As my name suggests, not only do I obsess over street food, but I also consider myself a bit of an authority on it. So, where does an expert think the best street food cities in Europe are?
Crafting this list wasn’t easy, but it was certainly an interesting endeavor, especially after establishing my criteria.
Street Food Cities in Europe Criteria
Firstly, I have to have been to the city. This might seem obvious, but you can tell from Fromers, Rough Guide, and all the others that much of the time they have not been to where they talk shit about. Thankfully, I’ve been to over 175 countries and territories. Therefore, and particularly in Europe theres not many places I have not been.
Secondly, I’ve selected 13 cities for this list. This way, as I visit more street food cities, I can add, update, or even subtract from the list.
And the last part of my criteria? Quite simply, be brutally honest and do not play favorites.
13) Porto – Portugal
Porto is all about fish, wine, and late-night snacking, and it truly comes alive on the streets. From the iconic bifanas, chicken and chips (its a thing), dripping pork sandwiches, to grilled sardines and pastel de nata still warm from the oven. Porto is pretty boss and a place I visited regularly on the ships (PaidToTravel.net)
Price – $$
12) Krakow – Poland
Poland is hearty, and Krakow is where that really comes alive. Zapiekanka, a half baguette transformed into a pizza with mushrooms and cheese, is a must-try. Add pierogi stalls and late-night sausage trucks into the mix, and you see why Krakow makes the list for budget-friendly feasting. Oh and what a nightlife…
Price – $$
Photo: Argi Papazoglou
11) Berlin – Germany
Berlin is Europe’s great melting pot, and that shows in its food. Currywurst is the obvious choice, greasy sausage slathered in ketchup and curry powder, eaten off plastic trays in the freezing cold. But the real treasure is the Turkish and Middle Eastern influence, with kebabs, falafel, and noodle stalls everywhere. Not always cheap, but always delivers.
Price – $$$
Photo: Roland
10) Istanbul – Turkey
Not everyone counts Istanbul as Europe, but geographically and culturally, it belongs. Few cities can match its street food. Simit bread rings, stuffed mussels, doner kebabs, and kofte line the streets. You can eat three meals a day outdoors and never repeat a dish. Endless cups of tea complete the scene, making Istanbul one of the most atmospheric food cities in the world.
Price – $$
Photo: Marilin
9) Budapest – Hungary
Budapest does heavy working-class food better than most. Langos is the champion dish, fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese, best eaten at 3 am when drunk. Add goulash stalls, meat skewers, and cheap beer, and you get a perfect recipe for a city that fuels you day and night.
Price – $$
8) Paris – France
Paris is usually painted as a land of fine dining, but its street food is just as iconic. Crêpes on the street, baguettes stuffed with ham and cheese, roast chestnuts in winter, and a huge North African influence bringing couscous and kebabs into the mix. It’s not cheap, but the taste and culture more than justify the price.
Price – $$$$$
Photo: Rose and Mel
7) Barcelona – Spain
Barcelona is tapas country, but the city thrives on street food too. Bocadillos filled with jamón, churros dipped in molten chocolate, and seafood straight from the market. Wander through La Boqueria or the Gothic Quarter, and you’ll see why this is one of the most vibrant food cities in Europe.
Price – $$$$
Photo: gaiaabetelli
6) Athens – Greece
Athens street food is built on souvlaki and gyros. Meat, pita, salad, and sauce wrapped into the perfect package. But it’s not just about the classics; the city offers a variety of flavors that make it a must-visit for any street food enthusiast.
Price – $$$
Photo: christopher.johnson
5) London – United Kingdom
London is a global food hub, and its street food scene reflects that diversity. From Indian curries to Jamaican jerk chicken, the options are endless. Borough Market is a standout, offering a plethora of choices that cater to every palate. And the kebabs are better than Istanbul if you ask me.
Click to read about English street food.
