Europe’s historic food halls and covered markets are the perfect spot for grabbing a bite to eat and trying new foods when traveling. (cceliaphoto (Adobe Stock))
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It’s 10 p.m. and my family wanders inside a large steel and glass structure, perusing the options amidst noisy bustling and delicious smells. My son meanders while he munches on a few croquettes. I help my daughter choose an adorable pizzetta with fresh mozzarella and basil while my husband is a few feet away eyeing the pintxos.
We are at the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, Spain. It’s a great place to taste new fare without committing to an entire meal, and the food choices make it a place everyone can agree on. Visiting indoor markets, and especially European food halls, is a staple for our vacations. Not only is it fun to explore the variety, but they are great for both foodies, ordinary eaters and families with varied diets.
We are at the Mercado de San Miguel in Madrid, Spain. (Günter Menzl (Adobe Stock))
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Covered markets are often located in historic places where their structures replaced older outdoor farmer’s markets. Many were built in the 1800s when industrialization brought higher numbers of people into cities and controlling the hygiene of food sold on the streets was a concern. During this heyday of market hall culture, many were built in steel and glass, a new popular architecture of the time. However, popularity waned following World War II and the advent of grocery stores, supermarkets and fast food. Nonetheless, some market halls remained and saw revitalization beginning in the 1970s with a renewed interest in locally sourced ingredients and cuisine.
Today, when traveling, a visit to these markets can make for a really fun dining experience. An independent vendor runs each stall, so you may get a fresh fruit stand beside a minced pie vendor across from a stall selling garden plants. Every market hall is different, too. Many combine a food hall with a shopping market, some only sell food and have stools and tables for seating while others have different morning and evening vendors.
Here are some historic food hall markets worth a visit.
This 100-year-old steel and glass structure is open late into the evening with vendors offering high-quality tapas, local meats and cheeses, and a few places to grab a drink.
Built in 1770 and one of the oldest markets in England, this place has it all: products from independent local and international traders and food from all over the world.
Built in 1615 and the oldest market on this list, this place has a relaxed vibe and is full of fresh produce and a handful of eclectic prepared food stalls.
Built in 1615 and the oldest market on this list, this place has a relaxed vibe and is full of fresh produce and a handful of eclectic prepared food stalls. (Sophie Animes (Adobe Stock))
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With both an indoor and outdoor section, this market has fresh produce, meats, cheeses and flowers in addition to bakeries and a small restaurant.
While the market here is new, it occupies a historic tram depot from 1902. Inside, head to “De Foodhallen” for lots of international food stalls and cafeteria-style seating.
Popular with locals and tourists, this historic multi-level market is known for its artisanal food and soaring wooden arches.
Popular with locals and tourists, this historic multi-level market is known for its artisanal food and soaring wooden arches. (Sharkshock (Adobe Stock))
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Of Berlin’s original 14 market halls built in the 1890s, only three remain and IX (nine, or neun in German) is the best for a grazing lunch and weekly events.
This huge open hall, with its red brick Gothic exterior and brutalist concrete interior arches, is mostly grocery vendors and a few worth-the-stop café bars.
