Markets Around the World you Have to Visit at Least Once

By Riri Anggraheni Eka Rimandasari | 20, Nov, 2017
Markets Around the World you Have to Visit at Least Once
Looking to find the heart and soul of the country? Most of the time, your best bet is to head to a nearby or unique market to experience how locals shop, gather and spend their days. Unusual markets around the world invite tourists to indulge all of their senses, make them as must-see iconic markets around the world, from taking in the colourful sights of fresh produce to smelling the wafting scents of fresh and traditional dishes. Markets have been a part of city life for centuries, and have now evolved to be popular tourist attractions and destination. Locals visit their city’s market to pick up fresh produce, meats, seafood, and spices to stock their home kitchens, while tourists can visit local markets to learn about the culture by sampling the local and traditional fare and also to know about must-see iconic markets around the world. Markets around the world vary in the products they sell, and many are home to vendors selling produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, bread, spices, flowers, artisan goods, and local handicrafts like pottery and jewellery.
 
So, HalalTrip listed the interesting markets around the world based on the unique side, how reflective they are of the local region, and the importance of food and drink at the market and cheap clothes and also the iconic markets around the world. Whether you are looking for photography, souvenirs to take home, a quick dishes, or a full traditional meal, these markets offer a unique taste of culture. And don’t worry, you can also check night markets in Asia you have to visit and market that where to buy cheap clothes in Asia. Let’s check these interesting markets around the world you have to visit once!

 

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

grand bazaar
 
Image Credit: teamboma.com

Have you ever checked best affordable markets to visit in Istanbul? Yes, Grand Bazaar market is the colourful and the heart of İstanbul's Old City and has been so for centuries. You know, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar hosts more than 3,000 stores and show just why more than 250,000 people visit every day. Grand Bazaar grew to cover a vast area as lanes between the bedesten, neighbouring shops and hans (caravanserais) were roofed and the market assumed the sprawling, labyrinthine form that it retains today even though it started from a small vaulted bedesten (warehouse) built by order of Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. Sounds wonderful, right? FYI, when here, be sure to peep through doorways to discover hidden hans, veer down narrow lanes to watch artisans at work and wander the main thoroughfares to differentiate treasures from tourist tack.
 
There is a labyrinth of arcades and passageways, where it is easy to lose your sense of direction in Grand Bazaar. If you want to search for unique things, the great news is the market heaves with shoppers for Turkish carpets and kilims, jewellery, backgammon boards, trinkets, leather goods and mother of pearl inlaid boxes. Grand bazaar’s stalls are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. Also, it's obligatory to drink lots of tea, compare price after price and try your hand at the art of bargaining. When you have the plan to visit places and markets in Asia, we recommend Grand Bazaar to your list. Allow at least three hours for your visit; some travellers spend three days, fantastic!
 

Tsukiji Fish Market, Japan

tsukiji fish market

Image Credit: www.japan-guide.com

Plan to visit Tokyo and looking forward to getting some food and eating well? Then you’ve been told not to miss Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo’s central fish market that the largest fish market in the world. From being the focus of such popular movies as Jiro Dreams of Sushi to being the backdrop of pop music videos, the iconic market has become synonymous with Japan's world-famous food culture. Tsukiji is one of the unusual markets around the world to visit and it more interesting than Indian spice markets. Outside the wholesale market lies an additional dimension of restaurants and shops, serving everything from kitchenware, dried seafood goods, Japanese knives, and sweets. About visitor, Tsukiji has up to 42,000 people pass through in a day. That’s why it is one of the must-visit street markets around the world that we recommended.

 

Maeklong Railway Market, Thailand


Who says Thailand just has beautiful temples? Thailand also has the most unique and unusual market to visit, The Maeklong Railway Market. This market was moved in 2013 after it became too large for its previous location, also became one of the must-visit street markets around the world. There is one market, however, that actually sits atop train tracks. As the train comes charging down, the market is transformed to allow it to pass. If you are in Bangkok and have an entire day without plans, head to the Maeklong Railway Market — here is everything you need to know before you visit. You will hear the train long before you actually see it.
 
Before the train comes, a charming little warning bell goes off over the speaker system just a few minutes. Then vendors pull back their specially designed awnings before the train comes, sometimes only moments before. That’s why the market is locally known as the Talat Rom Hoop which translates into “Market Umbrella Close.”
 
The quality of this market lies in its novelty and the train that passes through, not necessarily its goods. It is here where you will find mainly food for sale. While there will certainly be some clothing and accessories available, the bulk of this market is made up of Thai sweets, meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and drinks. If you were expecting a plethora of souvenirs, think again.

 

Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

ben thanh market

Image Credit: www.asiaexplorers.com
 
Asia has a lot to offer travellers, from vibrant cultures and traditions to amazing food and breathtaking architecture, whether modern skyscrapers, sacred temples or ancient palaces and fortresses. Another thing you can and should experience across the continent is the plethora of markets. What they sell and what purpose they serve varies. Now, there are day markets, dry markets, wet markets, fish markets, food markets, textile markets and more, but the night markets are among the best that’s why people love to walk around night market not only for shopping.
 
One of the best night markets is the Bến Thành Market, is located at the top of most Ho Chi Minh City must-see lists. It is huge, famous, and smack dab in the centre of the biggest tourist district in the biggest city in Vietnam. At the night the streets begin filling with vendors and outdoor pop-up restaurants even though it has an indoor day. The surrounding area is massive and sprawling, with clear views of enormous skyscrapers and the giant Bitexco Financial Tower. This market feels bigger than the Shilin Night Market in Taipei, but a bit more spread out. Food, clothing, and other goods are everywhere and nowhere. Instead of one main street, the market wraps around several blocks. It’s sort of difficult to get your bearings, but damn if it’s not exciting.
 
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make a plan and visit markets around the world. You can also enjoy travelling with your family when you guys getting around the markets. Else, don’t forget to take some photos!
 

Riri Anggraheni started her career as journalist on television and newspaper. Working as a journalist gives her opportunity to develop her writing talent and traveling hobby. She is also a freelancer in the field of SEO, business, blogging and event organizing. Her mission is to inspire many people through her work and activities. Until now she actives in various social NGO. Do not hesitate to contact her via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/riri-anggraheni-eka-rimandasari-29b42a91

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