
The world’s best food markets for authentic eats
Go on an empty stomach – and with plenty of cash to splash
Any seasoned traveller knows a visit to the local food market is a must while on holiday. And while we love a local farmer’s stall, cities across Europe and beyond have transformed their most historic marketplaces into bustling food institutions, kitted out with bars and restaurants to keep even the most discerning foodie happy and satiated. How to separate the wheat from the chaff – and know which markets are really worth it? We go inside some of the the world’s best food markets in the world to find out.
Toyosu and Tsukiji Market, Tokyo, Japan

Two of the most famous markets in Japan, if not the world, can be found on a patch of reclaimed land fringing Tokyo bay. Founded in 1657, the Tsukiji Market served local people for hundreds of years before the 1923 earthquake shattered it to the ground and, in 2018, it was moved to a larger space four kilometres from its original location. Tsukiji remains a major tourist destination, with restaurants and snack stalls offering raw seafood, such as oysters, and Japanese staples like nori sheets and sushi rice. Toyosu, on the other hand, has now overtaken the former to be the largest market in Japan filled with fresh seafood – you’ll regularly find restaurateurs here trying to bargain for sushi cuts – as well as meat, vegetables, and fruits. Don’t miss the daily tuna auctions – at one of the first auctions in 2024, a single bluefin tuna sold for nearly $1 million – and snack on freshly-made sushi from the side stalls. You won’t regret it.
La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain

If you’re happy to face the crowds while staying in the Catalan capital then a visit to La Boqueria is a must. Dating back to 1217, when it was predominantly a meat market, this address just off Barcelona‘s La Rambla has been a tourist attraction for decades and is the oldest food market in Spain, open every day apart from Sundays. Set aside an afternoon to explore its 300 stalls, where you can sample and buy native olives, seafood, fruit, meats, cheeses and much more. There’s also a selection of tapas and sangria bars ready to tempt you, with hotspots such as Bar Clemen’s, El Quim de la Boqueria and Ancora Restaurante Boqueria often booked up in advance.
Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris, France

First opened in 1615, Marché des Enfants Rouges is Paris’ oldest food market and still opens every day bar Monday in the centre of the city. From its entrance on Rue de Bretagne, it doesn’t look particularly imposing, but enter through the narrow alleyway to be greeted with an array of stalls ranging from classic French delicacies to international fare, including Lebanese wraps, Moroccan salads and Italian deli meats. The market – whose name translates to ‘red children market’ – was originally founded at the request of King Louis XIII and took its name from a nearby children’s orphanage, Hospice des Enfants-Rouges. It wasn’t until 1912 that it came under the control of Paris City Hall and became a hive for locals shopping for fresh produce and tourists looking to sample classic Gallic cuisine. Pro tip: it’s usually heaving at lunch time so plan your visit for the morning or late afternoon.
Noordermarkt, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Image: Shutterstock/Picture Partners

Image: Shutterstock/Ian Stewart
More of a casual market than a tourist institution, Noordermarkt comprises two events: a traditional farmer’s market on Saturdays, before a fashion and textiles market on Mondays. Situated on a square in the hip Jordaan neighborhood, it was originally founded in 1618 as a pottery haven before it evolved into a more modern destination. Arrive from 9am on Saturday to get your fill of fresh organic fruits, vegetables, oils, herbs, cheese, and meat, before returning on Monday to visit the Lapjesmarkt, home to all things vintage and handmade, ranging from bags to jeans, and fur coats to dresses. Happy shopping!
Borough Market, London, UK

Image: Shutterstock/Brester Irina

Image: Shutterstock/Maddies Postcards
If you’ve got at least £20 to sink on lunch near London Bridge, this is where to splash it. Dating back to 1756, as Londoners, we recommend visiting Borough Market on an empty stomach – and preferably not on a Friday or Saturday afternoon. It’s closed to the public during the early hours, when it operates as a wholesale market, before opening up to sell freshly-baked bread, homemade jams and sauces, an array of sweet treats and, of course, some of the most delectable street food in the city. There are up to 100 stalls to choose from (there’s more choice from Thursday-Sunday), making picking between Middle Eastern mezze, freshly-shucked oysters, bao buns, Spanish tapas and more almost impossible.
Nang Loeng Market, Bangkok

The first land market in Thailand (the country is famed for its floating type), Nang Loeng is more than 120 years old and was established under the reign of King Rama V the Great. Its ties to the monarchy meant it was once a go-to for royal court desserts, and those visiting today will still find many traditional sweet treats on offer, but don’t skimp on the savoury dishes – think crab noodles and pork rib noodles – sold from old shophouses built with Thai colonial architecture. Stepping inside the 30-acre market, open from 8am-3pm everyday, is like stepping inside a community, with many local Thai people still working and living within its walls.
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