Experience exotic ingredients and lifestyles at open-air markets around the world

By Rita

Getting close to "local life" has gradually become a main theme in the travel market in recent years. Ditching those boutique stores and superficial shopping-only itineraries, more and more people enjoy immersing themselves in the day-to-day life of their destinations and exploring how locals live. "Traditional markets" are one of the must-visits, as they allow travelers to see the most authentic side of daily life. The USAToday website has compiled10 renowned open-air markets around the world, where you can find exotic ingredients and daily necessities. How could travelers miss out on these!?

▲ Barcelona La Boqueria (Photo / Wikipedia)

1. Barcelona La Boqueria, Spain
This market dates back to the 13th century and is a must-visit spot for many foodies, offering items such as seafood, juices, vegetables, spices, and meats.

2. London Borough Market, UK
This market also likely originated in the 13th century and is very important to London. With over 100 stalls meeting the city’s demands, the food sold here is of high quality. It’s recommended to visit on Thursdays or weekends when you can find some great desserts.

▲ Helsinki Kauppatori (Photo / Wikipedia)

3. Helsinki Kauppatori, Finland
Located by the harbor, this market offers traditional Finnish foods, as well as sausages made from bear, elk, and reindeer meat. Salmon and herring are also specialties — try the smoked reindeer sandwich.

4. Antibes Marché Provençal, France
Also located by the harbor, Marché Provençal is filled with fresh produce, mainly from the Provence region, such as foie gras, honey, lavender, and cheese.

▲ Marrakech, Morocco (Photo / Wikipedia)

5. Marrakech, Morocco
Comprised of several markets that form one massive bazaar, this is the place to go for local foods such as dates, figs, walnuts, and cashews. In addition to food, you’ll find carpets, leather goods, metalwork, lamps, Muslim clothing, baskets, perfumes, and more.

6. Portland Farmer's Market
Started in 1992, three social activists joined forces to keep local produce in Portland. To date, there are 250 stalls spread across six locations in the city, all committed to being local, organic, and seasonal.

7. Venice Rialto Market, Italy
Rialto Market is one of the oldest markets in Venice, with a history dating back to the 11th century. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you’ll find a lot of freshly landed seafood. If you visit in season, you can also find wild berries unique to Venice.

▲ Tsukiji Market, Tokyo (Photo / Wikipedia)

8. Tokyo Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market is a paradise for seafood lovers, featuring over 400 varieties of seafood, such as premium caviar and sea urchin, all available at relatively affordable prices.

9. New York Union Square Greenmarket
This area used to be one of the most crime-ridden parts of Manhattan, but the market completely transformed it. Products here come from farmers, fishmongers, and bakers from over 140 regions. At its busiest, up to 60,000 people visited the market daily.

10. Belém Ver-o-Peso, Brazil
Located near Guajará Bay in the Amazon River, this market features a large selection of fresh food, mostly fruit and fish.