No traveler can hope to truly understand a destination without trying the cuisine, but a food market is where the local flavor all begins. It’s here where chefs source their ingredients early in the morning, residents buy fresh produce throughout the day and the sights, sounds, scents and tastes stimulate the throng of tourists who visit. Best of all, food markets are part of history, offering a slice of culture that hasn’t changed for centuries. These bustling, exciting and photogenic food markets are some of our favorites on this planet.

Talad Kaset, Phuket

Bangkok may be home to some of the best markets in Thailand but Talad Kaset in Phuket is hot on its heels as a strong contender. It’s certainly the most visited in the tropical destination. Markets are integral to Thai culture, offering a glimpse to the local lifestyle, and Talad Kaset is no different. This busy night market in Phuket Town is buzzing after hours, where small stools and tables are brought out to the street while vendors cook up authentic (and delicious) traditional Thai dishes like pork noodle soup, Thai salads, morning glory and Pad Thai. Traditional Thai beverages you can hardly find in US Thai restaurants (like sweet ginger tea) are good to the last drop. Naturally, like any great market, fresh produce, seafood and vegetables are also sold here.
Where to stay in Phuket

Marché Bastille, Paris 

The croissants! The cheese! The charcuterie! The wine! We love France for its food culture, and food markets here are a bona fide tourist attraction for visitors and locals alike. One of the most renowned markets on every chef and foodie’s radar, and arguably the best open-air market in the country, is Marché Bastille, boasting not only typical French staples but ethnic stalls to boot. Visitors who stroll the lovely streets find a fantastic selection of local cheeses, fish, chicken and beautiful piles of fruit, vegetables and olives. In fact, it’s not unlikely to buy a few items and have a lunch right in the park. Adding variety to Marché Bastille is the number of vendors selling art, handicrafts and accessories for souvenirs.
Where to stay in Paris

Ballaro Market, Sicily

A true neighborhood market, Ballaro Market in Sicily is a cultural highlight where Italian vendors yell out the products they sell, visitors crowd the tiny stalls and the myriad colors and smells dazzle all senses. It’s all about the fresh-caught fish here, but stands also feature meat, vegetables, and traditional Italian foods like pasta. There are also more exotic flavors for the adventurous gourmands like intestine soup and fried cow offal. Ballaro is the oldest food market in Palermo and one of the most sought-after attractions in the region. Ballaro Market’s hasn’t changed much since opening a thousand years ago – this is as authentic as it gets.
Where to stay in Sicily

Castries Market, St. Lucia

The Caribbean may be one of the last places you’d consider finding a top food market but Castries Market is exceptional for the islands. It’s been serving visitors and locals since 1894, and it features the Caribbean’s freshest assortment of traditional island favorites like breadfruits, tropical fruits, spices, rotis and daily fishermen’s catches. In fact, it’s become the central hub for most all islanders’ essential needs (and beats the neighborhood grocery store). Makeshift kitchens at the end of the market offer everything from soups to pudding, and the laid-back Caribbean vibe is not to be missed. It’s not the most glamorous market by any means, but a terrific cultural experience for visitors to this beautiful island.
Where to stay in St Lucia

La Boqueria, Barcelona 

Considered one of Barcelona’s most famous attractions, La Boqueria has been thriving since the 13th century, making it one of the longest-running food markets in the world, meaning it’s served as the preferred market for top chefs in the city for literally hundreds of years. The seamless layout and very Spanish atmosphere of this Mediterranean market lends to a delightful experience among fresh seafood and produce, artisanal foods, regional specialties and, of course, that famous Iberico Jamon! There are six restaurants here that serve tasting menus with ingredients straight from the market for an authentic farm-to-table experience, and there is even a culinary school for visitors who want to get their chops on with Spanish food.