5 souks/bazaars to visit for the Bohemian soul

An Arab market is referred to as a souk. Traditionally, a souk was an open-air market where locals went to get their necessities. Travelling merchants would pass through once a week, once a month, or at more uncommon intervals. We visited one such souk in Muscat. The Muttrah souk left me mesmerised and gave me memories worth a lifetime. As a bohemian lover, it was my utopia. Here are 5 such souks, I am sure a bohemian soul would love to visit.

Muttrah souk - Muscat

Located in Muscat, Oman, Muttrah Souk is considered to be one of the oldest Marketplaces in Arabia. Off Muscat's Muttrah coastline, the Muttrah Souk is a maze of shop-lined streets and squares. The souk, which is open almost the entire day, entices visitors with its Arabian Nights ambience and storefronts brimming with Omani handicrafts, household products, clothing, and spices. The souk is segmented into several areas, including a gold and silver souk with rows of stores piled high with modern and antique jewellery, as well as areas for domestic products, shoes and clothing, and fragrances and spices.

Picture credit: Kari by Kriti

Marrakech Morocco

The souks in Marrakech are famous worldwide to shop for some exotic finds. The largest in Morocco, Marrakech souks are a treat for all your senses. The souks have been the centre of trading for many centuries. Historically, all souks were split and set out based on the different goods being fabricated and soldLikeke gold and manuscripts the most costly items, were placed in the main souk area's heart, with less expensive articles located away. Souk Semmarine, a large, covered corridor that starts with pâtisserie and ceramics and progresses into the high-end fabric and textile shops, is the primary artery of the souks. Traders sell everything from kaftans to pashminas at this market.

Picture credit: women best travel

Bazaars of Algeria

Tourists and locals love to shop in Algerian Bazaars. The bazaars of Algeria are small outdoor markets that sell everything from antiques to food to home decor. Hundreds of men sell inexpensive commercial goods in the heart of Oran, West Algeria's capital, which are commonly eaten by Algerian households that still prefer informal marketplaces to official stores. The marketplace is filled with people and shoppers. Some have a pleasant experience while some do not base on their preferences. In Algiers, there are numerous bazaars in various areas, but the ones near the Fishermen's Mosque and the Chaat Market are possibly the most well-known.

Picture credit: Artisanat Algerian

Khan el-khalili - Egypt

Khan el-khalili is one of the most famous and oldest souks in Cairo, Egypt. It is located in the centre of Cairo near a Medieval walled city. It is an open-air bazaar with exotic products and varieties of other items to choose from like spices and perfumes. The gold merchants', coppersmiths', and spice traders' districts remain unique, even though the souk is no longer strictly split into separate trading zones. Colourful lanterns, candles, jewellery, fragrances, musical instruments, and other handicrafts abound throughout the rest of the bazaar. It is a one-stop destination for all that you want. The souk is not only for shopping lovers but also for those who want to indulge in a bite or two. A multitude of eateries, street food sellers, and small, traditional coffee houses can be found in the souk.

Picture credit: Trips in Egypt

Pisac Market - Peru

Pisac is a village situated at the heart of the Incas in Peru. The village acts as a passage for different passengers and tourists. The Pisac Market is the busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The market is made up of brightly coloured rows of stalls offering ponchos, sweaters, bags, and toys. You'll also find silver jewellery, ornamental items, a variety of crafts, musical instruments, and alpaca apparel, all of which are extremely typical of the region and will undoubtedly help you get through the severe winter. The scenery is stunning, with mountains all around. The Pisac market in Peru is a nice place to stop and shop. There are also some women dressed in traditional clothing with whom you can take a photograph in exchange for a nominal fee.

Picture credit: Wandering Wagaras

References

"Pisac Market | Tourdust Blog". Tourdust.Com, 2021, https://www.tourdust.com/blog/posts/pisac-market.

"Pisac Market - 2021 What To Know Before You Go (With Photos) - Tripadvisor". Tripadvisor, 2021, https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g294320-d313937-Reviews-Pisac_Market-Pisac_Sacred_Valley_Cusco_Region.html.

"Khan Al-Khalili (Cairo) - 2021 What To Know Before You Go (With Photos) - Tripadvisor". Tripadvisor, 2021, https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g294201-d308884-Reviews-Khan_Al_Khalili-Cairo_Cairo_Governorate.html.

Marzouk, Sarah. "The Essential Guide To Cairo's Khan El-Khalili Market". Culture Trip, 2021, https://theculturetrip.com/africa/egypt/articles/the-essential-guide-to-cairos-khan-el-khalili-market/.

"The Bazaar Trade In Algeria’S Cities And Villages | Mohammad Marwani". السفير العربي, 2021, https://assafirarabi.com/en/26945/2019/09/04/the-bazaar-trade-in-algerias-cities-and-villages/.

Dodsworth, Lucy. "Tips For Visiting The Souks In Marrakech, Morocco – On The Luce Travel Blog". On The Luce Travel Blog, 2021, https://www.ontheluce.com/surviving-the-souks-in-marrakech/.

"Visiting Muttrah And Its Souk, A Traditional Market In Muscat, Oman". Worldwidewriter, 2021, https://www.worldwidewriter.co.uk/muttrah-and-its-souk-traditional-market.html.