It’s nearing midnight and you’re strolling through the streets, when suddenly you’re treated to the smell of fried food wafting through deserted lanes and you can hear the pleasant, familiar drum of voices bargaining for wares. Following the sounds and smells through the dark alleys leads you to a colourful market, illuminated by bright bulbs and prettily strung lights. That’s the charm of night markets – they are buzzing with life at an hour when most things are closed and most people are tucked up in beds. It’s like being privy to a delicious, bargain-friendly secret. So, we’re letting you in a little further on the secret, by telling you about some of the best night markets that the world has to offer.

1. Marrakech Night Market

Morocco

• If you’re looking for great shopping options, this is the perfect place to head to.
• Travel here if you want to walk through winding lanes in this market of markets – because there are several streets, all filled with food and shops that are open till the sun rises.
• Find amazing handicrafts to buy here, along with dry fruits such as dates.

2. Temple Street

Hong Kong

• The attraction of this market is the fact that it’s lit up through the night and looks really pretty – of course what it offers is also tempting enough!
• There’s a whole variety of good available here throughout the night, but beware because it can get really crowded.
• One of the best things to eat and pick up for later is the salted fish. The dried variety is a great snack and very much representative of the market.
• It’s filled with crowds, noise and lots to see and do – so beware of your belongings.
• Haggle when you’re picking up clothes and knick knacks and you’ll get some amazing deals!

3. Queen Victoria Market

Melbourne

• Queen Victoria lent her name to a lot of markets and this one is no less spectacular than the others.
• It’s one of the most famous places to go in the night, though it’s called Suzuki Night Market after dusk. The best part about this market is it’s more than just a night market since it is open through the day as well.
• What sets this market apart from the rest is the fact that it’s less like a shop and more like a party! So get ready to indulge in some great drinks and really good food.
• Don’t forget to gel with the locals while you’re here, communication is key to get the complete night market experience.

4. Tekka Market

Singapore

Image Source: Flickr @Zervas

• This market is in a place called Little India in Singapore, so you can imagine the sort of wares that are sold here as well as the sort of atmosphere that surrounds it.
• The colours, lights and sounds are comforting, fun and quirky at the same time.
• We suggest walking around and picking up on some of the interesting stories that are told by the vendors in the market.
• If you’re looking for massage oils, Ayurvedic products and natural remedies, this is the perfect place to visit.
• You can also get a lot of wholesome food here including raw meat and fish.
• Jasmine is one of the most popular flowers at the market so remember to pick up a garland or two to take home with you.

5. Petaling Street

Kuala Lumpur

• This gorgeous market in Malaysia is a great place to head to if you’re looking for a really colourful, really stylish night market experience.
• Those who can’t afford designer bags can head here for some of the best knock-offs that the area has to offer.
• Those who love to cook should definitely pick up the heady spices sold across the little stalls.
• Fashionistas can indulge in scarves.

6. CAMDEN LOCK MARKET

London

Image Source: Holeinthedonut.com

• The Sunday flea market is the essence of life in England, but night markets are coming up as a really big part of the community there, especially in London. So, you can be rest assured that Camden Lock is one of the best to head over to.
• The great part about this market is that while you will get a lot of good food and drink – you will also be able to shop for art and furniture!
• Beware on weekends, there are so many people here you will find it hard to get the space to wiggle through.
• You can also spend the night watching one of the really good concerts there.

7. Shilin Night Market

Taipei

• This is one of the biggest night markets in Taipei and is definitely a great place to head over to.
• Don’t forget to eat the food when you’re there. From fried chicken steak to oyster omelettes and pearl milk tea (you really have to drink it to understand it), there’s a host of options for culinary enthusiasts.
• Walk around the market to pick up affordable clothes and jewellery from the vendors around the food stalls.

So, get your shopping bag out, work up an appetite and head over to get the most out of the best night markets around the world.

Nicole

A poet with a penchant for prose and the itch to travel, Nicole Reed is an assistant editor and features writer for a daily newspaper, struggling to find a way out of the concrete mess by dreaming of one day living and breathing off words in an idyllic country setting somewhere. Having been editor of her college magazine, written for a number of publications including Shamiana’s short film newsletter and as a current student of Literature from the University of London, Nicole sees writing like travel - an adventure – a journey to find her place, to define and redefine who she is over and over again and to live and learn through the process.

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