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What do you like to do when you travel?
One of my must dos when traveling is to visit a street market. Street markets are universal meeting places where curious consumers and enthusiastic merchants collide. I’ve been to long winding street markets in Paris to the sprawling Chatuchak market in Bangkok. I may just add the street markets of San Francisco (well farmers markets) this year as well.
I always follow a few basic guidelines to make sure I make the most out of any street market excursion.
Here are my tips:
1. Pick a meeting point with your party.
Each alley may start to look the same after a while and perhaps different people in your party have different tastes. If you split up, whether it is by design or on purpose, pick a meeting point to reconvene.
A carousel would be an easy place to find (this was in France).
2. Eat, drink, and be merry
The street market you visit may be larger than you anticipate. Remember to have water handy or you don’t have any drinks, make time for a rest stop to relax, rehydrate, and sample some local eats.
3. Dress comfortably
You may have to walk for a while among all those wonderful new stalls. Throw on a simple outfit with minimal jewelry and comfortable shoes. Your casual chic outfit will also give you more bargaining power than a designer outfit topped off with expensive jewelry.
4. Be the early bird or the late owl
The best selection will be early in the day. Sought after items may sell out throughout the course of the day. In addition, stall owners may be more jovial and willing to cut a deal in the morning. You could also try going a little bit later right before the market closes. If the merchant traveled to the fair, he may want to sell off his goods before heading back home and cut you a great deal.
This cheese monger in France was up and running at 8:30 am! Mmm, morning cheese…
5. Bargain
Bargaining is simply expected in some places. If you are going to another country with high tourist traffic, you are most certainly getting the “tourist rate” for an item. Expect to go through a fierce round of negotiations to get a more reasonable price.
What are your other tips for visiting a street market?
Love these kinds of things…it would be so much fun to go here :))) I would be there well early & last to leave, haha :)) I hope you have a marvellous day doll xx
Great tips. Very creative idea for the blog post. I like all of them, and feel that bargaining is a good but often missed idea. Also, if you don’t mind me adding something – carry cash, but guard it well.
You are totally right – you have to carry cash, but very careful with it (especially if you’re like me and always look like a tourist!)
I love street markets too – I always think I’m going to find an amazing bargain that will always remind me of the trip. Often though, I just end up with overpriced tat, so your tips should come in handy!
This sounds so exotic to me– almost like a fairy tale!
These are awesome tips – I am always an early bird at street markets. As they say…’the early bird catches the worm’. 😛
Yes, going at peak hours is not good and can be overwhelming. hahaha This is really good advice! I love markets.
heart this post! especially since I love eating street food so! especially when i’m in Taiwan :p!!
Yes! I’ve been thinking about Taiwan street food, but don’t have great shots from my previous visits. Mmm chicken chop, grilled sausage, and cold sesame noodles!
Dressing comfortably is key to having a great time. Love these tips and the pics are Beautiful!
I love the vibe and crazy atmosphere of international street markets, there isn’t anything quite like it, like those in Thailand, India, Morocco…but I am too afraid to shop there alone. Thanks for these great tips!
Some of my favourite places to go travelling are the street markets, especially spice markets. My parents always got up early and went to the markets growing up, and that’s what I love doing when I have time. Local farmer’s markets, like in SF is also great. There are many good ones in Europe as well, Prague, Budapest and Austria had some great vendors.. x/Madison
We went to a street market on our last day in Thailand and it was pretty cool. Everything was so cheap and pretty good.
Oh to Be a Muse
Shop Layered Muse
I can’t haggle. Does not work. If I’m happy paying the asking price, then I’ll just pay without conversation.
Fab tips! I think street markets are a great way to sample local food and culture when traveling.
Rowena @ rolala loves
Wonderful tips!
Fun tips! I think these all apply to fleamarkets too, at least I try and abide by them 🙂
xo Mary Jo