Four Of the Worlds Biggest and Best Markets
Ever needed an excuse to visit a market? Here are four famous markets that are just the ticket for anyone who loves browsing, searching and haggling for a bargain. Search out a couple of flights and take a couple of empty suitcases with you – for you are sure to need them!
Jaipurs Johari Bazar – India
An Indian market is about as colourful a place as you could ever visit. Full of hustle and bustle, the cacophony of street sounds, and  everyone searching and vendors who pride themselves on entertaining their customers … miss out on this unique sub-continental experience at your peril! Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’, capital of Rajasthan, has a marvellous market for jewellery;  with  precious metals, polished gemstones and intricate pieces of jewellery on display.
As a former royal city, it has a tradition of supplying many of India’s clans with spectacular wares and is one of the few centres to cut and finish tanzanite, also known as ‘blue diamond’!
Frances La Braderie in Lille
Dating back to medieval times, Lille is home to one of the biggest flea markets in Europe attracting several million visitors a year. It boasts around 200km of pavement stalls selling anything – from tiny collectibles to musical instruments, furniture and clothes, so be prepared for a long day. Its only a three hour drive and ferry crossing from Dover, and so worth a visit, with street music entertainment and a variety of other artistic performances. When hunger strikes, try the local speciality of moules-frites (mussels with chips) and look out for the empty mussel shell mountains – there’s a traditional public contest between restaurants to see who can build the biggest hill of shells! Shopping may go well into the night so pace yourself, and remember the power of bargaining for a great deal!
Bangkoks Chatuchak Market – Thailand
As one of the most famous bazaars in the world, it is no surprise that the Chatuchak Market attracts close to 200,000 visitors every weekend to its 15,000 stalls, spread across 35 acres of ground. This weekend market offers a diverse collection of just about everything, so you can literally shop ‘til you drop! Another places for shopaholics, its knowns for its clothes, ceramics, books, art, antiques – there is little you won’t find here. A bit of haggling will serve you well and you can bring home some exciting finds. Style goes out of the window here – dress in cool, comfortable clothing and most importantly, get the right foot wear on for a mammoth walking session. Arrive good and early at around 8am and throw yourself into the experience. For an added thrill, start your day by catching the sky train over to the market place!
Guadalajara – Marcado Libertad – Mexico
The Marcado Libertad is in the second largest city of Mexico – and it hosts one of the country’s biggest traditional markets and is a spectacular draw for tourists. Three floors of vendors carry a vast array of goods – a case of something for everyone! From jewellery to cheap electronics, clothes and items for the children, it’s extremely unlikely that anyone will leave empty-handed. Keep an eye out for the butchers in the Marcado – they sell every part of the animal and hang them out in the open for inspection – a great cultural experience if you have a strong stomach!
All these place are easy to access and international flights are readily available, so with some great bargains on flights, and in the market, your holiday shouldn’t break the bank!
