Food tourism has been a prominent travel trend worldwide for a long time now, however, the rise of social media and viral content, such as videos showcasing the “top dining destinations in…” has significantly increased its popularity lately.
Recently-conducted research has identified the leading cities in the United States that attract the most tourists eager to experience their diverse culinary offerings. The study examined 199 cities recognized by the US International Trade Administration as the most frequented in the country, alongside the number of Instagram and TikTok hashtags associated with the local food scene.
Hashtags considered in the analysis included “#[city]foodie”, “#[city]restaurants”, and “#[city]placestoeat”, among others. The total hashtag counts from both social media platforms were aggregated and ranked to determine the most popular destinations.
Based on social media metrics, New York City stands out as the premier destination for food tourism in the United States, significantly outpacing other cities. The city boasts an impressive 12.5 million hashtags on Instagram and TikTok that pertain to its restaurants and culinary offerings. Recent data from the Office of the New York State Comptroller indicates that in 2019, New York City was home to an astounding 23,650 restaurants and food-related establishments, providing both tourists and residents with a virtually limitless array of dining experiences. For a food lover visiting one restaurant each day, it would take nearly 65 years to sample every establishment.
Los Angeles ranks as the second-best destination in the United States for culinary enthusiasts. The city not only draws visitors eager to immerse themselves in the lifestyle of the affluent and celebrated, but research indicates that it boasts more than 5.3 million hashtags associated with its diverse food scene. With a range that includes traditional American burgers and the globally acclaimed taco culture, LA provides one of the premier dining experiences in the country.
Chicago secures the third position in the ranking of the finest culinary cities in the United States. Renowned globally for its signature deep-dish pizza, the research revealed that there are over 4.1 million posts associated with hashtags pertaining to restaurants in this Illinois metropolis on Instagram and TikTok.
Houston, the first of three Texan cities featured in the top 20 foodie cities in the United States, ranks fourth nationally. The research indicates that there are over 3.1 million hashtags, including ‘#AustinFood’ and ‘#AustinRestaurants,’ on Instagram and TikTok, as food enthusiasts eagerly share their culinary discoveries.
Ranking among the top five culinary destinations in the United States is the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. Renowned for its stunning beaches and dynamic nightlife, recent research indicates that Miami is equally celebrated for its diverse culinary scene. The study uncovered that the city boasts more than 2.7 million hashtags associated with dining establishments. Furthermore, with over 30 restaurants in Miami receiving the prestigious ‘Traveller’s Choice 2023’ accolade from TripAdvisor, it is evident that the city is a favored destination for gastronomic travelers.
Dallas ranks as the sixth most favored city in the United States for culinary aficionados. Research indicates that this North Texas metropolis boasts over 2.25 million social media posts that include hashtags associated with its vibrant food culture.
Las Vegas ranks seventh in the list. By aggregating food and restaurant-related hashtags associated with the city, the research revealed a remarkable total of 2.15 million posts that highlight the culinary offerings of “Sin City,” as it is often referred to.
Washington DC and Atlanta rank as the eighth and ninth premier culinary destinations in the United States, respectively, with nearly 2 million posts collectively. Each city boasts over 1.9 million posts that include hashtags associated with their dining establishments.
Seattle completes the top ten list, amassing an impressive 1.7 million posts that highlight various dining options and specialties found in the northwestern region.
