The 10 best markets to visit in the world
If you ever want to better understand the culture and traditions of a place, visiting a local market is one of the best ways to do it. You can find markets in every country, but here is a list of 10 markets in the world that you must visit at least once!
1. Djemaa El-Fnaa square
In which country would you find Jemaa el-Fna? Morocco (Africa)
Jemaa El-Fna is a square located in the center of the old city of Marrakech, known for its famous market where you can feel the Moroccan culture through the different shops, activities and shows. From all kinds of food places, to dentists and doctors, snake charmers, storytellers… you can find it all in Jemaa El-Fna!
Interesting fact: the Jemaa El-Fna square has been part of the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2008.
2.Khari Baoli
In which country would you find Khari Baoli? India (South Asia)
Khari Baoli, located in Old Delhi, is considered the largest spice market in Asia, where you can find all kinds of spices and other food items like dried fruits, rice, and tea. Lose yourself among the different paths and enjoy the great variety of colors and smells, while you watch the locals bargain for the best prices.
3. Camden Market
In which country would you find Camden Market? United Kingdom/United Kingdom (Europe)
Camden Market is a market where you can find everything from all kinds of food, clothes and jewelery to pieces of art and music. It is located just off the main street in Camden Town, a unique neighborhood in North London. Around the market you can also find an active nightlife, with pubs and clubs offering live music performances and other entertainment activities.
4. WeihnachtsmarkteIn which country would you find the Wiener Weihnachtstraum? Austria (Europe)
Vienna is one of the best places to visit in winter if you want to get into the Christmas spirit. During December, you can find up to 12 main Christmas Markets around the city, also called Weihnachtsmarkte, where you can buy all kinds of Christmas related items. The most famous is the Wiener Weihnachtstraum located in front of the Town Hall, where you can also go ice skating!
5. Chatuchak Market
In which country would you find Chatuchak Market? Thailand (Asia)
Chatuchak Market, located in Bangkok, is the largest market in Thailand. The market is divided into 27 sections where you can buy different types of items, such as clothing, handicrafts, food, ceramics, antiques, art, books, and even pets. If you visit Chatuchak Market or any other market in Thailand, be prepared to put your bargaining skills to use to get the best prices.
6. Grand Bazaar
In which country would you find the Grand Bazaar? Türkiye (Asia/Europe)
The Grand Bazaar, located in Istanbul, is the largest covered market in the world, made up of more than 60 different streets and 4,000 shops. In the Grand Bazaar you can find an endless variety of the most traditional Turkish items, such as handmade carpets and other textiles, colorful lamps and lanterns, ceramics, all kinds of Turkish goldware, and much more!
Interesting fact: In 2014, the Grand Bazaar was the most visited tourist attraction in the world, with more than 91 million annual visitors.
7. Khan El Khalili
In which country would you find Khan El-Khalili? Egypt (Africa)
When visiting Cairo, be sure to set aside some time to visit Khan El-Khalili, an ancient Egyptian market located in the city’s historic center, where you can find all kinds of gold items, colorful lanterns, perfumes, and even musical instruments. . The market is the truest image of an old Arab souk and a place where you can find out more about Egyptian traditions.
8. La Boqueria
La Boqueria is the most famous food market in the city of Barcelona, located in one of the most popular streets, Las Ramblas. There you can find all kinds of fresh food products, as well as good restaurants and bars in the surroundings. The market is not only visited by many tourists every year, but it is also where many of the locals go in search of the best quality products for their meals.
Do you need travel ideas? Thinking of a quick stopover in Barcelona? We have the answer for you! Check out our ideas on what to do in Barcelona during a 48-hour stopover.
9. Muara Kuin Floating Market
In which country would you find the Muara Kuin Floating Market? Indonesian (Asian)
Muara Kuin is a floating market that takes place on traditional boats on the crossing of the Barito and Kuin rivers, in Banjarmasin, Indonesia. The market starts every day at dawn, after the locals have said their prayers, and usually ends around 9am. Sellers mainly offer fresh vegetables, fruits and fish to buyers and intensive negotiations are usually carried out.
10. Ver-o-Peso
In which country would you find the Ver-o-peso? Brazil (South America)
Ver-o-peso is a market square located in the city of Belém, in northeastern Brazil. The market has different sections where they sell different products from the Amazon jungle. The most famous are the Açaí Fair, where açaí berries are sold, or the Ver-o-peso docks, where you can find fresh Amazonian fish.
Are you curious to discover these unique markets or maybe explore other popular markets in the world? The Pike Place Market in Seattle, or the famous Tsukiji Market and the new Toyosu Market in Tokyo?
