Treasure Hunt: Hotels near World-Famous Markets

“Antique treasures, curiosities, local delicacies – and that’s just the start. At the world’s great markets you’ll find more than you can buy; markets characterise place, where locals brush shoulders with tourists, and cultures collide among the stalls, vendors and bargain hunters. These five hotels put you in a perfect spot for exploring some of the world’s best markets.

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Mob Hotel Paris les Puces, Paris, France
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Go back to the origins of the flea market and discover the Parisian wonder that is the Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen. The very term ‘flea market’ comes from the French marchés aux puces, which started right here in Paris, specialising in shabby second-hand goods (not too much imagination needed to see where the name came from). Far from flea-ridden, at Paris’s quintessential flea market today you’ll find more than 3,000 stalls, covered boutiques and antique dealers. Nearby, the funky Mob Hotel Paris les Puces is a great base with an organic restaurant and bar with live music.

Have a look at our hotels in Paris page for more options.

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Hotel Bagues, Barcelona, Spain
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Barcelona’s beating heart is arguably its bustling open market just off the Ramblas. Wander among tourists and locals through the colourful fresh food stalls of the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (simply la Boqueria for short), stopping for a snack cone at one of the many packed countertops. The smells of fresh fish are amazing, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the crowds as you soak up the atmosphere. Just a few steps away, the luxe Hotel Bagues, with its rooftop bar serving tapas and cocktails, is just the place to stay.

Have a look at our hotels in Barcelona page for more options.

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Port Mill B&B, Fremantle, Australia
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In Western Australia the huge boho markets of laidback Fremantle are a must-visit. Wind your way through this grand Victorian marketplace and you’ll find more than 150 unique stalls selling clothes, crafts, homeware and gifts. Live music adds to the distinctive atmosphere. Make sure you pick up a freshly-made juice to enjoy in the sunny courtyard of Port Mill B&B, which puts you right next to the Fremantle Markets and in easy reach of central Perth. This friendly, comfortable Freo guesthouse is in an old converted mill, with a similar chilled Aussie vibe and bohemian heritage to the neighbouring markets.

Have a look at our hotels in Fremantle page for more options.

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Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown, USA
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If you love a good flea market, Chicago’s historic Maxwell Street Market is for you. It started life as a 19th-century Jewish market, and is now a cultural melting pot where music, bargains and cheap eats bring together the entire cross-section of the Windy City’s residents. Catch an impromptu jam session, taste Mexican street food and sift through endless bargains. The nearby Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown is perfect for exploring downtown Chicago.

Have a look at our hotels in Chicago page for more options.

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Riad Idra, Marrakech, Morocco
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The maze of traditional souks in Marrakech’s medina is one of the city’s greatest attractions. Even if you’re not shopping, the alleyway upon alleyway of tiny market cubicles selling ironwork lanterns, leatherwork, slippers, spices, cooked snails and less traditional wares, such as pop-art, are fascinating. You can easily spend an entire day here, eating and drinking as you explore. Riad Idra offers you a traditional, romantic oasis within the medina, close to rue Mouassine, a quiet alley near some of the city’s choicest boutiques.

Have a look at our hotels in Marrakech page for more options.”