5 Of The World's Best Fresh-Food Markets

5 Of The World's Best Fresh-Food Markets

 

Although it's always nice dining in restaurants or taking advantage of room service when on holidays, there tends to come a point when travellers want to partake of some fresh, healthy, simple food instead. One of the best ways to source organic and locally-grown fruit and veg, meats, seafood, baked goods and condiments is by visiting a farmers' market. Most of the major tourist destinations across the globe hold markets on a weekly basis that tourists can utilise to stock up on items for simple, made-at-home meals. Apart from providing the perfect opportunity to meet locals and to enjoy traditional cuisine, markets also tend to be a great place to take in local architecture or beautiful views. Read on for five top fresh-food markets you don't want to miss on your next adventure abroad.

La Boqueria Market in Barcelona

If you're looking to visit one of the largest food markets in Europe, or want a chance to sample all of the tastiest products from Catalonia in one spot, head to La Boqueria Market in Barcelona. This popular destination dates all the way back to 1217 but was officially inaugurated in 1853 after going through many different incarnations.

La Boqueria is situated behind an impressive iron entrance on La Rambla Boulevard in Barcelona, and features everything from fresh fruit and veg, seafood, and meat, to spices, cheeses, olives, preserves and dried fruit. There are plenty of tapas bars within this indoor market as well (don't miss the traditional seafood paella), plus plenty of take-home meals to enjoy later. While La Boqueria gets very busy and is often full of tourists, the almost 2,000-square metre market is worth a visit not just for the food, but also for the feast for the senses it provides.

Marche des Enfants Rouges in Paris

The oldest covered market in Paris, Marche des Enfants Rouges takes its name from the youngsters " generally dressed in red " that used to reside in the sixteenth-century orphanage on the site. While this Parisian institution is quite small compared to most markets (featuring around 20 stalls at most), the market is one of the most atmospheric choices in the city. It is housed within a beautiful building that was originally built in 1916 but then destroyed in the 1980s. Happily, locals campaigned successfully to have the structure rebuilt, and the high-end farmers' market reopened in 2000 after extensive repairs were finished.

Marche des Enfants Rouges serves up a great array of organic produce, handmade goodies, and every type of cuisine visitors who travel to Paris could hope for. Market stalls in the venue sell dishes that cover flavours from around the world, including African, Italian, Japanese, Caribbean, Lebanese, West Indian and, of course, French.

Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid

Another one of Europe's more established markets, Mercado de San Miguel is one of the oldest and most beautiful in Madrid and definitely worth a visit. Located inside a renovated early-twentith-century building that's close to the Plaza Mayor, the markets are billed as a 'culinary cultural centre" and provide a great way to discover the stunning iron and glass structure.

Although the building lay empty for many years, it received a major renovation in 2009 and is now a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The fresh food markets house more than 30 dining stalls and shopping spots, as well as an atmospheric cafe space. Food lovers are sure to enjoy all of the different cuisine types on offer, with vendors serving up tastes and plates of edibles such as tapas, chocolate, caviar, seafood, fruit and vegetables, baked goods and frozen yoghurt.

Union Square Greenmarket in New York City

Operated by Grow NYC, an organisation that promotes farm-fresh food and local agriculture, the Union Square Greenmarket is a must-visit destination in New York City. The popular market is open throughout the year, even in winter, and is the perfect place to shop for a huge array of local produce. With over 140 regional farmers, bakers, fishermen and artisans selling their wares on a weekly basis at the markets, shoppers will find it hard to limit their spending. Products on offer include fruit and vegetables, bread, jams, heritage meats, cheeses, and maple syrup, amongst others.

Borough Market in London

If you're travelling to London and looking for a great shopping spot to visit, add a trip to Borough Market to your itinerary. This venue is the oldest food market in London and has been operating for over 250 years. From Thursdays through to Saturdays each week locals and tourists descend on the market to buy up big on fine foods from producers around the United Kingdom and even beyond. Shoppers can select from baked goods, meat, fish, seafood, olive oils, cheeses, spices, fruit and veg and even beer and wine. There is also a huge number of dining options to choose from for a hearty lunch during the day.