8 of the Best Fresh Food Markets in Europe
One of the best parts about going to Europe is the variety of food that you can try. Something you shouldn’t overlook is a fresh food market. Here you will find some of the local favorites that you really must try before leaving the area. Not sure where to go? Check out 8 of the best fresh food markets in Europe below.
Markthal In Berlin
Located in the capital of Germany, this is one of the best places to go for fresh food items. One of the most popular times to visit the market is on Street Food Thursday. During this time you can purchase a variety of street food that’s found in Berlin. Before leaving the city, don’t forget to stop by one of the many bars to have a drink after a long day of shopping.
Borough Market In London
There are over 100 different stalls located here. This market dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest in London. Food offerings include bread, pastries, cheese, meats and fish. You can also pick up coffee and cider. There are some stalls that import food items from other countries so it is possible to sample find a lot of international eats as well. The market is open Monday through Saturday and on Mondays and Tuesdays, hot food is available to purchase.
Cours Saleya In Nice
Visitors can find this market right in Old Town. If you visit it in the morning, you will find that it’s buzzing with activity. The produce stands stay open until about 1:30pm. Don’t worry though if you can’t make it there that early as the items that many people come for, the flowers, have stalls that stay open until around 5:30pm. This market is set up very nicely with a lot of colorful stalls. Many visit it just to take photos of the vendors. The smells here are sensational with a mix of the produce and flowers. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself at this market. While here make sure you check out some of the other items for sale such as the soaps and spices.
La Vucciria In Palermo
Those looking for a great market in Italy should head over to La Vucciria. It’s name literally translates to ‘hubbub’. It’s not surprising with all of the activity that goes on here. Monday through Saturday this market opens at 4am. This is when fishermen arrive with their daily catch. Despite the early morning hours, individuals looking for fresh fish often are waiting for them to arrive. By around 6am the market is already pretty full with buyers browsing the stalls filled with fresh foods.
Kauppatori In Helsinki
This is one of Finland’s most famous attractions. The spring and autumn months are when the market is the most popular, especially in October. Much of this is due to the fact that this is when the herring market begins. There’s everything from cakes to souvenirs that can be purchased here. A longstanding tradition that draws a lot of crowds is the Old American cars that visit the market during the first Friday in May. A word of warning to tourists is that there are a bunch of hungry seagulls nearby that love to snatch an unsuspecting shopper’s treat that they are eating.
The Mercado da Ribeira In Lisbon
Many refer to this market as the ‘Time Out Market’ due to the fact that it was renovated by this travel publication. No matter what you call it though, it has become a popular market due to the quality of it’s items and the pretty reasonable prices. It’s also fairly easy to get to by rail.
Le Marché Raspail In Paris
When you picture a French market in your head, it probably looks similar to this one. It has a lot of charm, and a lot of food! Breads, pastries and cheeses are some of the highest quality that you can find in Paris. On Sundays food trucks stop by that sell fresh meals that are pretty high-end.
De Foodhallen In Amsterdam
One of the most impressive things about this market isn’t the food, but it’s location. It’s housed in a renovated tram depot from the 19th century. There’s everything from food stalls to food trucks and diners. You could easily spend the day here browsing and eating. When you are finished there’s also a movie theater next door where you can take in a flick.
