We at In 4 the Long Haul love a good bargain and whenever we go away, we always try to suss out the local markets to buy a new trinket to bring home with us. From Hong Kong’s Temple Street night market to Bolivia’s La Paz witches’ market, there’s always something we’ve found to haggle for and safely bring to London. Below are some of our top market picks
Temple Street Night Market, Hong Kong
A popular street bazaar, this bustling market houses everything from opera singers and fortune tellers to trinkets and tea ware. When the sun goes down, this market that is named after a Tin Hau temple and located in the centre of its main drag, comes alive with an amazing oriental atmosphere, with jades and antiques glistening under the street lights.
Address: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
Getting there: MTR Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C, turn onto Temple Street at Man Ming Lane.
MTR Jordan Station, Exit A. Turn right onto Jordan Road and then take another right onto Temple Street.
Witches’ Market, La Paz
Not for the faint hearted, this market sells dried up frogs, hanging Llama foetuses and snakes, to name but a few. Hidden just around the corner of the Alpaca market, El Mercado de Las Brujas de La Paz (The La Paz Witches’ Market) is a place to go for natural medicines or something more spiritual. The Yatiri or witch doctors, wearing distinctive hats and normally carrying coca pouches, roam the market for clients but also wait by churches offering pagan ceremonies.
Address: Calle Melchor Jiminez, La Paz, Bolivia
Getting there: Walk to the market that is located on Santa Cruz street between Lineras and Illampu
Old Bazaar, Skopje
One of the most famous landmarks in Skopje, this market is the biggest bazaar in the Balkans, showcasing Ottoman architecture with a mix of Byzantine style. The old narrow town’s streets paved with cobblestone offers an insight into the city’s centuries-old history, with craft workshops selling filigree craftsmanship.
Address: Skopje 1000, North Macedonia
Getting there: Cross the Stone Bridge from the city square. Right after the statue of Phillip II, you’ll see the stairs leading to the bazaar.
Camden Town, London
Camden Lock located in the historic former Pickfords stables offers an edgy and eclectic atmosphere with over 1,000 shops, stalls, cafes and bars. Opened in 1974, creative sellers, food traders and independent stores liven up this historical central London location.
Address: Camden Market, Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
Getting there: Buses: King’s Cross (214), Victoria (24), West End (274) and East London (393).
Trains: 5 minute walk from Camden Town, an 8 minute walk from Camden Road and a 10 minute walk from Chalk Farm
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, this bazaar has over 4,000 shops on 61 covered streets. This city-within-a-city houses a police station, post office and a tourist information centre. With carpets, mosaic lamps, mirrors and Timuçin jewelry, you’ll want to take your time around this bazaar to breathe in the heady spices and gaze at the intricate fabrics.
Address: Situated in the district of Fatih, the bazaar stretches roughly from west to east between the mosques of Beyazit and Nuruosmaniye
Getting there: T1 Kabatas – Bagcilar tram
Xi’an Night Market, China
Beiyuanmen Night Market or Muslim Street Market is a great chance to taste the different flavours around China such as rice noodles, Malatang, dumplings and Mutton Soup. With shouting vendors, beeping motorcycles and blearing lights, this market offers a sensory overload.
Address: Dongxin Street, middle part of Jiefang Road
Getting there: Bus (502) or (702) and get off at Dongxin Road
Historic Market Square, San Antonio, USA
A three-block outdoor plaza lined with shops and restaurants in downtown San Antonio, Market Square is the largest Mexican market in the US. Take in the flavours of old Mexico and find authentic Talavera pottery, exotic curios and handcrafted works. Stay for a Margarita… or two!
Address: 514 W Commerce St, San Antonio, Tx 78205
Getting there: Transit lines buses (100), (26) and (94) have routes that pass near Market Square
The Mercat de Sant Josep de La Boquería, Barcelona
The most famous food market in the city, it is located along La Rambla. Its first documented presence was in 1217 with meat stalls on Pla de la Boqueria. Today, tourists and locals can enjoy sweets, honey, cheese, olives, local and exotic fruits, ham and seafood. A culinary delight, this tantalising market is a very special experience in Barcelona.
Address: La Rambla, 91 08001 Barcelona
Getting there: Metro: Liceu (Green Line, L3). Hop on hop off bus: the closest stop on the hop-on hop-off-bus is Plaça Catalunya. Bus: (14), (59), (N9), and (N12) stop at La Boquería.
Checking out C & J
In 4 The Long Haul 