Food Markets: In the Belly of the City

The Mercato di San Lorenzo, or Mercato Centrale (Central Market) in romantic Florence, is Tuscany's true gem, as here, there's only one motto: taste, in all its glorious simplicity and authenticity.

Unquestionably, there's no better place than the centrally-located and well-covered food market of Marché Victor Hugo to get a general view and to feel the beating heart of Toulouse's vivid food scene. Here, one can find aromatic black truffles, fragrant Rocamadour cheese, tender foie gras, and white beans for a truly traditional cassoulet dish, as the Michelin-starred chef, Michel Sarràn, introduces us to the town's hidden food treasures.

In the bustling farmers' market of Dolac in the city district of Zagreb in Croatia, one can't help but feel the air of a bygone time, when old ladies used to sell fresh vegetables and exquisite cheese. Covering an area from the scenic Mediterranean islands to the rugged Austrian Alps, the heart of Croatia's thriving food scene beats right in the bosom of the town, offering freshly-caught hake, humble but tasty Baltic snacks, and a one-of-a-kind Turkey breed.

Riga's Centraltirgus in Latvia is Europe's largest market and food bazaar. Only a hair's breadth away from the Art Nouveau Old Town, unexpected discoveries await, such as rye-bread making, soviet milk sausages, grilled lampreys, and hemp butter. This enormous historic market sells anything you would ever imagine, ranging from flowers to clothing, and from shoes to baked goods and fresh berries.

The Freiburger Münstermarkt, or the Freiburg Cathedral Market, is a lively open-air food market in the heart of the old town, and a wild parade of vibrant colours from the flower stalls and the wide variety of fresh produce. Overflowing with succulent vegetables and fruits ranging from pumpkins, apples, pears, and grapes, Freiburg's inexhaustible local products are offered on weekdays, making this cheerful traditional market a must-see for the true food lover.