The Best Street Markets From Mumbai to Marrakech

Whether you want fabrics from Ghana or soccer balls from Bolivia, these colorful street markets offer handmade goods, local finds, and a whole lot of culture.
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    © Szymon Kochanski/Project Bly

    El Alto Open-Air Market

    La Paz, Bolivia

    Perched 13,150 feet above La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, El Alto’s sprawling open-air market might be one of the highest in the world. This mecca for every kind of product possible has been called the “capital of capitalism,” and even if you’re not in the market for a used soccer ball or some cassette tapes from the 1980s, it’s well worth the trip. It’s open on Thursday and Sundays.

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    Bhendi Bazaar

    Mumbai, India

    In India, and in much of the Middle East, the marketplace is known as the bazaar. Mumbai is famous for its chaotic and colorful street markets, such as Bhendi Bazaar, where you'll find all sorts of colorful items. It's a short distance from the famous Chor Bazaar, which is worth a visit for its vintage Bollywood posters and antiques.

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    Kejetia Market

    Kumasi, Ghana

    Even in the world's most chaotic markets, there’s usually still a method to the madness. Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Ghana is the largest in all of West Africa, but even here, each row of stalls is organized by profession or product. This row of tailors is located adjacent to a row of stalls selling wax batik and kente fabric.

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    Livestock Market

    Bukhara, Uzbekistan

    While some markets around the world carry everything under the sun, others are more specialized and offer only one product for sale—like goats, for example. This Sunday livestock market is a short distance from the ancient city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan.

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    Long Bien Bridge Produce Market

    Hanoi, Vietnam

    This wholesale produce market in Hanoi, Vietnam is located under the famous Long Bien Bridge that was repeatedly bombed and repaired during the war with America. Heralded by the Communist party as a symbol of Vietnam’s resilience, today the bridge watches over a buzzing hive of vendors selling live frogs and sweet mangosteens. Since this is a daily market, it’s best to make your way here before sunrise.

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    Souks of Marrakech

    Marrakech, Morocco

    A souk refers to a North African Berber market. Marrakech’s 18 souks, selling everything from hand woven Berber rugs to silver teapots, are the oldest in all of Morocco.

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    Mercado 20 de Noviembre

    Oaxaca, Mexico

    Oaxaca has several covered markets, but if your stomach’s rumbling, it’s best to head to Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Here you'll find stall after stall selling empanadas, soups, and moles. The east wing of the market is solely for grilled meats, and it’s a lively place for lunch on weekends.