Experts reveal the best European cities for food and drink

While many people who head off on holiday will no doubt look forward to two weeks of catching rays by the pool or bathing on the beach with family and friends - others will be most excited about trialling new tastes which you can't get on UK soil.

One of the best parts of travelling is no doubt tucking into traditional treats from the country you're visiting - after all, food is different in each corner of the world, and you can expect to find something new and exciting no matter where you're headed.

And whether you're sitting down for a slap-up meal, chowing down from a street vendor, or trying foreign favourites from the supermarket, it's so easy to try new tastes that you may never have heard of. But some cities rank better in terms of top tastes than others, with the experts at Which? recently breaking down some of the best places to dine across Europe.

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So if fabulous food is a bit of a deal breaker for you, make sure you read on to weigh up your options.

Krakow -

Which? say: "Krakow food is meaty, filling and, best of all, cheap (the city clinched four stars for value for money), which is perfect if you want to line your stomach in preparation for another local specialty, vodka."

Best dishes to try in Krakow -

• Zurek - Creamy soup served with a boiled egg

• Pierogi - Stuffed fried dumplings

• Golabki - Stuffed cabbage rolls with tomato sauce

• Kaszanka - Traditional blood sausage

• Kotlet Mielony - Polish mean patties

Valencia -

A vibrant, cosmopolitan city by the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia has everything you could ever want from an exotic summer holiday - including great food and drink. Which? recommend snacking your way around the Art Nouveau food market or feasting from Central Bar.

Best dishes to try in Valencia -

• Paella - A fish and rice dish

• Fideua - Similar to paella, but with noodles instead of rice

• Arroz al Horno - Oven baked rice and pork

• All-i-pebre - A bold and flavoursome stew

• Buñuelos de bacalao - Savoury fritters made of eggs, parsley and onion
  

Madeira -

Which? explain: "The terraced vineyards climb the island’s hillsides, producing the word-famous fortified wine. In fact, Madeira’s fertile volcanic soils and warm climate means that you can grow just about everything, from broad beans to passion fruit."

Best dishes to try in Madeira -

• Espetada Madeirense - Charcoaled beef skewers

• Filete de Espada - Black scabbard fish

• Picadinho - Cubed beef, seasoned with garlic and pepper

• Polvo - Octopus

• Sopa de Trigo - Wheat soup

Seville -

Which? say: "The second Spanish city to make our round-up, Seville is all about the tapas. Get elbow-to-elbow with the locals on the winding whitewashed streets of Santa Cruz or Arenal to experience at its best."

Best dishes to try in Seville -

• Patatas Bravas - Potatoes in a spicy sauce

• Croquetas - Deep-fried filled rolls

• Huevos Rotos - Eggs fried in oil

• Jamón Ibérico - Iberian ham

• Pescaíto Frito - Fried fish

Barcelona -

Which? explain: "It’s a Spanish entry again, but you’ll find an entirely different flavour of cuisine in Catalonia. Barcelona may be a fast-paced city, but everything slows down at lunchtime for a leisurely, three-course menú del dia."

Best dishes to try in Barcelona -

• Gazpacho - Cold vegetable soup

• Escalivada - Smoky grilled vegetables

• Potato Bombas - Stuffed mashed potato balls

• Pa Amb Tomaquet - Bread with tomatoes

• Chipirones - Deep-fried baby squid

Bordeaux -

Which? say: "This region’s famous full-bodied reds are an obvious draw. Learn more about its origins at the Cité du Vin museum, with its interactive displays covering 2,000 years of local winemaking. Your ticket also includes a free glass in the rooftop bar."

Best dishes to try in Bordeaux -

• Cap Ferret Oysters

• Caneles - Pastry filled with vanilla and rum

• Boeuf de Bazas - Tender specialty steak

• Foie Gras - Goose liver

• Aquitaine Caviar - Sturgeon eggs

Bruges -

Which? add: "Pottering beneath the spires and beside the picturesque canals is an activity in itself in this fairytale Belgian city. Eating and drinking is another."

• Frites - Fries

• Waffles - Topped with anything and everything

• Chocolate - Belgium is known for this

• Carbonade flamande - Beef stew made with beer

• Waterzooi - Fish stew with butter and eggs

What is your favourite city to dine in? Let us know in the comments.