based on a quick scroll through my iPhone photos, it's safe to say I've got a thing for local markets...there are at least 75 pictures from different locations around the world. a good market is, in my opinion, the best place to immerse yourself in a cities local culture. whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat or picking up the ingredients for dinner, something about strolling through a market and taking in all the vendors and smells is an experience you’re sure not to forget.

my daily vacation today was a visit to Union Market in Washington DC. an up and coming neighborhood, the market is in the heart of a warehouse district that is undergoing a lot of renovations and construction. not all vendors were open during my visit, a shift I'm sure was caused by the pandemic. none the less, I was able to enjoy lunch (a delicious shrimp bahn mi) from The District Fish Wife along with a bourbon hot toddy from La Jambe. it was a beautiful sunny December day, so I took my lunch outside to their spacious patio.

along with my lunch from The District Fish Wife, I purchased trout roe to have for New Years Eve and stopped by Neopol Smokery where I picked up smoked salmon and garlic to take home.

Union Market also boasts a welcoming rooftop patio space, which would be a welcome addition for enjoying your food and drinks in the warmer months. I am definitely looking forward to visiting again to check out the other vendors that I missed.

some of my favorite markets below, in no particular order.

Weilerbach, Germany: my very first European market experience. I was visiting friends who were stationed at the army base outside of Frankfurt and on Sunday, we drove to the local market. I was pleasantly surprised at the livelihood of the place. there was a band playing, biers and spritzes being poured and giant white asparagus I’d never seen before. I was hooked.

Borough Market, London England: one of my favorite markets for grabbing a bite to eat, I’ve made it a point to go to Borough Market every time I visit London for work. there are so many options that it usually takes me an hour of perusing the selection to make a choice, but I’ve never been disappointed. from donuts to duck sandwiches to a Pimms cup, they’ve literally got it all.

Kiev, Ukraine: my memory of the market in Kiev is a standout because of the shock value experienced. as we approached the counter of a butcher looking to buy meat, we were surprised to find that the meat was laying out, without ice or refrigeration, on the counter. we exchanged glances and went for it. as we watched the woman bundle up our purchase, we handed over our Ukrainian hryvnia to be further surprised that she didn’t wash her hands before handling the cash and returning us our change. regulations vary in every country, and sometimes you just roll with the punches.

Athens, Greece: I stumbled upon the farmers market in Athens literally because it was set up right outside my Airbnb door. talk about placing yourself in the right place at the right time. there were olives, fresh fruit and the best smelling breads. I picked up everything to make breakfast and headed back to the Airbnb excited about my luck.

Christkindl Markt, Zurich Switzerland: the timing on my work trip to Switzerland was perfect for me to catch a European Christmas market, and Zurich’s was a standout. besides the stunning Swarovski Christmas tree, there were roasted chestnuts, warm melty raclette cheese and all the warm drinks you could desire.

Torvehallerne, Copenhagen Denmark: one of the most aesthetically pleasing markets, Torvehallerne boasts an inside market with a champagne bar to die for, plus fresh offerings outside (covered in a beautiful dusting of snow when I visited, picturesque). unlike other market buildings I’d visited, this market is surrounded by all glass walls, proving the Danes have this architecture thing down.

Nice, France: I fell in love with pain au chocolat at this local market, located conveniently down the street from my beachside hotel. among other favorites were the fresh prosciutto and mozzarella cheese that we packed up for our day at the beach.

Mallorca and Barcelona Spain: two completely different markets, but loved them all the same. the selection of fresh fruits, meats and cheeses was astounding. Mercat de La Boqueria in Barcelona ranks as my top market experience to date.