If you go out for a shopping session in London, you might be surprised by the wide range of available of products: souvenirs, flowers, sweets, art pieces, London has them all.
Here is a list of the 5 best markets found in London :
1. Brick Lane Market, which is one of the biggest markets in London, spreads across several streets. You will find everything you need here: from food, magazines, second-hand clothes, and up to furniture, sweets and toiletries. The market itself is split into other small markets, such as the Columbia Road Flower Market or the outdoor Sunday Up Market, which caters food to its visitors. A few bars are also available, providing the visitors with fresh music and chill beverages. This is the ideal place for your shopping needs and you might need a whole day to explore what’s inside. Please note that the shop is opened only on Sunday, between 08:00 – 14:00.
2. Camden Market, with its Camden Lock main hub, is a popular open-air shopping area, hosting numerous, shops, pubs and restaurants. The small shops sell everyhting from handmade jewelry, vintage clothes and homeware products. Entertainment is assured by live music and comedy shows. As for the program, the market is open everyday between 10:00 and 18:00. The bars and venues are open till late.
In 2008, the market was affected by a large fire, who was estinguished during night by 100 firefighters. Fortunately, there were small losses and no casualties.
3. Portobello Road Market. It was opened in the 1800’s, but became particularly known for its antiques in the 1950’s. Now, there are numerous small shops inside, selling everything from food to clothes, posters, music, and ceramics. The market is easily accesible via the Westbourne Park subway station, and might represent a perfect day out for all the family. You might like to know that “The Blue Lamp” police thriller was filmed here in the 1950, and the market was also featured in a musical film in 1971. The “Portobello Market” board game has been inspired by its name too. The market is open everyday from 8.00am to 6.30pm, except Tuesdays and Sundays, when the program is only half.
4. Broadway Market, located in Hackney Central, sells a mix of good products gathered from local farmers, artists and craftsmen in order to tempt its visitors. You will find tasty, ready-made food here as well as unusual clothes and gifts, furniture products and much more, all at affordable prices. Broadway Market is opened from Monday to Friday between 16:00-23:00, and from 10:00 to 23:00 on weekends.
5. Covent Garden Market, designed by the famous architect Inigo Jones in 1632. It is placed around the iconic Market Building and Piazza, and you can get there quickly by the Covent Garden tube station. Along with the restaurants, cafes and speciality shops available, you will notice the Apple craft market, where you will be entertained by street performers, while you’re checking out the products on offer. If you wish to visit it, you can do that between 10am to 7pm, except the bars, cafes and restaurants which are opened untill 11pm.
Any place you wish to visit, you will definitely be amazed by what London has to offer !