The 5 Most Beautiful Markets In Europe

Food is one of the characteristic aspects of a country, region or locality. Traditions are represented through it, so when we visit a place it is essential to try typical food, be it the ingredients themselves or an elaborate dish.

We present you below, the 5 most beautiful markets in Europe. Markets where you can delight yourself with their fresh products, exquisite dishes and historical and imposing buildings.

1.  Borough Market

It is the oldest market in London. It is located south of London Bridge, on the banks of the River Thames. Its origin dates back centuries. It is believed that since the bridge was built there has been a market like this.

In the middle of the 18th century, the government made the drastic decision to close it  due to the crowds that the market produced at the entrance of the bridge. To avoid closure, the producers selling there bought some of the land, giving rise to the market as we know it today.

Here you can find fresh products  such as fruits, cheeses, sausages, vegetables, fish and meat, among others.

With the rise of supermarkets, the Borough Market began to lose sales. Merchants, as a way to attract customers, decided to sell high-quality food. This is how in this market you can find places with exquisite typical Spanish, Italian or French food, among others.

2. Rotterdam Market

This is the first covered market in the Netherlands. It is made up of around 100 food outlets, 8 restaurants, a large supermarket located on the ground floor and a cooking school.

Its interior is striking, as it is decorated with a 11,000 m ² mural . In it, various artists have captured a series of flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables. It has been referred to by the authors as a “cornucopia”.

In this market you will find a great variety, both of fresh products and exquisite food.

3. San Miguel Market

It is located in the Plaza de San Miguel, next to the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Its origin dates from medieval times. Back then it was an open market where merchants offered their products, on a smaller and larger scale.

The building that we know today stands in the space occupied by the church of San Miguel de los Octoes. Its construction was carried out between 1913 and 1916 following a design by the architect Alfonso Dubé y Díez.

The building is characterized by being made of iron  and is the only one left in Madrid of these characteristics. It has been considered an Asset of Cultural Interest.

As with the Borough Market in England, the San Miguel Market suffered a decline in its commercial activity as a result of the supermarkets boom. To avoid closure, the company called El Gastrónomo de San Miguel was established, which became the majority owner of the market. This society has given other colors to the place.

The Mercado de San Miguel is characterized by being a place that offers fresh and quality products, with characteristics that are no longer seen in other commercial places, such as trying the product to be purchased or receiving gastronomic advice. It is also a picturesque place and a symbol of Spanish culture.

3. Central Market of Florence

It was built in 1874, by Giuseppe Mengoni. It is located in the San Lorenzo neighborhood, very close to the Cathedral.

Here there is an incredible amount of typical products of the area:  handicrafts, traditional pasta, Modena vinegar, cheeses or wine, among many others.

Once you have made your purchases, you can sit down to enjoy the newly purchased products in spaces set up for it. The market is open from Monday to Saturday, from 07:00 to 14:00.

4.  Istanbul Spice Bazaar

This peculiar market is located in the Eminönü neighborhood, near the Bosphorus.

Here you can find an incredible amount of spices, nuts and herbs. A historical and characteristic place of Turkish culture.

In this market, without a doubt, you will delight in the colorful and aromatic spices offered by local merchants. An unmissable destination when visiting Istanbul.

Markets are part of the essence and spirit of each city. They are the reflection of their way of life and their customs. You will discover wonderful aspects if you spend a little time getting lost in them on your travels.