Markets are a great place to mingle with locals, discover new foods, and buy fresh food on the road. Nat & Tim of A Cook Not Mad always make local markets a priority at home and while travelling abroad. They share some of their European favourites with us:
AMSTERDAM: Westerstraat Market
Originally it was mainly a textiles market; you can still buy textiles but with nearly 200 stalls, you can find many other occasions to spend your money. You can stumble upon all sorts of great deals on high end brand name clothing, shoes, scarves, cosmetics. I bought one of my favourite scarves here for 2€.
Monday morning: 9.00 am – 1.00 pm- Westerstraat Amsterdam
PARIS: Marché d’Aligre
Open every day but Monday, the Marché d’Aligre is a great neighbourhood market. Selling fresh fruits and vegetables at street stalls and meat, cheese and drink in the market building. It’s a wonderful experience to walk the length of the stalls and observe daily Parisian life.
BUDAPEST: Fény utcai piac
Tucked away behind the Mammut shopping mall this market isn’t as grandiose as the Great Market Hall on the Pest side but it is still worth a look. Locals outnumbered tourists when we were there and most didn’t speak English, but they were friendly and very patient as we communicated with sign language. You will find honey, paprika, fresh fruit and vegetables, basically everything you find at other markets. They also have wonderful meats and possibly the best Lángos around.
1024, Budapest, Lövőház utca 12
ARRAS: Green Market
This beautiful little town was pummelled during World War One but seeing it today, you would never know. The people are happy and cheerful and the town square, absolutely breathtaking. The morning markets are big and boisterous with all the sellers vying for your attention. You will find local cheeses such as Coeur d’Arras and Maroilles, jams and horse meat. If you want a roasted chicken, served with fat roasted potatoes, act quickly as people line up early and they sell out in minutes.
Wednesday and Saturday morning- Grand Place, Arras France
GHENT: Oude Beestenmarkt
Ghent has different types of markets, flower markets, green markets and flea markets but our favourite was the small animal market, known as the Oude Beestenmarkt. Every Sunday morning from 7 am to 1 pm people gather on this small square and check out small, domesticated animals, from ferrets to chickens and rabbits. You can also buy fresh, colourful eggs.
MUNICH: Viktualienmarkt
This may be a touristy spot but who cares, they have a stall dedicated to pickles, a small honey shop and a mushroom vendor. Not to mention that when you’re done visiting the many merchants you can stop in at the beer garden for a beer or two and a snack.
Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm Saturday 10am – 3pm
Public transport S-Bahn lines 1-8, U3 or U6, Bus 52 to Marienplatz, then walk towards Tal and turn right behind St. Peter’s church
Do you enjoy wandering through markets when travelling? What city had your favourite market and what were some of your most memorable food discoveries?
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