Mouthwatering smells, crispy crackling food cooking, small stools (or no chairs), handmade crafts, clothing, textiles, insects on sticks, metalwork, teddy bears, raw meat, ripe vegetables, colorful flowers, a world of cheese…where are you? At any of the street markets I’ve gathered for you here. You see, I LOVE street markets (and I mean LOVE). So much so, that I’ve asked many of my travel writer friends for their best street market recommendations (and photos), to share with our wandering educators. They love them…so much that I was overwhelmed with a great desire to go, travel, eat! I have a feeling you will, too…
Let’s take a trip around the world, discovering over 100 of the planet’s best street markets.
Photo courtesy and copyright Talon Windwalker, 1dad1kid.com, adapted by Wandering Educators with thanks!
First, my favorite websites (in alphabetical order) that share a plethora of articles on street markets (because, really, if we broke them all out, the articles from these sites would equal the rest of the list):
Dropout Diaries (also run the fabulously delicious Saigon Street Eats)
The Longest Way Home (and read our interview here)
Migrationology (and read our interview here)
Pure visual interest and hunger-inducing photos at my pinterest board on Street Markets Around the World
First, experience the joys of street food, over at 1dad1kid:
Let’s go! Click through on each title to visit each street market...
North America
A Visit to the Richmond Night Market
The Rotato! photo courtesty of Pack Me To
Boston: 3 Hidden Gems
Haymarket, photo courtesy of Hannah Miller
Local foods at the Headhouse Farmers Market in Philadelphia
Headhouse Farmer's Market, photo courtesy of Changes in Longitude
Is the NYC Union Square Holiday Market worth checking out? My shopping guide in photos.
Union Square Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
Eastern Market — Washington DC
Lansing City Market: Mid-Michigan's oldest continuously operating public market
Lansing City Market, photo courtesy of Midwest Guest
Fill your shopping basket with regional goodies at Detroit's Eastern Market
Eastern Market, photo courtesy of Midwest Guest
Ohio's Toledo Farmers' Market has a long history
Toledo Farmer's Market, photo courtesy of Midwest Guest
Cleveland's West Side Market celebrates 100th anniversary
West Side Market, photo courtesy of Midwest Guest
Foodie Finds: Cleveland's West Side Market
West Side Market, photo courtesy of Kristen J. Gough
What Will You Find at the Yellow Springs Farmer's Market?
Yellow Springs Farmer's Market, photo courtesy of Wandering Educators
Farmer’s Market Season Arrives in St. Louis
Photo courtesy Karen Goodman
KC’s City Market offers international cuisine, shopping
Kansas City Market, photo courtesy of The Walking Tourists
Spring helps KC City Market pop
Serving Spices at the KC Farmer's Market, photo courtesy The Walking Tourists
Omaha Farmers Market Fun
Omaha Farmer's Market, photo courtesy of Oh My Omaha
Tucson Farmer’s Market
Cactus at the Tucson Farmer's Market, photo courtesy of Vera Marie Badertscher
Finding Food Adventures at the San Francisco Ferry Building
Mushrooms at the Ferry Building, photo courtesy of Ever in Transit
San Francisco’s Historic Ferry Building
Olive oil market, photo courtesy of Julie Royce
Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, a photo essay
Ice cream at Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market, photo courtesy Noel Morata
Trying Something New At The San Pedro Square Market
San Pedro Square Market, CA, photo courtesy of Ever in Transit
Farmers Market in Hawaii: Kona’s Sensual Smells Tempt Our Tastebuds
Kona Market, photo courtesy of Walkingon Travels
Farmers markets on Hawaii Island
Farmers markets on Hawaii Island - fresh fruit! Photo courtesy Noel Morata
The Markets of Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca Market, photo courtesy of Transitions Abroad
Mexico…Where’s all the Danger? A Recap of What It’s Really Like.
Vegetable market, photo courtesy of Discover, Share, Inspire
Postcard From Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca Market, photo courtesy of Briana Nema
Guide to Oaxaca City, Mexico
Oaxaca Market, photo courtesy of Briana Nema
Finding an Authentic Mexican Taco Shop
Mexican street market, photo courtesy of Kristen J. Gough
Join me for a taco?
