Top 5 markets to visit in Iran

It is easy to get caught up in the historical sites of Iran, but the markets (known as bazaars in these parts) are just as exciting. Not only they are full of history and beautiful architecture, but they are also the perfect place to pick up local handicrafts or other goods. Here is the guide to the best markets around Iran.

Tabriz Bazaar

Due to its strategic location along the Silk Road, Tabriz has long been an important center of commerce. Its historic bazaar, which was added to the UNESCO inventory in 2010, is one of the oldest in the Middle East. The maze of red brick buildings with high ceilings and arches link different parts of the complex, but the most notable area is the rug bazaar. Between the vendors transporting stacks of rugs, sewing up loose ends, and talking business over tea, visitors can witness the modern-day trade of this centuries-old tradition.

Khan Bazaar

Walking around Amir Chakhmagh Square in Yazd, you are sure to hear sounds of pounding hammers that will lead you inside the covered bazaar of coppersmiths. In this 9th century bazaar you will find craftsmen busily working with fire to make the copper sheets more malleable, while others design them with hammers. The vaulted alleys of brick mosaic tiles also lead to the gold and textile bazaars, where termeh, a traditional silk and cotton textile produced in this city, are sold.

Vakil Bazaar

Shiraz’s Vakil Bazaar is not only a fine example of Zand-era architecture, but it also sells everything under these vaulted brick ways and ceilings, from rugs to handicrafts to spices, all at fantastic prices. It is the perfect place to meander for a couple of hours, stock up on some souvenirs, or take a rest in the courtyard next to the pool under the shade of sweet-smelling orange trees.

Ganjali Khan Bazaar

This bazaar is in the Ganjali Khan Complex in Kerman, where you can also find a famous bathhouse, coin museum, and Vakil teahouse. Four paths lead to charsouq, a crosspoint known for its ceiling frescoes and for being the best little nook to buy spices, namely cumin, for which Kerman is famous. Try some warm ghavoot, a powdered mix of various spices, nuts, and seeds, before moving on to the copper section where you will lay eyes on some of the biggest pots you have ever seen. Pateh, the city’s traditional handmade cloth made from wool and natural dyes, are also plentiful here.

Esfahan Bazaar

Located in Naqshe-e Jahan Square in Esfahan, it is quite easy to spend an entire day here as you alternate between haggling in the bazaar and marveling at the sites. The Imperial Bazaar is not only one of the oldest in the region but also a living museum, and fantastic place to witness the making of handicrafts. Metal workers engrave decorative metal while artists lay fine pieces of wood and bone for khatamkari (marquetry) and paint miniatures with a single-haired brush. Elsewhere, textiles hand printed with wooden stamps are available, as is the city’s most famous sweet, gaz.

See more: Top best bakeries in Tehran, Iran

Source Internet

Saigon sense market: the interesting market in Saigon

As time progresses, the markets have become a tourist attraction for foreign visitors, but they can be hard to find, especially in district 1 when there are not many markets beside the Ben Thanh market. However, the Sense Market at the September 23th Park became a phenomenon for its fantastic and diverse street foods, especially in Saigon street foods that can only be found in small street markets.

The location

The Sense Market, unlike other supermarkets and shopping malls, is unique for its distinctive location. Never before has a small-scale food court been located inside a park and under a stage at the heart of the city, making it very convenient for passers-by and tourists to fill their stomach and while visiting district 1. This is because the market is 10-minute away on foot from the Ben Thanh market and surrounded by different services and stores. There are two zones in the September 9th Park with the market being situated in Zone B, facing Pham Ngu Lao street and Le Lai street.

Such a structure of organizing the food stores also shows how brilliant the designers are. This is illustrated by the closeness among the food stores that helps to connect different guests, as there are big seats for having meals on one side or right on the walking way. Such seats enable the diners to enjoy every cuisine presented in the Food Town, not being confined to one food shop exclusively like in other shopping malls. This is mainly due to the Food Town’s permission to have different dishes and foods in one table.

Read more: The interesting weekend markets for the young in Saigon

Inside the Sense Market

What distinguishes Sense Market from other malls in the city is the combination of a modern supermarket and a traditional food court that resembles street markets. Taka Plaza, a shopping mall, is the first area to be in the visitors’ sight when entering the market. This 2000-square-metre mall contains more than 400 big and small fashion stalls, giving the visitors a range of product choices at reasonable and affordable prices.

The foods

The Sense Market is well-known for its diversity in the food cultures and street foods with more than 50 food stalls in Asiana Food Town. The name might give you some clues about the type of foods here: Asian foods. From China, India, Japan to Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam, the arguably most famous dishes around Asia gather in one place.

The prices vary too, ranging from 45000 VND to 150000 VND depending on the foods purchased.

Source Local Insider

5 must-visit bazaars and markets in Bali

Bali is full of colorful markets. Whether it is textiles, art, jewelry or even food, there are several scattered across the island that will suit all budgets. Shop for art at Sukawati Art Market, Ubud Art Market, and Pasaran Art Market at Hubud.  Snap up finds at Samadi Sunday's Farmers Market, Love Anchor Weekend Bazaar, and Old Man's Market in Canggu.

Love Anchor Weekend Bazaar – Canggu

The most popular market in town and one of the most hipster markets in Bali. Here they sell everything from clothing to souvenirs and heaps of beautiful jewellery. It is undoubtedly the perfect set up with music playing and happy faces. A real good vibe.

Address: No.56 Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung, Bali
Market opening hours: 9a.m to 9p.m (daily)

Samadi Sunday Farmer’s Market – Canggu

This is it, you have been transported to Bangkok – the capital city of trendy night market shopping. Whether you are a self-proclaimed foodie, a fashionista or a beauty treatments’ obsessed, the market at Mercure Resort in Sanur is bound to keep you busy on Sundays.

The Sunday market has lots to offer, the large, grassy expanse, food stalls and groovy ambience at the resort make it a popular place to snare unique items. Stylish fashion, handmade crafts, jewellery, fresh produce and lush homewares are scattered around stalls on the well-manicured lawn.

Address: No.39 Jalan Padang Linjong, Echo Beach Canggu Bali
Market operating hours: Every Sunday 9a.m to 2p.m

Old Man’s Market - Batu Bolong, Canggu

On one Saturday of each month, one of Canggu’s most favorite place at Batu Bolong beach, transforms into a market. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it at the Old Man’s Market. We absolutely love the Kevala Ceramics stall, Bali’s original fine-pottery studio that collaborates with Australian designers and sell-off samples and leftovers. You will not manage to go past without buying something out of their colorful collections.

Address: Jalan Batu Bolong, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Market opening hours: Weekends, 8a.m to 3p.m

Pasar - Pasaran Art Market at Hubud – Ubud

This is a “stray” event that is really going places. Organized by local Balinese artists, this market is the free spirit of Yogyakarta (the artistic capital of Indonesia) that reins in Bali. Crafts and more crafts, all beautifully displayed by the creators themselves who are always open to a friendly talk. Paradise for the kids, as there is so much to do.

Address: No.1 Jl. Kayu Cendana, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Market operating hours: Twice per year

Ubud Art Market – Ubud

A holiday in Bali always calls for some shopping for souvenirs or memorabilia of the trip, and the best place to make the search would be the Ubud Art Market. The Ubud market offers not only exemplary Balinese items, but also rather a universal and international assortment, catering to visitors of all tastes. The items found here also tend to be of a higher artistic value compared to other art markets such as Kuta.

Address: No.35 Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Market operating hours: 6 a.m to 18 p.m

Read more: 10 must-try activities in Bali

Source Internet