The Best Street Markets in the World

One of the best things about travelling is to trawl the marketplaces of wherever you end up. Marketplaces are like melting pots of culture- vibrant jumble of textures, exciting tastes and aromas, hawkers and customers bargaining and storekeepers having a shouting match! It doesn't matter what's being sold- arts and crafts, jewellery, fresh produce or antiques. Local markets often reveal a more authentic side o a destination. And whether you are a souvenir hound or a foodie, visiting a local market to shop is an essential part of a trip.

The world's best souks are as much about sensory overload as they are about finding a bargain. If you are looking for the genuine bazaar flavor for your shopping, you can bet your top and bottom penny you'll score big at one of these one-of-a-kind markets around the world.

Grand Bazaar:

The Best Street Markets in the World


The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest shopping centers of the world. It is so extremely huge that you'll never see it all. Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is one of the world's most exciting shopping experiences. Traditional clothes, fashion jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antiques are found in the market area. The market is noisy, busy, easy to get lost in and hard to get out of.

The Best Street Markets in the World


The marketplace covers sixty streets and five thousand shops. The stalls in the bazaar are clustered together by the type of goods sold with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. The market complex encompasses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams and several cafes and eateries. In the centre is the elevated arched hall of Cevahir Bedesten, where the most priceless items and artifacts are found. Things like furniture, copperware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, mother-of-pearl mirrors, watches and clocks, old coins and gold jewellery. Spend a leisure afternoon exploring the bazaar or sit in one of the cafes to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.

Guadalajara, Mexico:

The Best Street Markets in the World


Get more than just tacky trinkets back home by heading to Tonala, a Guadalajara hamlet which is a kaleidoscope of colorful crafts. The market area covers the entire inner section of the town. You can find an array of Mexican textiles, glassware, art works, ceramics and more. Thousands of stores line the main street and many more are veiled behind them in alleyways and lanes - all which offer Mexican wares at bargain prices. Market days are Thursdays and Sundays.

The Best Street Markets in the World


Jaipur, Rajasthan:

The Best Street Markets in the World


Jaipur is known for its traditional crafts oh blue glazed pottery, beaded clothing, Ceramic, jewelry, carpets and textiles. Markets in Jaipur are open every day of the week. Bring back pottery, metal work and carved wooden items from MI Road, costume jewelry, trinkets and ornaments from Tripolia bazaar and Chaura Rasta. Head to Bapu Bazaar and Nehru Bazaar for textiles, perfumes, bags and shoes; Ramganj Bazaar for shoes and for Bandhini tie-dye textiles and clothings and wooden furniture head to Kishanpol Bazaar.


The Best Street Markets in the World


La Boqueria Market, Barcelona:

The Best Street Markets in the World


The market provides a feast for every sense. La Boqueria Market is as historically noteworthy as it is adored by food-lovers from across the globe. The market officially opened in 1853 and is on the travel wish list of every chef and foodie who has yet to discover it. The La Boqueria Market is flooded with the beautiful, cheerful, brightest and freshest products found, with fish stalls, wine stores, butchers, and fresh produce hawkers lining every wall.

The Best Street Markets in the World


Sonora Witchcraft market, Mexico City:

The Best Street Markets in the World


If you are tired of shopping for the same old trinkets and seeing the same old stuff being sold everywhere, head to the Mercado Sonora or the "Witches Market" - a labyrinth of ritualistic, remedy-filled booths that is collectively named the Walmart of the witch world. A definite don't miss while in Mexico, Mexicans flock the market for herbal remedies, love potions, talismans and other spiritual balms. The place is like Mexico City's own Diagon Alley!

The Best Street Markets in the World



The assortment of healing herbs, Santeria Charms, voodoo dolls, tarot-reading personalities, love potions and dries critters is confounding! While leafing through for snake blood, be reverent with your comments and camera.
Write your comment now