9 Top Food Markets to Visit Around the World

Food markets are sprawling, lively and colorful places – and they have a way of instantly revealing the personality of a place through the sights, smells, sounds and conversations that unfold among colorful stalls laden with farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and local specialties. A trip to the market is always an adventure, and even more, it’s an invitation to connect with the place and culture more deeply during vacation travel.

Our chefs love visiting markets whenever we’re in port. In fact, our Chef’s Market Dinners at Terrace Café were entirely created around the inspiration our Executive Chefs find at markets around the world. Below are some of our chef-favorite markets as well as several culled by our destination specialists from around the world.

1. Marché d’Aligre |Paris, France
   Considered one of the best food and produce markets in all of Paris, you’ll quickly understand why this is the market of choice for so many Parisians for fruits and organic vegetables, baked goods, fresh fromage and seafood, flowers and top French specialties. It’s must for those wanting to experience the culinary scene of Paris during travels and see how locals and chefs shop. In fact, you can do just that on our Like a Parisian in the Marche d’Aligre excursion.
2. La Boqueria | Barcelona, Spain
   No visit to Barcelona is complete without traveling to La Boqueria for tapas and a glass of cava in this market located in Las Ramblas – it traces its origins all the way back to 1217 when farmers set up meat stalls in the Pla de la Boqueria. You might even join our Chef-Led Gastronomy Tour & Tapas Lunch for a deeper dive into the culinary mecca that is Barcelona.



3. Mercato Trionfale | Rome, Italy
   With some 200 food stalls, Mercato Trionfale is the largest market in Rome. It may be close to the Vatican but it’s far from touristy – it’s definitely considered a local’s market, where you can get some of the best bread, local cheeses and wines in this city. Our Chef-Led Market Tour & Authentic Roman Lunch invites you a roving and memorable tasting tour of the sprawling market (with your chef leading you directly to all the best stalls), culminating with a traditional lunch of classic Roman pasta dishes.
4. Spice Souk | Dubai, UAE
   Saffron, cinnamon, dried Persian lime, za’atar – you’ll see a dizzying number of spices, herbs and traditional ingredients to buy at Dubai’s colorful and aromatic spice souk. Souks are an essential part of Dubai’s history and culture, so you’re likely to see as many locals as travelers. You can explore Dubai’s gold and spice souks plus top attractions like the Dubai museum and the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel on the Discover Dubai tour.

   

5. Tsukiji Market | Tokyo, Japan
   A true local’s experience, this is a must for all foodies and those interested in trying Japanese cuisine. While the wholesale auction market relocated to Toyosu, the outer market of Tsukiji remains is home to about 400 vibrant shops, stands and restaurants selling fresh and seasonal foods and related cooking goods. And it still happens to be one of the best places in the city to get sushi and immerse yourself in the culinary scene of Tokyo. Even better, it’s only 15 minutes from the Tokyo cruise port so it’s an easy experience even without a proper tour.
6. Queen Victoria Market | Melbourne, Australia
   The largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market features more than 600 retailers offering everything from exotic fruit and vegetables to jewelry and handicrafts. You can buy cheeses, dips, and pâtés from the Art Deco food hall or shop for plants, locally made art, books, jewelry and more at a host of specialty shops. Located in the central business district of Melbourne, it’s less than 30 minutes from the port.



7. Mercado San Telmo | Buenos Aires, Argentina
   Founded in 1897, this market is considered a national historical monument. You’ll find fresh produce, traditional pastries, empanadas, coffee, sandwiches and much more. It’s the perfect location for a culinary adventure, surrounded by plenty of restaurants and cafes. And don’t miss the coffee – the Coffee Town stall is known for having some of the best coffee in the city.
8. Castries Market | Castries, St. Lucia
   Island spices, tropical fruit, delicious local delicacies and more – with 300+ food stalls and shops at this market, it stretches across several blocks. Head there in the morning for a lively start to your day ashore and enjoy the chance to converse with local vendors as you browse the abundance of produce, unique island specialties and locally made handicrafts.

   

9. Pike Place Market | Seattle, Washington
   A Seattle staple, this multi-level market overlooking the Elliot Bay waterfront plays host to more than 500 shops, vendors, restaurants and bars. It’s the United States’ oldest continuously operating farmers market and is one of Seattle’s most popular destinations so it’s the perfect place to spend some time if you happen to find yourself in the city before or after an Alaska cruise. If you’re seeking an iconic dish, head to Pike Place Chowder. Chocolate lovers will want to pop by Chukar Cherries too for their famous chocolate-covered cherries.

The world is wide and there are so many more food markets we cannot wait to explore. Tell us in the comments on Facebook – what’s your favorite market in the world?