We believe that Europe has some of the best markets in the world, and this article will look at 17 of the best ones at which visitors can enjoy a real taste of European food. If we are being honest, this article could have easily included 30, as so many cities have their own.
Just make sure you read the article when you are not hungry!
1. La Boqueria – Barcelona, Spain
La Boqueria market is one of the busiest places in Barcelona. It is popular with tourists and locals, and that's when you know it's a good market and not just a tourist trap.
You can find this market just off La Rambla, which is excellent as it's centrally located.
It has a great atmosphere, but be warned—it can get hectic. We recommend you visit before the lunchtime rush. Barcelona has a pickpocket problem, and with this being a very crowded area, you must keep an extra eye on your possessions.
Our tip is to taste some of Spain's famous ham and cheeses or sit down at Bar Pinotxo, which serves some of the best Tapas.
2. Borough Market – London, UK
Borough Market is a must-visit for any foodies. As might be the trend with many of the markets mentioned in this article, it's best to arrive early to avoid the crowds, and it's best to go on an empty stomach as you will want to try more than just one vendor.
Some of the most popular stalls are the Humble Crumble (which serves some of the best desserts ever), the Black Pig, which serves slow-roasted pork sandwiches, and Kappacasein's famous cheese toastie.
The market is located on the south side of the river Thames, which is less visited and a bit out of the way, but it's easy to get to on the London underground, so don’t let that put you off.
3. Mercato Centrale – Florence, Italy
With Italy being known for its fantastic food, you must visit the food lover’s dream, Mercato Centrale.
It’s split into two levels. We recommend doing a lap around both floors and looking at all the stalls before you decide which one to eat at. You will be split for choice. In the middle is a large area with many tables and a bar. This means one friend can grab a pizza while another goes for something different, and you can all sit together.
The only issue might be finding a table, which can be difficult. I visited here in 2022 and found a stall with seats in front of it where I had one of the best carbonara I have ever eaten (and I am fussy about Carbonara).
4. Time Out Market – Lisbon, Portugal
Time Out Market is a must-visit for anyone who loves food. Here, you can find some of the best Portuguese food and fantastic international dishes.
If you are visiting as a group, we recommend you try to grab a table while the others look around. Getting a table is very busy and sometimes challenging, especially between 12 noon and 2 p.m.
One of the most recommended stalls is Miguel Castro e Silva, a well-known high-end Porto-born chef. Visitors love Bacalhau, a national dish of dried and salted cod.
5. Marché des Enfants Rouges – Paris, France
Marché des Enfants Rouge, in the Marais District, is Paris’ oldest covered market. It is made up of narrow alleyways and features everything from classic French cuisine to Lebanese, Japanese, and Italian cuisine.
Recommended places are Rose Kitchen, which serves terrific Asian food, or the French seafood restaurant, which serves clams, cockles, and black scallops that will leave you wanting more.
This market isn’t just about the food; it's about the atmosphere and the history that accompanies it.
6. Markthalle Neun – Berlin, Germany
With around 50 food stalls, Markthalle Neun should be a place to visit if you are in Berlin. It's open every day, but the most popular night is Thursday when a street food event takes over and is especially popular with people after work.
I recommend trying Tibetan dumplings from Momomaster and Flamkuchen from Der Falsche Franzose. If you have a sweet tooth, try Rosa Canina, which has amazing ice cream flavors.
As with many of these markets, there just isn’t enough seating for the number of people who want to eat here, but there is plenty of room to stand up.
7. Mercado de San Miguel – Madrid, Spain
Mercado de San Miguel was originally a wholesale market, but it has become a very popular food hall in Madrid over time.
There are over 30 stalls in total that offer everything from traditional tapas to Spanish meats such as Chorizo, olives, and bread. The Jamon stand is one of the most popular places, as this amazing Spanish ham is something you must try while you are here.
What people like about this market is the wine! All the vendors serve the same wine in the same glasses, meaning you can wander around with your glasses and fill up at any stall. What a great idea!
8. Östermalms Saluhall – Stockholm, Sweden
Östermalms Saluhall can be found in the upmarket Östermalm district of Stockholm and should be visited by anyone who loves food. There's a real mix of local Swedish delicacies and other food from around the world.
The building is worth visiting (even if you are not ordering food). It's been here since 1888, adding to the place's charm.
The Swedes love their fish. Therefore, you will find many seafood places inside. Lisa Elmqvist and Tysta Mari are two of the most popular choices.
If you can’t get a seat here, a nice alternative is to get your food to take away and eat it in one of the local parks.
9. Mercato di Rialto – Venice, Italy
Mercato di Rialto is slightly different from some other markets on the list. It is a traditional food market selling fruit, vegetables, and fish. That should not put you off from visiting, as it will give you a real authentic feeling of what life is like for the local Venetians.
