Shop a market abroad and bring something home

Shopping a market abroad means buying something you will use at home, a spice, a tea, a bowl, a scarf, from the person who sells it every day. Markets show what a place eats and makes, and a thing you carried home brings the trip back every time you use it.

Where to do it

Grand Bazaar, Turkey

Istanbul's covered maze sells lamps, ceramics, carpets, towels and jewelry, and bargaining is expected. For tea, saffron and Turkish delight, walk down to the Spice Bazaar by the ferry docks. The catch: the Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays and on the first days of religious holidays in Turkey.

The souks of Marrakech, Morocco

Behind Jemaa el-Fna square, alleys are grouped by trade: leather, brass lanterns, spices, rugs. Agree a price before handing over money, and politely ignore anyone steering you to a "cooperative". Argan oil and ras el hanout are classic buys in Morocco.

La Boqueria, Spain

Barcelona's market off La Rambla is all ham, cheese, fruit and seafood counters, and it gets packed. Go early, eat at a counter bar, and buy vacuum-packed jamón or saffron in Spain to take home, checking first what your country lets in.

Tsukiji Outer Market, Japan

Tokyo's wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in 2018, but the small shops of the outer market stayed: knives, dried bonito, tea, tamagoyaki on a stick. Go in the morning, since many close by early afternoon. A kitchen knife from Japan is a classic buy; it travels in checked luggage only.

Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand

Bangkok's huge weekend market sells ceramics, clothes, plants and coconut ice cream in a maze of covered lanes. Arrive early, before the heat in Thailand's capital, and note your section number to find a stall again.

Otavalo, Ecuador

In the Andes north of Quito, the Plaza de los Ponchos fills with woven textiles, wool and alpaca, and hammocks. Saturday is the big day in this corner of Ecuador, when stalls spill into the streets around the square.

Borough Market, United Kingdom

Under the railway arches by London Bridge: cheese, bread, chutneys and street food. Hard cheese and sealed jars are easy souvenirs from the United Kingdom. Lunchtime is the crush; mid-morning is calmer.

How to make it happen

• Go early. The best produce and the fewest crowds come first.
• Carry small notes and a tote bag. Many stalls can't break big notes.
• Bargain where it's the custom, in souks and bazaars, not at fixed-price food stalls.
• Buy things that travel: sealed spices, tea, coffee beans, textiles, ceramics wrapped in clothes.
• Liquids go in checked bags. Oil, honey and sauces are usually stopped at cabin security.
• Check the food rules of the country you fly into. As general information on 13 Nov 2026: the EU restricts meat and milk products travelers bring from outside it; the United States asks you to declare all food and plant products; Australia inspects bags for biosecurity and penalizes undeclared food. When unsure, declare it.

Markets are the best start for a food tour, and in December, a Christmas market is the same idea with mulled wine.