“Let the market sort it out” is what economists say we should do. Markets may offer us food and entertainment, perhaps a ride in a horse-drawn carriage over cobblestones, but how can they fix our financial future? Those economy types really ought to spend more time in market squares and try comprehending what they’re talking about, the silly sausages. Here are some top market squares they should head to forthwith.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow in Poland is home to Europe’s largest medieval market square (closely followed by the one in Wroclaw, a city about 270 km west of it).
There’s plenty of history here, plus grand cathedrals and the very impressive cloth hall that sits in the middle, but people are usually most excited by the immense array of bars, restaurants and clubs that take up every available edge of the square and its surrounding streets.
Jamaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh, Morocco
This famous square forms the central part of this ancient city and hosts a wide range of entertainment and food for locals and tourists alike.
Snake charmers and dancers invite you to photograph them (and cough up a dirham or two), while the myriad of souks selling food offer the hungry plenty of feasting options.
Markt, Bruges, Belgium
This stately square is the very heart of the medieval city of Bruges and features some important and impressive buildings such as the Provincial Court and the Belfry.
The Belfry is a particularly popular look-out, but be warned there are a lot of steps and it leaves some huffing and wheezing.
Main image of Jamaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh, Morocco. Photo by Scott Presly
