A visit to a street market is a sensory frenzy: see artisanal crafts, smell the spices and taste the delicious food, all before your eyes. From India to London to Thailand, here are outdoor markets that will take you on a journey that will short circuit your senses.
Camden Market, London
Independent vendors thrive in Camden Market
(Image credit: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
For 50 years, Londoners seeking unique clothing have been flocking to Camden Market. According to Condé Nast Traveler, it started out as a “beacon” for non-conformists before attracting “grunge lovers, rockers and hippies.” Despite its unprecedented popularity, the market’s independent spirit remains strong, with shops selling vintage and recycled clothing and all kinds of handmade, wearable art, from leather handbags to silver jewelry and fascinators. The adventure continues at the food stalls, where hungry visitors can travel around the world trying Afghan barbecue, Greek street food, Korean hot dogs, Hawaiian poke bowls and traditional Turkish coffee.
Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Popular items available for purchase at Chandni Chowk include dry fruits and nuts.
(Image credit: Mike Powles/Getty Images)
Chandni Chowk is as bustling and vibrant as its host city. You can find almost anything here, from staples like spices and flowers to colorful saris and wedding dresses. Stock up on nuts and dry goods to eat during your tour of Chandni Chowk, but save room for street food. For tasty parathas, visit the “famous” Parante Wali Gali to savour the flatbread “filled with a variety of fillings, including potato, paneer and even chilli,” says The Times of India. Satisfy your sweet tooth with jalebi wala, a deep-fried pastry “soaked in sugar syrup and absolutely delicious.”
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Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok
Artificial flowers are among the colorful items on sale at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
(Image courtesy: aluxum / Getty Images)
Be prepared: with 15,000 food stalls spread across 35 acres, a stroll through Chatuchak is a marathon, not a sprint. Every weekend, around 200,000 people visit Thailand’s largest market to buy fresh produce, clothes, accessories and household items. Bartering is part of the deal, and visitors are encouraged to start negotiating with a smile. Plan to dine at least once at one of the food stalls serving popular dishes like Khao Man Gai (chicken and rice), Khao Moo Daeng (red pork and rice), Pad Thai and mango sticky rice.
Chichicastenango Market, Chichicastenango, Guatemala
Weavers also work as peddlers in the Chichicastenango market.
(Image credit: Arterra / Marica van der Meer / Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
This bustling market features “a rich mix of tradition and tourism”, with Lonely Planet saying “local women come to shop for new huipiles”. [blouse] “Shoulder rubbish with tourists looking for woven souvenirs.” Twice a week, Mayan villagers bring their artisanal crafts, displaying their colorful wares next to the hot plates used to make fresh tortillas. The atmosphere is lively, and the people-watching is just as exciting as the shopping.
Cairo, Khan Hariri
Khan el-Khalili’s history dates back to the 1300s
(Image courtesy: Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images)
Khan El Khalili Market has been delighting shoppers since 1382. This historic bazaar is home to hundreds of stalls, and as you make your way through its winding alleyways, “you might be tempted to buy incense, a small cup of mint tea, or a mini hookah,” says Conde Nast Traveler. Plan to arrive early in the morning to browse the jewelry, smell the perfumes, and avoid the later crowds to sample a local favorite, fetir meshaltet, a flaky pastry. This is also the time to chat with sellers, ask questions about their products, and get better deals.
Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market has plenty of sushi and sashimi options
(Image credit: Richard A. Brooks/AFP via Getty Images)
This is seafood mecca. Tourists can visit Tsukiji Outer Market at any time, but early mornings give priority to professional buyers. It’s common etiquette to be there before 9am so buyers can quickly visit the various stands and buy wholesale goods. After that, get close to the fish (but don’t touch them) and start planning where to eat. Time Out reports that Tsukiji Yakigyo Ishikawa is a “rare gem,” where customers choose their fish for sashimi and have it grilled at the table, with each fish “lightly seasoned with salt or soy sauce to bring out its natural flavor.” Tsukiji Kagura Sushi Honten is another gem, boasting that its sushi rice has a “mellow, slightly earthy, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh seafood.”
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