Iconic Food Markets Around the World

By Briana Seftel


From Barcelona to Bangkok, these food markets will tantilize all five senses. Satisfy those pesky hunger pains at these 12 can’t-miss food markets around the world!

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La Boqueria • Barcelona, Spain

Feast on tapas at La Boqueria, Barcelona’s first local market located near the pedestrian La Rambla. The covered market has its origins all the way back to the 13th-century, but has remained mostly the same since 1840. You’ll find vendors hawking produce and meat, as well as stalls serving up authentic tapas, cava, and the famous Iberico ham.

Plaza de la Boqueria Barcelona 08001. Open Monday - Sunday 8am-8:30pm


Borough Market • London, England

Borough Market can be traced all the way back to 1014, and continues to be a can't-miss destination in Central London's Southwark district. British products, from fresh produce to aged cheddar, can be seen and sampled all over the market. Head to the Kappacasein cheese stall to try the Swiss raclette and the best toasted cheese sandwich you've ever had!

8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL. Open Monday - Thursday 10am-5pm; Fridays 10am-6pm; Saturdays 8am-5pm.


Paloquemao • Bogota, Colombia

Paloquemao, in Colombia's capital Bogota, is a labyrinth of exotic fruits, colorful potatoes, meat, fish, and more that offers an authentic glimpse into the daily life of Bogotanos. Pick up a fresh fruit juice and wander along the maze until you get hungry. Paloquemao has plenty of tasty options, from fish soup to cheesy arepas!

Calle 19 #25-04, Bogota. Open Monday - Friday 4:30am-4:30pm; Saturday - Sunday 5am-2:30pm.


Jean Talon Market • Montreal, Canada

In the heart of Little Italy lies Jean Talon, one of the oldest markets in Montreal opened in 1933. Winter or summer, the market bustles with activity and provides Montreal's residents with the freshest produce, meats, cheeses, spices, and maple syrup of course. You can also find plenty of ready-made treats to satisfy those hunger pains.

7070 Henri-Julien Avenue, Montreal H2S 3S3. Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 7am-6pm; Thursday and Friday 7am-8pm; Sunday 7am-5pm.


Cours Saleya • Nice, France

Follow the iconic striped awnings to Cours Saleya in the heart of Nice's Old Town (Vieux Nice). This daily market, with its bounty of fresh flowers, is as colorful as the pastel-hued buildings that surround it. Cours Saleya is divided into four markets, with the flower and vegetable markets as the main attractions. Keep an eye out for typical Nicoise treats like socca, a thin chickpea crepe.

Cours Saleya, Nice, 06300. Flower market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 6am-5:30pm; Wednesday and Saturday 6:30am-6:30pm; Sunday 6:30-1:30pm. Fruit and Vegetable Market is open everyday except Monday 6:00am-1:30pm.


Jemaa El Fna • Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh's main square is the bustling Jemaa El Fna (also spelled Djemaa el Fna) in the medina quarter. You'll find everything from freshly-squeezed orange juice to cobras being coaxed out of their baskets during the day, but the market really comes to life at night with countless food vendors. UNESCO declared Jemaa el-Fna a "Masterpiece of World Heritage" in 2001.

Derb Chtouka, Marrakesh 40008. Open daily 8am-12am.


Pike Place Market • Seattle, Washington

Watch the legendary fish tossing at Pike Place Market, operating in downtown Seattle since 1907. Aside from fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean, the market offers locally produced and high quality foods, goods, and handcrafted products. Before leaving, check out the infamous (and gross) gum wall located in Post Alley under the market.

1st Ave and Pike St., Seattle 98101. Open daily 10am-6pm (hours can vary).


English Market • Cork, Ireland

The English Market in Cork is Ireland's most famous covered food market. Opened in 1788, it is a meeting place for both hungry Corkonians and tourists. Meander among longstanding family-run stalls and newcomers selling everything from freshly baked scones to battered burgers!

Princes St, Centre, Cork T12 RW26. Open Monday - Saturday 8am- 6pm.


Damnoen Saduak Floating Market • Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok's floating markets are some of the most iconic images of Thailand. One the most well-known is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, located one hour outside of Bangkok. Wooden boats are piled high with tropical fruit, vegetables, and fresh coconut juice, while you can also get local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.

Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130. Open daily 6am-12pm.


Campo de’ Fiori • Rome, Italy

Campo de' Fiori's open air market is undeniably one of Rome's most famous. Chock full of juicy ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, the market is the perfect stop after visiting nearby Piazza Navona. Luckily for tourists, public executions are no longer held here.

Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Rome. Open daily 8am-1:30pm.

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