The Travelling Surveyor

Food markets around the world offer a feast for the senses, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of different cultures.

From the bustling Borough Market in London, where the air is filled with different aromas, to “Mercado dos Lavradores” in Madeira, famous for its fresh seafood and the popular local fish “Peixe Espada Preto” (Black swordfish), each market provides a unique experience.

In Lisbon, the vibrant Time-Out market buzz with stalls preparing sizzling cod dishes and fragrant “Caldo Verde” soups right in front of you. Meanwhile, in Mercato Centrale, Florence, stalls overflow with colourful produce, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses. Each market is a reflection of its community, offering not only food but a glimpse into local traditions and daily life.

These markets are more than just places to shop; they are cultural hubs where people gather, connect, and celebrate their heritage through food. Whether you are a traveler seeking new flavours or a local looking for fresh ingredients, food markets around the world provide a memorable culinary adventure.

We love to explore food markets on our trips. All the colours and vibrance that markets have transport us to a magical world of food. I selected some photos of the nicest markets we visited in the last few years in order of our preference.

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1 – Borough Market – London – UK

To read more head to: London at Christmas time – Day 2

2 – Mercado Municipal – São Paulo – Brazil

To read more head to: São Paulo – Day 2

3 – Mercado dos Lavradores – Madeira – Portugal

To read more head to: Madeira – Day 2

4 – Covent Garden – London – UK

To read more head to: London at Christmas – Day 1

5 – Mercato Centrale – Florence – Italy

To read more head to: Florence – Day 2

6 – Mercado Central – Cádiz – Spain

To read more head to: Cádiz – Day 2

7 – Sarlat-la-Canéda Market – France

To read more head to: Sarlat-la Canéda

8 – Mercado Municipal – Curitiba – PR – Brazil

To read more head to: Curitiba – Brazil

9 – Domme Market – France

To read more head to: Domme, France

10 – Marché des Enfant Rouge – Paris – France

To read more head to: Paris – Day 2

11 – Cambridge Market – Cambridge – UK

To read more head to: A day out in Cambridge

12 – Time-Out Market – Lisbon – Portugal

To read more head to: Lisbon – Day 3

I hope these photos inspire you to include markets on your own trips. Below, I’m including some links to some of the nicest markets we visited and some links to some very good food tours on these markets:

1 – Borough Market – London – UK

Explore London’s most famous food market with an expert guide. Savour the flavours of the English capital and hear the fascinating history behind the market and British cuisine. Book it HERE.

2 – Mercado Municipal de São Paulo – Brazil

Visit the key gastronomic sites of Sao Paulo. See lively local markets and be immersed in the culture of Brazil through the foods and flavours that make it so unique. Hear the shouts of local merchants and learn to prepare a famous Brazilian speciality. Book it HERE.

3 – Mercado dos Lavradores – Madeira – Portugal

Discover Funchal’s culinary delights on a guided walking tour. Taste local foods and wines while gaining insight into Madeira’s culture as you visit local producers, bars, and markets. Book it HERE.

For some inspiration on where to go in your next trip and visit some famous markets you might want to check out the following posts:

A day visiting Sarlat-la-Canéda -The best things to see and do in a day

The best of London at Christmas Time – Day 2