Revealed: Europe's most popular food markets
Europe is home to a multitude of vibrant food markets, each offering memorable culinary experiences that attract both locals and tourists alike.
Whether bustling city markets or local village stalls, they provide mouthwatering, often innovative, street food, artisanal goods and fresh, seasonal produce.
While every market has a character of its own with different types of food, deciding where to sample next can be overwhelming. So, if you're a foodie fanatic looking to take your tastebuds on tour, how do you choose where to go to try some of Europe's most popular food markets?
To find out which you should consider, we've analysed millions of social media posts, traveller reviews and Google searches to bring you Europe's 31 most talked-about food markets according to real people like you.
Our comprehensive rankings highlight the food markets that draw crowds but also engage global audiences online. So, without further ado, let's jump in and discover the 31 most genuinely popular food markets in Europe today.
Europe's favourite food markets
The top food markets in Europe offer more than just a place to buy fresh ingredients; they tend to be cultural hotspots reflecting the culinary traditions and innovations of their region.
To discover the most popular ones, we considered metrics including location, search volume, social posts and reviews to calculate our final score:
| Rank | Food market | Monthly search vol (avg) | No. of Instagram posts | No. of TikTok posts | Trip Advisor reviews | Final score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Borough Market London, UK |
349,000 | 587,000 | 15,300 | 13,994 | 965,294 |
| 2 | La Boquería Barcelona, Spain |
83,600 | 220,000 | 3,005 | 26,880 | 333,485 |
| 3 | Naschmarkt Vienna, Austria |
51,000 | 93,000 | 1,091 | 3,783 | 148,874 |
| 4 | Mercado de San Miguel Madrid, Spain |
34,200 | 64,000 | 2,432 | 34,484 | 104,116 |
| 5 | Reffen Copenhagen, Denmark |
50,000 | 50,000 | 1,768 | 523 | 102,291 |
| 6 | Foodhallen Amsterdam, Netherlands |
34,000 | 52,000 | 1,097 | 2,798 | 89,895 |
| 7 | Portobello Road Market London, UK |
38,000 | 42,000 | 3,419 | 4,596 | 88,015 |
| 8 | Mercado da Ribeira Lisbon, Portugal |
14,000 | 40,000 | 102 | 1,239 | 55,341 |
| 9 | St George's Market Belfast, UK |
8,500 | 39,000 | 588 | 1,766 | 49,854 |
| 10 | Mercato Centrale Florence, Italy |
7,600 | 21,000 | 350 | 16,625 | 45,575 |
| 11 | Markthalle Neun Berlin, Germany |
13,000 | 28,000 | 215 | 1,176 | 42,391 |
| 12 | Mercat Central Valencia Valencia, Spain |
4,200 | 12,000 | 442 | 24,027 | 40,669 |
| 13 | Cours Saleya Nice, France |
10,000 | 27,000 | 333 | 1,206 | 38,539 |
| 14 | Great Market Hall Budapest, Hungary |
11,000 | 13,000 | 58 | 9,127 | 33,185 |
| 15 | Marché Des Enfants Rouges Paris, France |
11,800 | 15,000 | 101 | 1,073 | 27,974 |
| 16 | Hala Targowa Krakow, Poland |
14,000 | 12,500 | 205 | 284 | 26,989 |
| 17 | Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam, Netherlands |
19,000 | 5,000 | 259 | 2,587 | 26,846 |
| 18 | Mercado dos Lavradores Funchal, Madeira, Portugal |
4,200 | 16,000 | 3 | 4,300 | 24,503 |
| 19 | Kirkgate Market Leeds, UK |
9,000 | 10,500 | 161 | 536 | 20,197 |
| 20 | Marché Victor Hugo Toulouse, France |
12,200 | 6,500 | 30 | 1,178 | 19,908 |
| 21 | Mercato di Ballarò Palermo, Sicily, Italy |
4,700 | 11,500 | 1,478 | 2,113 | 19,791 |
| 22 | Cardiff Market Cardiff, UK |
2,500 | 15,500 | 393 | 333 | 18,726 |
| 23 | The English Market Cork, Ireland |
9,800 | 1,500 | 300 | 3,141 | 14,741 |
| 24 | Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Lyon, France |
7,300 | 2,000 | 34 | 4,008 | 13,342 |
| 25 | Mercato di Rialto Venice, Italy |
4,600 | 7,000 | 50 | 1,357 | 13,007 |
| 26 | Mercato di Testaccio Rome, Italy |
6,900 | 5,500 | 16 | 349 | 12,765 |
| 27 | Riga Central Market Riga, Latvia |
2,500 | 5,000 | 55 | 3,543 | 11,098 |
| 28 | Mercato di Mezzo Bologna, Italy |
