Top 6 Beautiful Markets You Can Find in London
London is full of markets, each with its own vibe and personality. You won’t find cheap quality in the markets – but you will find good bargains! Whether you are looking for arts and crafts, food, clothing, or home items, you will be able find the market for you. There are so many to choose from, but there are 6 markets in particular that really struck my fancy.
Old Spitalfields Market
This popular indoor market was built back in 1876 and sells just about anything: clothes, food, crafts and artwork. You’ll find here cute boutiques, lifestyle stores, specialty shops, hairdressers and restaurants, and then when you’re done shopping, you can find plenty of entertainment options; coffee and tea shops and the clubs and bars of Shoreditch that are just nearby. It’s open seven days a week, and Sunday is the busiest and best day to go if you are looking for a good bargain and lots of action.
Portobello Market
The infamous Portobello Market is focused on vintage and antique items. It’s quite the unique market, and you can find lots of vintage clothing, fresh food and enjoy lovely street music. It is great for locals and tourists alike, as it has been a trademark of West London for more than two hundred years. The weekends are the best times to visit this market, and everyone knows this so be ready to face the crowds.
Camden
Camden is one of the biggest markets in London, as it is home to more than one hundred shops and stalls. You’ll find food, clothes, handcrafted goods, furniture, among many other things. The market area gets very busy on weekends, but you won’t be in any rush to leave with so much to see. All of the vendors are very nice, and are very international. You will see people from such places as India, Poland, and Peru. You can even find a nitrogen ice cream parlor! You could literally spend a week alone here shopping and exploring the different shops and stalls to be found.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is truly an architectural masterpiece. It’s the most famous market and best of all, is open every day. The shops here are more like boutiques and you will discover a very vibrant atmosphere walking among them. Clothing, arts, and crafts are sold throughout this market, among many other things. You will definitely be entertained by the many street artists displaying their talents for all to see. A wide range of cuisines are available to satisfy every taste. You can find anything from Indian to Caribbean and, of course, English.
Leadenhall Market
This beautiful market is a stunning covered Victorian market that dates back to the 1300’s. The elegant and ornate Victorian roof covers stalls that sell cheese, flowers, and lots of fresh food. The cobblestone floors and high glass roof make it a great place to explore, giving it quite the ambiance. You can also find pubs and restaurants in the market building. Harry Potter fans will definitely recognize Leadenhall Market since some of its scenes were filmed here.
Columbia Road Flower Market
If you have a green thumb, you will definitely want to stop at this beautifully colorful and fragrant market. You can find here any kind of plant, shrub, bulb, or tree. It is a true must see, and is best on Sunday afternoons for great bargains. Greenery isn’t the only thing you can find here. Art galleries, antiques shops, and any kind of bakery can be found here, as well. Don’t forget to bring your camera, and plan on staying a while, as there is a lot you will want to see.
As usual, your photos are exceptional and draw me in! How come when I was in London I didn’t see all these beautiful markets?! I need to go back and especially revisit Covent Garden. Great post!
Wow your photos are beautiful. They make me want to replan my next vacation.
Thank you Nancy 🙂
never woulda figured that for London…. 😀
I would love to visit London one day! I have family living there 🙂
i love the markets in london. next time, go to broadway market on saturdays. it was my fave!
Thanks Helen! I haven’t been to Broadway market yet But I heard it is a great market! Its on my list for my next visit to London:)