September/October 2025


www.nitravelnews.com


The Ultimate Foodie Destinations: Cruise Edition


RIVER cruises offer the opportunity to visit some of Europe’s most beautiful cities such as Paris, Vienna and Budapest. Unlike ocean cruises, river cruises tend to have a more centrally located dock, meaning guests are right in the heart of the city. With this being said, many will look towards the food of said destination as a favourable highlight. We have looked into 40 of the most popular river cruise destinations in Europe and used Tripadvisor data to calculate the percentage of food venues in each city that are rated “very good” or “excellent” (four or five stars).


The following 5 destinations ranked the highest: 1. Belgrade, Serbia


63.4% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars In first place, with 63.4% of food venues


being awarded four or five stars, is Belgrade, Serbia.


Nestled between two major rivers, the Danube and the Sava, Belgrade is home to 21 Michelin-recognised restaurants. One of the highest-rated restaurants in the Serbian capital, with a Michelin star, is Langouste, an exclusive luxury establishment situated in the Old Town, with a menu curated by award- winning chef Marko Deric


Guests embarking on a river cruise in Belgrade can also enjoy views of major


attractions such as the Belgrade fortress and the Victor Monument, located in the city centre, within walking distance of the cruise terminal. 2. Arles, France


62.5% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars With 62.5% of food venues awarded a four


or five-star rating, Arles, France, is the next river cruise port on the list. Located along the River Rhône, in the


heart of Provence, Arles is famed for its local French cuisine, including 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). Beyond food, Arles is home to the UNESCO-listed Roman Amphitheatre, just a short 30-minute walk from the river cruise port.


3. Budapest, Hungary 61.1% of food venues rated 4 or 5


stars Budapest is the third-best river


port for a foodie cruise, with 61.1% of food venues having a four or five-star rating.


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. Sightseeing highlights for a river cruise in Budapest include a visit to the Hungarian Parliament Building, a


neo-Gothic


structure inspired by the British House of Parliament, which Tripadvisor rated as the number one tourist attraction in the city. 4. Basel, Switzerland


60.3% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars


CRUISE NEWS | 49


Check out page 46 for our must-see Budapest River tips!


At number four is Basel in Switzerland, with 60.3% of food venues rated 4 or 5 stars. Located on the Rhine at the intersection of Switzerland, France and Germany, 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. Beyond food, Basel has a rich culture, home to over 40 museums and the internationally acclaimed Art Basel fair. River cruisers can enjoy its blend of old-world architecture, contemporary art and great Swiss food. 5. 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. Located along the Danube near the borders


of Austria and Hungary, Bratislava’s culinary scene stands out for its affordability


and variety. Known for its lively bars and cafes and


trendy bistros, Bratislava offers a laid-back stop on a Danube river cruise. Passengers can also enjoy views of the Bratislava Castle, which overlooks


the old town and the


Danube. Whether you’re sampling street food in a bustling market or indulging in a Michelin- starred tasting menu with river views, each stop brings a new flavour to the culture. For foodies with a sense of adventure, there’s no better way to explore the continent than by letting the rivers guide you, one delicious destination at a time.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80