Taco stand in Chapala, photo courtesy of Emma D'Antoni
Tianguis de Chapala
Chapala market, photo courtesy of Joy Whitehead
Caribbean
Sights of Trinidad and Tobago
Fruit Market in Trinidad, photo courtesy of Freimut Hinsch
Central America
Street Food: Eating our Way Through Mexico and Central America
Photo courtesy Discover Share Inspire
A Festive Christmas Tour of Panajachel, Guatemala
Street market in Panajachel, photo courtesy of Discover, Share, Inspire
South America
A Fresh Perspective on Study Abroad
Street market, photo courtesy of API
Coming Face-to-Face With Your Food at the Otavalo Animal Market
Otavalo Animal Market, photo courtesy of Ever in Transit
15 Weird and Wonderful Things You Can Buy at Cusco’s San Pedro Market
Cusco's street market, photo courtesy of Ever in Transit
Europe
International Street Food Festival: Elegant European Eats
Churros, photo courtesy of the Dropout Diaries
Cork’s English Market
Cork's English Market, photo courtesy of Irish Fireside
Because sometimes, you've just got to make fish chowder (Kenmare Market, Ireland)
Kenmare Market, photo courtesy of Wandering Educators
Sampling food at Borough Market
Borough Market, photo courtesy of Wonderful Wanderings
Can’t visit London without visiting Covent Garden
Covent Garden, photo courtesy of Wonderful Wanderings
Shopping Covent Garden- London’s Most Convenient Market for Handmade Souvenirs
Covent Garden puppet, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
From the London Thames to Portobello Road
Shopping Portobello Road, photo courtesy of Wonderful Wanderings
Portobello Road on a Saturday
Shopping Portobello Road, photo courtesy of Wonderful Wanderings
Brick Lane
Shopping Brick Lane, London. Photo courtesy API
Shopping Stockholm: Gamla Stan Christmas Market 2013, a Real Life Swedish fairy tale
Gamla Stan Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
Foodie Finds: 4 Great Places to Eat in Stockholm
Eating at Tysta Mari, Stockholm. Photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
How To: Shopping in Paris Markets
Shopping along the Seine, Paris. Photo courtesy of Vera Marie Badertscher
Culture and Community at an East Paris Farmers Market
Belleville-Menilmontant Market, Paris, photo courtesy of Ever in Transit
Foodie Finds: A Paris Weekend Getaway
Bastille Market, Paris, photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
The 5 Best Gastronomic Reasons to Visit Paris: Paris by Food
Paris by Food - the crepe stand guy, photo courtesy of Becca Tran
Experiencing Neighborhoods in Paris
Street markets in Paris, photo courtesy of 1dad1kid
Lunchtime at the Naschmarkt in Vienna
Cheese at Vienna's Naschmarkt, photo courtesy of Travel Addicts
A Vienna Christmas market even a Scrooge can love: Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
My Unfiltered Guide to the Best (and Worst) of Vienna’s Christmas Markets
Vienna's Christmas Markets, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
The Christmas Markets of Central Europe
Christmas Markets of Central Europe, photo courtesy of Pack Me To
Munich, Germany’s Medieval Christmas Market: Corny or Cool?
