Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets
introFood markets are always among the most delectable destinations for foodies on tour. Sometimes the architecture alone makes the visit worthwhile, other times they offer the opportunity to taste the national delicacies, and in many cities they promise a chance to rub shoulders with the locals doing their weekly shopping. Check our previous story on the world’s most inspiring markets for a look at the most visually arresting examples; here, the focus is squarely on the food, glorious food – and where to see it, touch it, smell it, taste it all over the world. [Photo: Pike Place Market/Barbie Hull]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
QVMMelbourne’s Queen Victoria Market welcomes visitors with a striking street frontage and well-assorted specialty food halls. Step through to the sheds behind that make up the larger part of the biggest food market in the Southern Hemisphere for the real deal: 7 hectares of fresh fruit, vegetables and “general produce” from across Australasia, plus a buzzing Night Market on Wednesdays in summer.
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
Or Tor KorIf you’re in Bangkok, you’ll likely be visiting the legendary Chatuchak market, which literally sells all kinds of everything. Don’t miss nearby Or Tor Kor food market for all kinds of deliciousness. Of course, fresh fruit, veggies and spices are available in abundance, but you can also sample the wares at the adjacent food court. [Photo: Kent Wang/Flickr]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
ToyosuTokyo’s famous Tsukiji Fish Market is no more, at least not in the historic location where it had operated since 1935. Until its closing in 2018, tourists and locals used to flock to the spectacular tuna auctions at the inner wholesale area, which has now been moved to the new Toyosu Fish Market. As ever, those wishing to experience the raucous action are well advised to arrive at the crack of dawn; the market opens at 4:30am, 7 days a week. For a bit of fish market nostalgia, you can still visit the old outer market, where shops and restaurants continue to operate. [Photo: Bethom33/Flickr]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
GranvilleCombine a gourmet experience with an urban island escape at the Granville Island Public Market. The little Aquabus ferry will take you across from Downtown Vancouver in minutes, and the island provides a full day’s worth of entertainment, much of it food-related. Sip a local brew, sample some fresh seafood or stock up on Canadian delicacies.
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
St. LawrenceAcross the country, St. Lawrence Market is considered an unmissable part of any visit to Toronto – and rightly so. Although the famous market is currently undergoing renovations, it’s largely business as usual at the sprawling foodie paradise. Visit on Saturday for the weekly farmer’s market, Sunday for an antiques market and every other day of the week (except Monday) for fresh fruit, vegetables and countless specialty products.
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
Pike placePike Place Market in Seattle is as popular a tourist destination as the first Starbucks across the road, the aquarium around the corner, the adjacent art museum … you get the picture. This market isn’t just one stop on a must-see itinerary of the city: it’s slap bang in the middle of everything, the perfect place to start, finish or take a break from sightseeing. Get a souvenir photo of the “Public Market” sign outside, stop to watch the fish-throwing, then nab a table with a view of the Puget Sound for breakfast, lunch or dinner. [Photo: Matt Mornick]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
MercedLa Merced in Mexico City is a riot of colours, smells and – if you choose to indulge – flavours. The bustling market frequented by local shoppers and tourists alike is huge and can be overwhelming. It could be worth taking a guided tour to get the most out of the experience. If you’re willing to trust your instincts – and your Spanish skills – then simply enjoy the ride. [Photo courtesy Eat Mexico/Ana Tello]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
Mercado CentralSince Peruvian cuisine began its rise to international prominence, the country is increasingly attracting gourmet travellers. The markets of Lima, however, are a far cry from the exported pisco-sour-and-ceviche-sliders version of comida Peruana. Get a sense of what everyday food shopping – and the resulting dishes – look like at Mercado Central, the biggest indoor market in the capital. [Photo: MudflapDC/Flickr]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
FenixNo visit to Rotterdam is complete without shopping and grazing at the stunning Markthal that quickly became a local landmark when it opened in 2014. However, for a more intimate, relaxed and local experience, head across the river to Fenix Food Factory. The market hall rose from the ashes of a former warehouse in a decommissioned part of the old harbour and is now home to cheesemakers, brewers, coffee roasters and many other local businesses.
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
Markthalle NeunMarket halls are not a huge tourist draw in Berlin, perhaps partly due to the fact that only 6 of the original 14 food sales facilities built across the city in the late 19th century remain in use. Today, the most popular of the halls still known by their original numbers is Markthalle Neun. It was reopened after a massive communal effort in 2011 and has become equally popular with the Kreuzberg locals, who do their daily shopping there, as it is with urban hipsters who flock there for the varied street food stalls and vegan delicacies. [Photo © Markthalle Neun]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
BoroughLondon is spoiled for markets, albeit not all indoor. Ask a Londoner which one is best, and the answer will depend largely on which area they call home. However, even the most vocal locavores will agree that Borough Market isn’t just one of the largest and oldest food markets, but also one of the most universally beloved. You won’t exactly find hordes of locals doing their weekly shop here – what with the prohibitive price of both the produce and the real estate – but it’s the go-to place for hard-to-find ingredients of premium quality and a fun, sociable foodie haven with unique special events. [Photo: John Holdship]
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Special Market Fresh
The World’s Best Indoor Food Markets.
Mercato di mezzeMercato di Mezzo, Bologna’s recently renovated historical “middle market“ was the city’s first indoor market and has become a firm favourite for locals and visitors since it reopened in 2014. The 3-story building is a hive of activity at all times of the day and a great pace to sample the many flavours the Emilia-Romagna region, and its capital Bologna, are famous for.
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