Ten Adventures: Night Markets

          As the day winds down and most places begin to close, night markets draw visitors with the promise of great food, entertainment, and bargains to be found if your bartering skills are good enough. Today we are filling up our cup of adventure with ten night markets to be found around the world, so check them out and then start planning your next late night outing.





1.)Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh.

            During the day, the main square of Marrakesh is home to snake charmers, water sellers, and orange juice stalls.  Its not until the heat of the day begins to fade and the sun sets that the square becomes alive.  Nighttime entertainment in the square of Djemaa el-Fna includes traditional dancing boys, musicians and magicians, fortune tellers and peddlers of unique wares and traditional medicine, however it is the food that truly draws visitors to this nighttime gathering.  The stalls of the market sell traditional Morrocan fare such as Tangines, local Morrocan stews prepared in clay pots.  If you are looking for something more unique however, snails cooked in hot pepper broth is a good choice.  Whatever meal you chose, don't forget to wash it down with locally made cinnamon tea.


2.) Donghuamen Night Market, Beijing.

            Located at the northern end of the Wangfujing district of Beijing is the Donghuamen night market.  The market draws tourists on a nightly basis and is known for its unique eats including an array of deep fried critters on a stick.  The more adventurous visitors to the market can try deep fried scorpion, crickets, lizards, and seahorse as well as a vast array of other interesting dishes.  For the less experimental more regular food, such as beef and chicken on a stick, fried pancakes, and spring rolls are available from the many food selling stands.


3.) Fordsburg Night Market, Johannesburg.

            Where some night markets are specifically food oriented, the Fordsburg market in Johannesburg is a place where the visitor can find almost anything.  Need a haircut or have clothes to be tailored, there are stalls for both services.  The market is an especially good place to find clothing, shoes, jewelry, and movies and of course street food is available throughout the market.  Visitor's to the market are advised to drive there as surrounding areas may be unsafe at night.  The market however has ample security and guards to watch over your car as you explore.









4.) Night Markets of Dordogne Region, France.

            Throughout the summer, night markets spring up in many villages across the Dordogne region of France and are the perfect event to attend to get a taste of southern French food and culture.  In Loubejac a night market is held every thursday in July and August beneath the town's iconic church tower.  On wednesday nights head to Perigueux where stalls stay open until midnight and every tuesday St. Amand de Coty holds its own March'e Nocturne.  Be sure to follow the example of locals and bring your own silverware and wine and get to know the community at the market's communal picnic tables.


5.) Patpong Night Market, Bangkok.

            Try out your bargaining skills at Bangkok's Patpong Night Market located in the middle of the city's notoriuos night life district.  The market is surrounded by go-go bars and is often crowded and chotic.  If you are willing to brave the masses however to visit the vendors who line the sidewalk, there are great deals to be found.  The market is open every night until one in the morning.


6.) Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, Thailand.

            Chiang Mai's night bazaar is famous for its handicrafts and portrait paintings and is a great place to head when looking for the perfect souvenir.  Thousands of stalls make up the market.  Outdoors stalls are found lining Chang Klan Road for a three block area and hundreds more stalls can be found just off the street indoors.  Wondering what to buy?  Silk is always a great option and can be found for cheap prices at the market.  Also keep your eye out for local wood carvings, bags, and of course some great local thai food.


7.) Suzuki Night Market, Melbourne.

            Also known as the Queen Victoria Market, the Suzuki night market is open every wednesday night in Melbourne, Australia.  The market is filled with things to see on it's three separate entertainment stages.  The stalls, located beneath historic sheds are home to vintage fashion, live music, wine bars and plenty of street food.



8.) Ningxia Night Market, Taipei.

            Taipei is home to a large variety of night markets however if you are looking for a market the locals head to, Ningxia night market is the place to be.  The market is popular for its traditional street food.  When you are there be sure to try some sugar cain juice, oyster omlettes, stinky tofu, and yam balls.  The most adored food stalls will be easy to spot as long lines wind away from the ones locals favorite.


9.) Barranco Night Market, Lima.

            The night market in the square at the center of the Barranco neighborhood in Lima is a small relaxed affair which attemtps to take advantage of nighttime visitors to the area's local clubs and bars.  The market is a great place to look for local handicrafts such as alpac shawls, seed jewelry, and painted gourd art.









10.) Luang Prabang Night Market, Laos.

            The Luang Prabang Night Market in Laos runs through the center of town and caters to foreign tourists and can be a great place for picking out souvenirs.  Avoid buying rare pets, leather, ivory, talons, or animal parts in general however, as they could be from endangered species.  Woven textiles, wood carvings, and local handicrafts are often a safe bet.  If you are at the market looking for some good food, keep in mind that the best areas can be difficult to find and are sometimes be located off the main market area down alleys or behind buildings.  Your best bet when looking for Luang Prabang's culinary delights is to follow the locals, they know where the food is best.