Munich Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
A German Christmas Market Experience
Musicians at a German Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Will Wellman
The Magic of the Nuremberg Christmas Markets
Sausages at the Nuremberg Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Travel Addicts
The Best Munich area Christmas Market isn’t in Munich– hop a train to Augsburg instead
Augsburg Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
The Szimpla Kert Farmer’s Market in Budapest
Shopping at Szimpla Kert Farmer’s Market, photo courtesy of Pack Me To
Best Hungarian Food and Treats at the Budapest Christmas Market Fair
Budapest Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
Budapest Christmas Fair and Market: Shop for Crafty gifts with a Festive Vibe
Puppets at the Budapest Christmas Market, photo courtesy of Souvenir Finder
Foodie Finds: A Weekend Getaway to Budapest
Markets in Budapest. Photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
Travel Tips: 12 Things to Do in Southern Croatia
Shopping at street markets in Dobrovnik, photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
Split, Croatia farmers market
Fresh vegetables. Photo courtesy Noel Morata
Split, Croatia – the morning fish market
Unnamed ugly fish at the morning fish market. Photo courtesy Noel Morata
De Compras – A Guide to Spain’s Best Markets
Spain's Markets - a guide. Photo courtesy of Cat Gaa
The Fish Ish: Finding Refuge at Barcelona’s Boquería Market
Fresh juices at Barcelona’s Boquería Market, photo courtesy of API
La Boqueria in Barcelona – A place to photograph beautiful food
Chocolates! La Boqueria in Barcelona. Photo courtesy Noel Morata
Slow Food in Barcelona: A Walk Through the Markets and a Taste of Catalan Cuisine
Entrance to La Boqueria Market, Barcelona. Photo courtesy of Transitions Abroad
Great Markets and a Memorable Cooking School Experience in Barcelona
Shopping with a cooking class at the markets in Barcelona. Photo courtesy of Transitions Abroad
Foodie Finds: Exploring Barcelona, One Bite at a Time
Open air market in Plaça del Pi, photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
The Almuñécar Friday Market
Tapa Thursdays: The Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid
Oysters at the Mercado San de San Miguel, Madrid. Photo courtesy Sunshine & Siestas
El Mercadillo el Jueves, Sevilla
Bullfighter Jackets, El Mercadillo el Jueves, Sevilla. Photo courtesy Sunshine & Siestas
Eating Well in Lisbon
Seafood at Lisbon's markets. Photo courtesy of Transitions Abroad
Exploring the Diversity of Provence: The Foods, Wines, Markets, and Cultural Life of Avignon
Avignon's Palais de Papes, photo courtesy of Transitions Abroad
Live in Nice Like a Local: Rent an Apartment and Relax: Produce, Flowers, or Arts and Crafts Markets Are a Step Away
Nice flower market, photo courtesy of Transitions Abroad
Tips for Visiting Alghero, Sardinia
Fresh markets in Alghero, Sardinia. Photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
Market Day and Sightseeing in Siena, Italy
Seafood market in Siena, Italy. Photo courtesy of Travel Addicts
Naked Debtors- More Secrets of Florence- Part 2
The Mercato Nuovo, Florence. Photo courtesy Capturing la Vita
An Insider’s Guide to Florence for Foodies
Dried fruits at Mercato Central in Florence, photo courtesy Live Do Grow
A Foodie's Guide to Rome
Street markets in Rome, photo courtesy of Talia Klundt
Africa
Guelmim, Gateway to the Sahara
Street market in Guelmim, photo courtesy of 1dad1kid
The Perspective of Travel
Street market in North Africa. Photo courtesy of 1dad1kid
Morocco: An Unexpected Gem
Medina shopping in Morocco, photo courtesy of Michael Gioia
Morocco With Kids – 13 Tips for Marrakech
Shopping in Marrakech, photo courtesy of Wagoners Abroad
Wonderful Marrakech
A glass of fresh-squeezed juice for less than 50 cents, photo courtesy of 1dad1kid
Hidden Treasures: Eight Cats in the Middle East
Here a cat is sitting atop a bale of Egyptian cotton in a market in Islamic Cairo, Egypt. The street behind him, which leads to Bab Zuweila, was one of the most famous thoroughfares in the Middle East about one thousand years ago. Photo courtesy Joel Carillet
Market Day in a Small Egyptian Town
Shopping in Daraw, Egypt, photo courtesy Escape Artistes
Owerri, Here We Come
Market in Owerri, Nigeria. Photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Bitz
Market Hopping Around Lagos
Market Vendors in Lagos, Nigeria. Photo courtesy Transitions Abroad
Mauritius Con Bambini (in Italian!)
