Top 10 Largest Markets Worldwide You Might Want to Know

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo stands as one of the world's largest fish markets. Every day, Tsukiji Fish Market supplies approximately 2000 tons of seafood to one-third of Japan's territory. With its immense scale and bustling trading activities throughout the day, Tsukiji Fish Market has become a prominent tourist attraction in Tokyo. The Tsukiji Fish Market is a public wholesale market located in Chuo-ku, the central district of Tokyo. The business scale of this market ranks among the largest in the world. Just considering seafood, the daily transaction volume reaches 1,799 tons, equivalent to approximately 1,500,000,000 yen. The Tsukiji Fish Market covers an area of over 285,000 square meters. While renowned for seafood items, the market also sees significant consumption of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, food-related utensils such as cooking tools, knives, and tableware are also abundantly sold. Simply taking a stroll through the market provides an enjoyable experience for visitors.

The market is situated between the Sumida River and the upscale Ginza shopping district. While access to the wholesale market inside is restricted for tourists, the outer retail market, restaurants, and shops offering restaurant-related items remain a popular tourist spot for both domestic and international visitors. The market opens most mornings (except Sundays, holidays, and some Wednesdays) at 3:00 a.m., with the arrival of products from ships, trucks, and airplanes from around the world. A particularly impressive activity is the unloading of tons of frozen tuna. Auction units (known as oroshi gyōsha in Japan) then estimate the value and prepare upcoming products for auctions. Buyers (licensed to participate in auctions) also inspect the fish to assess which ones they want to bid on and the price they are willing to pay.

Many shops also provide menus in foreign languages in the 'Puratto Tsukiji' guidance area, including English, so foreign tourists can feel at ease. Tsukiji Fish Market is undoubtedly an incredibly interesting destination that food enthusiasts, photographers, and more cannot afford to miss.

Exploring Barcelona without visiting La Boqueria Market, the city's most famous marketplace, would leave your journey incomplete. The market is filled with vibrant stalls, mountains of fresh produce, seafood, and spicy chorizo sausages hanging high. You can grab a bag of thinly sliced jamon ham to enjoy as you stroll around the market, or if you're patient enough, try queuing at Pinotxo bar - a tiny eatery with just fourteen seats serving the best tapas in town. Located to the left of the bustling tourist thoroughfare of La Rambla, the gleaming metal entrance gates of La Boqueria will lead you into a world of colorful foods and fruits. Influenced by the Mediterranean climate, the market is stocked with a plethora of local products such as olives, seafood, fruits, meats, cheeses, and more. Stepping into the market, you'll be overwhelmed by an array of vibrant stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables. Rows of meticulously arranged olives, stalls selling aromatic Manchego cheeses made from sheep's milk, the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the bakeries, a long line of counters with large stacks of cured meats piled on top, or the sound of shrimp sizzling in tanks.

In addition to selling fresh produce, many eateries and tapas bars with a wide selection from international to local cuisine will make your visit much more flavorful. The best time to visit the market is before 2 PM, which is the busiest time. As the most famous tourist attraction in the city, visiting on weekends may result in swimming through a sea of people. To avoid this overcrowding, Spanish authorities have issued a ban on groups of more than 15 tourists during peak times, a measure widely supported by the market's vendors. Over the years, La Boqueria Market has become an icon of the city's history, embodying the families, traditions, and festivals. It is the largest market in Spain. Present-day traders are mainly from the third and fourth generations of market suppliers. It's a blend of the past and the present.

Borough Market, London, is the oldest continuously running market spanning over a thousand years. Over the past century, it has gradually transformed from a wholesale market into a bustling hub for both locals and tourists alike. Here, one can find local produce, exotic game meats, exquisite British cheeses, and street foods from around the world.

With its historic charm and diverse offerings, this special market has attracted attention not only from locals but also from tourists. Over time, Borough Market has evolved from a food provisioning site into a must-visit tourist destination when stepping foot in the capital of the United Kingdom. Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market in Southwark, on the south bank of the River Thames. It is considered one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. Wholesale activities at the market typically take place in the morning from 2 am to 8 am. Retail operations, on the other hand, focus on Thursdays (11 am to 5 pm), Fridays (12 pm to 6 pm), and Saturdays (9 am to 5 pm). Vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, bread, and pastries are the main items sold at the market.