The market is open six days a week, and it's worth spending at least 30 minutes here just to putter about.
10. Albert Cuyp Market – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Albert Cuyp isn’t just a food market; it is an outdoor market with a mixture of food and general market stalls. We wouldn’t bother with the general stalls, as they are like what you can get at any other market.
There aren’t a few food stalls, but we recommend the pickled herring and stroopwafels. These are amazing; they are cooked freshly before you and best eaten warm. There is also a stall selling bitterballen (like a meatball), which is nice.
Albert Cuyp market is outside the center, but you can walk there or take tram number 4.
11. Kauppatori Market Square – Helsinki, Finland
This is an open-air market down by the Marina. I have been lucky enough to visit here twice because my friend is married to a Finnish lady.
There are all sorts of stalls here, but not all of them sell food. I’d recommend the moose meatballs with lingonberry jam, as you won’t find these in many places around the world! Others in the group got good hot dogs from another stall, and we had some of the best strawberries we’d ever had!
A word of caution: watch out for the seagulls. They are fearless and will swoop down and pinch your food (there are signs everywhere warning you).
After the market, I’d recommend taking a boat tour. They last about an hour and are directly opposite the market.
12. Great Market Hall – Budapest, Hungary
The Great Market Hall is Budapest’s largest indoor market, full of fresh food, fish, meat, spices, and other Hungarian foods you have probably never heard of. Even if you don't like markets, it's worth admiring the lovely neo-gothic architecture.
The hot food stalls are located upstairs. You can find dishes such as goulash, served with dumplings and langos here. Try the kürtöskalács (chimney cake); many recommend cinnamon.
As usual, visit late in the morning before the lunch rush to get a seat.
13. Hala Targowa – Wroclaw, Poland
If you are in Wroclaw, you must visit Hala Targowa. It is located in a lovely red brick building with a tall tower, so it's hard to miss.
Inside, there's a wide variety of food stalls and a cozy craft beer bar. Near the entrance, try the zurek and pierogis from the restaurant with red-checked tablecloths, which are delicious and popular with locals.
Apart from hot food stalls, there are plenty of other unique food items, such as dried local forest fungi and Polish smoked sausage. The area is always total of locals, and it will give you a real taste of the local culture.
14. Viktualienmarkt – Munich, Germany
Viktualienmarkt is the largest market in Munich and offers a great mix of hot food, local fruit and vegetables, and a true taste of Bavarian culture.
What people really like here is how friendly the vendors are. They are very knowledgeable and share stories about their products.
The beer garden is one of the main highlights here (the Germans love their beer), and it's a great place to eat some currywurst (curried sausage) and wash it down with a beer (or 2).
15. Testaccio Market – Rome, Italy
If you have had enough time to visit all the usual Rome attractions. and you need a change of scenery and a way to escape the crowds, head to Testaccio market, which is just outside the city center.
Here, you can find some of the best food in Rome without paying for the tourist prices. Pizza, pasta, and seafood are some of the more popular choices, but some non-Italian food is also available.
If you are lucky enough to time it right, you might hear some live music while you enjoy your food.
16. Central Market Hall – Valencia, Spain
This has to be one of the best on the list.
One thing to note is that it's only open until 3 p.m., but many stalls start to close at about 2, so make sure you get here early, or you may end up disappointed. Many stalls don’t take cards, so ensure you have some cash.
Our tip is to walk through the stalls once before deciding what to buy, as there's just so much choice. Why not pick up some items to make a picnic? Fresh bread, lovely cheeses, and some of the best olives you could wish for can be foundhere. This is where you will get a true feeling of the Valencian culture.
17. Camden Market – London, UK
Are we saving the best for last? Or is it just the most famous? You might have to visit yourself to decide. I have visited this one plenty of times, being based in the UK, and new stalls are to be found every time I go there.
Camden is an open-air market (for the food part), and it does like to rain in the UK, so always double-check the weather before you go.
One of my personal favorites is Hot Pot. You can get a box, fill it with a selection of Chinese food, and then head to Pho Kae Crepe and Bakery for dessert.
There is no seating here, so our tip is to walk down to the canal and enjoy your food near the lock by the water!
Final Thoughts
There you have it—17 of the best European food markets to visit to taste the local cuisine. Remember to arrive early to avoid disappointment, take cash, and, most importantly, come hungry. If you are visiting with friends, it's best to pick dishes you both like, then you can share.
If there are any markets we have missed, or if you want to mention a stall you visited at one of these markets, please let us know in the comments below.
I’m Steve. I’m an English Teacher, traveler, and an avid outdoorsman. If you’d like to comment, ask a question, or simply say hi, leave me a message here, on Twitter (@thefrugalexpat1). Many of my posts have been written to help those in their journey to financial independence. I am on my journey, and as I learn more I hope to share more. And as always, thanks for reading The Frugal Expat.