Must Do Markets In London

By Kelsey Repins

Part of being a “true Londoner” is experiencing the weekend shopping at the various markets scattered around the city. Come back to the States with cool, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts!

Borough Market: This market is a wonderful place to find fresh bread, homemade jams, cheeses, meats, and all sorts of yummy goodies! Do your weekly food shopping here and enjoy all of the sights and smells.  Spend the morning picking up snacks and go on a picnic with the food you buy.

• Make sure you try an ostrich burger!

Borough Market

Brick Lane: This was one of my favorite markets! Brick Lane is a string of markets that open on Sundays only.  Find cool jewelry and funky screen tee shirts. Locals make headbands, purses, dresses, and so much more.

• There is lots of food from all over the world here but make sure to try the Moroccan cuisine!

Camden Market: Come here to barter on anything from clothes to antiques. Camden is more the alternative scene and residents of this area are generally young. Camden is a known as the home for the struggling artist, fashion designer, and musician.  Just walking through Camden is an experience!

• After a morning bartering in Camden, get on the bus and take the short trip out to Primrose Hill. Here you will get a wonderful view of the whole city.

Camden Market

Covent Garden Market: My favorite place in all of London would have to be Covent Garden and the area surrounding it. Covent Garden is a little shopping plaza filled with great stores to buy little gifts and funky trinkets. Make sure you not only visit the stores but the actually market itself on the weekends.

• One time when I was shopping in Covent Garden I stumbled across a flash mob!

Portobello Road Market: Anyone who has seen Hugh Grant and Julia Robert’s Notting Hill has heard of Portobello Road Market. Here you can fight the crowds for antiques on the main street. Make sure you go off the main road because there are smaller stores and venders who are willing to haggle! Keep in mind that this market is only open on Saturdays.

• Even if you are not in the market for antiques or clothing go for the atmosphere. Notting Hill is a very fashionable and “posh” neighborhood.  The rows pale blue, pink, and yellow houses are adorable and a must see for anyone visiting London.

Knotting Hill

Spitalfields Market: Like most of the other markets, Spitalfield vendors sell clothing, antiques, homemade crafts and much more. There are actual stores as well as venders and booths. The market itself is only on Sundays but the stores are open during the week.

• When I was in London, I would go to Brick Lane in the morning and Spitalfields in the late afternoon!

Keep in mind some of the items are sold by multiple vendors in multiple markets. Shop around for the best price and don’t buy the first thing you see!