just a short 30-minute walk from the river cruise port and can be admired from one of the many nearby restaurants like Saveurs et Terroirs, a top-rated local eatery, pairing Provençal flavours with stunning Roman architecture.
Budapest, Hungary
61.1% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Set along the Danube, Budapest is home to some of the most stunning architecture in Europe, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, (which Tripadvisor rated the number one tourist attraction in the city), Buda Castle and Fisherman's Bastion. All well worth a visit, these can all be viewed from a river cruise in the Hungarian capital. The city ranked in third place as the best city for a foodie river cruise, with 61.1% of food venues rating four or five-star.
Visitors to the capital can try both traditional Hungarian dishes and award-winning international cuisine, with over 4,000 food venues located in the city. This includes a mixture of high-end fine dining, food markets, bakeries and cafes.
Budapest offers a delightful culinary experience, featuring traditional dishes like goulash, lángos (deep-fried dough), kürtőskalács (chimney cake), and töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage). For those seeking fine dining, the city is home to 36 Michelin-recognised restaurants. Among them is the two-starred Stand, where chefs Szabina Szullo and Tamas Szell provide a modern take on classic cuisine.
For a more casual local favourite, Mazel Tov in the Jewish Quarter serves fresh Mediterranean and Jewish cuisine in a relaxed courtyard setting, perfect for enjoying the city’s famously warm hospitality.
Basel, Switzerland
60.3% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Perched on the Rhine at the intersection of Switzerland, France and Germany, Basel is the next city on the list, with 60.3% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars.
Basel’s local specialities include Basler Läckerli (a spiced honey biscuit with almonds and dandied fruit), Basler Mehlsuppe (a rich flour soup), Fastenwähe (a caraway-sprinkled pastry) and Basler Brot, alongside the famous Swiss classics like fondue, raclette and of course, world-renowned Swiss chocolate.
For fine dining, Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl stands as a truly luxurious dining spot. With three Michelin stars and 19 Gault-Millau points, it ranks among the world’s top 100 restaurants. Here, Chef Knogl blends French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences in a luxurious, high-ceilinged setting that reflects the elegance and artistry of each dish.
Basel offers a unique Swiss experience that caters to both culinary enthusiasts and culture seekers. Beyond its refined cuisine and charming riverside ambiance, the city boasts a rich cultural scene with over 40 museums and the renowned Art Basel fair. River cruise visitors can take in Basel's captivating blend of historic architecture and contemporary public art, making it a truly delightful stop.
Bratislava, Slovakia
56.3% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
At number five is Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital with 56.3% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars.
Tucked along the Danube near the borders of Austria and Hungary, Bratislava is the charming and compact capital of Slovakia with a colourful 18th-century old town, forested hills and the striking Bratislava Castle overlooking the river. Known for its lively bars, cafes and pedestrian-friendly streets, the city blends history with a relaxed, modern vibe.
Bratislava’s culinary scene stands out for its affordability and variety, offering everything from hearty Slovak food to creative modern cuisine. Must-try local dishes include bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese), Kapustnica (sauerkraut soup), and Pirohy (stuffed dumplings). You’ll also find Vyprážaný syr (fried cheese) served in pubs to cafes, alongside local beers and an emerging craft beer scene.
Whether you’re sampling traditional comfort food or enjoying vegan reinterpretations in a trendy bistro, Bratislava offers a laid-back but delicious stop on any Danube cruise, where quality meets value in a setting full of charm.
Avignon, France
55.8% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Avignon, a sun-soaked city nestled along the River Rhône in the heart of Provence, is renowned for its exceptional food and wine. Food lovers can explore local markets like Les Halles d'Avignon, which offer a delightful array of seasonal produce, aromatic herbs, artisan cheeses, and regional specialties. The proximity of the Côtes du Rhône wine region further enhances Avignon's appeal, giving the perfect opportunity to complement Provençal dishes with world-class wines.
Must-try dishes include tapenade (puréed olive spread), aïoli , soupe au pistou (sauce made with basil, garlic, and olive oil), fougasse (flat, leaf-shaped bread), ratatouille and an array of local cheeses.
Beyond its culinary appeal, Avignon impresses with cultural landmarks like the Palace of the Popes and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, making it an ideal port of call for river cruisers looking to savour both history and delicious food.
Vienna, Austria
54.9% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Vienna ranks seventh for its high number of top-rated eateries. Austria’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Baroque architecture, imperial palaces like Schönbrunn and its legacy of famous composers from Mozart to Strauss. It’s also the only capital in the world with over 1700 acres of vineyards, where visitors can sip local wines in traditional taverns known as Heurigen.
Set along the Danube, Vienna’s culinary scene reflects its Austro-Hungarian roots, with hearty classics like Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef in broth), Goulash (stew-soup made with meat and veg), and sausages served from beloved Würstelstands. Austrian desserts include Sachertorte (rich chocolate cake with apricot jam), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Kaiserschmarrn (lightly sweetened pancake).
Consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, Vienna pairs elegance with laid-back charm, offering river cruisers a taste of rich history, vibrant culture and world-class cuisine all in one stop.
Lyon, France
52.2% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
Lyon comes in at number 8 with 52.2% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars. With a high reputation in the culinary industry, Lyon is often referred to as the food capital of France and arguably, the world. This reputation is largely due to Chef Paul Bocuse and the city’s dense network of restaurants.
Popular in the city are Lyonnaise restaurants called "bouchons", which offer hearty, authentic, often pork-based local dishes. Must-try specialities include quenelles de brochet (pike dumplings), rosette de Lyon (dry-cured pork sausage), salade Lyonnaise (lettuce, bacon, croutons and egg) and Cervelle de Canut (a herbed cheese spread).
