Posted by Hi folks, welcome to my series on London, United Kingdom! Having lived as a student in London from 2011-12 and visited it multiple times, I’m sharing my knowledge of this wonderful city. I plan to post content every week. The posts will largely focus on my recent trip there in June-July 2018, but there’ll also be some gems from the past. If you’d like to know more, please follow my blog.
London is a haven for shopaholics! In a previous post, I’ve listed out the best places to shop in London on a budget. Here I will outline my favorite markets to grab a deal or a unique item. As a tourist, markets are a fantastic way to sample the local culture and have a good time. So here’s a pick of my favorites:
BOROUGH MARKET:
Though originally a farmer’s market, this widespread fest is a delight for foodies. Along with fresh produce, you can sample various traditional British foods and international cuisines. It’s also a great way to enjoy the hustle bustle of this crowded and lively city. It’s open 6 days a week but truly comes to life on Saturdays.
Days & Timings: Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday Closed
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Jubilee and Northern Lines to London Bridge Station
Nearest Train Station: London Bridge
Bus Routes: 43, 141, 149, 521 to London Bridge; 43, 141, 149, 521 to Borough High Street
PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET:
Located in the lovely neighborhood of Notting Hill, this weekend market primarily sells gorgeous antiques and vintage clothes. I once scored a stunning Bvlgari necklace which is one of my prized possessions!
Days & Timings: Full Market Friday & Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sunday Closed.
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Ladbroke Grove station and Westbourne Park station on Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines
Bus Routes: 7, 12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 & 452
GREENWICH MARKET:
A day trip to Greenwich is a must in order to see the Royal Observatory, the Maritime Museum and the Cutty Sark ship. Along with these iconic sites, browse through the only market in London located on a World Historic Site, before settling in to picnic in the lovely Greenwich Park with gorgeous views of the city.
Days & Timings: Open every day: 10:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Jubilee Line to North Greenwich station or get off Canary Wharf and take the DLR
Nearest Train Stations: Southeastern Train Service from Charing Cross station
By DLR come to Cutty Sark station
Bus Routes: 129, 177, 180, 188, 199, 286 and 386
COVENT GARDEN MARKET:
This quaint cobblestoned market has all the romance and charm you expect on a European vacation. There are various crafts and handmade goods on offer, and plenty of places to eat at. If you’re with children, definitely stop at the Transport Museum.
Timings: All days 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: ‘Covent Garden’, ‘Leicester Square’, ‘Holborn’, ‘Charing Cross’, ‘Embankment’
PETTICOAT LANE MARKET:
Also known as Brick Lane Market, this market can be compared to Delhi’s Sarojini Nagar. There are plenty of export surplus clothing and accessories on sale. It’s also a great place to try authentic South Asian cuisine and feel the desi vibes in London!
Days & Timings: Monday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday closed
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Aldgate on the Circle and Metropolitan Lines; Aldgate East on the Hammersmith & City and District Lines; Liverpool Street on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan and Central Lines
OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET:
Looking for vintage vinyl and clothing? Spitalfields market is your best bet. With multiple food stalls and a bustling crowd, you’re sure to enjoy your visit here.
Days & Timings: Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri: 10:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Thurs: 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m.
Sun: 10:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Liverpool Street, Shoreditch High St., Aldgate East, Moorgate, Old Street
Bus Routes: Brushfield Street (67), Primrose Street, Stop J (8, 26, 35, 48, 78, 135, 149, 205 242, 388)
SOUTHBANK CENTER MARKET:
This food market located along the River Thames is a charming place to catch up with friends and enjoy some British hospitality.
Days & Timings: Friday, 12 noon – 9pm
Saturday, 11am – 9pm
Sunday, 12 noon – 6pm
Monday (bank holidays only), 12 noon – 6pm
Timings are extended in the month of August
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Waterloo (Northern, Bakerloo, Jubilee and Waterloo & City lines) Embankment (District & Circle lines)
Bus Routes: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 521, N1, N68, N171 and N343 stop on Waterloo Bridge
You can also take a river cruise to reach here
CAMDEN TOWN MARKET:
Looking to attend a street party that involves shopping? Camden Town is your answer. With plenty of lively restaurants, multiple events and lovely boat rides on a cute little river, it’s a great place to spend an entire day.
Timings: All days 10:00 a.m. till late
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Camden Town, Chalk Farm, Camden Road
Bus Lines: 214, 24, 274, 393
VINTAGE FAIRS:
Londoners love everything vintage and especially enjoy scoring a good deal in a thrifted vintage fair. When I lived there, I would often chance upon weekend pop-up vintage markets in quiet neighborhoods and would love browsing through them. So keep an eye out!
LOCAL MARKETS:
Most residential areas of London have weekend markets that sell clothing, household items and fresh produce along with delicious regional and international food. Keep an eye out for these wherever you’re staying. I frequently visited the one in Angel Islington when I lived there.
TRAFALGAR SQUARE DURING INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS:
The iconic Trafalgar Square in central London hosts big carnivals on most international festivals like the Indian Independence Day, the Chinese New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, Canada Day to name a few. There are live performances, large TV screens, fireworks, loads of food and drink stalls and general revelry.
Days & Timings: On days of international celebration
How to Get There:
Nearest Tube Stops: Charing Cross, Leicester Square, Embankment stations
Nearest Train Stations: Charing Cross, Blackfriars, Victoria Railway Stations
By DLR Bank, Tower Gateway and Shadwell stations
Chinese New Year Celebrations in Trafalgar Square.
I hope you’ve liked my double post round-up dedicated to shopping in London. Follow my blog for more on sightseeing and food in London!
*Featured image courtesy: http://www.tripsavvy.com
You can check out all my London posts here:
Budget Friendly Shopping in London
The Best Parks & Playgrounds to Visit with Kids
5 Must-Visit Museums in London
Review of Ivy Lettings, Apartment Rental Service in London
If you like this post, you may enjoy these other posts as well:
Perfect Staycation in ITC Mughal, Agra
Wow! That’s a nice post. Thank you for sharing the timings of the market. I will definitely visit these places to my next UK trip.
This is a lovely itinerary to visit London, juat the thing travellers must be aware of before going abroad.
Local markets and unbeaten path is something that always attract me.
Never been to London but have heard a lot about the street markets of there. Your post is a complete guide to these street markets . Will save this post for future reference… Thanks for sharing this…
London is beautiful city. I never knew that there are a lot of super markets in London. Thanks for sharing such useful information.
These are open-air street markets, not supermarkets!
I have never been to London but this post is helpful for anyone planning a trip there. The markets look so interesting and London is surely shopoholics dream come true.
I love london. One of the best places I’m glad to have visited. I have been to the few place you mentioned. Always look forward to your travel blogs. They are so amusing !
Thank you!
Lovely article. You have almost covered every place to shop. This article will
Be helpful to every traveler traveling to London. I am
Gonna bookmark this and follow it when I visit London next
Glad you liked it!
It’s really a detailed post.. London markets, which are ideal shopping destinations for everything from food to flowers, modern art to antiques, and clothes to curios. I will plan there this vacation