San Francisco

Where? The Ferry Plaza Farmers’ Market is held at the Ferry Building on the city’s eastern waterfront.

What to buy: It’s hard to know where to start with this one – ‘almost everything edible’ is probably the best answer. Exactly what’s on offer varies between the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday markets, but here’s a taster: fruit, vegetables, herbs, flowers, meats and eggs from regional farmers, along with artisan specialities such as jams, breads and cheeses.

Need to know: This popular market began life as a one-off back in 1992. Since then, operated by the non-profit Centre for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, it has become a vital link between Californian farmers and the city.

Otavalo

Where? Otavalo Market, Otavalo, in Imbabura Province, Ecuador.

What to buy: This is one of the most famous textile markets in the world, in one of its most famous textile towns – which should give you some idea. Otavaleños are renowned for making textiles, usually using wool, so take your pick from blankets, ponchos, sweaters, scarves, bags or rugs.

Need to know: The market takes place on Saturdays, and its design is a one-off: in 1970, Dutch architect Tonny Zwollo designed its mushroom-shaped stalls.

Marrakech

Where? Jemaa el-Fna, in the medina of the Morrocan city.

What to buy: Food, glorious food: this amazing square comes into its own at night as the food traders set up – at which point chaotic competition sets in. Everyone’s trying to sell you something, from grilled meats of all kinds to piping hot soup and fresh orange juice.

Need to know: This 11th-century site is recognised by UNESCO for its crucial part in Moroccan culture.

Delhi

Where? Chandni Chowk, in the northern area of Delhi, India.

What to buy: As markets within markets abound in this huge square, anything from a bewildering range of Indian food to clothes, books, shoes, electronic goods and hardware.

Need to know: The name of this market, one of the oldest in Delhi, translates as either ‘moonlight market’ or ‘moonlight square’. Its areas were once divided by canals that reflected the moon’s glow.

Tokyo

Where? The Tsukiji Market is central, located near Japan’s Sumida River.

What to buy: This fish market is a seafood lover’s haven, with more than 400 different types of seafood available. Whatever your tastes, it’s all here – from the finest caviar to the most minuscule sardines or the chunkiest tuna. Other sea-based delicacies, including various sorts of edible seaweed, can also be found.

Need to know: The scale of this operation is staggering: it’s the biggest wholesale fish market anywhere in the world. With a 3am start (every day except Sundays), this is one for the early birds.

Kuranda

Where? A stunning mountain retreat near Cairns, Australia, surrounded by lush rainforest.

What to buy: A huge selection of opals, recognised as being among the finest anywhere, a wide range of local foods and tropical fruit juices, books of all sorts and handmade souvenirs that are unique to this part of the world.

Need to know: The markets have helped Kuranda, a former coffee and timber area, develop a thriving tourism trade in recent years.

How to get there

San Francisco, USA: Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys runs several tours that visit San Francisco and wider California. From £1,569pp

Otavalo, Ecuador: Ecuador and Galapagos tour with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys. From £3,279pp

Marrakech, Morocco: Marrakech and the Ourika valley with Bales Worldwide. From £1,195pp Delhi, India: Taste of India tour with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys. From £1,125pp Tokyo, Japan: Highlights of Japan tour with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys. From £1,869pp

Kuranda, Australia: East Coast tour with Virgin Holidays Worldwide Journeys. From £3,265pp virginholidaysjourneys.co.uk or balesworldwide.com for more information

Image credits: Alamy