Being from the UK, we don't realise how good we have it with access to all of Europe to explore on our doorstep. By virtue of low cost airlines and the extraordinary Eurostar, I've been fortunate to explore much of Western Europe and here's my pick of the best bunch, including where to stay and what to eat!
Lisbon, Portugal
I have much infatuation for this city and I've special memories there to say the least. The secret's slowly getting out on the superb value of Portugal and it's great cuisine but if you didn't already have the motivation to go, go!
Now, Porto is really the home of this iconic dirty sandwich, but you won't struggle too much to find a good one in the capital. Restaurante Marco is the best I've come across and their Red Dragon Francesinha paired with a Superbock is the business!
Beautiful hotel with one of the best views of the city.
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Gent, Belgium
This one is an outlier in this list since it's much smaller and whilst it's not exactly a secret, it doesn't get the same limelight as the two cities adjacent to it of Bruges and Brussels.
With beautiful canals, rivers and squares, Gent is the ideal small city to spend a couple of days eating and drinking your body weight.
If you don't already know, "French Fries" actually come from Belgium. This place is as good as it gets but make sure you try the andalouse sauce and a side of Bitterbollen. Heaven.
You can't go to Belgium and not drink the world-class beer! This place has a high strength local brew with a glass that you need to give a deposit for. That deposit comes in the form of your shoe!
The capital of Tuscany and one of the cornerstones of the Renaissance, Florence is a city that captivates all of the senses and it's one of those touristy places that really did live up to my expectations. It's also the one few cities in Italy where I haven't been underwhelmed by the high expectations of food. Food is good here.
Barcelona gets many of the plaudits and tourism but I was amazed of the beauty and affordable gastronomic culture that Madrid possesses when I first visited. Rooftop bars, trendy markets and of course, tapas - Madrid is an absolute dream.
With a kitchen serving food until 01:30AM, this bodega is is the perfect place for late night drinks and food (we did this during a stopover with a flight landing late at night).
Probably the best Spanish omelette I've ever had..
With a rooftop pool to cool down after a day of sightseeing and eating around the city, this place is a delight and a great location just off the Grand Via.
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London, UK
Despite Brexit, the United Kingdom is well and truly still part of Europe. Being an island though, the culture of the British Isles is significantly different to that of our neighbours on the continental mainland. Now, a lazy stereotype exists the British food is the worst. If you wing it this might be true, because unfortunately chain pubs with bang average food litter British cities.
Having spent 5 years living in this city though, a handful of favourites stand out even from my travels across the world.
Great location in the centre of London with good links and not extortionate prices.
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So there you have it - 5 great cities with my favourite eats and places to stay. Of course, this short guide doesn't do such justice alone - but hopefully they give you a taste and some inspiration for eating your way around Europe!
