London’s famous street markets

London is famous the world over for its excellent shopping venues. From the best of high-end boutiques to flagship stores, London offers a myriad of shopping options to choose from. However, London is just not restricted only to luxury shopping. The city is home to some of the most historic street markets where you can buy an eclectic mix of items ranging from vintage wear to antiques.

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Those interested in exploring the top street markets in London can head to any of the following:

Covent Garden Market:

Once home to a convent (that is why a similar-sounding albeit misspelt name) the area was popular as a flower market up to a few decades ago. Now it houses three markets. There is the Jubilee Market selling an assortment of items on different days of the week. The East Colonnade Market’s stalls sell sweetmeats, kids wear, art creations and miscellaneous items. The Apple Market housed in the Marketing Building sells handicrafts and jewellery.

Borough Market:

Popular with food lovers that pop in to enjoy a variety of delicacies and cuisines from all over the world sold at the stalls in the area. With tantalising aromas wafting through the air and tempting food and drinks, it draws large crowds on a regular basis. There are more than 100 stalls in the area that sell cheese, meats, coffee, bread and cakes from all parts of the country and abroad as well. Borough Market is the spot to head to for discerning food lovers.

Camden Market:

Camden Market is actually not one single market but made up of several markets located both outdoors and indoors. It is one of the most visited street markets in London and draws in large crowds on a regular basis. The Stables Market (housed in a former stable) sells handicrafts, art and clothing items that are popular with goths and hippies that shop here. The Camden Lock Market is housed in former warehouses adjacent to Regent’ Canal. Both Stables and Camden Lock Markets are indoor markets. The two outdoor markets selling regular clothing items and accessories are Inverness Road and Buck Street markets.

Old Spitalfields Market:

The market dates back to the Victorian era and is located to the east of the city near the City of London. It opened for business over one and a half-century ago, and still attracts throngs of visitors. The stalls sell an eclectic mix of items ranging from bric-a-brac to avant-garde fashionwear. Apart from the great shopping in the area, there are numerous cafes and eateries offers a wide selection of culinary fare. Whether you are looking for the best of delicatessen to organic food items, all of these are available at the market. Arrive early in the morning and set off on a shopping spree before the crowds arrive at the market. Later enjoy a fabulous brunch or even lunch at any of the fabulous eateries at the market.