London's best street markets

Baya Agarwal; March 21, 2009

To experience the thrill of real London, new Londoner's, drop by some of the most incredible street markets in the world, right here at your doorstep.

London boasts of more than twenty street markets dating back to the 17th century.

Borough market, the oldest in London, which was once the main centre of market activity, now mainly acts as an organic produce market.

Its unspoilt Victorian architecture and location, makes it one of the most historical markets in the city.

Although the market has revamped its image, it continues to lag behind the more popular Portobello and Camden markets.

Despite its higher price range and once-a-week opening, Portobello market tops the charts of being the world’s best and oldest antique market.

Its vibrantly painted walls provide a cheerful backdrop to locals and tourists alike, as they hunt for treasures.

Markets galore!

For those who are new to London, Camden is tagged as the most hip-hop market to visit, especially for the younger generation.

Located in North London, this market is said to house the most unusual stuff and is full of surprises.

Some of the more traditional and ancient surviving markets of London, like Covent garden market, Smithfield etc, must be visited before dawn.

They begin operating as early as 3am, so finding a pub or café at that hour is not a task.

Spitafields market is one of the most popular Sunday markets for fresh fruits and vegetable.

Don't be surprised though, when on your walk down the market, you discover that right next to a fruit seller's stall, might actually be a vintage car seller!

If you plan on starting your day fresh, there can be no better place than Columbia Road flower market in London.

This Sunday-only, 19th century market has more than four hundred flower stalls with a wide variety of plants and flowers on sale.

Famous for its second-hand goods and true Afro-Carribean products is Brixton market nestled in the London Borough of Lambeth.

Open six days a week, the market is always bustling with activity, and customers haggling the vendors.

So before stepping into any of these markets in London, the basic skill you need to master is that of negotiation. Because if you are successful, you might be back home with items worth a fortune.

 

What are your most prized finds at London's street markets? Tell you your story!

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