food markets: where the locals shop

June 7th, 2012

We’ve found that hanging with locals is the best way to experience a new destination authentically – and where better to do that than at a local market? USA Today lists the greatest food markets around the world and many happen to be in some of our favorite cities (including NYC – check out the Union Square Greenmarket right near our office!). Whether they’re called markets, bazaars or souks, you’ll find tasty treats in any of these sweet spots, so be sure to stop by and grab a quick snack while sightseeing.

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech Souk

Navigating through the maze of souks might be a little overwhelming at first, but we guarantee you will be delighted by fresh spices, oils, and olives. Complete your stay at the Royal Mansour Marrakech, where many of these ingredients can be found in the cuisine in the hotel’s three restaurants, overseen by thrice Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alleno.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe Farmers Market

After a relaxing stay at the cozy Inn on the Alameda, start your day with a trip into town for some shopping and people watching at the Santa Fe Farmers Market, which hosts 150 vendors in a LEED-certified building in the Santa Fe Railyard. Retreat back to the rustic Inn for a little R&R before exploring more of the oldest capital city in the nation.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Wochenmarkt

Guests staying at the elegant Palace Luzerne can enjoy both the beautiful Alpine scenery and the proximity to the heart of town – and don’t forget one of Switzerland’s best food markets! Stroll along the Reuss River while shopping for nuts, fruits, and mushrooms, or pick up one of the Wochenmarkt’s own cookbooks. This market also makes for a great day trip from Geneva (just 3 hours away) and at La Réserve Geneva, guests can take the new Tesla Roadsters out for a spin on their way to the market.

London, England

Borough Market

Made famous by scenes in blockbuster films, like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the centuries-old Borough Market invites locals and tourists alike to pop in and perhaps duck out of the rain. Fresh fruits and homemade breads in the summer and warm drinks and decadent desserts in the winter – there’s always a good time to visit this market. It is just a quick Tube ride from the Metropolitan London, where guests can take advantage of the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa, or The Halkin, one of the first design-led boutique hotels in the world.

 

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