2,900 | 5,500 | 19 | 1,457 | 9,876 |
| 29 | Les Halles de Dijon Dijon, France |
2,300 | 1,000 | 15 | 215 | 3,530 |
| 30 | Mercado de Olhão Olhão, Portugal |
250 | 700 | 2 | 549 | 1,501 |
| 31 | Olivar Market Palma, Majorca, Spain |
160 | 200 | 42 | 1,013 | 1,415 |
1. Borough Market, London, UK
Borough Market ranks first on our list as Europe's most popular food market, boasting an impressive final score of nearly one million points.
Located in Southwark, it's been serving the London community for over 1,000 years, making it one of the oldest food markets in Europe too.
With an impressive average monthly search volume of 349,000, 587,000 Instagram posts, 15,300 TikTok posts and 13,994 Tripadvisor reviews, Borough Market is one of the most talked about foodie destinations on the planet.
It's renowned for an extensive selection of high-quality, international foods, offering everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to exotic spices and gourmet street food. Its stalls are run by passionate producers, eager to share the stories behind their cherished products.
The market's energetic atmosphere coupled with its history establish it as a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Europe's food scene.
2. La Boquería, Barcelona, Spain
Ranking second on our list, La Boquería, officially known as Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boquería, is a vibrant and bustling food market located in the heart of Barcelona.
Situated on Las Ramblas, it's a kaleidoscopic display of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood and meats. La Boquería has a colourful history dating back to the 13th century, and it remains a central hub for both locals and tourists.
The market's vast numbers of Google searches, Instagram hashtags, TikTok posts and Tripadvisor reviews reflect its immense popularity.
It's famous for its array of Spanish delicacies and tapas, such as Jamón Ibérico, world-class seafood and an impressive selection of cheeses. You can also enjoy freshly prepared meals from various food stalls and bars within the market itself.
Thanks to its lively atmosphere and sheer variety of high-quality products, La Boquería is the essential Spanish stopover for any food-loving explorer in Europe.
3. Naschmarkt, Vienna, Austria
Vienna's Naschmarkt ranks third on our list. This historic market, dating from the 16th century, is one of the city's most beloved landmarks.
Stretching over 1.5 km along the Wienzeile, the Naschmarkt is renowned for its eclectic mix of Austrian and international foods.
It features over 120 stalls and shops offering a wide variety of Austrian produce, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, spices and speciality items from around the world.
One of the highlights of Naschmarkt is its diverse selection of eateries, where you can sample anything from traditional Austrian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine.
It's the market's historic charm, vibrant atmosphere and mixed offerings which establish it as a favourite destination for those seeking a real taste of Vienna's culture.
4. Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid, Spain
Spain's second top 10 entry is the Mercado de San Miguel, located in the heart of Madrid near Plaza Mayor. It's a gastronomic paradise that offers a true taste of Spanish cuisine.
This old market, housed in a beautifully restored iron-and-glass structure, dates back to 1916 and is the city's most popular culinary destination.
With 34,200 monthly Google searches, 64,000 Instagram posts, 2,432 TikTok posts and 34,484 Tripadvisor reviews it's easy to see its mass appeal with locals and tourists.
Mercado de San Miguel is renowned for tapas (claro!) made from the finest seafood, meats and vegetables, along with a wide selection of Spanish wines, and you can explore an array of stalls offering fresh produce and gourmet delicacies.
