If like us you love to travel, you might agree that exploring traditional markets and bazaars is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new city or country.
For us at Remitly, no matter where they are, markets are full of exciting surprises. So we’ve created this guide to help you navigate some of the world’s most iconic bazaars. We’ll take a look at some of the most historic and authentic, and offer some tips to make the most of your time at these vibrant places, from Cairo to Melbourne.
What makes traditional markets special?
Traditional markets and bazaars have often operated for generations in their communities. They often serve as economic and social hubs in their areas. Unlike modern retail spaces, like malls, which typically focus on standardized prices, products, and services, these markets are much more about personal relationships and locally sourced goods.
As more tourists seek authentic experiences, markets are a great way to both see a (usually) less-touristy side of a place. In doing so, you’re also directly supporting local artisans, merchants, and their families. Buying locally is greener, too, and ensures your tourism dollars protect these cultural spaces.
In this article, we’ll highlight both some of the best-known markets around the world, but we’ll also have a look at some lesser-known gems you may not have heard of. Hopefully, these picks can help inspire you on your next adventure.
Africa: raw energy and authentic experiences
Africa is home to some of the world’s most impressive markets.
Khan al-Khalili: Cairo, Egypt
This market, located in the heart of Cairo, is Egypt’s most famous, and has been operating since the 14th century. You can find pretty much anything for sale here. Even if a stall doesn’t sell what you’re looking for, vendors are often willing to direct you to the right spot.
Stalls usually open at 9am and close well after dark. There are also historic cafes in the area, including El-Fishawy, open since 1797.
Other top African markets:
- Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech, Morocco)
Colorful souks, street performers, and local dishes in the city center. - Greenmarket Square (Cape Town, South Africa)
Creative souvenirs and people-watching. - Maasai Market (Nairobi, Kenya)
Jewelry, textiles, and crafts from Kenya’s Maasai artisans.
Kejetia Market: Kumasi, Ghana
Kejetia is one of the largest indoor markets in West Africa, serving neighbors from Benin and Togo as well as Ghanaians. From fresh produce to spices, textiles, kente cloth, and wood carvings, you can watch locals trade and practice bargaining yourself. You can also hire a guide to help you navigate the stalls.
Other great African markets:
- Souq el-Had (Agadir, Morocco)
Famous for its Berber crafts, traditional pottery, and rare spices. - Owino Market (Kampala, Uganda)
Second-hand goods hub for bargain clothing, household items, and other wares. - Marché Kermel (Dakar, Senegal)
This historic, upscale market has beautiful flowers, local produce, and artisanal goods.
Asia: where ancient trade routes come alive
Explore ancient and modern Asia at these markets.
Grand Bazaar: Istanbul, Turkey
Strictly speaking, as it’s on the European side of the city, the Grand Bazaar isn’t in Asia. But its location, near the Hagia Sophia, its arched, richly decorated ceilings, and its atmosphere definitely make you feel like you’re not in Europe.
Dating back to the 15th century, it’s one of the largest covered markets in the world, covering 61 streets with 4,000 shops. You’ll find everything from handmade carpets and ceramics to souvenirs, as well as cafes to sit and relax.
Other top Asian markets:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (Bangkok, Thailand)
A massive, open-air market, perfect for souvenir shopping but be warned, it gets very busy. - Jade Market (Hong Kong)
Specializing in jade jewelry and souvenirs, from cheap trinkets to high-quality items. - Dongdaemun Market (Seoul, South Korea)
Shopping district opening late into the night, mixing fashion and street food.
Raohe Night Market: Taipei, Taiwan
While Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous in Taipei, Raohe is preferred by those in the know for its charming, local vibe. It has several Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated vendors, including the famous Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun shop. You can also buy funky clothes and accessories and play carnival games.
Raohe is also much more compact and easier to navigate than other central night markets, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
Some other lesser-known gems:
- Panjiayuan Market (Beijing, China)
One of China’s largest antique markets. - Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market (Bangkok, Thailand)
A riverside weekend market where vendors sell food and artisan goods, some from boats. - Johari Bazaar (Jaipur, India)
A market known for focusing on jewelry and fabric, featuring traditional Rajasthani designs.
Europe: centuries of commerce and culture
Some of Europe’s markets are famous worldwide and attract large numbers of tourists, but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth a visit.
Borough Market: London, England
Famous for its ironwork and glass, this market, in the shadow of The Shard, is one of the city’s oldest. It’s a foodie’s paradise, featuring British classics like cheese and pies to seasonal produce and sweet baked goods.
