10 Best Indoor Markets In The World

Local markets are a great place to go when visiting a foreign place. Whenever I’m on holiday abroad I look for the best market to visit. It’s always interesting to look at the local produce, taste different types of food sold in the different stalls, check the prices, and just enjoy a new place with a different dynamic and atmosphere. Before you is a list of 10 great indoor markets you should definitely visit if you get the chance.

 

1. La Boqueria, Barcelona, Spain 

La Boqueria is the largest indoor market in Spain, and the most popular market in Barcelona. It is located right at the Ramblas – the main boulevard of the city. Fresh food products are sold here: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and seafood. La Boqueria is hardly a new market – it dates back to the beginning of the 13th century! Back then it was an outdoor market located in front of one of the gates to the old city wall. It became an indoor market in the 19th century. Click here for a list of the best attractions in Barcelona

 

2. St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, Canada 

This market was chosen by National Geographic as the world’s best food market. The market is spread over two buildings: St. Lawrence Market North which hosts weekly farmer’s markets and antique markets, and St. Lawrence Market South which hosts restaurants, a gallery and food shops and stalls

 

3. Borough Market, London, United Kingdom

With a history that dates back to the 11th century and more than 100 stalls, Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in London. The indoor market sells a large variety of food: fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood, meat, cheese, baked goods and more. Dishes ready to eat are also sold here and the large market is visited by both locals and tourists, professional chefs and food culinary enthusiast. Click here for a list of the best attractions in London

 

4. The Great Market Hall, Budapest, Hungary 

The Great Market Hall is an indoor market that was opened as early as the end of the 19th century! It is also located at the end of Váci street (the other end from the square) and offers a vast number of stalls across 3 floors. You can find in the market food stalls (to take home or eat as you go), local Hungarian crafts like wooden toys, table maps, kitchen tools and much more. The market is considered a prime attraction of Budapest

 

5. Mercato Centrale, Florence, Italy 

The central market of Florence is located at the city center, just two minutes walk from the Galleria dell’Accademia. The indoor market hosts a variety of vendors selling typical Tuscan and Italian food produce: olive oil, pasta, mushrooms, artichokes, capers, the famous limoncello, and much more. The building has a second floor which hosts bars and restaurants. Outside the market there are vendors selling leather goods and souvenirs. Click here for a list of the best attractions in Florence

 

6. Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid, Spain 

The San Miguel Market is an indoor market and the most popular market in Madrid among tourists, located just one minute walk from the famous Plaza Mayor. There are over 30 vendors in the market, most of which emphasize on selling prepared produce and tapas to visitors. It’s not a place to buy groceries to take home, but rather a place to hang out, grab a beer or a glass of wine or champagne and taste tapas from different vendors. Click here for a list of the best attractions in Madrid

 

7. Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco, United States

Located in the historic Ferry Building at the popular port of the city, this marketplace is home to stores selling all types of foods – from products to prepared dishes. The marketplace also includes restaurants and cafes, as well as the Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market – a wonderful farmers’ markets known for its great quality and variety of fresh products. Click here for a list of the best attractions in San Francisco

 

8. Swansea Market, Swansea, Wales 

Located in the city center of Swansea, the Swansea Market is the largest indoor market in Wales. The market includes vendors selling mainly food products: fruits, vegetables, meat and cheese. But there are also stalls selling clothes and other non food merchandise. Fast food and cafes are also located within the market

 

9. Torvehallerne Market, Copenhagen, Denmark 

The Torvehallerne Market is composed of two large halls made of glass and steel on opposite sides of a square, hosting together more than 80 stalls. These food stalls sell both food products like fresh fish and fresh meat, and dishes ready to eat, like fish and chips, sushi and various drinks

 

10. Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Australia

The Queen Victoria Market, or simply Vic Market stands in the center of Melbourne for over a century. The historic market is now a covered market that sells both food products and non-food products. The market is visited by both locals that come to the market to buy affordable fruits and vegetables, or clothing items, and tourists that want to experience the market and buy mainly souvenirs

If you like this list, you might want to take a look at the list of the most famous street markets in the world, or best shopping streets in the world