The Best Trips for Visiting Food Markets Around the World

Joel Rabinowitz

Browse the most vibrant food markets in the world on one of these small-group Culture Trip tours.

Food markets are a feast for the senses. It’s not all about flavours, though – the heady mix of sights, aromas and sounds is part of the experience that immerses you in the food heritage of a country. From navigating labyrinthine Turkish bazaars to browsing sprawling seafood markets in South Korea, these small-group adventures by Culture Trip will satisfy your culinary curiosity.

People walking around the sprawling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, with colourful barrel vault ceilings

From Istanbul to Antalya: the Ultimate Turkey Itinerary

From dürüm wraps filled with tender shawarma meat to decadent slabs of baklava drenched in honey syrup and stacked with pistachios, the foodie delights on offer inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul must be seen to be believed. On this 12-day Turkey trip, our Local Insider will guide you through the labyrinthine alleyways of this majestic Ottoman-era treasure trove, home to more than 4,000 stalls, cafes and restaurants. A traditional Turkish tea or a refreshing glass of ayran (a savoury yoghurt-based drink) is the perfect thirst quencher to wash it all down.

From US$2699

Next available from 1st Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Istanbul, Turkey

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ENDS AT

Antalya, Turkey

DURATION

12

GROUP SIZE

18

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Holiday Sale
People visiting the various food stalls in Tongin Market in Seoul, South Korea

Pulsating Cities and Majestic Mountains: the Soul of South Korea

With a pocketful of brass coins and a lunch box in hand, create your own tasting platter as you peruse street-food vendors selling everything from bibimbap to crispy jeon (fried and stuffed Korean pancakes). That’s how they do things at Tongin Market in Seoul. On this 10-day journey, you’ll also stop by Jagalchi Market (the largest seafood market in South Korea) in Busan, where you can pick out some fresh fish and have it cooked for you on the spot.

From US$3499

Next available from 10th Mar 2024

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Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Seoul, South Korea

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ENDS AT

Seoul, South Korea

DURATION

10

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Winter Sale
Boxes of apples and pears on display at the Dezerter Bazaar in Tbilisi

Riches and Ruins: Wine, Dine and Step Back in Time in Rural Georgia

For an authentic taste of everyday life in Tbilisi, a stroll through the Dezerter Bazaar is a must. Named after deserting soldiers who sold their weapons here during the war between Georgia and Russia in the 1920s, it has since flourished to become the primary fruit and vegetable market in the city – it’s a fascinating cross between an Asian bazaar and a European-style market. On this nine-day Georgia adventure, you’ll shop for ingredients before discovering the secrets of traditional Georgian cuisine in a cooking masterclass.

From US$1199

Next available from 18th May 2024

Secure your spot with a low deposit

Trip highlights and details

STARTS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

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ENDS AT

Tbilisi, Georgia

DURATION

9

GROUP SIZE

16

PHYSICAL RATING

Moderate

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STYLE

Discovery

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Maja Proescholdt contributed additional reporting to this article.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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