It’s no secret that I’m more than slightly obsessed with London. I may have only lived there for six months but I go back whenever I can because it really does feel like my second home. As a struggling American student trying to survive a bad exchange rate, I relied on markets for many of my clothes and household items. Here are my favorite London markets worthy of the avant-garde traveler.
Portobello Market
Go here for: Antiques
Don’t be deceived by its West London locale. Notting Hill may be one of the city’s most posh neighborhoods but all that is forgotten when it comes to their outdoor flea market. Portobello Market is mainly known for its impressive collection of antiques but you can also shop for fresh food and score some unbeatable deals on clothing. I walked away with £5 dresses on more than one occasion.
To get here, take the Tube to the Knotting Hill Gate stop, which runs on the District, Circle and Central lines. The antiques and bric-a-brac stalls are only open on Saturdays but otherwise, stop by any other day of the week beginning at 9am. Even if you don’t buy anything, Portobello Road is one of the prettiest and most famous streets in London so there’s no wrong way to spend your day here.
Spitalfields Market
Go here for: Fashion & Food
If you are on the hunt for some serious fashion finds or just in the mood to sample cuisine from different cultures, Spitalfields will become your go-to London market. The market is open daily and they recently launched the “Saturday Style Market” featuring independent designers, award-winning eateries and art that you can actually afford. It all happens from 11-5pm and there are often free events going on as well.
