Our world is full of amazing market places that most of us never see. It is important that you know of these places. If you travel to a city with one of these amazing markets, your visit is not complete unless you stop to experience what real markets of the world have to offer. From seeking the best price for gold when Dubai shopping to the fun and weird market of Guadalajara, Mexico you have a lot to experience. My family has enjoyed shopping experiences all over the world and we present, to you, our five favorite market places.
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Bangkok Floating Market and Chatuchak Market
The Chatuchak market has more than fifteen thousand stalls. You can be forgiven for taking more than a few days to visit them all. Almost everything you can imagine, and then some, can be found in this giant market.
- Bangkok Floating Marketarcher10 (Dennis) / People Photos / CC BY-SA
Our favorite item at this market was some traditional Thai and Chinese medicine ingredients. The Bangkok Floating Market is the experience of a lifetime. All manner of fruits, vegetables and meats are sold from small wide bottom boats that float throughout the canals of Bangkok, Asia’s answer to Venice.
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Pasar Bening Batu – East Jakarta, Indonesia
In this well hidden market, located in East Jakarta, is the largest selection of semi-precious stones you will ever see in one place in the world. Pasar Bening is difficult to find, but that is an illusion that is maintained on purpose.Find it near the main Taman Mini to Tanjung Priok toll road where it intersects with the national railway line. Pasar Bening is open every day of the year, except the Idul Fitri holiday. Your visit will be rewarded with friendly vendors and unbelievably low prices, including diamonds from Kalimantan (Borneo).
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Istanbul, Turkey Spice Market
Istanbul (Constantinople) still has the world’s oldest spice market. This was the crossroads of the world, more than 800 years ago, bringing spices and silk fabrics from the east to Europe. Unfortunately, this is also the route that the Black Plague took to get to Europe.
- Istanbul Spice MarketTambako the Jaguar / Foter.com / CC BY-ND
You will find there are more spices than you have ever heard of in your life.
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Marché Bastille – Boulevard Richard Lenoir – Paris, France
This is where the world famous restaurants of Paris buy fresh ingredients early every morning. Joined by epicurean Paris natives and knowing tourists it is a wonderful experience. From Avocados to Zucchini the Paris food market has absolutely everything.
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Dubai Souk (Gold) Market
There are many gold markets in the world but the Dubai Souk (Gold) Market shines as well as any other. In Dubai shopping is a must, and the Souk Market is not to be missed.
