By Jake Smith

Markets have always been incredibly important throughout London’s History. It is still one of the best things to do in London. Whether you are looking for street food, antiques, flowers or fashion items, taking a trip to the market will forever be the best way to find the most individual and unique items.

Camden Market, Borough Market and Brick Lane Market have been the giants of the London Market scene and on the London Sightseeing Map. If you haven’t been to see them yet, they’re definitely worth a visit. However, I have decided to not include these in the list, and instead shine the light on some of their smaller, less popular little siblings.

So, put your London guide away, take a detour from the tourist-packed streets and high street shops of central London Markets and explore the individuality of some of these fantastic markets:

1.Broadway market

Situated on an old victorian street in London’s East End, Broadway Market has been home to market traders since the 1890s.

It is open every Saturday with stalls offering amazing fresh produce, authentic street food, original clothing and arts and crafts. Throughout the rest of the week, the street is bustling with over 70 shops, cafés and restaurants open seven days a week.

Escape tip: Visit here on a Sunny Day and pick out some tasty street food followed by a relaxing afternoon in London Fields park, 30 seconds walk away.

Be warned though, the markets get very busy in the summer so give yourself enough time to explore properly amongst the crowds.

2.Greenwich Market

Pronounced ‘gren-itch’ /grɛn ɪtʃ/, this market also has its place as one of London’s historical marketplaces. It is a large indoor market open seven days a week; devoted to mainly jewellery, clothes, second-hand furniture and unusual gifts. Visit on a Tuesday and Thursday for a huge selection of vintage antiques.

Escape tip: Greenwich Market is a World Heritage Site and is close to the gorgeously green and leafy Greenwich Park and the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory, which are all worth a visit in their own rights. So why not make it a day out and see London’s historical south-east?

3.Portobello Road Market

Probably one of London’s most famous roads, Portobello Road is the host to a vast market in the beautiful Notting Hill area. Imagine multi-coloured terraced houses and old-fashioned English streets with shops and market stalls squeezed inside.

The market is open all week but visit on a Saturday for the largest antique market in the world.

Otherwise, you can continue down Portobello Road to the fruit and vegetable market and then moving onto the secondhand (used items) market where you can find secondhand clothes, jewellery, books and music.

Escape tip: After a relaxing walk through the market, hire a Santander bicycle and take a bike ride through Kensington gardens, passing Kensington Palace and The Albert Memorial until you reach Hyde Park where you can follow the cycle paths along the serpentine.

4.Brixton Village and Market Row

Brixton has always had a diverse mix of cultures and this is most obvious when you walk into Brixton Village. The marketplace, which has played an important role in Brixton’s rich history, now has nearly 130 independent traders. Whether you’re hungry for some classic Jamaican food from Fish, Wings and Tings or noodle ramen from Okan, Brixton Village and Market Row probably has something for you.

Escape tip: Once you are done exploring the marketplace, walk onto the famous Electric Avenue to discover a more traditional marketplace which specializes in selling a mix of African, Caribbean, South American and Asian products.

5.Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, Columbia Road is filled with bright colours and sweet smells. The final market on this list is slightly different from the rest. If you are a lover of nature but also inner-city markets then this is the market for you. Unfortunately you won’t find any street food or antiques here but if you are after some flowers, house-plants, bulbs and seeds then there is no place better.

Escape tip: The market is only open until 3 but is always extremely busy. Visit here between 2-3 when the stalls are shutting to get some last minute cheaper-than-usual stock.

Hope you enjoyed our guide about Best Markets in London read also about out 5 things to do in Camden Town

Follow us: