Chicago doesn’t have a shortage of things to do. In fact, we’ve written about Chicago FREE Things to Do, non-free Chicago Things to do and the top paid tours in Chicago. Almost no matter what the number one question we receive is “what are the best non-touristy things to do?” Markets. Chicago Markets. And here are the best of the best.

These markets contain dozens of vendors all under one roof (or at least in the same vicinity if a roof doesn’t exist). It’s easy to explore new foods, new cultures, and check out all the best new “stuff” that is available. Instead of heading to an Italian restaurant, head on over to an Italian market where you can explore different restaurants and vendors, and even buy some food to take home with you!

Here is a list of the top four markets you MUST check out in the Chicago area.

Eataly

43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Ok, we admit it, this one is sort of touristy. But still, if you are looking for an authentic and eventful Italian marketplace, look no further than Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich’s Eataly Market. There are several different locations all over the world, but the Chicago location is actually the largest, spanning 65,000 square feet.

This marketplace is full of retail stores, restaurants, and ‘street sellers’ selling different authentic foods just like a real Italian marketplace. Not only will you get to buy delicious foods and wine, but you will also get an incredible experience.

They have a Nutella bar. You can walk around with a beer or glass of wine in your hand. Do you need more reasons to go?

French Market in Ogilvie Transportation Center

131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661

From Italy to France. The French Market in Ogilvie is an indoor, year-round, farmers market full of amazing foods, gifts, and other merchandise. The French Market brings in some of the best vendors that Chicago has to offer from all sorts of different neighborhoods. This marketplace contains smaller vendors who are entrepreneurs and families who own their own businesses. Not only are you getting some great stuff, but you are also supporting local small businesses in Chicago.This market’s vendors sell cheeses, meats, wine, seafood, and even ice cream.

Lincoln Park Farmers Market

1817 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is one of the most popular farmer’s markets in the Chicago area. This farmers market is a one-stop shop to get all of your in-season produce fresh from the farms themselves. Farmers from all over come to the Lincoln Park Farmers Market every Saturday morning to showcase their goods. Imagine buying fresh apples from a farmer in Indiana, or amazing grapes from the infamous southwest Michigan vineyards! There are so many great options here. This farmers market is open every Saturday from 7 am to 1 pm from May-October.

Logan Square Farmers Market

2363 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Logan Square farmers market is a one-stop shop for organic foods, retail merchandise, and live music. This market is year round, but it moves outdoors every spring! You can come visit this market on Sundays from 10 am – 3 pm. With new vendors all the time, you can come by and find something unique!