Being an avid traveler, the first spot that I seem to gravitate towards at any destination is a market. Markets I believe help you ‘get your finger on the pulse’ on any destination as they are usually busy and bustling places of commerce which are full of exciting sights, sounds and smells. Here are some of the world’s famous markets which are also considered to great tourist attractions.
Photo Credit:atilh
Mercat de La Boqueria, Barcelona
Located near the prime tourist attraction of Las Ramblas , the Mercat de La Boqueria which is known simply as ‘Boqueria’ opens for business in the early hours of the morning. This market is populated with over a thousand stalls whose vendors sell all sorts of products like fresh fish and seafood, meats, poultry, game, fruits and vegetables, herbs, breads and pastries, frozen items, artisan products, charcuterie( Spain’s famous cured hams), wine and much more. Several cafes like Bar Pinotxo’s and Bar Central are also located within the market and they offer the vendors, shoppers and tourist a spot to rest and relax as they grab a bite while they take in the many wonders of this great food market.
Photo Credit:stevecadman
Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
This busy market which is renowned for its early morning Tuna auctions is a prime tourist attraction in Tokyo. These auctions take place at the ungodly hour of 3 am on everyday of the week except Sundays. Tourists are welcome to visit these auctions except during the busiest times of the year (from mid December to mid January). The Tsukiji market is the largest wholesale fish market in this fish loving nation though the market also has vendors of fresh fruit and vegetables within its environs. The Tsukiji Market is located just above Tsukijishijo Station on the Oedo subway line while the closest JR station is Shimbashi, from where the market can be accessed by a short ten minute walk.
Photo Credit: A.Nayar
Borough Market, London
Borough Market is located near London Bridge Station in South London. This market which is held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is noisy and busy like any other market in the world. However the wide array of prepared foods and fresh produce that are offered here help make Borough Market an absolute gastronomic delight and a favored haunt of London’s most famous chefs. The traders at Borough market sell many kinds of olives, cakes, meats, coffee, tea, artisan breads and chocolates and are forever offering free samples and tastings to the many tourists and locals that flock to this market.
Photo Credit:antwepenR
Chatuchak Market, Bangkok
The Thai capital of Bangkok is renowned for its many markets and shopping locales but one market which must be visited on any trip to Bangkok is the huge ‘Chatuchak’ weekend market which is held every Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 6pm at an area opposite the old bus terminal at Phahonyothin. The market is accessible by Bangkok’s Skytrain system at Morchit station. At Chatuchak you can get buy all sorts of products like traditional stone and wood sculptures, paintings, rugs, textiles, clothes, baskets, puppets and masks, and even ‘antiques’ and collectibles . Bargaining is an accepted norm at the market. To make the best use of time at the market it is advisable to get to Chatuchak by 9 am as it can get very hot and crowded especially during the summer months of April and May. While perusing the wares of the more than 9000 stalls, you must be vigilant about your belongings as pickpockets abound at this choice tourist haunt.
Photo Credit:papalars
Pike Place Market, Seattle
If Starbucks is your coffee of choice then you must try and visit Pike Place Market in Seattle for this well known market is the birthplace of the ubiquitous coffee giant. Pike Place Market began life as an ordinary farmers market but today it has grown to be Seattle’s most famous landmark as it is home to a whole host of vendors who sell a wide variety of fresh produce, baked goods and specialty foods. The original Starbucks is sandwiched between vendors on the street across the main building of the market. A great way to explore this market and take in its many sights and sounds is to take the one hour Market heritage tour which departs on several days of the week from the market’s information booth which is located on Pike Place and First Avenue.
Photo Credit:bryangeek
Tekka Market, Singapore
Tekka Market is located in one of the oldest enclaves of Singapore, the section of Little India which is located near Serangoon Road. The market which is currently being refurbished presents a fascinating amalgamation of cultures as it has both Chinese and Indian vendors who carry out their trade side by side while they attempt to speak each other’s native languages in order to communicate with the many shoppers that throng the market. Tekka market is composed of a ‘wet market’ component where vendors sell fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables but it also has a ‘dry’ component where vendors sell apparel, household goods and other paraphernalia. The market also houses a food center where you can indulge in delicious Chinese and Indian eats.
Photo Credit:Power I pics
Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide
This bustling market which is located on Adelaide’s Gouger Street was founded in 1869 and is today visited by more than 150,000 people weekly. Shoppers come to the market to buy fresh produce as well as seafood, gourmet cheese and confectionery treats from the more than 80 stall holders that populate this market. Some of the stall holders now also sell vintage clothes and other products that are sourced from around the world. The market also houses a few trendy cafes where you can take a break as you take in all the hustle and bustle of your surroundings.
Photo Credit:webethere
Crawford Market and Mangaldas Market, Mumbai
The metropolis of Mumbai has many bustling bazaars but in order to really feel the pulse of the city you have to head to Crawford Market, which is of one of the largest markets in Mumbai.. This market which is located in Central Mumbai is housed in an imposing Gothic building which dates back to the nineteenth century. Crawford market is a wholesale market for fruits, vegetables, poultry, household goods and even pets. Located opposite Crawford Market is the leading cloth market of Mumbai called ‘Mangaldas Market’. This market is housed in another cavernous building which has numerous vendors of fine textiles within its folds. These dealers sell their fabulous wares which are sourced from all over the country, from open stalls which are stacked high with bales of many beautiful textiles.
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 21st, 2009 at 8:06 pm and is filed under Food, Shopping, World. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
July 22nd, 2009 at 2:28 am
The Los Angeles Farmers Market in Downtown L.A. and also in the Fairfax district are wonderful places of vibrant colors and engaging smells. Definitely worth the visit while in L.A. The Fairfax Farmers Market is a great celebrity seeking opportunity for visitors want to see some Hollywood stars. But approach respectfully.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:13 am
Thanks for the information Eric.
October 10th, 2009 at 4:15 am
London bridge has a great market although dont do all your shoping there you will come back broke! its called borough market and is great if you fancy fresh hot food, cheeses wine you name it is is there.
October 18th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
I’ve done a fair bit of travelling myself and also try to seek out the local markets - much more fun than the tourist traps that the guides try to drag you into
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 am
Welcome to beaches of exhilarating beauty!
Many of Thailand’s beaches are literarily paradise on earth. You will be awed by the palm-fringed, delightfully powdery white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear sea abound in delicate colourful coral. As for beach accommodation, the services offered are world-class at the fraction of the cost you would pay back home. And believe it or not, if you book from here, the prices get even cheaper!
January 7th, 2010 at 8:37 am
Nice pics. Check out the spice market if you ever visit Istanbul.