
The best markets of the world
On vacation, I want even such a mundane activity as shopping to deliver new impressions and go beyond the everyday hustle and bustle. You can turn shopping into a real adventure by giving preference to the market rather than a simple store. In many countries there are whole cultures of market relations. In this article, we will talk about the best markets in the world.
Khan Al-Khalili market in Cairo, Egypt
The Cairo Khan Market has existed since 1382. This is a very impressive period, the trading platform is one of the oldest in the world. Of course, today there are much more people, shops, assortment and tourists here. Particular attention in Khan al-Khalili should be paid to glass and copper products, perfumes and jewelry, which are made by local craftsmen.
Let's make a reservation right away that Khan al-Khalili, like any member of our list, is a real trap for an unknowing tourist. Victims are brought here by bus, and thrown into an endless fussy stream. Many lose their vigilance and become victims of pickpockets and skilled traders who drive up prices.
Temple St Night Market in Hong Kong, China
This place in Hong Kong is not so much a market as an exotic oriental attraction. The entertainment program includes a chess duel with local geniuses, joys with corrupt girls, dinner in an atmospheric restaurant under the open sky and a conversation with a fortune-telling parrot that brings good luck.
Temple Street is referred to by some as "Men's Street". Of course, the assortment of clothes for the representatives of the stronger sex is simply gigantic here, but this is by no means the only reason. The bazaar is also a favorite filming location for many gangster and action movie makers who love to smash the place during a hot chase. Also, as mentioned above, here you can buy a little "male pleasure" on every corner.
It is worth noting that there is a place for ordinary shopping. The stalls are full of souvenirs, glasses, pirated discs, clothes and shoes of famous Chinese brands, household goods and much more.
Camden in London, England
Camden is one of the main attractions of the British capital. It used to be a regular weekend market. Today it is perhaps the most colorful place in London. Whom you will not meet while walking along it: representatives of various subcultures, famous personalities, charming grannies and representatives of sexual minorities. Camden Lock Market offers great souvenirs and handicrafts, while fashionistas will appreciate Camden Stables and Electric Ballroom. Products in these places are made by young designers with their own hands, or altered from second-hand by creative tailors. Every year Camden receives about 10 million people.
Evening Bazaar in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The night market in Chiang Mai wakes up after the heavenly body disappears over the horizon. Fakes of expensive jewelry that cannot be distinguished from the originals, pirated products, sunglasses, clothes and fabrics - you can find anything here, even Thai swords or chicken legs. The heart of the market is the Night Bazaar building. This is three floors of paradise for shoppers. Tourists take away from here sêua mâw hâwm - blue cotton for farmer's shirts, hand-made fabrics, yâam - this is such an analogue of a backpack, exotic jewelry, opium scales, hats and Buddha figurines from various materials.
Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand
This giant market occupies more than 11 hectares and accommodates from 9 to 14 thousand stalls on this area, according to various sources. The daily flow of customers here is equal to two hundred thousand visitors. According to various estimates, this is the largest bazaar on the planet. The phrase “you can find anything” applies to this place like no other. Tourists usually buy souvenirs here after a holiday in the land of smiles. Chatuchak is divided into a number of thematic sectors, which are more convenient to navigate with the help of Nancy Chandler’s map of Bangkok. If you expect to meet a visit to the market in a couple of hours, then you will make a big mistake, you can spend at least a whole day here, eating at local eateries, drinking cooling juices and competing in the art of bargaining with sellers.
Pike Place Market in Seattle, USA
It is the oldest marketplace in the United States. Some residents even call the Pike Place Market a national treasure. In the upper part of the market, which is closer to the city, they sell mainly seafood, handicrafts, books and other small items. Here people are entertained by street musicians. A tier below settled sellers of antiques, comics and souvenirs. For a snack, too, here, most of the restaurants are located here. An elevator runs between the tiers, but you can also move up the stairs, diluting shopping with beautiful views of the bay.
Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, Japan
One of the largest in the world, Tsukiji Market specializes in seafood. The aroma here is very specific. The marketplace is divided into two sections.
and: domestic and foreign market. The first one specializes in wholesale trade, and fish is also processed here. Also, about 900 merchants have placed their stalls on the domestic market. The foreign market sells kitchen utensils and finished products. There are also plenty of restaurants that mainly serve sushi.
Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey
The Turkish Grand Bazaar cannot be overlooked either. It is unlikely that at least one tourist who visited Istanbul passed by him. There are about 4 thousand stalls and shops that sell jewelry, hookahs, carpets, leather and ceramics. In addition to shops, the market has a mosque, a number of hotels, 7 fountains and 18 gates.