The market features numerous bars and taperias (eateries) where you'll dine on freshly prepared dishes and ice-cold drinks in an inviting, social atmosphere.
Thanks to its stunning architecture and exceptional culinary offerings, Mercado de San Miguel is a must-visit for any true food enthusiast.
5. Reffen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Reffen is Copenhagen's largest street food market, located in the city's trendy Refshaleøen area. This innovative market is known for its sustainable food concepts and edgy, urban atmosphere.
Reffen features over 50 food stalls and trucks offering a range of international cuisines, from Danish smørrebrød to Mexican tacos and Korean BBQ.
The market is a popular spot for locals and tourists, providing an engaging dining experience with its waterfront location and an 'industrial-chic' setting.
In addition, Reffen hosts various events and activities, including live music, workshops and art exhibitions, positioning it as a standout destination in Copenhagen's cultural scene.
6. Foodhallen, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Located in the hip Oud-West neighbourhood of Amsterdam, Foodhallen is an indoor food market that offers a huge variety of street food. Housed in a former tram depot, it combines an industrial feel with a modern atmosphere.
The market features numerous food stalls and bars with everything from Dutch bitterballen and fresh seafood to Asian dim sum and American-style burgers. Take your pick of craft beers, cocktails and wines from the market's bars, too.
Regular live music, DJ sets and events turn this market into a lively and dynamic spot at weekends. It's a must-visit destination when in Amsterdam.
7. Portobello Road Market, London, UK
Portobello Road Market is one of London's most famous. Known primarily for its antiques, the market has steadily developed a street food scene since the 1990s when it began being championed by celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver.
Located in the colourful Notting Hill neighbourhood, it stretches over two miles and offers a wide variety of foodie goods, all jostling for position amongst the vintage clothing and collectables.
The food section of Portobello Road Market is particularly impressive, featuring an array of street food stalls serving dishes from around the world. From Caribbean jerk chicken to Spanish paella, you can tuck into a zingy array of flavours and cuisines in a bustling atmosphere with an eclectic mix of vendors and producers.
Looking for an affordable escape? Discover the cheapest cities to visit in Europe.
8. Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon, Portugal
Mercado da Ribeira, also known as Time Out Market, is Lisbon's premier food market. Offering a curated selection of the best Portuguese cuisine, it has become quite the culinary hotspot.
The market boasts around 14,000 monthly Google searches, 40,000 Instagram posts, 102 TikTok posts and 1,239 Tripadvisor reviews, resulting in a final score of 55,341.
It may not be as popular as the ones above, but it holds a strong reputation with locals and those who know.
Mercado da Ribeira features an impressive variety of stalls offering everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to innovative modern cuisine. If you like pastries, this is the place for you.
9. St George's Market, Belfast, UK
The UK's third entry, St George's Market, ranks ninth on our list and is one of Belfast's oldest attractions, offering a variety of local produce and artisanal goods.
The market is a popular destination known for its lively atmosphere and diverse selection of products. It features fresh seafood, meats, vegetables and baked goods, along with crafts and antiques. It also hosts regular events, including live music and themed market days.
St George's Market is a part of this region's identity and one of the best ways to soak up the culinary and cultural scene of Northern Ireland.
10. Mercato Centrale, Florence, Italy
Ranking tenth on our list, Mercato Centrale in Florence is a hub of Italian delights.
Located in the historic San Lorenzo district, this market offers a great swathe of fresh produce including meats, cheeses and traditional Italian dishes.
Unusually, it's split into two levels: the ground floor hosts traditional vendors selling high-quality ingredients, while the upper floor, a modern food court, features a wide range of eateries serving everything from classic pasta and pizza to innovative culinary creations.
Feast on food in the busy dining area or participate in cooking classes and tastings.
Best time to visit Europe's food markets
Timing is crucial when planning a visit to Europe's food markets, as it can significantly impact your experience.
The best time to visit these markets often depends on several factors, including the season, local events and the type of produce available. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you determine the optimal time for you.
