The Best Food Markets in Europe

Amsterdam’s De Foodhallen is a hive of activity and packed full of delectable food options. The impressive renovated 19th-century tram depot serves as the perfect setting in which to sample a selection of regional and international dishes.

There are various food stalls and trucks for informal diners, as well as several celebrated restaurants located in the complex. If all that’s not enough, there’s a movie house next door perfect for winding down in the evening.

How to get there by train: Amsterdam is a major rail hub in Europe, and there are regular high-speed trains to the city from across the continent. Regional trains can easily connect you to most cities in the Benelux region.

Copenhagen’s no stranger to street food and popular markets. Torvehallerne is perhaps the most famous of the lot and for good reason. There you’ll find a range of gourmet items, from wine and chocolate to bread and spices. If you’re not feeling particularly hungry, you can just wander the vibrant aisles while sipping on a hot cup of coffee and pick up some items for later in the day.

How to get there by train: As a primary rail hub, there are regular trains to Copenhagen from throughout Denmark. There are also easy connections from neighbouring countries.

Le Marché Raspail is a quintessentially French market on Paris’s Left Bank. It oozes true Parisian charm and is slightly more polished than other typical food markets in Europe. You can pick up staple French supplies like bread, cheese, and a range of local pastries. But on Sundays, a selection of high-end food trucks roll in to serve delicious fresh meals.

How to get there by train: There are eight train stations in Paris that receive trains from throughout the country and continent. As a leading rail hub, there are regular trains to the French capital, including several overnight trains to cities further away.

Also known as the Time Out Market due to the large travel publication that renovated the beautiful old building, this is a one-stop food destination for any visitors to Lisbon.

It borders on being more slick and polished rather than totally authentic. But the high quality and reasonable prices of the dishes on offer more than make up for the somewhat sterile atmosphere.

How to get there by train: Lisbon is easy to reach by rail from within Portugal. It’s a convenient train ride from both northern and southern Portuguese cities.

Berlin’s Markthalle is one of the last remaining original market halls in the German capital, and it doesn’t disappoint. There are popular events on certain days of the week, but none are as bustling as Street Food Thursday.

This is one of the biggest and most popular street food festivals in the city. You can pick up a wide range of goods, both local and international. There are also several bars in the area to help quench your thirst.

How to get there by train: Berlin is a well-connected rail hub. There are regular trains to the city from throughout the country. Many cities also offer long-distance and overnight trains.

There’s a certain charm to Vienna’s Naschmarkt that you won’t find at any other food market in Europe. Its location next to The Vienna Secession art gallery sets the perfect tone for an evening of delectable food. You’ll find a range of international dishes, as well as various traditional Austrian dishes such as schnitzels and pancakes.

How to get there by train: Vienna is easy to reach by rail from across Austria. There are also regular connections from neighbouring countries such as Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Germany.

The building that houses this Swedish market is worth the visit alone. It’s a slick iron and glass building that dates back to the late 1800s. But venture inside, and you’ll discover a world of delectable goods. There’s a range of fresh fish, sushi and several other items such as cheeses and meats that you can eat there or take away.

The true drawcard of this market, however, is its chocolate. You’ll find spectacular Swedish chokladsnittar, or chocolate slices, that may just have you coming back for more.

How to get there by train: Although it's a little more isolated than other mainland European capitals, there are regular trains to Stockholm from nearby capitals Oslo (Norway) and Copenhagen (Denmark). Local rail travel to Stockholm is also quick and efficient.

Budapest’s Great Market Hall is a stunning destination to visit for the architecture alone. This impressive building feels like a train station, and in many ways, mirrors the work by Gustave Eiffel and Gaudí.

Most people head to the market for the famous Hungarian dish Lángos, but you’ll also be able to track down other delectable Hungarian meals, snacks and drinks.

How to get there by train: There are regular trains to Hungary from most local destinations, as well as nearby capitals Vienna, Prague, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Bratislava.

Most dining in the Spanish capital tends towards tapas in fixed restaurants. But the beautiful Mercado de San Miguel is starting to make a name for itself as a must-visit destination for foodies.

The vibrant market overflows with people strolling down the narrow aisles between a range of food stalls. You’ll find modern spins on traditional tapas delicious, with most stands specializing in just one or two local delicacies.

How to get there by train: Madrid is a major rail hub and easy to reach by train from throughout Spain. There are also long-distance and overnight trains from neighbouring France and Portugal.