Top 12 Most Famous Markets Around the World

Chandni Chowk, meaning "Moonlight", is a market established in the 17th century, making it the oldest market in the Delhi region. With its long history, it embodies the essence of the world's second most populous country: East Asian architecture, bustling street vendors, and crowds of shoppers. Chandni Chowk is like a vibrant painting of life in India, filled with colorful sights—from spices and fabrics to the veils of Indian women.

Taipei is renowned for its vibrant night markets, with Shilin being the largest. Home to over 500 food stalls offering a wide variety of dishes, Shilin is the perfect place for visitors to indulge in Taiwan's most famous culinary delights. Additionally, the market is a shopping haven for those looking to buy affordable clothing and accessories, all proudly made in Taiwan. As a result, Shilin is one of Taipei's top tourist attractions.

Camden Lock is a famous market in the UK, attracting around 100,000 visitors each weekend. This market consists of several smaller markets, offering a wide variety of products, from clothing and jewelry to unique souvenirs. Surrounding the market is a small canal, providing a relaxing spot for visitors to enjoy the view after a shopping spree.

Chatuchak is the largest market in Thailand and also the biggest weekend market in the world, featuring around 15,000 stalls. With an estimated 200,000 visitors each day it opens, stepping into this market feels like wandering through a paradise of goods—from affordable clothing and accessories to countless Thai delicacies. This is one of the main reasons Chatuchak is one of Bangkok's top tourist destinations.

Queen Victoria, or the Vic Market as it's commonly known, is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. It is one of Melbourne's major tourist attractions and the heart of the city, where thousands of visitors stop by every day. The market's main offerings are fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, and a wide variety of seafood. Every Wednesday evening during the summer, the market hosts live music and dance performances, drawing both tourists and locals, showcasing a unique cultural experience of the area.

Established in 1935, Tsukiji Market in Tokyo is one of the largest fish markets in the world. Each day, Tsukiji supplies approximately 2,000 tons of seafood to one-third of Japan. With its massive scale and bustling trade throughout the day, Tsukiji has become one of Tokyo's top tourist destinations.

Tsukiji Fish Market is famous for its seafood, but it also has a significant market for fruits and vegetables, as well as kitchen tools, knives, bowls, and more. A stroll through the market offers an exciting and unique experience for visitors.

Any traveler visiting Morocco (a country in North Africa) must surely stop by the famous Jemaa El Fna square market. This square is the heart of Marrakech, a gathering place for snake charmers, monkey trainers, and street vendors during the day. As night falls, the square transforms into a vibrant marketplace filled with stalls, storytellers, magicians, and traditional medicine sellers. The market becomes livelier as more food stalls open, and this is when it reaches its peak of excitement and crowds.

Grand Bazaar is a covered market that showcases the distinctive features of Turkey. This historical Islamic architecture includes 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops. Visiting the Grand Bazaar is like entering a maze of goods in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Notably, only men are allowed to sell goods here. Grand Bazaar is considered a symbol of Istanbul, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily.

The name Venice alone evokes a romantic image of elegant Italian houses lining a tranquil river, with the famous Rialto Bridge crossing over it. Rialto is also the name of an ancient market that has been a fixture in Venice for centuries. Established in the 11th century, the Rialto Market has become one of the must-visit destinations in the city. It is most famous for its fresh produce, including seafood and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Borough Market is located in Southwark, on the south bank of the River Thames. It is the oldest market in the UK, with over 250 years of history. With its charming, historic ambiance and diverse range of goods, Borough Market is a favorite spot for both locals and international tourists looking to indulge in delicious food offerings.

Not only is Borough Market one of the best markets in London, but it is also a popular filming location for movie buffs, having appeared in famous films such as "Bridget Jones's Diary," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "The Gangster's Paradise," and several iconic music videos.

When you think of Hong Kong, it's impossible not to picture the bustling shopping paradise of Asia. And when it comes to shopping in Hong Kong, the Temple Street Night Market (also known as Temple Street) is a must-visit. This market is not only filled with a variety of goods, but it is also famous for unique attractions such as tarot card readings, palmistry, and performances of traditional Chinese opera. A visit to the Temple Street Night Market guarantees an exciting glimpse into the vibrant heart of Hong Kong, often called the Pearl of Asia.

Voted the best food market in the world by National Geographic, St. Lawrence Market offers an extensive selection of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and more. Beyond shopping, visitors can also participate in cooking classes to enhance their culinary skills. Whether you're there for the fresh ingredients or to learn how to cook with them, St. Lawrence Market is a must-see destination for food lovers.