You can also try cuisines from all corners of the world, too: Ethiopia, Italy, Japan, and more. Professional chefs sometimes host cooking workshops here.
Other top European markets:
- La Boqueria (Barcelona, Spain)
Local produce, tapas, and Catalan cuisine, centered around fish and seafood at the market’s heart. - Rialto Market (Venice, Italy)
Waterfront market known for seafood and Venetian specialty dishes. - Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen (Paris, France)
Despite its name literally meaning “flea market,” you’ll find vendors of antiques, vintage clothes, and other treasures of all price ranges here.
Mercado de Motores: Madrid, Spain
Mercado de Motores is a monthly market in Madrid’s historic railroad museum. Classic trains and architecture lend a great backdrop to vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and retro home decor for sale.
Food trucks and stalls set up around picnic tables sell international street food and craft beers, and live bands and DJs give the market a community feel. Many locals come just to grab a drink and hang out with their friends.
Other lesser-known gems:
- Albert Cuyp Market (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Local and international dishes and clothing. - Naschmarkt (Vienna, Austria)
Varied food market in the center of the city. - Porta Portese Flea Market (Rome, Italy)
Open-air flea market—Rome’s largest—with second-hand treasures from professional antique dealers and casual vendors alike.
North America: farmers and flea market finds
The Americas don’t lack for great markets, either. Discover local produce and culture at these amazing places.
Pike Place Market: Seattle, USA
While Pike Place is most famous for its salmon-throwing fishmongers, it also offers fine foods, crafts, and live performances.
Vendors sell artisanal chocolates and cheeses, local crafts, fresh produce, and even books. Street buskers and quirky features like the Gum Wall give you a great feel for Seattle’s counter-cultural vibe.
Other top American markets:
- Mercado de la Merced (Mexico City, Mexico)
Bustling and colorful with lots of produce, spices, and traditional dishes. - Union Square Greenmarket (New York City, USA)
Farmer’s market in Manhattan with seasonal goods. - St. Lawrence Market (Toronto, Canada)
Charming indoor-outdoor market famous for its gourmet selection.
El Tianguis Cultural del Chopo: Mexico City, Mexico
This flea market (“tianguis”) takes place every Saturday. However, it’s more than just secondhand wares. Ever since it began in 1980, it’s been closely tied to Mexico’s alternative scenes—from hippies to goths.
It was named an “intangible cultural heritage of Mexico City” for how important it’s been for these groups. Local underground bands and DJs often perform live, and you can score unique finds like leather goods, obscure music memorabilia, and records.
Some more hidden gems:
- Eastern Market (Washington, DC, USA)
Local bar and restaurant pop-ups mix with permanent food vendors and artists near Capitol Hill. - Jean-Talon Market (Montreal, Canada)
Open-air stalls with Québécois produce including cheese, and local dishes. - Maxwell Street Market (Chicago, USA)
Street vendors selling clothes, accessories and food, with local restaurants dotted around the area.
South America: where local culture comes alive
You can grab a bargain or a taste of local cuisine at these traditional markets.
Mercado de San Telmo: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Housed in a stunning, 19th-century iron-and-glass hall, this market is a haven for foodies. Sample traditional Argentinian foods like empanadas and choripán, taste global street food, and wash it all down at a craft beer bar.
On Sundays, the market comes alive with the San Telmo Sunday Fair. Streets around the area fill with antique sellers and street performers.
Other top South American markets include:
- Mercado Central (Santiago, Chile)
Bustling seafood counters and restaurants. - Mercado Central de Quito (Quito, Ecuador)
Traditional Andean foods like roast pork and local fruit juices. - Mercado Municipal (São Paulo, Brazil)
Stained glass windows rise above a gourmet food hall, famous for mortadella (an Italian sausage) sandwiches.
Witches’ Market: La Paz, Bolivia
Known in Spanish as “Mercado de las Brujas,” this market isn’t just for tourists looking for something unique. It’s a reflection of many Bolivians’ Aymara spiritual beliefs, indigenous rituals, and folk medicine.
Vendors (mostly Aymara women) sell ritual and spiritual items, like medicinal herbs, talismans, and magic contracts. There are also practicing spiritual specialists, offering services like coca leaf reading and ritual guidance. While it’s adapted to and welcomes tourists, it’s still used by locals.
Other less high-profile South American gems we think you’d love include:
- Mercado de Surquillo (Lima, Peru)
Wide variety of fresh Peruvian produce and ingredients. - Mercado del Puerto (Montevideo, Uruguay)
Sample Uruguay’s famous beef and barbecue at one of many parrillas (grill restaurants). - Mercado Rodriguez (La Paz, Bolivia)
Largest traditional market in the city.
