Where to Travel If You Love to Eat (And Can’t Sit Still)

For those who crave incredible food but just can’t stay still, the perfect trip combines delicious bites with dynamic experiences. These four destinations serve up unforgettable flavors alongside thrilling ways to explore—whether it’s zipping through city streets, sailing across seas, or gliding over cliffs. Ready to feast and move? Let’s go!

Tokyo, Japan — The city that never slows down, and neither should you.

Start your day with a quick caffeine fix from one of Tokyo’s famous vending machines — yes, you can get piping hot coffee or matcha in a can anytime, anywhere. For lunch or dinner, head to Shinjuku’s countless yakitori stalls, where skewers of chicken, pork, and veggies sizzle over charcoal grills and pair perfectly with local sake or beer. And don’t overlook the humble 7-Eleven, where you can grab onigiri (rice balls) filled with everything from salmon to umeboshi (pickled plum) — a beloved Japanese comfort snack that’s perfect for grabbing on the go.

🎮 Try This: Book a Mario Kart street tour in Shibuya. Dress up as your favorite character and race through neon-lit streets in custom go-karts—this immersive experience blends cosplay, sightseeing, and adrenaline-fueled fun. It’s a unique way to digest your meals while seeing Tokyo’s landmarks in a fresh, fast-paced way.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want authentic eats away from the tourist crowds, explore local food alleys like Omoide Yokocho or Harmonica Yokocho — tiny lanes packed with intimate bars and stalls serving up classic Japanese street food.

Istanbul, Türkiye — Where continents, cultures, and cuisines collide.

Istanbul’s magic lies in its unique position straddling Europe and Asia, connected by the shimmering Bosphorus Strait. Start your day with a fragrant Turkish coffee and simit (sesame-coated bread ring) from a street vendor. Wander the bustling spice markets where piles of saffron, sumac, and cinnamon tempt your senses, then take a ferry ride across the Bosphorus—this is more than a commute; it’s a scenic journey where you’ll witness two continents in one glance.

🛶 Move More: Hop on a traditional ferry or a fast sea bus to cross between the European and Asian sides of the city. Each side offers distinct culinary delights — try hearty kebabs and mezes on the European side, then venture to the Asian neighborhoods for fresh seafood and cozy tea gardens.

🍰 Late Night Delight: Don’t miss grabbing baklava or künefe at midnight from street vendors or local patisseries. The sweet, syrup-soaked pastries are Istanbul’s answer to a perfect nightcap.

💡 Local Insight: Explore neighborhoods like Kadıköy on the Asian side for a lively, authentic food scene away from tourist traps, full of hip cafes, seafood joints, and fresh markets.

Lima, Peru — Flavor by the ocean, adrenaline in the sky.

Lima is a culinary capital famous for ceviche — fresh raw fish cured in lime juice, often served with corn and sweet potatoes. Savor this coastal specialty in seaside neighborhoods like Miraflores or Barranco, where ocean views and vibrant street art set the scene.

🐟 Fun Fact: Lima boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than New York City, thanks to a booming gastronomic scene blending indigenous ingredients with modern techniques.

🪂 Adventure Time: After a seafood feast, head to the nearby cliffs of Miraflores to paraglide over the Pacific Ocean. There’s nothing like flying high with the salty breeze and the cityscape below while your stomach settles. It’s an unforgettable combo of thrill and taste.

💡 Helpful Hint: For food lovers on the move, try the city’s food markets like Mercado Surquillo, where you can sample exotic fruits, local cheeses, and street snacks between stops on your adventure.

Bangkok, Thailand — Eat, ride, explore, repeat.

Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary, and you’ll find some of the best boat noodles at floating markets like Taling Chan or Khlong Lat Mayom — stalls on boats or on stilts over canals. Don’t just eat here — experience the rhythm of the city by hopping on a canal taxi, a speedy water taxi locals use to avoid gridlocked streets.

🛵 Get Around: Rent a scooter or join a guided motorbike tour to zip between rooftop bars and hidden food stalls, sampling dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice, and spicy som tam (papaya salad) along the way. The city’s chaotic energy makes it a playground for foodies who want to keep moving.

💡 Insider Tip: Avoid touristy night markets and instead check out neighborhoods like Ari or Ekkamai, where trendy cafes and innovative street food vendors blend Thai tradition with new flavors.

Ready to taste the world on the move?

Whether you’re racing through Tokyo’s neon streets in costume or sailing between continents in Istanbul, food and motion create unforgettable travel memories. Start building your itinerary today, and make every meal an adventure. Use our Travel Guide and Deals to spend your money there instead of getting there.