WHY TAKE A FOOD TOUR?

What makes a vacation memorable? Is it enjoying the local food, the scenery or meeting new people?  For foodies, a really authentic trip includes the feeling of discovering restaurants off the beaten path, that may go unnoticed by the casual tourist.

The problem is that we don’t always know someone to be our local guide. Even when we have friends at the destination, they don’t know all the stories, traditions, and the best places to eat and drink in the region. That is why food tours are so popular!

Taking a food tour is having an expert by your side to help you explore the city in the most tasteful and informative way possible. It is a complete experience full of  taste, scents, knowledge, and memories!

a sandwich sitting on top of a table

What is a Food Tour?

A Food Tour includes food and beverage tastings related to the area. It can be theme related, like an Ethnic Eats Tour. It can be about a specific region of the city, or a historic market that features all local eateries. Or it can be related to specific lifestyle, like a Vegan Food Tour.

Of course, enjoying the food and drinks included in the tour is the central point of a food tour, but there is more to it than that. A food tour involves a mix of history, culture, architecture and art.  Between bites, your local guide shares information about the best museums, neighborhoods, parks and other “can’t miss favorites”.

a narrow city street with cars parked on the side of a building

Most common examples of Food Tours

The majority of food tours are groups of 4-12 guests and last 3-3.5 hours.  There are usually 5-6 stops at restaurants, stores, markets, cafes, etc. Food tours are usually done on foot, but you can also find tours by bicycle, tuk-tuk, scooters, and other means of transportation.  Tickets are bought online through the company’s website.  Riverside Food Tours in Cincinnati Ohio uses the city streetcar to visit more neighborhoods.

a group of people sitting at a table in a restaurant

Who are the Food Tours for? 

Food Tours satisfy the hunger and curiosity of a wide variety of travelers. For those traveling solo, taking a shared group tour is a great way to meet people. If you are traveling with friends or celebrating a special occasion, booking a private tour is guaranteed fun. Families with children also love food tours, but in this case, it is important to find out in advance if the tour is suitable for children.

Even if food is not your primary motivation, you still receive a city tour filled with history and sightseeing. It’s the perfect synergy because food, history and culture go hand in hand.

a large ship in a body of water

How to find a Food Tour

With the boom in food tourism, food tours are in every major city worldwide. That is very good, but it also poses a challenge when choosing which is best for your itinerary.  Some popular sites are Trip AdvisorGoogle or Global Tours Connect.  Avoid Online Travel Agencies when buying tickets.  Prices are better when you book direct with the Tour Company, rather than an OTA like Viator or Expedia.

Check out the main tips for choosing a food tour:

  • Pay attention to what is included in the price of the tour and how long the tour lasts;
  • Check the departure and arrival location;
  • Accessibility – if it is a walking tour and you have some mobility restrictions, verify if the route is accessible according to your conditions;
  • Special diets and dietary restrictions – not all tours can adapt to special diets. If this is your case, check with the organizer in advance;
  • Don’t plan large meals before the tour – it is better to guarantee space to enjoy the gastronomic experience.
  • Minimum age to participate in the tour – not all experiences accept children;
  • Minimum number of participants – some tours require a minimum number of participants to take place.
  • Maximum number of participants – will you be dining with 2 or 10 guests? It is always good to inquire about the maximum number of participants;
  • Languages available in the tour;
  • Cancellation policy – refund or rescheduling option.

Written by Laura Noyes

Owner of Riverside Food Tours

Cincinnati OH

January 2022

Best Food Tours in Cincinnati OH
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
1 to 12

Cincy Top 10 ‘Sites and Bites’ City Tour

Enjoy 6 Food Stops featuring dishes that are local favorites.
View the top 10 must-see sites in downtown Cincinnati.
Explore 4 distinct neighborhoods on foot and by streetcar.
Be entertained and informed by a friendly guide by your side

2791 Reviews verify
from
$65
Valentines Day in Cincinnati Ohio
Duration
2:30 to 3 hours
Group Size
2 to 12

Wine, Dine & Unwind Valentine Tour

Make Valentine's Day memorable this year for you, your spouse, partner or friends. We do the work, so you can relax and have fun!
Enjoy 3 alcoholic beverages (wine, beer and/or a margarita
Enjoy a variety of small plates paired with beverages
Be entertained and informed by a friendly local guide

Free Streetcar in Cincinnati OH
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 14

Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market

Enjoy 6 Food Stops
Enjoy dining at 3 downtown restaurants featuring generous portions.
Ride the streetcar through Over the Rhine to historic Findlay Market.
Enjoy 3 more local favorites as you stroll through the Market.
Explore 4 distinct neighborhoods on foot and by streetcar.
Choose the #1 top-rated tour with a friendly guide by your side

2795 Reviews verify
from
$69
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 14

Cincinnati Streetcar Tour + Findlay Market (Vegan Options)

Enjoy 6 Food Stops
Enjoy 3 sit-down dining experiences featuring generous portions for all palates.
Ride the streetcar to Court Street and Findlay Market for 3 more dishes.
Explore 3 distinct neighborhoods with a guide that entertains you with stories from the past.
Choose the #1 top-rated tour with a friendly guide by your side

2782 Reviews verify
from
$69
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
2 to 10

Cincy Brunch & Streetcar Food Tour

Enjoy 6 Food Stops
Enjoy dining for brunch at 3 restaurants in historic Over the Rhine.
Take a ride to Findlay Marke and enjoy 3 more local favorites.
Learn the fascinating history of Over-the-Rhine by a local historian.
Choose the #1 top-rated tour with a friendly guide by your side

2779 Reviews verify
from
$69