Oceania: artisan markets and coastal charm
You can support Oceania’s farmers and artisans, and grab a souvenir or some great food in the process, at these markets.
Queen Victoria Market: Melbourne, Australia
Known locally as “Vic Market” or “Queen Vic,” we think this huge, open-air market, one of the largest and most iconic in the southern hemisphere, is a must-see Melbourne attraction.
You’ll find local produce, specialty foods, and quirky gifts, and live music and events help make the space feel especially vibrant. In summer and winter, Queen Vic hosts a Night Market with food trucks, craft beer, cocktails, and live entertainment.
Other top Oceanian markets:
- Sydney Fish Market (Sydney, Australia)
The largest working fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, ocean-to-plate meals. - Auckland Fish Market (Auckland, New Zealand)
Boutique and smaller—but laid-back—seafood hub, with tastings and cooking classes. - Paddy’s Markets (Sydney, Australia)
A bargain-lover’s paradise with a diverse mix of souvenirs, fashion, and local produce.
Eumundi Markets: Eumundi, Australia
If you’re driving through Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, this unique market is a must-visit in our opinion. It’s a strictly curated artisan market with a DIY ethos—every stallholder must make or grow what they sell.
Street performers and entertainers, combined with the locally designed goods, give the market a festival atmosphere. You can also sample wood-fired pizzas, vegan dishes, and classic Aussie food.
Some other great markets in the region:
- Parap Village Markets (Parap, Australia)
Fresh local produce and souvenirs with a tropical vibe. - Matakana Village Farmers’ Market (Matakana, New Zealand)
Artisanal food and crafts about an hour’s drive north of Auckland. - Nouméa Municipal Market (Nouméa, New Caledonia)
Hats off to you if you get to this one! A waterfront market, the perfect spot to sample Pacific foods and traditional crafts.
Tips for market exploration
While visiting markets can be fun, plan ahead to have the best experience. Here are some important tips to consider.
Navigation strategies
- Arrive early or during off-peak times to avoid the worst of the crowds—check online, as peak times vary between markets.
- Bring cash, especially small bills and coins, in the local currency. A lot of older markets haven’t yet stopped using it.
- Familiarize yourself with the general layout of a market beforehand if possible, so if there’s something you particularly want to see—or eat—you know where it is.
- Mark entrances, exits, and landmarks to keep from getting lost.
- Wear comfortable shoes—some of the markets we’ve featured are huge, and can involve a lot of walking.
Respectful cultural engagement
- Observe local norms, including modesty guidelines if necessary, when choosing your outfit.
- Greet vendors politely—in our experience, a few local phrases go a long way.
- Treat vendors and other market-goers with friendliness and respect.
- Ask before taking photos, particularly of people and private stalls.
- Only touch products you think you’re going to buy, unless the vendor invites you to handle them.
Safety and comfort considerations
- Keep valuables secure—use a money belt or hidden pouch to store your cash.
- Be aware of pickpockets
- Avoid leaving your phone or wallet in your pants or jacket pocket.
- Bring water to stay hydrated, especially in warm or extremely crowded markets.
By following our tips for navigating, engaging respectfully, and staying safe at traditional markets and bazaars, you can make the most of every adventure, enjoy an authentic cultural experience and support the local communities you visit.
How Can Exploring Traditional Markets Enhance Australians’ Understanding of Indian Culture?
Exploring traditional markets offers a vibrant glimpse into Indian culture, showcasing culinary delights, artisanal crafts, and community interactions. For Australians, these immersive experiences provide valuable insights into social customs and daily life, enriching their understanding. Through this exploration, one can deepen australian perspectives on india, fostering cultural appreciation and connection.
FAQs
How can I bargain respectfully?
Smile and offer a reasonable counteroffer, (no less than 50% of the initial asking price). Keep the interaction polite, friendly and light.
What should I do if I don’t speak the local language?
Learn a few key phrases before your trip, use gestures, or try a translation app. Most vendors appreciate any effort to ease communication.
How can I avoid scams or tourist traps?
Follow local accounts to find authentic stalls, and be aware of any unusually low prices. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away politely.
How can I carry my purchases around a crowded market?
Bring a secure bag or backpack or get one from a vendor. Keep valuables close to your body and consider taking breaks at benches or cafes to lighten your load. Vendors selling larger items may be willing to ship them to your hotel, or even your house, possibly for a fee.