Spring
Spring is probably overall the best time to visit Europe's food markets. As the weather warms up, markets blossom with fresh produce, flowers and seasonal specialities.
In Southern Europe, such as Spain and Italy, spring brings an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. Markets like La Boquería in Barcelona and Mercato Centrale in Florence buzz with activity as locals and tourists enjoy the mild weather and fresh offerings.
In addition, spring festivals and holidays, such as Easter, often feature special market events and renowned local delicacies.
Summer
Summer is the peak tourist season in Europe and food markets are no exception. Markets are full of energy in summer, offering a wide array of fresh, seasonal produce. But they are busy and, crucially, can be hot!
In Northern Europe, summer is the time for berries, cherries and other soft and stone fruits, making the likes of Borough Market in London and Naschmarkt in Vienna particularly appealing.
Many markets extend their hours and host special events, such as night markets and food festivals. Just be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices, especially in popular tourist destinations.
Autumn
Autumn is another fantastic season to visit European food markets. As the harvest season begins, markets fill with fresh seasonal produce, including pumpkins, mushrooms, apples and root vegetables.
This is the perfect time to experience the culinary traditions of Europe, with many markets showcasing local harvest festivals. For example, the Great Market Hall in Budapest and Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid showcase autumnal treats from fresh truffles to hearty stews.
The cooler weather also makes it more comfortable to explore markets, all without the summer crowds.
Winter
Winter brings a certain charm to Europe's food markets, especially during the holiday season. Many markets transform into festive wonderlands, offering seasonal treats, hot drinks and holiday decorations.
Christmas markets, in particular, are a highlight, with places like St George's Market in Belfast and the Christmas Market at Naschmarkt in Vienna drawing people from all over the world.
Although the variety of fresh produce may be limited compared to other seasons, winter markets offer plenty of preserved goods, cheeses, meats and baked goods. Just be prepared for cold, wet weather!
Local events & weekends
Apart from seasonal variations, it's also essential to consider local events and weekends when planning your visit. Many markets host special events, such as farmers' markets, artisanal fairs and food festivals, which can enhance your experience.
Checking the market's schedule in advance will help you weave them into your plans.
Additionally, weekends are usually the busiest times for markets, so if you prefer a less crowded experience, visiting on a weekday might be a better option.
Methodology & sources
We began ranking Europe's most popular food markets by compiling a list of the 31 markets mentioned in various existing rankings that we found on the first page under the Google search results for "Europe best food markets".
We then evaluated each market based on several key metrics: average Google monthly search volume (data from Ahrefs), the number of Instagram posts, TikTok posts and Tripadvisor reviews.
The final score for each market was calculated as the sum of these four metrics, providing a comprehensive measure of its popularity.
Average search volume
We extracted data from Ahrefs, the go-to tool for precise and up-to-date Google search data. The search volume is global, meaning it covers Google searches from all over the world.
To calculate the monthly search volume for each market, we included keywords in the original language as well as possible variations and English renderings.
For example, for Mercado de San Miguel (Madrid, Spain), we included the Spanish "mercado de san miguel" and "mercado san miguel," as well as the English rendering "san miguel market."
Additionally, we accounted for related keywords like "mercado san miguel opening times," "san miguel market opening times," "mercado san miguel reviews," etc.
Instagram posts
We counted the number of times the given market was hashtagged, as Instagram does not allow counting the actual number of posts about a market, which may or may not contain hashtags.
Once again, we accounted for variations in phrasing. For instance, for Mercado de San Miguel, we included hashtags like #mercadosanmiguel, #mercadodesanmiguel, and #sanmiguelmarket.
TikTok posts
This metric followed a similar approach to Instagram. We included the number of times the market was hashtagged on TikTok, accounting for variations in phrasing to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Tripadvisor reviews
Here, we simply looked at the total number of reviews left by Tripadvisor users for each market. This straightforward metric clearly reflected the engagement and popularity of the market among visitors.
Final score
The final score for each market was calculated as the sum of these four metrics, providing a comprehensive measure of each market's popularity and online presence.
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