Culinary journeys of discovery: The best street food markets in Europe

Culinary journeys of discovery: The best street food markets in Europe

For travelers, the culinary enjoyment of local specialties is often simply part of their holiday experience. It doesn't always have to be an expensive visit to a restaurant. Street food is the delicious alternative that comes with an authentic, urban feeling in major European cities. Our article is intended to awaken the desire to enjoy and shows some of the best street food markets on our continent.

Immerse yourself in city life with your palate

Preferences on a holiday trip vary widely. Some love Hiking or trekking, while others love hours on the beach or strolling through the large shopping centers. All trips have one thing in common: you have to eat and drink. Young travelers in particular like to go on a special journey of discovery and get to know the exclusive special features of the destination country through street food.

In almost every metropolis there is a regular or seasonal opportunity to discover the local highlights and discover new real specialties every few meters. Compared to going to a restaurant, this is usually cheaper, and thanks to the small portions, you can immerse yourself in the culinary world of the destination country several times.

Three European highlights at a glance

Large street food markets characterize the culinary scene of many major cities on our continent. Here are three absolute top addresses to really enjoy the hustle and bustle of the big city:

1. In Barcelona, ​​La Rambla with its street food market is a top address for seafood from the nearby Mediterranean, popular with locals and tourists alike. Real Spanish bocadillos can be enjoyed here as well as exciting smoothies. Special insights are also provided in the Catalan cuisine granted, whereby the selection does not have to hide behind any tapas bar.

2. The roots of Borough Market in London date back to the 13th century. A lot has changed in the structure and design of the market, but many specialties have remained the same. Connoisseurs can expect a variety of British cheeses and filled donuts as well as pulled pork - all of which is integrated into the historical flair of the market stalls.

3. Speaking of tapas: you can find a real variety of this kind at the Mercado de San Miguel near the Plaza Mayor in the Spanish capital Madrid. Also known as the “glass market”, almost everything that characterizes traditional Spanish cuisine can be enjoyed here, from oysters to Iberian ham. With a history of over 100 years, the market has managed to retain its original character despite all the tourism.

Practical tips for planning trips

Many “foodies” want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and tend to look for holiday accommodation outside of the big city. In addition to using public transport, you can also... own vehicle at the destination be useful in order to remain dynamic and flexible. A particularly useful piece of advice for... Visiting markets in Germany. Providers of such short-term rentals often allow you to use the vehicle for just a single day.

On site, market visitors can quickly become overwhelmed when it comes to what to really enjoy from the variety. A comprehensive walk through the market is the ideal way to get an overview of what is on offer. Only then can you decide, depending on the time of day and your budget, what you want to remember as a culinary delight.

By the way: In many holiday resorts there are the most beautiful beaches or well-known museums not far from the street food markets. This means the excursion can easily be combined with other highlights for a truly varied, creative travel experience.