10 Best Markets in Europe

As much as people love witnessing the beauty of life and the spirited parts of the Old Continent, it is even more thrilling to tour the impressive markets in Europe. These markets allow every tourist to interact with locals, observe a colorful range of products on sale, taste hot street food, and get lost in the cacophony of sounds and smells. The list includes both traditional covered markets, modern food halls, and large outdoor markets that can take over an entire neighborhood. Lodged in foodie favorites, these suggestions focus on unique and tasty dishes expressing the identity of each place – exactly what budget-conscious consumers desire in high-quality meals.

Sarlat offers one of the best examples of a street market, full of charm and elegance, which provides a different experience than Palermo's gruff vigor. Biweekly, on Wednesday mornings, and all day Saturday, the lemony sandstone streets of this small French town turn into a lively outdoor market. The display caters to everyone from the countryside with bowls of cookies, confectionery, fresh fruits, new meats, duck confit, rustic mountain cheeses, fromage pyramids, juicy olives, nougat, snail shells, fruit cakes by weight, bright jellies, and seasonal vegetables. As the noon bell tolls, sellers start to wrap up their wares, and buyers head to café chairs, enjoying coffee under the glorious combination of sunlight and tree shadows, meeting long-lost friends. This simple rite reflects the best traditions of market culture in France. Sarlat is undoubtedly one of the best places to go in Europe, though similar markets exist all over the country, in places like Uzès, Beaune, and some districts in Paris.

Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon is one of the best places to visit in Europe and its most unique market halls, combine traditional Portuguese architecture with some of the country’s best culinary offerings. The market’s traditional side, a throwback to the fifties, features churlish vendors selling spices, vegetables, and an ocean’s worth of fish against graffiti, wooden counters, cracked floors, and rotating balance scales. However, through a single door lies a shiny and modern restaurant, which opened in 2014, showcasing Portugal’s culinary top creations. Sixty-four different food stalls cover the walkways, with Michelin-starred Portuguese chefs offering free samples of their three-course menus, as well as Prego steak sandwiches, croquettes, bacalhau, pasteis de nata, Japanese-Portuguese fusion dishes, and more. Whether dining or shopping for treasures, Mercado da Ribeira reflects the spirit of Portugal in one vibrant space. 

Located under a red-brick railway arch, Maltby Street Rope Walk is somewhat off the beaten path, but within walking distance from Tower Bridge. It is a must-visit weekend food market held every Saturday and Sunday. Curbside food shops that open under the training space offer restaurants, wine bars, and Mozambique-style burger joints. In contrast, food carts line the pedestrian walkway selling juicy English cheese sandwiches, succulent Scottish salmon on rye, rare grilled hanger steaks, stuffed Scotch eggs, Middle Eastern-style pocket bread, German sausages, Japanese steamed gyoza, and chocolaty brownies. While traditionalists may prefer Borough Market, Camden Market, the famous Portobello Road Market, or chic Broadway Market, the energetic Maltby Street Rope Walk offers a more atmospheric view of modern food retailing in an exciting environment, representative of modern London. 

In Oslo, the area near the city center, just north of downtown, offers a pulse of culinary life in the Akers River Valley. The former wasteland of red-brick factories has been redeveloped into a lively area, with the centerpiece being Mathallen, an exciting food court housed in a 19th-century factory shell. Mathallen features traditional Norwegian food, such as freshly-baked whole-grain bread from Smelt Ostesmørbrød, pies from Mildrid's Kjøkken, geitost cheese from Ost & Sånt, and a range of specialty products, from fish and meat to vegetables and other produce. In addition to these traditional offerings, the market includes non-Mediterranean tapas, pasta, sushi, tacos, Asian street food, and gourmet dishes. Surrounding the market are post-industrial, fine dining restaurants, such as Vulkan Fisk, specializing in garlic sautéed scampi. Anyone visiting Oslo should definitely consider dining at Mathallen, which seamlessly combines tradition with a global culinary taste in a modern setting. 