Market in Mauritius, photo courtesy of Bimbi e Viaggi
Middle East
The Other Side of Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar
Leeches (!) at Istanbul's markets, photo courtesy of Escape Artistes
It's a Turkish Delight on a Moonlit Night
In the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. Photo courtesy of Winfred Peppinck
Exploring Istanbul
Shopping in the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, photo courtesy Talia Klundt
Hidden Treasures: The Flea Market in Jaffa, Israel
The Flea Market in Jaffa, Israel, photo courtesy Joel Carillet
Central Asia
Hidden Treasures: The Camels of Tolkuchka Bazaar
Textiles for sale at Tolkuchka Bazaar, Turkmenistan, photo courtesy Joel Carillet
Hidden Treasures: Bread and Borscht in a Kyrgyz Cafe
Meat for sale at the market in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. Photo courtesy Joel Carillet
Southeast Asia
International Street Food Festival: Fabulous Asian Finds
Dumplings - ubiquitous street food in Asia. Photo courtesy Dropout Diaries
The Mystery of Myanmar
Market in Myanmar, photo courtesy Travel Sherpa Keith
Chiang Rai Night Markets
Eating at the night market in Chiang Rai, photo courtesy the Places We Go
Chiang Mai’s Best Street Food
Kha Jao Market, Chiang Mai, photo courtesy Dropout Diaries
Chiang Mai Sunday Market
Delicious food at the Chiang Mai night market, photo courtesy Malaysian Meanders
Visiting the ancient city of Ayutthaya
Market in Ayutthaya, Thailand, photo courtesy travel4yum
Foodie Finds: Best Food in Bangkok
Bangkok street food, photo courtesy Flashpacker Family
Hidden Treasures: Saturday Night on Bangkok's Khao San Road
Khao San Road, Bangkok, photo courtesy Joel Carillet
Visiting Langkawi
Street food in Langkawi, photo courtesy 1dad1kid
Street food in Langkawi, photo courtesy 1dad1kid
Fighting Cocks and Jungle Ferns
Market, Kapit, Sarawak, Indonesia. Photo by Escape Artistes
Quick Guide To Central Vietnamese Cuisine
Quick Guide To Central Vietnamese Cuisine, photo courtesy Dropout Diaries
In Photos: Markets in Vietnam
Street markets in Vietnam, photo courtesy Dangerous Business
Banh Khot, A Vung Tau Street Speciality
Banh Khot - street food, photo courtesy of Dropout Diaries
Fresh Fish From Vinh Long Market
Buying fish at Vinh Long Market, Vietnam, photo courtesy Dropout Diaries
The Lunch Lady
The Lunch Lady - HCMC's most famous street food eatery. Photo courtesy Dropout Diaries
The No-Nonsense Travel Guide to Hong Kong
Exploring Cambodian Cuisine
Street food in Cambodia, photo courtesy Dropout Diaries
Asia
Taipei with Kids: 24 Tips for a Great Trip
Shilin Market, Taipei, photo courtesy Family on the Loose
The awesome experience of eating in Taipei
Taipei Street food, photo courtesy Wheres Sharon
Taiwanese Night Market Culture: Eat, Drink, and Be Daring
Taiwanese Night Market Culture, photo courtesy A Cruising Couple
Shopping for Dinner in Hong Kong
Butcher shop in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Photo courtesy My Itchy Travel Feet
Street Markets Are For Kids
Fa Yuen Street Market, Hong Kong. Photo courtesy Walkingon Travels
Temple Night Market Done Right
Temple Night Market diners, photo courtesy Walkingon Travels
An Inside Look at Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo
Tsujiki Fish Market, Tokyo from above. Photo courtesy Ever in Transit
Japanese Street Food
Japanese Street Food. Photo courtesy Noel Morata
Japanese outdoor markets
Fresh fruit, flowers, and vegetables at Japanese outdoor markets. Photo courtesy Noel Morata
South Pacific
Is the Sydney Fish Market a tourist trap?
Sydney Fish Market sign, photo courtesy Changes in Longitude
So there you have it, over 110 street markets around the world - have you been to any? Or have others to share? What are your favorites?
Big thanks to all the travel writers who shared their amazing articles and photos!