Contemporary Turkish artists and their paintings. Turkish portrait painters of the 19th – 20th centuries
Local markets are not just a place to buy something. This is an integral part of the culture and history of this country, a place where you can absorb the atmosphere and mood of the city. And here are the top best markets in the world.
The history of the market, which is also known as Sant Josep, dates back to the 1200s: not far from the former city gate of the Boqueria, tables began to be set up for the sale of meat. For a long time the market was a collection of shops on open area and had no official status - it was simply considered just a continuation of the market on Nova Square. A little later, the markets were divided, and in 1853 a separate building was built for Boqueria. Today Boqueria is a bright, colorful place and the largest indoor market in the region.
Central Market, Valencia, Spain
This is a real treat for the eyes, a real holiday! Over 1,000 stalls are stocked with the best seasonal produce - a dazzling reminder of what truly delicious and healthy food should look like. Built in the 1920s, the Art Nouveau market building is one of the largest in Europe - and one of the most beautiful. Take a closer look to see the wonderful stained glass windows and mosaics that adorn the domes. And indulge in freshly squeezed orange juice. 
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Türkiye
The most great pleasure in the world - to get lost in the endless twists and turns of the Turkish Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. The bazaar has so many stalls that you never know what wonders are waiting around the corner. At one time, every square in this super-market was dedicated to a profession and corresponding goods. Today, to some extent, a similar division also exists, but, in general, everything is in great and very beautiful disorder. At this market you can safely bargain, but, however, you don’t have to buy anything: just walk around is enough. Don't forget to look up - the vaulted ceilings of the market are extremely beautiful!
Camden Market, London, UK
A short walk north of Camden Town tube station will take you to this interesting market, located between Regent's Canal and concert hall"Roundhouse"
Camden Market is probably the most popular among students and young tourists, because here you can find everything - T-shirts with images of heavy metal bands, bags, bicycles, unusual jewelry, old records, vintage clothes, etc. Often people come here just to hang out and relax, because, in addition to shops, there are a lot of stalls with food and snacks from different cuisines of the world. 
St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, Canada
This is perhaps the best food market in Canada. The South Market is a building that looks like a huge warehouse, housing about 120 food stalls. There are also shops with ready-made dishes, the ingenuity of the dishes will impress even experienced chefs (if anything, cooking courses are held at this market). The history of the Northern Market goes back to 1803 - they sell food on Saturdays, and antiques on Sundays. And yes, St. Lawrence has a huge selection of cheeses—hundreds of different delicious varieties to choose from!
Place Monge market, Paris, France
There are more than 80 outdoor food markets in Paris, but this one is a favorite among locals and tourists, especially on Sunday.
At market kiosks you can buy goods from direct manufacturers with historical areas Ile-de-France and Picardy, the main horticultural regions of France: salads, vegetables, apples and potatoes, as well as excellent cheese, fresh fish from Boulogne and Dieppe, fried chicken, sausages, etc. In short, everything you could need for a picnic in the neighboring Botanical Garden with the ruins of the Roman Arena of Paris.
Market Gare do Midi, Brussels, Belgium
The largest market in Brussels is organized every Sunday (from 6 am to 1 pm) near the Gare du Midi station. Wonderful fabrics, unusual toys, vegetables and fruits - you can buy goods from all over Europe and North Africa at this huge, colorful and multinational market. 
Khan al-Khalil market, Cairo, Egypt
In the 900 shops of the bazaar with an 8-century history, you can buy glass and copper products, perfumes, jewelry, handicrafts, bright fabrics and colorful outfits, dishes, leather goods, camel hair rugs, figurines, papyrus, spices and much more. This is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East. It was founded in the 14th century on the site of the first Cairo cemetery. 
Naschmarkt, Vienna, Austria
Naschmarkt is located almost in the city center and is divided into 2 parts: food stalls and a flea market. The food part is interesting and incredibly colorful: pumpkins and potatoes, greens and salads, mushrooms, apples, Exotic fruits, mushrooms - everything is like in the picture. There are also many small restaurants and wine bars where you can always drink a glass of wine and have a snack. The flea market is absolutely charming with its details and, of course, the traditional assortment: dishes, clothes, toys, accessories, paintings.
