Top 5 Unusual Markets Around The World

The best way to experience a local culture is to interact with locals and observe more closely their daily life. Visiting local traditional markets is one way to experience the local scene and talk with locals. Also, it's a great opportunity to buy authentic and ethical souvenirs that reflect a country's culture, traditions, and history. Here are the most unusual markets around the world where you can purchase memorable and unique items or learn more about the country's culture.

1. Witches market in La Paz Bolivia

Witches market is the most famous and unusual market in the capital city of Bolivia. It has characteristics of Pre-Columbian religion, old traditions, and customs of indigenous people of the Andes, who worshiped Pachamama (Mother Earth). Here you can meet real witches in black hats, healers and shamans, spiritual workers, who tell fortunes and fix fates. You will be overwhelmed by the wide variety of the weirdest items such as dried animals (frogs, snakes, turtles), magic powders and perfumes to bring good luck and wealth, spells and potions in small colorful boxes. Also, you will find here all kinds of herbs that heal the body and soul. It's the perfect place to buy beautiful talisman jewelry for your loved ones back home.

Working hours: 9:30 am - 7:00 pm

2. Akodessawa Fetish Market in Lome Togo

Akodessawa Fetish Market is the world's largest voodoo market located in the district of Akodessawa in Togo's capital city of Lome. Vodun has roots in ancient West African societies and it is still practiced by many people in Togo. If you have the guts to visit this spooky market, you will have a great opportunity to explore the most intriguing and misunderstood religion of Voodoo. The market offers the most unusual and spooky items used for a Voodoo ritual. You can find heads and parts of dead animals like elephant legs and monkey skulls, creepy Voodoo dolls, magical items, and fetishes. Some potions and herbs are used for traditional medicine. Thus, for locals, this market serves as some kind of pharmacy.

Working hours: 8:30 am - 6:00 pm

Entrance fee: $5 plus $3.3 if you want to take photos

3. Gypsy Bride Market in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria

Every year on the first Saturday of Orthodox Christian Lent, people from the Kalaidzhi Roma clan gather in the suburb of Stara Zagora to "sell" young girls. It is not an actual market and it has nothing to do with prostitution. The "bride market" is the only opportunity for young people to find their life partner since the pre-marital relationship is not allowed. Young girls wearing beautiful clothes and lots of makeup come to the annual festival, hoping to find a kind and generous husband who is willing to pay a big amount of money to the girl's family. Boys bid on and compete for a girl's hand, high bids mean that the girl is beautiful. Note: the Kalaidzhi are only allowed to marry within their clan. So, you can't "buy" a wife at this market.

4. Izmailovsky Market, Moscow

Izmailovsky Market is a street market where you can find the best traditional Russian handcrafts, fur hats and shawls, postcards, authentic souvenirs, teapots, paintings, books, and many more cool and cheap items. Of course, the Izmailovsky market is the best place to buy authentic matryoshka dolls handcrafted and hand-painted by skillful craftsmen. The market is situated next to Izmailovsky Kremlin. Surrounded by beautiful buildings the market has a true Russian national atmosphere. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, you can just walk around the market to experience the national culture.

Working hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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5. Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo, Egypt

Khan Al-Khalili is Egypt's oldest and most famous bazaar located in Cairo, Egypt. It's hard to believe that the bazaar was founded in the Mamluk era (14th - 15th centuries). This loud and colorful bazaar is filled with exotic products. Here you will find unique jewelry, Egyptian arts and crafts, hand-painted lamps, traditional carpets, perfumes and essential oils, etc. The bazaar has so much to offer that you will be lost among the alleys for hours.

Working hours: 9 am - 5 pm