When visiting a new city, a great way to get to know the local cuisine is to head to a market. There, you might just discover some of the best dishes the city has to offer in bite-sized samples or mini portions meant to be eaten while strolling to the next stall.
Here are five historic food markets that let you do just that. Each of them have been recommended by thousands of your fellow Local Guides. Have you been to any of them?
La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain)
This large public market has been around in some form since at least 1217. The current structure was built in 1840, but it has been renovated many times since.
Local Guides say:
“This is a delightful market. There are a lot of options for fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, nuts, candy to take away. There are also a number of restaurants that make some interesting foods to either eat on site or eat as you stroll through the market. It can definitely get busy but is well worth the visit. Since it is right off La Rambla, it makes for a great spot to stop to get out of the sun, grab some lunch and grab some snacks for later on.” - Local Guide Chris De Shane
Tsukiji Market (Tokyo, Japan)
This sprawling wholesale fish market has been around since 1935, selling over 400 types of seafood from seaweed to tuna to caviar. It consists of an inner market, where the famous tuna auctions happen, and an outer market that’s filled with small restaurants, knife purveyors, and other shops.
Local Guides say:
“Absolutely great…Walk around the market while trying to stay out of the way of the many small vehicles and rushing market traders and watch the activity around you. More fish than most people could hope to recognize, huge tuna being broken down to the smallest most perfect sized pieces, etc.
When you have seen enough, go to one of the many restaurants at the outer edge of the market for one of the freshest sushi breakfasts that you are ever likely to eat. A great morning. Don’t miss this.” - Local Guide David Thomas
Spice Bazaar (Istanbul, Turkey)
Dating back to 1660, this market’s Turkish name, “Mısır Çarşısı,” actually means “Egyptian Bazaar,” so named because it was built with money made from the Ottoman Empire’s Egyptian outpost. Today, it remains the center of the city’s spice trade with 85 stalls selling spices, sweets, souvenirs, and more.
Local Guides say:
“A colorful and brilliant experience to simulate most of your senses. The smells, the tastes, the visuals. Vibrant! …You can find multiple combinations and interesting experimental flavors of Turkish delights. Hookahs, exotic spices, food, jewelry…” - Local Guide Awais Bhatti
Borough Market (London, U.K.)
There has been a market in this space since at least the 12th century, though the building that currently houses the market was built in 1850. Londoners and tourists alike head here for fresh produce and specialty foods.
Local Guide say:
“One of the best food markets in London. Love the fresh and cooked food, drinks, sweets and selected groceries here. It’s like indoor market so you don’t have to worry about weather conditions, also easy to go by underground or buses.” - Local Guide mandy ma
Mercado Central de Santiago (Santiago, Chile)
Opened in 1872, this market is known for its fresh seafood and the beautiful wrought-iron building that houses it all. It became a national landmark in 1984 and apparently has a hangover-curing broth on offer.
Local Guides say:
“A must do in Santiago! Even if you don’t like the fish smell (it is a fish market after all!). Apart from that it is a great vibrant place with many restaurants serving king crabs, ceviches, fresh fish and seafood of all sorts (there are a few meat dishes as well)…” - Local Guide Michael Francis
What’s your favorite food market? Tell us in the comments below! Then, check out even more food halls loved by Local Guides on Google Earth Voyager.
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