You Might Want To Avoid Markets In Europe Without This Crucial Feature, Per Rick Steves

Open-air European markets are a popular stop for travelers looking to sample local produce, cheeses, or baked goods, or pick up handmade wares or vintage items as souvenirs to remember their trips by. Incredible Christmas markets that dot European cities during November and December are worth a trip of their own, but no matter the time you travel, touring at least one market is an essential activity to get the full European experience. 

On his website, travel expert and television personality Rick Steves proclaimed markets as "one of the great joys of European travel." However, he also warned that tourists should be careful to not get overcharged. In order to avoid scams, travelers should avoid markets that don't print their prices, Steves said. "If no prices are posted, be wary," Steves wrote on his blog. "Travelers are routinely ripped off by market merchants in tourist centers."

The absolute best food markets in all of Europe have interesting architecture, riveting histories, and quality vendors. They also make their prices known, according to Steves. When markets don't post their prices, it's a sign that vendors charge two different amounts for their goods: one for local customers and a higher price for tourists. 

If you decide to shop at a market that doesn't post prices, be sure to not hold out a bundle of money when asking how much something is, Steves warned. He shared a cautionary tale about a friend of his who was overcharged after making that very mistake.

"I'll never forget a friend of mine who bought two bananas for our London picnic. He grabbed the fruit, held out a handful of change, and said, 'How much?' The merchant took the equivalent of about $4," Steves said in his blog post. "My friend turned to me and said, 'Wow, London really is expensive.' Anytime you hold out a handful of money to a banana salesman, you're just asking for trouble."

Traveling foodies should consider visiting an open-air market as an option to eat well on a budget while visiting Europe. Cameron Hewitt, a Rick Steves guide, recommended in a YouTube video that tourists assemble a picnic with a variety of goods.

When purchasing food at European markets, there are some facts tourists should be aware of, Steves said in his blog. First, pay attention to how the food is priced. Most food is priced by the kilo, which equates to about two pounds. However, some speciality items could be priced by one-half kilo, one-fourth kilo, 500 grams, 100 grams, or another weight, Steves said. If a price seems too good to be true, double-check the price per weight, he warned. 

Steves also made clear that tourists should never touch the merchandise at open-air markets. It's considered rude to do so, he said. Instead, Steves instructed travelers to point at the goods they want to buy, or simply tell the vendor.