Borough Market operated as a street market for the first time in the 11th century. Back then, goods at Borough Market were usually cheaper than those on the north bank of the river, a stark contrast to today, where shops at Borough Market are some of the most expensive in London. Borough Market continued to operate and expand until the 18th century, when an act of Parliament ceased market trading due to congestion and traffic obstruction caused by Borough Market. Market traders were compensated to relocate to the current Borough Market location. Since then, Borough Market has gradually become one of the most important food markets in London.

Named the 'spice market', the Egyptian Spice Bazaar actually sells a variety of goods, but spices remain the primary commodity, with such a wide array that it may leave you astonished. A sincere piece of advice when here is to steer clear of the imitation jewelry stalls and head to the snack stalls for delights like candy, pastries, or Turkish specialties. Also, never miss out on the traditional Turkish breakfast with sheep's cheese, olives, and local honey.

The Spice Bazaar in Istanbul dates back to the 17th century, opening seven days a week (half-day on Sundays), and is a favorite spot for housewives looking to purchase cooking spices. It's also been a renowned culinary paradise since the 1960s. You can buy dried fruits, spices, nuts, olive oil, and quality essential oils here. When you step into the Spice Bazaar, the aroma of spices fills the air throughout the market. The Spice Bazaar was built in the 1660s as part of the Eminonu mosque complex (Yeni Camii), with part of the rent from market stalls going towards mosque renovations.

The Spice Bazaar is also known as the Egyptian Bazaar because it was built with tax revenue from imported goods from Egypt. In its heyday (before the Suez Canal), the Spice Bazaar was the final stop on the legendary Silk Road (passing through China, Persia – modern-day Iran, India, Egypt, etc). At this market, you'll smell spices everywhere. Vendors are also eager to advise buyers on products. The Spice Bazaar, shaped like an L, comprises over 100 shops and has 6 gates. The market is bustling all day with its distinctive aroma of spices. Those who love spices can spend an entire day exploring the market or getting lost amid the various colors of spices from around the world concentrated here.

La Merced Market boasts a history of over 150 years and stands as the largest food market in Mexico City. In front of this market, many people gather around large bubbling pots, selling the beautifully red and fragrant pancita soup (tripe soup).

Behind that are meat stalls, rows of dried red chili peppers, candy stands wrapped in layers of sugar, and countless varieties of thick black soy sauce. Visitors can browse through the 150-year-old Mercado la Merced's canned fruit stands, as well as other delicious foods and ingredients of Mexico City like fresh vegetables, fruits, candy, and renowned dishes like pancita.

The signboard 'public market' hanging at the entrance truly embodies the spirit of Pike Place Market. This over 110-year-old market not only supports local farmers and food vendors but also provides affordable housing and essential services for low-income families. Pike Place Market has a history spanning over 100 years, dubbed the soul of Seattle and the largest agricultural seafood market in Washington state. It plays a vital role as a trading place between locals and local food producers. Pike Place is also famous for its freshly caught seafood like salmon, crab, oysters... and distinctive smoked seafood. When you're here, don't miss the fish markets, where you can find fresh salmon, crab, live clams, and aromatic smoked seafood.

Pike Place Market is one of Seattle's most iconic destinations and one of the most fascinating markets in the United States. It's not just a tourist attraction but also a place where many locals come to buy ingredients for dinner or a colorful bouquet. If you're planning to visit the Emerald City, you wouldn't want to miss it, but there are a few things you should know beforehand. The market also offers a lot of entertainment. Not only is it a great place for people-watching, but the fishmongers throwing fresh fish around always put on an impressive show. There are street performers every day, many of whom are quite talented, and some bring some rather unique skills while wearing quirky costumes.

The key to an enjoyable experience is to visit the market at the right time, which is particularly important on weekends and during the summer when tourist ships dock at Elliott Bay, bringing in numerous tourists who head straight here.

If you can, try to arrive early in the morning when vendors start setting up, just before 9:30. It'll be much easier to find parking space, with cheap metered spots available right below on Alaskan Way. Pike Place Market is called the soul of Seattle. The fishmongers at Pike Place live and work with utmost passion, dedication, and devotion to customers. They always generate creative inspiration, making life vibrant, lively, and joyful. From this market came the idea for the Fish Philosophy book series - a bestseller in the United States for three consecutive years, translated into over 30 different languages.

Or Tor Kor Market is the place to go for fresh meats, seafood, and freshly processed foods. Here, you can also find plenty of delicious Thai specialties ready to eat. If you don't want to buy groceries, you can sit down and enjoy a bowl of curry or the famous papaya salad. After enjoying your meal, don't forget to thank the restaurant owner!

