1. Floating Flower Market
- Amsterdam, NL
Locally knows as Bloemenmarkt, this large canal boat is loaded with an abundance of flowers, seeds and gardening supplies. The whole market has a large canopy so you won't miss out on a rainy day!
When - everyday, excluding Sundays.
What to buy - the market sells multi-buy bundles of one of Amsterdam's most renown souvenirs: wooden tulips. Bring home a national staple in every colour that won't wilt away.
2. Cours Selaya Market - Nice, FR
The Cours Selaya is one of many markets in Nice which has some of the freshest produce and flowers that France has to offer. You can either peruse all of the different stalls at your leisure or join the free city walking tour which can give you a more detailed look around the market. The tour guides will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and help you to discuss the produce with the vendors. They may also inspire you to discover some local nicoise delicacies.
When - everyday, although Mondays are reserved for the antique stalls.
What to buy - the sweet and succulent fruits are my personal highlight from this market, especially the beautiful bundles of strawberries. They are perfect for sharing, but they are so good you may not want to!
3. Les Gastronomades
- Angoulême, FR
This market is part of the Les Gastronomades festival in Angoulême. The festival celebrates local food businesses. This market is a whole culinary experience with cooking classes, demonstrations and competitions too.
When - November
What to buy - One word: Samples. Spend the day tasting authentic French produce from classic wine and macarons to the more adventurous escargots and blue cheese. I strongly encourage that you buy the products that you like because not only will they be unique to Angoulême but you will be contributing to great local businesses too.
4. George Square Christmas Market - Glasgow, UK
Often overshadowed by the more renown Edinburgh Christmas market, my local city of Glasgow is also very passionate about Christmas and they have multiple sites around the city centre providing festive fun for all. My personal favourite has to be the market at George Square. As someone who absolutely loves to travel and try new things, this market brings together a variety of cultures, food and entertainment. Have a try at everything from German currywursts to Buckfast mulled wine and of course traditional carol-singing, which often just turns into everyone singing Mariah Carey in the beer hut. It makes the perfect day out for families, couples, friends - anyone and all ages.
When - the duration of the festive season in Winter
What to buy - There are so many things that I recommend you try such as the Yorkshire pudding wrap, Scottish tablet fudge and of course a stein of beer! I may be a little biased but I love it all.
5. Flea Market - Brussels, BE
Marolles Flea Market is an absolute treasure-trove for the rare and the random. This market is as simple and authentic as they come with everything from furniture to plants to books, all laid out on a quaint, cobbled square away from the busy city. Even if you aren't interested in buying anything in particular, you could spend all day browsing the large variety of bric-a-brac and chatting to the friendly locals.
When - unlike most markets, Marolles is open every single day.
What to buy - I would recommend that you keep you eye out for some retro and vintage items as they will be marked at more than reasonable prices.
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