Ballarò in Palermo, Sicily, is one of the most colorful and vibrant street markets in Europe. This historic bazaar, with roots in the Arab occupation, is known for its chaotic and sensational atmosphere. Vendors chant prices for their goods while locals search for fresh produce. Giant slabs of pink tuna rest on counters, while baskets overflow with vibrant eggplants, Sicilian courgettis, and ripe tomatoes. Street food carts tempt passersby with arancini (flavorful rice croquettes), sfincione (Sicilian pizza), pani ca’ Meusa (spleen sandwiches), and polpo bollito (boiled octopus). Visiting Ballarò offers a unique opportunity to experience the essence of Sicilian culture through its food, making it a must-see destination in Europe, a region that offers an incredible diversity of markets, from historic bazaars to contemporary Europe stock markets.

In Budapest, the Great Market Hall is renowned for its stunning 19th-century cast-iron dome. However, tourists are advised to avoid the upstairs food hall, where the food is overpriced and caters mostly to visitors. Instead, they should head to Belvárosi Piac on Hold Street, just a 5-10 minutes’ walk from Parliament. This industrial-style market hall is home to local farmers selling fresh produce, while the upper level features a range of food emporiums. Here, visitors can enjoy huge schnitzels at Buja Disznó(k), gourmet sausages at Lakatos Műhely, Russian cuisine at Moszkvatér, gourmet burgers at Kandalló, Thai-style khao man gai, and reinvented Hungarian dishes at A Séf Utcája. The anchor of the market is Stand 25 Bisztró, where Michelin-quality dishes are prepared by renowned chefs Szabina Szulló and Tamás Széll, offering high-end cuisine at relatively affordable prices, especially for a business lunch or dinner. Reservations are advised for Friday and Saturday. 

Florence’s Central Market, once dark and gloomy, transformed in 2014 when its upper floor was turned into a vibrant food court. While the ground floor retains its original charm, with fresh produce and food stalls, the top floor serves as a haven for food lovers. Here, visitors can sample hand-rolled pasta, award-winning prosciutto, Chianina beef steaks, panini, ribollita, trapizzini, rustic pizza, braised beef cheeks, mozzarella di bufala, truffles, fried specialties, and Sicilian cannoli. The food court provides an authentic taste of Tuscany, offering an escape from the overpriced restaurants on the major tourist streets.

Berlin’s Kreuzberg district is home to Markthalle Neun, a charming 19th-century hall that has been lovingly restored to house various food vendors, including greengrocers, cheese mongers, butchers, fishmongers, florists, and bakers. Markthalle Neun offers a range of Berlin specialties, such as Buletten (meatballs), Stolle (open sandwiches), Brezel (pretzels), and Currywurst, alongside international offerings like Italian pasta, French crêpes, Turkish deli meats, Spanish tapas, and American barbecue. Special events, including the Saturday farmers' market and "Street Food Thursday," where trendy Berlin food culture comes to life, have made Markthalle Neun a popular destination. 

Östermalms Saluhall in Stockholm, located in the upscale Östermalm neighborhood, is a market that reflects the spirit of traditional food halls. The produce and gourmet items are displayed as if arranged for a still-life painting. Though Stockholm is known for being an expensive city, Östermalms Saluhall is perfect for assembling a high-end picnic or enjoying a meal at one of its restaurants. The market offers deli plates, salads, Scandinavian sweet rolls, seafood, smorrebrod, handmade chocolates, and authentic Lebanese mezze. While renovations were ongoing until 2020, vendors had set up temporary stalls nearby, continuing the market’s vibrant tradition. 

Just behind Madrid’s Plaza Mayor stands the 1915-built market hall, restored in 2009 and now a bustling showcase of Spanish food. The market offers cured meats like jamón ibérico, artisanal cheeses like Manchego, spicy pickles and olives (banderillas), sweets, seafood, and brochetas (skewered meats or seafood). Additionally, Mexican dishes are prepared by a Michelin-starred chef and sweet vermouths. It’s as if Spain’s entire culinary landscape is encapsulated in one market, offering a taste of the country’s diverse flavors all in one place.