For an elevated foodie experience, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a must. This upscale market offers tastings of cheese, charcuterie, seafood and pastries.
Lyon’s rich food culture is matched by its historical and cultural depth. Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, its UNESCO-listed districts, including Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, offer so much to explore. With its vibrant markets, unparalleled culinary scene, and riverside beauty, Lyon invites visitors to indulge in the soul of French food. Lyon is situated at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone.
Bordeaux, France
52.1% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
At number nine, Bordeaux, often known as the “Wine Capital of the World” shows 52.1% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars. Situated along the Garonne River, the region is home to over 6,000 wineries. River cruisers can delve into the area's rich wine culture through visits to La Cité du Vin, an interactive wine museum, or by enjoying tastings and château tours.
Bordeaux cuisine includes fresh Arcachon Bay oysters, Asperges du Blayais (Blaye white asparagus), and the beloved Canelé (a caramelised pastry with a custardy centre). For refined dining, a firm favourite is Gordon Ramsay’s two-star Michelin restaurant, Le Pressoir d'Argent.. The restaurant, which opened in 2015, is famous for serving French delicacies such as Foie Gras, truffles, caviar and fish and also offers hundreds of wine options.
With a thriving food scene that boasts traditional bistros to Michelin-starred dining, Bordeaux offers a blend of food, wine and cultural elegance, making it a standout for any gourmet river cruise itinerary.
Passau, Germany
51.1% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars
At number ten is Passau in Germany, with 51.1% of food venues being rated 4 or 5 stars.
Nestled in the meeting point of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a picturesque Bavarian gem often referred to as the “City of Three Rivers”. Its charming old town, filled with Baroque architecture and featuring the imposing Veste Oberhaus fortress, sets a scenic stage for a rich culinary experience.
Food-lovers will find Passau surprisingly sophisticated, with three Michelin-starred restaurants, including Johanns, which offers great value and inventive takes on Bavarian Forest cuisine.
The city’s food scene is a celebration of Bavarian tradition; Schweinebraten (roast pork), Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle), Bratwurst and Weißwürste (German sausages), often served with tangy sauerkraut (cabbage) or creamy potato salad. Other local specialities include Obazda (cheese spread), Goulash, and freshly grilled Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick).
For foodies, a river cruise to Passau is more than a scenic journey, it’s a gateway to authentic Bavarian flavours served with a side of fairytale charm.
A journey through Europe via a river cruise is an enchanting and utterly delicious experience. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse oneself in diverse cultures, with every bend in the river revealing a new landscape and a fresh set of gastronomic delights waiting to be explored. From the rich, hearty stews of Central Europe to the delicate pastries of France, river cruising for foodies is a celebration of regional flavours, allowing you to taste the very essence of each destination.
River Cruise FAQs
Are river cruises safe?
Yes, river cruises are a very safe mode of travel due to the smooth waters, fewer passengers and proximity to shore. Additionally, river cruises prioritise passenger safety, implementing robust health and safety measures. While less formal than on ocean liners, safety remains a key focus across all operations.
All cruise lines have strict security procedures in place to ensure the safety of passengers is paramount. Staff working onboard are also trained to prioritise safety whilst sailing.
Are river cruises rough?
River cruises generally offer a very smooth sailing experience, as rivers have calmer waters and fewer swells and currents. If you haven't cruised before, river voyages are an excellent way to get accustomed to sailing in a gentle water environment.
The smooth, steady nature makes river cruises a great choice for those prone to seasickness. For extra comfort, opt for a midship cabin on a larger vessel, bring seasickness remedies just in case, and enjoy the close-to-land sailing experience.
Are river cruises all-inclusive?
Many river cruises offer inclusive packages that go beyond meals and accommodation. Depending on the cruise line, your rate may include flights, transfers, shore excursions, Wi-Fi, drinks and gratuities.
River cruises often provide excellent all-encompassing packages - making for a relaxing, stress-free holiday with fewer additional costs. This makes them a wonderful choice for those seeking a relaxing and all-inclusive getaway.
Do river cruises offer solo cabins?
Yes, river cruise lines provide several options for solo travellers. Saga and Amadeus feature dedicated single cabins, while Tauck, AmaWaterways, and Uniworld often eliminate single supplements on specific cabins, making solo travel more accessible. Additionally, some companies organise dedicated group trips for individuals travelling alone.
Solo cabins are limited and book up quickly, so early planning is essential for solo travellers seeking availability and the best value.
Which river cruises allow children?
Many river cruise lines welcome children, however, age requirements vary.
CroisiEurope and A-Rose have no age minimum. American Queen Voyages require a minimum age of 6 months, while the age requirement for APT is 4 years. Other cruise lines, such as Emerald Cruises and Scenic welcome children 12 years and over.
Cruise lines like AmaWaterways offer excellent multigenerational options, including cabins that accommodate 3-4 guests and connecting rooms. Some cruise lines also provide discounted rates for children.
Book Your Next Cruise Adventure with Iglu Cruise Today
While we have a sensational selection of river cruises and river cruise deals available, Iglu Cruise also always has sensational offers on ocean cruises too! From last-minute deals and luxury sailings to family cruises and short breaks. Wherever in the world you want to travel, Iglu Cruise has a fantastic cruise itinerary waiting for you!
Although, if you’re still looking for more information on cruising before committing to booking a getaway, check out this selection of the latest blogs from the Iglu Cruise team: