They are much more than a place to shop. They stand as meeting points, social clubs and lifelines for the locals that congregate there regularly. Once you enter, you can spend hours getting lost in these frenetic colours of life, haggling for a bargain or just enjoying the atmosphere.
Here are six of the best we’ve come across on our travels.
Thailand – Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
The market itself is not completely on the water, and is actually located on the riverside, however, there are still a good few boats floating along to give it that traditional feel. Here, you can buy fresh fruit, Thai gifts, clothing and toys, but the best part is the street food which can range from everything from fried fish to delicious curry.
Khlong Lat is one of the quieter floating markets and it is actually a little bit out of the main city centre. It’s worth the effort to get to as it’s much more akin with the Thai way of life and virtually tourist free.
Kuala Lumpur – Kasturi Walk
On top of the food, the open-air flea market also sells every type of knock-off imaginable, from fake designer t-shirts to handbags. It’s not the biggest market, but the combination of the food and the cheap goods make it popular with many tourists.
The market runs along Jalan Kasturi and is right next to Central Market, making it really easy to find and a fun way to spend a morning in this busy city.
New York City – Union Square Greenmarket
Make your way through over 100 stalls and sample the fine foods of the region while the city’s finest chefs show off their gourmet skills. At its busiest, thousands make their way through the market and the atmosphere is nothing short of incredible.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday all year round, this diverse market welcomes farmers from all over the state to showcase their delicious food. One for keen foodies who want to experience something a little different in the big city. Go for the food, stay for the buzz.
Feira Nordestina, Rio de Janeiro – São Cristovão Market Feira Nordestina
With over 700 stalls selling everything from street food to children’s toys stretched out over 32,000 sq m, it’s hard to see where this market starts and ends. The stalls sell pretty much everything you can think of, but it’s more than just a market; it’s a club, a fair, a marketplace and a festival all rolled into one with chaotic ease.
Of course, like any social gathering in Brazil you can expect a healthy dose of music and dancing as the samba troupes line up to put on a show for all those in attendance.
The market is full of bars and cafes and in the evening it livens up even more with locals from the northeast of the city coming down to drink, dance and party – it’s a must for anyone after an authentic experience in Rio.
Markets all over the world
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