Skip to main content

Eat like a local: 2025’s best affordable foodie destinations revealed

The best budget-friendly food cities you haven't heard of (yet)

Alassio Italy
Tama66 / Pixabay

Airbnb’s 2025 summer travel trends report is in, and it’s clear that travelers are hungry, but also smart about where they spend. This year, food-loving explorers are skipping the overpriced hotspots and heading to more affordable, authentic culinary destinations around the globe. While Amsterdam and Positano still have their charm, they’re being traded in for places where you’re less likely to get served a tourist menu and more likely to discover the heart of a local food scene.

Leading the list is Alassio, Italy, a gorgeous coastal town that offers the beauty of Positano without the inflated price tags. Here, fresh-caught seafood, wild herbs, and the region’s famous Riviera Ligure DOP olive oil take center stage.

Recommended Videos

In the Netherlands, travelers are bypassing Amsterdam in favor of Rotterdam, a dynamic, modern city known for its diverse, globally influenced food culture. Thanks to a strong expat community, you’ll find everything from Indonesian street food to Michelin-starred innovation, often at a better value.

Over in Japan, Arakawa City in Tokyo is making waves as a quieter, more traditional alternative to tourist-heavy neighborhoods. Think handmade gyoza, intimate ramen shops, and even cooking classes that let you dive hands-on into local cuisine.

Back in the U.S., Oneonta, New York represents the best of rural charm meets foodie flair. With a focus on farm-to-table fare and standout local breweries, it’s the only American destination to make Airbnb’s top picks – and a solid one at that.

Under-the-radar foodie destinations: The full list

  • Alassio, Italy
  • Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • Chiclana de la Frontera, Spain
  • Belo Horizonte, Brazil
  • Shillong, India
  • Marloth Park, South Africa
  • Arakawa City, Japan
  • Rawai, Thailand
  • Santa Teresita, Argentina
  • Oneonta, New York, United States
Amanda Teague
Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer featured in several online publications, is a dedicated explorer of both the world…
This European capital was just named the world’s happiest city in 2025
Copenhagen ranks high for happiness
Copenhagen

Curious about the happiest city on Earth to explore this year? According to the sixth edition of the Happy City Index, it’s time to set your sights on Copenhagen. The Danish capital just claimed the top spot as the world’s happiest city in 2025, scoring a total of 1039 points in the index.

The Happy City Index evaluates cities globally based on categories like citizens, governance, environment, economy, health, and mobility. Cities are then placed into ‘gold,’ ‘silver,’ or ‘bronze’ categories. Copenhagen landed in the ‘gold’ tier, with standout scores in citizens, economy, and environment.

Read more
This is the most affordable week to travel this summer
Late August is ideal for traveling on a budget
Central Park

If you’re dreaming of a summer getaway without the hefty price tag, mark your calendar: the most affordable week to travel this summer is August 25-31. According to Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Report, international airfare during that week averages just $763, making it the best-value window for U.S. travelers looking to stretch their budgets.

Skyscanner’s latest findings come as no surprise. With 88% of American travelers hoping to maximize every part of their summer, whether by extending vacation time, staying flexible, or visiting more destinations, cost-saving strategies are top of mind. In fact, more than half of Americans (52%) say they’re actively looking for ways to cut travel costs this season.

Read more
Thailand has changed its entry rules: Here’s what travelers need to know
Make sure you complete these requirements before your trip
Koh Phi Phi Thailand

Thailand has changed its entry rules, and if you're heading there soon, you’ll want to be prepared.

Already a favorite with beach lovers, backpackers, and now thanks to the White Lotus effect, high-end travelers too, Thailand is more popular than ever. But now, the country is rolling out a new requirement that affects all foreign arrivals.

Read more