Top markets to visit while visiting London, England

Once again with David this time with a tour over London's markets. Also thanks for the nice photos you've sent to accompany your guest post. Now words to David:

If you're planning a short weekend break or a holiday in London, you should be sure to check out the multitude of markets that can be discovered in England’s capital city. Whether you're in need of some serious retail therapy or just want do a little window shopping in the hope of finding something that captures your eye, the range of markets in the city means you should always be able to get a great bargain. Here, we look at 5 of the best London markets to visit:

Old Spitalfields Market - One historic market you should be sure to visit is Old Spitalfields Market. Located in a 19th-century Victorian hall in east London, a range of vintage clothing and antiques can be purchased here. It is also a fantastic place to purchase crafts goods, with everything from handmade wooden toys to Venetian masks available to purchase.


As Old Spitalfields is open seven days a week, there should be plenty of opportunity for you to take in a trip to the market during a trip to London. However, you should be aware that trading hours will differ slightly between businesses. Reaching the market is fairly easy as it is just a short distance from Aldgate East and Liverpool Street stations.

Brick Lane Market - If you are visiting east London, you should be sure to visit Brick Lane Market. Open every Sunday, this Shoreditch market gives you the opportunity to purchase a variety of second-hand furniture and bric-a-brac, while also taking in lively performances from street musicians and actors.


Shopping can work up an appetite, so if you're feeling a bit peckish after hunting for bargains, you will be able to tuck into some fantastic cuisine at one of the nearby Asian restaurants.

Borough Street Market - If you're something of a foodie, make sure you head to Borough Street Market. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, here you will be able to purchase a wide range of food including organic and fair-trade produce.


Thursday could be a particularly good day to visit, as each week sees a chef give a cooking demonstration - who knows, you may be able to get some ideas about dishes you can create with the items you have just bought! Located in the south-east of the city underneath the railway viaducts between Borough High Street and the Thames river, the market's nearest underground stop is London Bridge.

Apple Market - Handmade jewellery and gifts can be found while shopping at Apple Market in Covent Garden. This central London market focuses on domestic handicrafts, so by shopping here you may be able to help support British businesses.


You will also find a number of cafes and restaurants situated nearby, providing the perfect place to take a breather, grab a drink and get something to eat.

Petticoat Lane Market - Fashionistas on a holiday in London should also head to the Petticoat Lane Market in the east of the city. Not only can a range of men's and women's clothing be found here, but you can also purchase various household goods and with 1,000 stalls to buy from, there will always be plenty of choice.


The market is open from 10:00 to 16:30 every Monday to Friday, as well as 09:00 to 14:00 on Sundays. However, be sure that you don't make the mistake of trying to find the actual Petticoat Lane when looking for the market as it does not exist!

Located between Middlesex and Wentworth Streets in Tower Hamlets, the market is a short walk from Liverpool Street station. Traders have sold their goods here since the 1750s and it was the location where entrepreneur and multimillionaire Sir Alan Sugar first opened a stall upon entering the world of business in the 1960s.

Near the market there is the famous ‘Gherkin’ building which was named as such because of its unique shape. There are also a number of nearby London hotels which are ideal if you are hoping to stay in the area.

With so many interesting markets to visit, you really can shop until you drop when visiting London.