Or Tor Kor Market is well-known among food bloggers and tourists for its cleanliness and carefully selected high-quality food. It was ranked by CNN as one of the top 10 fresh markets in the world. At Or Tor Kor, you can find all kinds of Thai products like fruits, seafood, vegetables, and prepared foods like somtam, roasted pork, grilled meats... to various pastries, spices, and dried goods. If you're looking for perfectly ripe golden mangoes without a scratch on the skin, firm and juicy, Or Tor Kor is the place to be. Most prices here are higher than elsewhere, but the quality is definitely worth the money you spend.

You'll be surprised at how clean Or Tor Kor is. The floors are regularly cleaned, the stalls are neatly arranged and divided into sections like food, seafood, and fruits. In the middle of the market is a large open area with seating for tired shoppers to rest or enjoy some snacks. But what impresses me the most is the professional and eye-catching display of goods. You can't walk past the brightly colored fruit stalls without buying anything. Every item is fresh, of consistent quality, and equally large. Thai plums, mangosteens, pomelos, longans, apples, oranges, and pomegranates are displayed and meticulously arranged for the convenience of visitors to explore, shop, and enjoy. The golden durian pieces are neatly wrapped in paper, resembling a boat so you can enjoy the whole piece without getting your hands dirty.... Even if you don't intend to do much shopping, Or Tor Kor is still a fantastic place to explore and admire the rich Thai cuisine.

Varvakios Agora Market stands as Athens' bustling premier public market. Every day, it bustles with both locals and foreign visitors alike. Besides fresh seafood, it also offers meats, fresh cheeses, and olives. If you're feeling hungry while wandering the market, don't hesitate to stop by one of the eateries for a light meal or sip on a glass of ouzo, the country's most delightful aperitif. After sipping the ouzo, venture to try additional dishes to experience all the flavors this market has to offer. 'Agora' translates to 'marketplace' in Greek. The Ancient Agora Market in Athens isn't just a place where goods are bought and sold, but it holds political, economic, and cultural significance. While today it's a destination many housewives will venture to, in ancient Greece, only men could enter this space.

The great philosopher Socrates spoke of politics and debates on truth in this ancient market. There are two ancient marketplaces in Athens, one being the Ancient Agora and the other the Roman Agora, both situated in the Monastiraki district not far from each other. The main attraction of the ancient market district is the Ancient Agora Museum, where numerous everyday artifacts like pottery and vessels excavated from this area are displayed. The colonnade outside the stalls is the only part fully restored compared to other ancient Greek ruins. Located in the capital city of Athens in Greece.

Chinatown Food Complex is one of Singapore's hubs for incredibly delicious food. Here, you can find countless exotic dishes in small stalls: fish head soup, hand-held rice,... After indulging in culinary delights, you can descend the stairs to explore Kreta Ayer Wet Market - where raw meat and unprocessed products are sold. Especially, here you can find many Chinese food items, seafood varieties: Frog, eel, catfish,...

The Chinese food street is one of Singapore's most bustling trading centers. Here, you'll have the chance to taste the island nation's famous dishes like Bahru Meng Kee roast duck, Katong Keah Kee fried oysters, Geylang frog porridge, Phuket noodles... Just a few steps from the Chinese food street, you'll arrive at Kreta Ayer Wet Market, where traditional Chinese culinary ingredients like frogs, eels, or turtles are displayed. Chinatown's culinary center is one of Singapore's many street vendor hubs, a gigantic culinary district where professional chefs serve specialty dishes at small stalls. The most common dishes include fish soup and rice balls. Chinatown Singapore has overcome many challenges and difficulties to become a gem known to all today. In 1989, areas like Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar, Bukit Pasoh, and Kreta Ayer were all certified for conservation.

The traditional business houses have now become offices, shops. But each of these locations helps visitors easily imagine Chinatown's history in their own way. Use different perspectives to appreciate the journey through the memory lane of Chinatown.

In 2012, the Mercato di Testaccio market area relocated to a new, modern building and was renamed Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio. In the new market, the variety of goods has expanded even further. You can find anything you need here, from horse meat to delicious beef tripe sandwiches for lunch or buy takeaway gifts for family and friends. Exploring the unique and rare food items here is an equally exciting adventure.

In 2012, the historical Mercato di Testaccio of Rome city shifted to a beautiful new building. It's now known as Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio. Alongside old vendors, many new vendors have also joined the market. Since then, it has become one of the best trading spots in the city.