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The World’s Best Markets

The World’s Best Markets

By Ryan Merrifield

Offering insight into the local customs, traditions, and cuisines of the countries we visit, markets are magnificent places to begin any trip.  Colourful and cultural, the marketplaces’ mix of authentic handcrafted textiles with aromatic smells and tastes entice all who travel and showcase a different side of life within their chosen destination.  So whether you’re out for a spot of sightseeing, want to tantalise your taste buds or are even just hoping to find a bargain, The Luxury Travel Guide presents some of the finest markets around the world.
 
Djemaa el Fnaa, Marrakesh, Morocco
 
Famed for its colourful markets and vibrant atmospheres, markets in Morocco are unlike any other found around the world and whether you come searching for authentic Moroccan crafts, handmade sandals, or even just a traditional meal, markets in Morocco will always leave you wanting and returning for more.  Positioned in Morocco’s medina quarter and now a UNESCO Heritage Site, Djemaa el Fnaa’s open space comes to life with snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians and whilst day vendors serve fresh orange juice, water and fruit, visitors will be spoilt with nightly food stalls’ servings of traditional tagines, cous-cous, soups, and brouchettes.
 
The Saxe-Breteuil Market, Paris, France
 
Operating on just Thursdays and Saturdays, on days where The Saxe-Breteuil Market is closed for business you’ll find little evidence of its existence.  However when it is open it is arguably Paris’ most beautiful market with its incredible location beside the Eiffel Tower and photogenic surrounding area.  Beginning at Place de Breteil and stretching to Avenue de Segur, this open-air farmers market invites farmers and producers from across France to sell their produce, making this market one that specialises in high-quality, organic food.  With fishmongers, florists, cheese merchants and confectionary stands, this market offers a true taste of Parisian decadence. 

Borough Market, London, England

Having occupied its current spot in Southwark, Central London for over 250 years, Borough Market is London’s oldest food market and an absolute delight for food connoisseurs.  Specialising in wholesale, the market thrills food lovers with its selection of fine foods from suppliers throughout the UK and across the world, with assortments ranging from olive oils and cheeses to ostrich burgers and its key offering – fruit and vegetables.  Aside from daily operations, the market featured in the films Bridget Jones’ Diary and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban making it one very fashionable and beloved place to shop.
 
Woodstock Neighbourgoods Market, Cape Town, South Africa
 
Frequented by Cape Town’s trendiest crowd and housed in a disused biscuit factory, the Neighbourgoods Market is the place to be.  Founded in 2006, this award-winning market opens every Saturday between 9-2pm, although it’s best to arrive before 10am if you’re hoping to beat the crowds.  With over 100 speciality traders including local farmers, bakers, and celebrated local chefs, and food ranging from farm fresh produce and organic food, to freshly-baked loafs and home-cured olives, visitors can take a seat at a communal table, listen to stories of the local community, and indulge in some of Africa’s finest produce.

La Vucciria, Palermo, Italy

With ‘Vucciria’ translating to ‘the place of loud voices’ in the local dialect, the noise generated at this market will certainly help those hoping to find it! Flowing through the side streets around the Piazza San Domenico in Palermo, the market is alive with musicians banging drums, the smell of barbecued kebabs, and Arabian ballads filling the air and despite its European location, this Kasbah-style market is like those more commonly found across the Middle East.  Selling fresh seafood, produce, and local crafts, this market encapsulates the bounty of the Sicilian countryside and is one likely to satisfy all shoppers.

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