Occasionally, we all explore famous shopping lanes or buy some souvenirs while traveling. But have you ever considered visiting a farmers' markets in Europe? I am not talking about supermarkets. I am talking about something like 'sabji mandi' of our country. You must be thinking I have gone mad. Why on earth one wants to visit a 'sabji mandi while one can visit larger than life castles and extravagant palaces. Trust me on this next time you travel to Europe visit at least one farmers' market. You will thank me later.
Farmers' market is a traditional open-air market, very popular among locals in most European cities and towns. Every morning farmers from nearby villages bring homegrown fresh vegetables, fruits. Fishmongers bring their fresh catch of the day. Some bring meats, flowers, honey and some bring homemade cheese. What's in the store for you? Watch locals in full action. Interact with them. Eat fresh fruits, cheese. There will be hardly any tourists. So, shop owners won't charge exuberant amounts for duplicate items.
Started in 1930, Dolac market is the most popular farmers' market in Zagreb. It is very easy to club with other attractions in the city as it is situated right at the center. We bought local cheese and fresh fruits like plums, peaches, cranberry, raspberries, and a few other varieties of berries whose name I can't recall. We bought few kgs of them in lesser money than what I need to buy 100 gm of packaged and artificially sweetened berries in India. Can you believe it?
