My favourite European markets

As you start reading this blog, you'll soon realize visiting local markets are one of my favourite things to do while travelling in Europe. I've put together a non-exhaustive list of some of my favourite markets I've discovered so far.

Bolhão Market, Porto

Bolhão Market is a jewel of Porto and deserves its own post. After a recent renovation, Porto's historic 19th century produce market emerged as one of the chicest spots in the city. The building is in the style of art nouveau. Lined with over 70 stands, this market is stocked with everything you could imagine, fresh produce, flowers, fresh seafood and crustaceans, preserved and canned fish, and spices. You'll find cured jamon Iberico, local cheese, and of course port wine! Enjoy a glass of port and some fresh shucked shellfish on the steps at the back entrance. Take home with you a can of sardines, roasted almonds or pastel de Tentúgal, a sweet filling consisting of egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a paper-thin phyllo pastry.

Mercado di Sant'Ambrogio, Florence

This Tuscan market, in the heart of Santa Croce, featuring traditional vendors of fruit, vegetables and specialty foods. Stop at Trattoria da Rocco for a bowl of ribollita (Tuscan bean soup) or take home so fresh pasta to cook yourself. On your way out, check out the surrounding outdoor stalls for vintage finds. This area also has some of the best restaurants in Florence.

Marché Biologique Raspail, Paris

This Parisian market, open only on Sundays, is about as local as you can get in the French capital. What makes this one unique is that all the produce is certified organic. The market has many vendors with naturally gluten-free options, such as bread made from sarrasin and rice flour. You can also find vendors selling less traditional French market pantry items, such as Sol Semilla, superfood blends and antioxidant elixirs. For a tasty treat, don’t miss the galette de pomme de terre, a potato, cheese and onion pancake made fresh and served hot at the market’s far end by rue du Cherche-Midi.

Mercato del Capo, Palermo

Arrive early to see the vendors setting up the stalls. Eat your way through this historic open-air market, making sure to test local classics like fresh calamari and polpette, Sicilian fish balls made of swordfish served with a sweet sauce.

Mercat de Pescados, Menorca

The fish market of Mahón has not only the richest range of fresh fish and seafood in Menorca, there are also numerous stalls to enjoy tapas and pinchos (small treats). Unlike most markets which are only open during the morning, this one's open all day. It's the perfect spot to graze and try local cured meats of chorizo and sobrasada, or small plates of seafood paella.

Mercado San Anton, Madrid

In the heart of Chueca, this market is well worth a visit. With three floors of gastronomy to explore, this is the perfect spot to find all your spanish ingredients you can't get back home. After spending time at the vendors on the ground floor, make your way up to the rooftop for an aperitivo and great views of the city!

Notable mentions:

• Mercat Municipal, Menorca

• Columbia Road Flower Market, London

• Le Grand Epicerie, Paris