The Traveller's Magazine
Looking for a blooming good time? These flowers markets around the world are certain to serve up some deliciously bright colours, vibrant sensations for your sense of smell and a cultural experience like none other.
Shopping the local markets while you’re abroad is one of the best experiences. You can find all sorts of treasures and get a feel for what locals think is valuable and also what they consider junk! While we love shopping at vintage and antique stalls, like the ones at these New York markets, we love flower markets even more. These flowers markets are sure to please!
Aalsmeer – Netherlands
Of course flower trading is HUGE business in the Netherlands, and not just for tulips! It’s no surprise that the world’s largest flower market is located in this corner of the world. Aalsmeer sells around 20 million flowers a day and is just a few minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The market and auction house are for wholesale buys only but there are guided tours of the premises (which are amazing, crazy and totally cool!) and the historic gardens.
Mullik Ghat Flower Market – Bengal, India
Located on the south-east side of the Howrah Bridge in Calcutta, this outdoor flower market is a fascination kaleidoscope of colour 24 hours a day. Many of the flower vendors live in small shacks nearby, bathing in the nearby river. It’s an explosion of marigolds, million of them, typically sold in long garlands.
Pak Khlong – Bangkok
There’s really nothing like this in all of Bangkok. It’s really one of the city’s most interesting sights for visitors and it’s open around the clock! The best time to visit? Just after midnight as the nights are cooler and you can watch the boats arrive to the market delivering more and more flowers along the lit up Chao Phraya River.
LA Flower District – USA
The Original Los Angeles Flower Market was set up in 1919 by a group of American growers and florists. Today it is one of the top destinations for flower enthusiasts. The market is open to the public daily except Sundays from early morning until mid-day. Admission is $2 on weekdays and only a dollar on Saturdays. You’ll find it all here in this massive, 50,000 square foot, solar-powered marketplace.
Mong Hok – Hong Kong
Originally set up as a wholesale market for Hong Kong florists, today it has turned into a real tourist attraction. The street has even been renamed Flower Market Road! It’s a great place to pick up hybrid orchids… the market is orchids for miles with at least 50 plant stores located one after the other. What a treat for visitors arriving on flights to Hong Kong!
Columbia Road – London
Close to home, this London flower market is a must! There really are no excuses if you haven’t been by this Sunday morning market and you live in London. The charming 1860s street is lined with independent shops but the street is totally taken over by flower stalls on Sunday mornings, as early as 5am but the action peters out at around 2pm. The best part? It’s just a short walk from Brick Lane, another top spot for market shopping on Sundays.
Cuenca – Ecuador
Located high up in the Andes Mountains, Cuenca is a darling little town in Ecuador that is becoming more and more popular along the tourist trail for its traditional flower market in the historic cathedral square. All the plants sold here are locally grown, including some beautiful roses from mountain farms. It’s a must if you’re in the region.
