Whether you are a self-confessed bargain hunter or just like to soak up the local atmosphere, a visit to the markets always proves to be enjoyable. Markets provide an authentic insight into how the locals live. They often overload your senses with brilliant colours, tastes and smells at every turn. Here’s our pick of the top 5 city markets in the world.
Monastiraki Flea Market, Athens
Held on Sunday mornings, the Monastiraki Flea Market is a must visit during a holiday to Athens. The set up is similar to a Turkish Bazaar. Imagine lots of tiny shops, come stalls selling a huge variety of second-hand merchandise. With what feels like the entire population of Athens making their way to the market, it’s better to get here as early as you can. Past 11am, the crowds can be unmanageable. There are some shops selling tourist goods which are open all the time. The main focus on Sundays is antiques. If you are here on holiday, it’s unlikely that you are looking to buy antiques. It’s still worth a visit because window shopping here can be very enjoyable indeed.
Best buys: Second-hand goods
Camden Market, London
There are five markets in total; Camden Lock Market, Camden Stables Market, Camden Canal Market, Inverness Street Market, and Camden (Buck Street) Market, which collectively are known as Camden Market. Attracting around 500,000 visitors every week, it is now the fourth most popular tourist attraction in the UK capital. Open every day of the year except Christmas Day, it’s the perfect solution for true shopaholics. Boasting both open-air and indoor options, bad weather won’t put a dampener on your experience. The vibe of Camden is definitely alternative. Choose from designer and vintage clothes, art, antiques and crafts, plus a fantastic food court to keep you fed and watered.
Best buys: Fashion and food
GreenFlea Market, New York
In a city as big as New York, it’s safe to say that there are several markets to choose from. GreenFlea Market is considered the best of its kind in Manhattan. It’s open every Sunday and offers a large variety of items that you wouldn’t generally find at normal shops. Here, you’ll find vintage clothing, unique antiques, homewares, handcrafted items, books and plenty more
Best buys: Made to order clothing and art
Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne
Queen Victoria is highly regarded as the best open air market in Melbourne, having been a part of city life for 130 years! Located on Queen Street, it attracts thousands of visitors with its vast and varied offering. Fresh fruit and veg, gourmet and deli foods and not forgetting meat and fish are widely available. There is also a large area dedicated to non-food items such as clothes, crafts and jewellery. It is open every day except Mondays and Wednesdays and during the summer months, Wednesday evening’s play host to a night market with live music and tasty food.
Best buys: Fresh fruit & veg and a doughnut from the popular doughnut van!
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
Comprised of a staggering 15,000 stalls, the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is one of the largest markets in the world. It’s an ideal introduction to the buzz of Thai life. Give the modern new shopping malls a miss and make your way to the market for authentic shopping with everything from antiques, housewares, jewellery, clothing and literally everything in between on offer at bargain prices. Be wary of some of the exotic foods you will likely encounter! Wear comfortable shoes and bring some water with you, as once you starting browsing the stalls at Chatuchak, you’ll be in it for the long haul!
Best buys: Authentic souvenirs
So there you have it, the top 5 city markets in the world! What’s the best market you have ever been to abroad?
