In what will surprise many Europeans, Google research from travel analysts Radical Storage claims London is the best city in Europe for food markets following by Spanish cities Madrid and Barcelona.
The analysis of more than 300,000 Google reviews surveyed those markets with the best food and offering the most value for money.
Key findings
- The research indicated London is Europe’s best food market city, with 33 markets across the city and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.
- Spain dominates the top 10, with four of the best cities for foodies located there.
- Cologne’s Markthalle Körnerstraße (average rating 4.9) is the highest-rated food market in Europe.
- Copenhagen’s Tivoli Food Hall is Europe’s most expensive food market, where a meal, beer and soft drink will cost an average of €49.96.
- Valencia’s Mercat Central is the cheapest market, at just €8.42 for a meal, beer and soft drink.
Tourists visiting the Boqueria Market, the most famous market in Barcelona.
The markets, from London’s Borough Market to Amsterdam’s Albert Cuyp Market, have also become sources of municipal pride, as well as a cultural melting pot where international cuisines from the cities’ immigrant communities take centre stage. They are also a vital part of Europe’s food and drinks industry, which turned over €1.1 trillion in 2023.
The research criteria analysed all cities that have at least five food markets and created a simple index that took into account the average Google Reviews rating of all markets within the city and the number of markets in total.
With a combined score of 8.36, London was rated No.1 as Europe’s best food market city. And with 33 markets and an average rating of 4.5 stars, the British capital stands above all others.
Locals and tourists alike love London’s food markets, giving them an average rating of 4.5 stars. Apart from trendy upscale Camden to the city’s oldest space Borough Market, two hidden gem markets also helped it stand above the rest. Islington’s Junction Market and Southwark’s Tabard Street Market both rated at 4.7 stars.
Four Spanish cities — Madrid (index rating of 7.25), Barcelona (6.56), Zaragoza (4.86) and Valencia (4.59) all feature in the top 10, making Spain a must-visit destination if you’re looking for great street food.
In Spain, Madrid’s hidden gem Understreet Market (4.8 star Google rating) appears to be the pick of the bunch with its variety of home-grown classics and globally inspired food vendors.