The 10 best markets for you to try when you travel

While most of us don’t have the luxury of doing our everyday shopping from a nearby market, they are a great place to get high quality products or something a bit out of the ordinary. They are also a great place to people watch and to get a sense of a city when you travel. Even if you are not planning on buying big at any of these markets, they are a great place to sample the local cuisine and a goldmine for any budding photographers. Here’s a rundown of some of the best markets in the world where you can see how the locals trade by day and by night.

1. Borough Market, London

Image courtesy of Garry Knight.

For such a large metropolis, London has a surprising amount of daily and weekly markets dotted throughout the city. These range from the local farmers markets in each district, to the more flamboyant Portobello Road market where you can stock up on antiques. For food however, Borough Market is the place to go. Located close to the Southbank area of the Thames, it’s a great places to grab a great breakfast to set you up for the day or to reward yourself after a stroll around the city. Produce ranges from fresh fruit and vegetables, local meat and fish, to hot dishes from around the world.

2. Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon

Image courtesy of olympusjohn.

Lisbon has been something of a slow burner on the travel scene, but it’s a city that’s got loads to offer. One such area is the recently-renovated Mercado da Ribeira. Originally the city’s medieval fish market, the space now includes a traditional market of fresh produce and an additional space managed by Time Out that is a hotspot for foodies. Grab the local dish of sardines and soak up the atmosphere.

3. Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen, Paris

Paris is famous for its flea markets and this one really is the mother of all. Reportedly the largest market in Europe with over 2,500 stalls, this space to the north of the city is a treasure trove for any antique lover. Arrival at the Porte de Clignancourt metro stop may be a bit intimidating, but persevere and you’ll find that the market calms down as you make your way through it.

4. Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid

Image courtesy of LMYang.

Similar to the Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon, Madrid’s Mercado de San Miguel is a traditional market place that has been modernised to keep up with the times. While it can be a bit touristy at peak times, it’s still a great place to grab a generous glass of vermouth for under €2 as well as some tasty tapas. The wrought-iron structure is the only one of its kind left in Madrid.

5. El Rastro, Madrid

Image courtesy of Italian Lasagna.

Another Madrid market this time, for anyone interested in doing a bit of shopping on their travels. The El Rastro market is a weekly Sunday market that spreads out in the La Latina district of the city. The Spnish love their lazy Sunday walks and this is great way to get out in the sun, take in the city and pick up a bargain along the way. Clothes, jewellery and handbags make up the majority of stalls and when you’re done shopping you can grab a coffee in one of the many great cafes in the area.

6. Ningxia Night Market, Taipei

Image courtesy of llee_wu.

Dozens of travellers to Asia cite the food as one of the best experiences of their travels. The new flavours, smells and ingredients give you a whole new perspective on what to cook and how. Ningxia markets, near the Shuanglian metro station is one of the best places to explore these flavours. These also have a decent games section for you to work up and appetite.

7. Dong Hua Men night market, Hong Kong

Image courtesy of William.

We've already written about the Dong Huen Men market in Hong Kong, but it was such a memorable experience that we couldn't leave it out of this list. It's a tourist trap no doubt, but one that you have to see to believe. Street food of the wildest kind is sold on skewers and can range from anything from squid or starfish to scorpions and sheep’s organs. It’s a fast-paced place but if you are brave enough, the food is good.

8. Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo

Possibly more of a niche market here, but a definite for any foodie or budding photographer- so long as you’re prepared to get up early. Tsukiji is a wholesale fish market that allows in members of the public. One of the largest in Tokyo, the market sees more than 2000 tonnes of seafood pass through it daily. While some sections are off limits during auction time, it is possible to take in a lot of this fascinating place. Get there very early (4.00 to 4.30am) to see the incredible tuna auctions.

9. Paloquemao Market, Bogotá

Image courtesy of Piere Pulido.

If you want a one-stop shop to set yourself up in your Bogotá homestay, Paloqeumao is the place to go. The indoor market sells flowers, fresh fruit and veg and meat and fish for you to cook up your own Colombian comida. I may be biased as an Irish person in saying this, but the selection of potatoes there is really amazing. Paloquemao is also great place for photographers.

10. Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

Image courtesy of Jorge Cancela.

Plenty of markets can feel enclosed or quite busy, but none more so than the bazaars of Istanbul. The aray of spices, dried foods, teas and nuts all piled high on the stalls is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This really is a very busy market however and it can be easy to get caught up in the flow of people. Go prepared, bring a bottle of water to keep you cool and don’t be afraid of talking to the vendors and shopping for the right price.

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Cover image courtesy of Antony Stanley.