The oldest and most vibrant bazaars from around the world: What you can buy and how to behave

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Since ancient times, people have traded among themselves in market squares. Over time, shops, a supermarket, hypermarkets appeared, but for fresh products, and for other quality goods, people invariably go to the markets. In many countries there are bazaars, where trade has been conducted for more than one century, and such places have their own rules, which will not be superfluous to know about everyone who comes here.

Vintage markets of the planet

In London, in the very center, by the London Bridge, the famous Borough Market has been trading for over 250 years. Four days a week - from Sunday to Wednesday, wholesale buyers are bought here, and on the rest of the days - the market works with ordinary buyers. Londoners love to shop here - the goods are high quality and fresh. The assortment is huge - from pastries, vegetables and fruits, to hamburgers with ostrich meat.

In Spain, in ancient Barcelona, there is the Boqueria market. This market is over 800 years old. The huge market area is filled with seafood, deli meats, fruits and spices. Here everyone can find everything they need.

The Mercado market is located in the capital of Chile - Santiago. A huge assortment of products is presented here: vegetables, meat delicacies, cheeses, all kinds of seafood, even the most exotic ones. The market building has become a symbol of the city. The range of products presented here is huge, and the prices are very affordable.

One of the main attractions of Istanbul is the Grand Bazaar. This is one of the most visited places by tourists. Due to the popularity of this market, prices are slightly higher than in other markets in the city. This is an ancient market, almost 600 years old. Now there are more than 5,000 stores on its territory. In addition, on the territory of the market there are: hammams, fountains, restaurants, a mosque, a school, a hotel. The market is a kind of city within the city. Previously, it sold mainly jewelry and fabrics. Nowadays, you can find everything here, including the famous Turkish sweets. The market is visited by about half a million people every day.

One of the dirtiest Chandini Chowk markets is located in the capital of India - Delhi. It is also one of the most vibrant, colorful and fragrant markets. After all, they trade here spices, fabrics, carpets and jewelry, as well as tea.

In Cairo (Egypt), the most important market in Africa is located - Khan El Khalili. An ancient market with cool rows of streets, as if it came out of the fairy tales of Scheherazade. Any, the most discerning buyer, will find whatever he wants here. The special light and smells of incense, like a time machine, transport the visitor to ancient times.

Unusual markets of different countries

The famous Cai Rang market is located in Vietnam. It is known for being located on the river. Vendors arrive at the market in boats filled with all kinds of goods. Trading starts early in the morning, and by lunchtime, all the best has already been sold. This market is especially famous for its delicious and cheap pineapples - there are no such pineapples anywhere else.

One of the main attractions of Tokyo is the famous Tsukiji fish market. It is located almost in the center of the Japanese capital. Begins its work - at 4 o'clock in the morning. Here you can buy the freshest seafood and fish. Unloading and auctioning tuna can be called a real attraction. Almost 2 thousand tons of fish are sold here every day. Most of the outlets are closed already at 11 o'clock in the morning - the goods are sold out.

In China, in Taiwan, in the city of Taipei, there is the Shilin market. He is famous for the fact that they trade here at night. Trading begins in the evening. This market is interesting because there is a huge number of attractions, as well as places where you can easily gamble. And if you don't feel like playing, you can taste various exotic dishes that are prepared on the market.

In the UAE, in the city of Dubai, the world's largest gold market is located: white, pink, yellow. Gold flocks here from all over the world and you can buy it both wholesale and retail, and at very tempting prices. They trade here not only gold, but also delightful jewelry made of this metal.

The world famous Flea Market - Saint-Ouen is located in Paris, in its northeastern suburb. Once upon a time, this is where old-fashioned furniture was sold, which became a home for parasites. Currently, it also sells second-hand items and antiques: old paintings, porcelain, furniture, jewelry, books, vintage clothing.

There is also a flea market in London, but more prim, in the English style. This is Portobello. It is visited not only by tourists and locals, but also by famous show business stars and collectors. In this market, you can find masterpieces that go at auctions for hundreds of thousands of pounds.

A very unusual market exists in the city of La Paz in Bolivia - the Witch Market. Here shamans and sorcerers sell self-made potions for all occasions. But if the buyer wants to prepare the substance he needs himself, then here he can find all the necessary components: a tiger skin, bat wings, a llama embryo. Amulets and charms filled with witchcraft are also sold here.

Hong Kong has an amazing goldfish market. Tourists visit it with pleasure, but, unfortunately, taking home a purchase they like is very problematic.

Earth's wonderful markets

On the main street of French Nice, for over 150 years there has been a colorful flower market fragrant with aromas. There are a lot of flowers here, for every taste. But, in addition to flowers, you can also find here a huge number of other goods that are usually sold in the markets.

Along the Singel Canal in Amsterdam, the most fragrant market in Europe, the Blumenmarkt, is located on floating barges. Every day, all kinds of fresh flowers are delivered here - this is a real paradise for florists and flower lovers.

In which countries is it customary to bargain

In the West, in European countries, and in Russia, as well as in many countries of the former CIS, the art of bargaining has been lost forever. But in the eastern countries, this ritual is alive and well. Moreover, the seller may even be offended if the buyer does not want to play the game "Knock down the price". And you can shoot down quite a lot - sometimes more than half.

In Turkey, UAE, Greece - you won't be able to bargain in restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies. But bargaining is a sacred thing in private shops and markets. In Egypt, Chile, Thailand, India, bargaining can be done almost everywhere, even in large stores, massage parlors, and taxi drivers.

In China, only aces will be able to bargain with the locals. Sellers willingly drop prices for little things, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to bring down the price of equipment, clothing or high-quality jewelry.

Visiting markets in different countries, you can get acquainted with the culture, gastronomic preferences of this country. And if the market is old, then touch its ancient history. In addition to amazing impressions, you can also take away from the trip wonderful souvenirs bargained with merchants in these markets.