7 Open-Air Markets for the Free-Range Shopper

PHOTO: Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech offers up a host of tantalizing flavors, robust haggling and no shortage of sunshine. (Courtesy of Wikipedia)

For many people, shopping involves hitting the mall or sitting behind a computer and clicking away for hours.  While everyone has their own unique way of grabbing the latest trends, there is nothing like enjoying a breath of fresh air at a street market.  That’s why we at TravelPulse have searched the globe to bring you seven fascinating markets that are filled to the brim with sugar and spice and everything nice for the customer looking to enjoy a bit of haggling and shopping at these alfresco retail paradises.

Paris, France: Le Marche’ Bastille

For decades, the old cobblestone of Paris have been trod by shoppers from all walks scurrying to the city’s designer stores. And when it comes to the Le Marche’ Bastille this also rings true. The street market is an oasis for the senses as delicious smells pour out of French cheeses, poultry, fruits and vegetables that decorate its many stalls. Whether or not shoppers are inclined to fill their appetites, they can at least splurge on authentic designs fit for every wallet, from handmade jewelry to locally-inspired outfits.

Le Marche’ Bastille is undeniably one of the greatest locations of Paris that intermixes history and the authentic French flair every Sunday and Thursday in the 11^th arrondissement along the boulevard of Richard Lenoir. There’s no time like the present to enjoy this legendary shopping frenzy that is a cultural as it is exciting. 

Notting Hill, London: Portobello Road Market

When a market has been around since the 1800s, it is well worth the visit. That’s what can be said about Portobello Road Market as hundreds of vendors report to their colorful stalls each day to flaunt their commodities as they have for centuries. The market buzzes with hypnotized buyers crowding the famous alleyway touching, smelling and tasting a bit of everything in sight. 

The shouts of hagglers negotiating prices of antiques, books, bags and clothing mixed with the vivacious entertainment of street performers create an authentic sound that is unique to the Portobello Market.  From Monday to Saturday, it is a beloved spot for fashionistas hoping to get the best bargain.

Rome, Italy: Campo de’ Fiori

A flip through the historic pages of Campo de’ Fiori brings up a few chills, as the square was formerly the place to be to witness a public execution. Fast forward to the 21^st century, the square isn’t consumed by a deathly presence, but dazzles as a street market.

Interspersed among Italy’s historic buildings and streets including the Via dei Cappellari, shopaholics of all calibers flock here on Monday to Saturday to tantalize their senses with fish, vegetables and Italian spices, as well as household products while bargaining like their life depends on it. As the oldest outdoor market in Rome, there’s no need to run to the stores when you can enjoy retail therapy amid the classic Italian air.

 Marrakech, Morocco: Jemaa El-Fna

While most shoppers of the world are wandering through malls, deal seekers at Jemaa El-Fna are awakened by the rich aromas of spices drifting through the whimsical alleys of souks. In the midst of storytellers captivating children with interesting Moroccan legends, each stall tells its own story with carpets, jewelry, shoes, clothes, and vintage treasures that produce the greatest haggling performances any market has ever seen. 

As visitors of Marrakech’s many souks delve deeper into its network of bazaars, it can become quite the dizzying experience, especially with such an array of vendors presenting a trinket more unique than the last. Even if you’re not obliged to pull a dirham out of your wallet, the souks of Jemaa El-Fna offer some of the greatest shopping adventures on the planet.

Delhi, India: Chandni Chowk

There’s a reason why Chandni Chowk has remained one of India’s most vibrant commercial hubs for more than 300 years. For one, it is an idyllic shopping destination if you don’t mind its large crowds making their way through Delhi’s thick atmosphere. 

Even merchants from China and the Netherlands are annually drawn here to become inspired by the glimmering jewels and fragrances beautifying its labyrinth of shops. Satin and silk are also found at the Chandni Chowk, which makes it a one-stop-shop for every type of fashion enthusiast.

New York, NY: Union Square Greenmarket

It’s quite difficult to aimlessly wander past the Union Square Greenmarket without wanting to take a huge bite out of a juicy fruit or an award-winning slice of cheese. The famed market has become an NYC staple, providing a sense of refreshment amid the towering skyscrapers and numerous destinations populating the streets.

Since 1976, the Union Square Greenmarket has been bombarded with starry-eyed foodies every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for a savory experience in the heart of one of the biggest food meccas in the world. With the energetic NYC fare floating through the atmosphere, this market is a profound adventure for the taste buds for anyone wanting to get his grub on.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Night Bazaar

While most stores close during the evening, Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is just being awakened by wandering visitors traipsing onto its concrete draped in trendy and quirky to fake souvenirs. That’s right, at this lively hub you can coordinate that silk shirt with a fake Rolex. And after you’ve exhausted your voice from hours of negotiating prices with its retailors, you’ll need a bite to eat from one of the street food vendors Thailand is famously known for.

For three blocks shoppers are greeted with “made in Thailand” labels, from artistic pieces to silver jewelry and T-shirts. Why head to the mall when you can shop until the wee hours of the morning on Thailand’s colorful streets?