Market in Medina, Marrakesh, Morocco
It's not even a central market, but a series of interconnected markets that specialize in different products. At Riad Zitoun el-Jedid, admire luxurious tunics and scarves; buy spices from Moroccan grandmothers at Rahba Kedima; along Riad Zitoun el-Kedim street they sell the cutest mirrors and boxes. 
Which countries have the largest markets in the world?
Market in Cairo
When going on a long journey, a person wants to bring home something unusual, reminiscent of his vacation in exotic country. The largest markets in the world will help you purchase the item you need.
The largest market is located in Cairo African continent. Along the paved narrow streets shopping arcades stretched out, filling the air with noise in the morning. Here you can not only buy a worthy souvenir, but also try local dishes, the aroma of which constantly disturbs the sense of smell. Papyrus scrolls and essential oils, glassware and wooden figurines - all this and much more can be purchased at the Cairo market from early morning until late at night.
Famous London Market
For 300 years, trade has continued on Portobello Road. The famous London Market has become famous for the fact that here you can ask the price for antiques and modern stylish second-hand items. However, you can spend time applauding the performances of street performers or sitting in a beer pub.
Saint-Ouen, the Flea Market of Paris, actually consists of 12 markets, which gradually merged into a single and very interesting place trade. Currently, the Flea Market includes more than 3,000 shops and street stalls, where second-hand items, modern and vintage wardrobe items, furniture, etc. are displayed for buyers to see. French welcome! Despite the start of the working day at 8 o'clock, it is better to come to the market by 9. It’s rare that a Frenchman will get to work without drinking a cup of strong coffee.
When listing the big markets of the world, it is worth mentioning El Rastro. This is one of the largest markets located in Madrid. People who want to buy a new designer item for next to nothing especially love to visit this place. The shelves of shopping malls are literally bursting with inexpensive but high-quality counterfeits. Moreover, here in large quantities there are antiques, spices brought from Morocco, as well as India.
Ranok Goa
In Goa, there is a night market that opens every Saturday on the streets of Arpora. Cashmere scarves and silver items, spices from India and aromatic teas, paintings by artists, designer products and other goods are presented in sufficient quantities to satisfy the tastes of the most demanding buyer.
In addition to trade, local “parties” are widely represented at the market. Here you can meet a group of hippies or aborigines, watch yogis meditate, or dance an ethnic dance to live accompaniment.
The Grand Bazaar market, Istanbul, has become a real national landmark of Turkey.
This is not just one of the largest markets on the planet. It is an indoor bazaar model that houses 3,000 different stores along 61st Street. We can say that the market is a city within big city. This is an incredibly confusing and chaotic labyrinth in which it is very easy for a tourist to get lost. Local kids will help you get to the exit, of course, for an appropriate reward.
Bangkok market
Bangkok also delights tourists with the opportunity to visit a huge market, which is a paradise for shopping lovers. You shouldn’t splurge on purchases during sightseeing tours; on Chatuchak you can buy the same thing at really ridiculous prices. On weekends, about 8,000 stalls are set up on the city streets. Therefore, just to get acquainted with the local flavor, you will need to spend at least 3 hours in the market.
When visiting distant countries, it is worth Special attention pay attention to the markets where you can buy the thing you like, and get acquainted with local traditions. One of the most important traditions is to keep your pockets zipped!
More interesting articles:
It is the largest weekend market in Thailand and the world. It has almost 15,000 kiosks, and in one working day (from 9.00 to 18.00) it is visited by about 200,000 people.
2. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Türkiye
One of the largest and oldest indoor markets in the world. It is divided into 61 streets with over 3,000 shops.
3. Shilin Night Market, Taipei, Taiwan
The largest and most famous night market in Taipei city. There are almost 600 stalls here.
4. Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
One of the oldest and busiest markets in Old Delhi.
5. Camden Lock Market, London, England
This is the most popular market in London. About 100,000 people visit every weekend to buy crafts, clothing and food.
6. Jamaa El Fna, Marrakech, Morocco
Tourists arriving in Marrakesh should definitely visit one of the main attractions of Morocco - the Jemaa El Fna square and market. During the day, the heart of the Medina is largely filled with snake charmers and monkey trainers.
7. Rialto Market, Venice, Italy
The history of this market dates back to the 11th century. It is located on the banks of the Grand Canal, near the famous Rialto Bridge - one of the most famous bridges in the world. This market and the bridge of the same name are among the most popular tourist attractions in Venice.
8. Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong
The Temple Street Night Market begins in the afternoon, when the street is closed to traffic and filled with crowds of locals and tourists. In this colorful market you can find many clothes, watches and mobile devices, as well as used goods.
9. Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, Australia
Countless tourists and local residents People eagerly visit this old market, which has become one of the main attractions of Melbourne.
10. St. Lawrence Market, Toronto, Canada
National Geographic named it the world's best food market. It is located in two buildings. The northern building houses farmers' and antique markets, while the southern building houses restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries.
If, when you hear the word market, you remember shopping arcades with goods of unknown origin and sellers of all nationalities, each inviting them to their own department, then our selection of the most stylish markets today will pleasantly surprise you.
Market Hall, Rotterdam, Netherlands
Once upon a time there was the central market of Rotterdam. And after the reconstruction, a giant glass arch grew, but the authors of this project, the architects from the MVRDV bureau, made sure that the territory of the new building would also have a place for farmers who are accustomed to coming here twice a week. Inside the building there is a residential complex, and the covered courtyard has been turned into a market. To protect future residents from noise and odors, the architects proposed triple glazing of windows and well-oriented apartment layouts: the windows of all living rooms face the outside, and only the kitchens and storage rooms face the market. But residents of the house will not have to go far for fresh vegetables. And besides farmers, under the roof of the new building there are a dozen shops, several restaurants and a culinary school.
Chelsea Market, New York, USA
New York is a city of contrasts, especially when it comes to food. If you wish, you can find anything here: from authentic Tuscan caciucco to fiery Indian curry - with all stops. Well, the famous Chelsea Market is New York in miniature, which contains several dozen restaurants of a wide variety of cuisines. However, this market has become one of the main attractions of Manhattan not only because of the food, but also because of its design. Chelsea Market is located in a former confectionery factory building, the appearance of which during the renovation process was made the most minimal changes so as not to disturb the noble antiquity of the brownstone. The architects additionally decorated the façade with elements made of brass, steel and green glass. The interior also maintains an industrial-chic feel with plenty of artifacts from the factory's past.
Aldar Central Souk, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming one of the world's major capitals, from an urban planning point of view - for sure. The best architects in the world realize here their (but more often than not someone else’s) craziest ideas. One of the finishing touches in the total rebranding of the city was the reconstruction of the central bazaar designed by London guru Norman Foster. Today the site is home to a modern indoor market. In fact, the noisy Arab flea market Aldar, where you could buy amazing jewelry, handicrafts, spices and much more, has not gone away. It’s just that now it is enclosed in neat wooden walls with carved ornaments and elements of traditional oriental decor. And next door, on several levels of the new complex, there are luxury restaurants and boutiques. The “green” facades of the market deserve special attention - trees are planted at all levels, and a whole park with solar panels is laid out on the roof.
Borough Market, London, UK
Another market to which tourist excursions are conducted is London's Borough Market. For the past ten years, this place on the south bank of the Thames has become a mecca of young British gastronomy every week, from Wednesday to Saturday, although the market itself has existed here since the 12th century. With butchers and cheese shops, sellers of herbs, spices and olive oil, there are dozens of cafes, restaurants and just food stalls, so the smells in the Borough are incredible. It’s hardly possible to visit here and not eat to your heart’s content. And the visual component adds a special charm to the market: the current building with a glass roof was erected in 1851, and the elegant entrance lobby, decorated in Art Deco style, was completed 40 years later. All sorts of designer little things also catch your eye, like calligraphy on chalk boards - it seems that there is an unofficial competition among sellers for the most beautiful sign.
Tsvetnoy Central Market, Moscow, Russia
The Tsvetnoy department store was included in our selection solely because of its pedigree. Previously, this place was the location of the Central Market, a fairly famous place in Moscow, where fresh products came from all over the country, and buyers from all over the city. When the market on Tsvetnoy Boulevard was closed and large-scale construction began in its place, the regret of Muscovites knew no bounds. However, the seven-story building that opened here in 2010 shopping mall, built according to the design of the architect Yuri Grigoryan, fits perfectly into the landscape of Tsvetnoy Boulevard. And recently it was recognized as the most beautiful department store in Europe at the EuroShop Retail Design Awards. To maintain the connection between times, the owners opened a small farmers market on the top floor of Tsvetnoy, which is surrounded by several restaurants. The interior space and interiors of the market were designed by the British bureau Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.
