1. The Souk, Marrakech
If you ever catch yourself trying to picture an exotic bazaar, the first thing that'll come to mind is probably a Moroccan souk, whether you know it or not. With its explosion of smells, sounds, and colors, places like this are oozing with passion and character. While it's fairly easy to get lost in the souk's labyrinthine alleyways, that's pretty much the point, since navigating your way through such a vibrant maze is an experience like no other. Everything that you can see, such as teas and spices, beautiful rugs and ornate lanterns, silverware, and tapestries, is available for sale and you're expected to haggle. Don't forget to look out for the local artisans, who can be seen tanning leather, dying wool, and hand-crafting pieces of silver.
2. Camden Lock Market, London
When visiting London, make sure you always leave some free time to visit Camden Lock Market, which is by far the most popular marketplace in London. Due to its popularity, the market receives around 100,000 visitors each weekend, and while you can find almost anything for sale there, a lot of emphasis is placed on arts and crafts. That's why you'll find handmade items of all shapes and sizes, including jewellery, clothes, ornaments, and much more. Curiously, Camden attracts a lot of people from alternative fashion scenes, such as goths, cybergoths, and ravers, so you'll also find a lot of shops and stalls that cater specifically for them.
3. Feria de San Telmo, Buenos Aires
With its cobblestone streets and century-old buildings, San Telmo is probably one of Buenos Aires’s quaintest neighborhoods. At the center of it all is Plaza Dorrego, and every Sunday, tourists and locals alike flock to this bustling hub to search for vintage jewelry and glassware, 100-year-old stamps and coins, colorful siphons, and film cameras, among many other things. Bring plenty of cash with you (US dollars will do) and prepare to haggle as you make your way around the 270 stalls!
4. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
One of the world's biggest covered markets! It's very easy to spend quite a few days strolling through the 5000 shops and 60 streets that form part of the Grand Bazaar. The complex dates back to the 15th century, but the current version is from a late 19th-century restoration, after much of it was destroyed in an earthquake in 1894. Within the complex, you'll find fountains, restaurants, cafés, mosques, and hammams. Many of the shops and stalls are grouped by theme, and you can find practically anything here, including herbs and spices, carpets, traditional Turkish clothing, inlaid weapons, intricately carved wooden furniture, and even unique Turkish musical instruments.
5. Cai Rang Floating Market, Vietnam
If you ever find yourself in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, then it would practically be a crime to miss out on a trip to Cai Rang's floating marketplace. An incredible array of produce can be bought from a fleet of brilliantly-colored boats that can be seen floating or gliding across the water. How do you know what each boat is selling from a distance? Just take a look at the long poles they hang above their boats, and you'll see examples of each of their wares attached to them. A word of advice, if you want to visit the market, then make sure that you wake up early enough, since it generally opens at 5am, and is finished by noon.
6. La Boqueria, Spain
Just a short distance from Barcelona's Las Ramblas, La Boqueria is a superb marketplace, which is surrounded by a load of quaint tapas bars, where you'll be able to feast on some delicious local delicacies, while throwing back a couple of glasses of sangria as well. You'll have a stunning backdrop too, since La Boqueria is bursting at the seams with vibrant stalls selling crusty bread, juicy fruit, and a mouthwatering array of fish, meat, and more varieties of olives than you ever thought possible!
Sources: vogue, roughguides
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Cover Image: depositphotos