Price – $$$$$
Photo: Erica Gastaldello
4) Lisbon – Portugal
Brussels’ street food is a mix of hearty Belgian classics and inventive modern bites. Frites with a mountain of mayo, waffles straight off the griddle, stoofvlees sandwiches, and chocolate treats are everywhere. The city’s food markets and pop-up stalls add flair, keeping the scene lively and constantly surprising. This city never sleeps, so I once slept rough here!
Price – $$$$
Photo: feras
3) Prague – Czech Republic
Prague’s street food is hearty and satisfying. Trdelník, a sweet pastry, is a favorite among tourists, but locals enjoy dishes like smažený sýr (fried cheese) and klobása (sausage) from street vendors. The city’s beer gardens are what draws people though, which thankfully also serve food!
Price – $$
Photo: alessandra
2) Naples – Italy
The top two are both Italian cities?? Afraid so! Naples is loud, messy, and unapologetically obsessed with street food. Pizza al taglio, fried seafood cones, sfogliatella pastries, and strong espresso dominate the streets. Markets like Mercato di Porta Nolana buzz with activity, while tiny backstreet stalls fry everything from chicken wings to vegetables. If you don’t love Naples you don’t love life. And they love Maradona.
Price – $$$
Photo: Cinzia Mangano
1) Rome – Italy
Rome’s street food is a testament to the city’s rich culinary heritage. From suppli (fried rice balls) to pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), the options are both delicious and affordable. The city’s vibrant markets and bustling piazzas make eating on the go a delightful experience. And then theres the coffee, the ice-cream and the Jewish quarter. Theres truly a reason people do food tours here.
Price – $$$$
Best Street Food Cities in Europe – Honorable Mentions
Not every city can make the top 13, but some deserve a nod for keeping the street food spirit alive. These are the places that might surprise you, the ones where locals and travelers alike can eat like kings without paying Michelin prices.
Edinburgh, Scotland, often gets overlooked, but walk the Grassmarket or the Royal Mile and you’ll quickly understand why it’s worth mentioning. Haggis rolls are everywhere, deep-fried Mars bars still exist for the brave, and Scotch pies warm your hands on a cold day. Late at night, sausage vans and chip shops keep the streets alive, feeding students, tourists, and punters leaving the pubs. It’s hearty, messy, and very much Scottish street food done right.
Reykjavik, Iceland, might seem like an odd choice, but the city has a quirky and thriving street food scene. Fish stands serve fresh cod and plokkfiskur, while lamb hot dogs have a near-cult following. The city also embraces modern street food, with pop-up trucks serving everything from Korean-style fried chicken to gourmet burgers. You’ll pay more than most other European cities, but the quality and creativity make it worth it. Eating outdoors with the dramatic Icelandic light and a cold breeze adds a certain romance to it. Oh and you simply have to try hakarl.
Vienna, Austria, is known for its elegance and coffee houses, but its streets have a hearty, approachable side too. Käsekrainer sausages, langos, pretzels, and roasted chestnuts fill the air with tempting smells. Naschmarkt and local markets are perfect for trying small bites on the go, from traditional dumplings to inventive fusion snacks. Vienna’s street food scene is refined but still casual enough to grab a snack while strolling.
Amsterdam, Netherlands, is endlessly charming for street food lovers. Stroopwafels, fresh herring, kibbeling, and frites with a bewildering array of sauces are ubiquitous. Markets like Albert Cuypplein and Foodhallen are perfect for sampling local favorites and international twists alike. The canals, bicycles, and laid-back atmosphere make eating on the street feel like a proper Dutch experience.
And then there’s Sunderland, yes Sunderland. Far from a tourist hotspot, this north-eastern city punches above its weight in street food. Fish and chips are king, but the city also has food trucks, fried pies, and local bakeries serving takeaway delights that locals queue for religiously. Sunderland keeps it simple, unpretentious, and very much grounded in comfort food, proving you don’t need to be a capital to feed people well.
These honorable mentions might not be in the top 13, but they all have one thing in common: they serve food straight to the streets, keep the culture alive, and make you want to come back for more.
Conclusion…..
So, that marks my best street food cities in Europe, but as stated I want this to be an evolving list, so if you don’t agree, or think I should check out a new city, then let me know.