If you travel to Europe, you cannot miss the opportunity to discover the different local markets offering a variety of unique food and drink products. Beyond buying souvenirs and gifts, markets are true culinary treasures that offer you incredible taste experiences.
Whether you’re in France, Denmark, Italy, Portugal, England or Spain, each local market offers exceptional regional dishes and specialties. In this article, we will introduce you to several of these most famous and unique food markets in Europe.
The Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris
The Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest market in Paris, established in 1615. Located in the Marais district, it is a real hidden gem of the city where visitors can taste Moroccan, Japanese and French specialties. The market is particularly known for its roast chicken from Rotisserie d’Argent, pies from Chez Alain Miam Miam and exotic spices from Chez Farida and Bijou Mhamed. Take your time exploring all the stalls and finding your own delicious culinary discovery.
The Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, Lyon
Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, located in the 3rd arrondissement of Lyon, was inaugurated in 1971 and today offers a unique gastronomic experience on 13,000 m2. Each year, more than 90 suppliers from the Lyon region offer visitors a variety of local products ranging from meats and cold cuts, to cheeses and chocolates. It is difficult to choose among the many restaurants that offer typical Lyon dishes, such as pike dumplings, sapper aprons or praline pie.
Torvehallerne Food Market, Copenhagen
The Torvehallerne Food Market is located in the heart of Copenhagen and opened in 2011. It offers a culinary experience rich in taste and colour, including tacos from Hija from Sanchez and open sandwiches from Hallernes Smørrebrød. The market also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, and you can find produce ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood and rare meats. This is definitely a market not to be missed if you visit Copenhagen.
Mercato Centrale, Florence
Florence’s Mercato Centrale, located in the historic centre of the city, is a modern food market offering a variety of Italian dishes, as well as a careful selection of local produce. The market is divided into two floors – on the ground floor you will find meat, seafood and pasta counters, while the upper floor is dedicated to cooking prepared by the best local chefs, including vegan dishes and for people with celiac disease. Try Lorenzo Savini’s tagliolini pasta served with truffles or chef Marco Stabile’s lamprey sandwiches.
Mercato di Testaccio, Rome
The Mercato di Testaccio in Rome is a bustling market where locals have been buying their food for over 100 years. Dubbed the “cradle of Roman cuisine”, the market has recently been renovated and now offers a selection of artisanal meat, fish, cheese and cold cuts. In addition to food stalls, the market also offers a choice of restaurants and culinary exhibitions. You should not miss Cristina Bowerman’s Michelin-starred cuisine, Roberto Liberati’s fish bar or Flavio de Maio’s culinary shopping experience.
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