Best Public Market (2022)

Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market ranks among the country’s largest and oldest, dating back to 1893. "My favorite market in the Northeast," according to 10Best contributor Eric Grossman, is "an easy one-stop shop for all the amazing treats offered up in Philly and Amish Country."
Photo courtesy of J. Smith for VISIT PHILADELPHIA

"Many consider Pike Place Market, one of the country's oldest continuously-operating farmers markets, the soul of Seattle," says 10Best Local Expert Corinne Whiting. It's on everyone's must-see list, and it's worth the hype. Situated along the water, the market was originally founded to allow produce growers to sell directly to consumers. Today, it's a protected historic district that inundates visitors with sights, sounds, smells and the best people-watching in town. 
Photo courtesy of Pike Place Market

Thousands of locals and visitors head to Detroit's Eastern Market each week, where they find some 250 independent merchants and vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to antiques and home goods.
Photo courtesy of Erin Murphy for Eastern Market Partnership

This year-round, indoor market features 30 New England food producers and artisans selling fresh produce, prepared foods, crafts and other specialty items. Everything sold comes from New England with a focus on seasonality.
Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism

The Chicago French Market was founded in 2009 as a way to bring a European-inspired market to the city while supporting the local food movement. The market features a collection of more than 30 vendors selling fresh ingredients, grab-and-go meals and artisan foods from around the globe.
Photo courtesy of Chicago French Market

This L.A. landmark features more than 100 grocers, shops and eateries in a historic structure dating back to 1934. According to 10Best contributor Eric Grossman, this market has "amazing people watching, sometimes we don't know where to look – the vendors, the yummy treats or all the interesting shoppers."
Photo courtesy of Original Farmers Market

The Lancaster Central Market, the nation’s oldest continuously operated public farmer’s market, has been serving the community since 1730. Today, the market features some 60 local vendors three days a week. "Come for the amazing fresh horseradish, stay for the fascinating people watching," suggests 10Best contributor Gerrish Lopez.
Photo courtesy of Laura Bly / USA TODAY

At the Milwaukee Public Market, foodies will find a selection of artisan products and prepared foods from numerous independent merchants. Sit down to taste your purchases at the second floor Palm Garden, or sign up for a cooking class at the Madame Kuony Demonstration Kitchen.
Photo courtesy of Milwaukee Public Market

This public market is Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market and a Cincinnati institution. Situated in the heart of the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the market features more than 50 full-time merchants selling a range of ingredients and prepared foods.
Photo courtesy of Erin Matulis

San Francisco’s historic Ferry Building Marketplace, located along the Embarcadero, showcases small regional producers and celebrates the ethnic diversity of the Bay Area. Merchants sell a bit of everything – produce, baked goods, coffee, tea, prepared foods, artisan cheese and imported products – all within the 1898 landmark building.
Photo courtesy of The Ferry Building