London would not be the city it is without its eclectic collection of lively markets.
Gastronomic paradises teeming with visitors sniffing out artisanal samples at small local bazaars.
Today, let's discover the best of them.
London market: article summary
London market: Alfie's Antique
Housed in a huge Egyptian-style art deco building in Marylebone, Alfie's Antiques Market has been attracting collectors and casual buyers for over 40 years.
Spread over four floors, around 100 different merchants sell an eclectic selection:
- Jewelry
- Home products
- Decorative objects
- Memories
- Furniture
- Works of art
Bargains are rare, but that's only because the quality of the products on offer is very high.
Alfie's Antiques is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.Tuesday to Saturday.
Borough Market
Nestled next to the London BridgeThis iconic food market has existed in one form or another since at least 1014.
Although it still functions as a wholesale market in the early hours of the morning, it is now best known as a gourmet paradise where Discerning Londoners come to buy top-quality products.
There is also an incredible range of Street Food and a dedicated covered dining area.
Borough Market is open from Monday to Saturday, but to get the most out of this market, I advise you to from Thursday to Saturday.
London market: Brick Lane Market
On Sundays, the streets of the lively Brick Lanein East London, are lined with stalls selling anything and everything.
You're bound to find low-priced fruit and vegetables, household goods and electrical products.
The recent trend of Brick Lane is reflected in the various maverick markets that surround it. Visit Backyard Market for crafts, the Sunday Upmarket for street food and interesting gifts, The Tea Rooms for vintage bric-a-brac and the Boiler House Food Hall. for more snack and beverage stands.
Brixton Village and Market Row
Brixton is one of the capital's most dynamic districts, and these adjacent covered markets reflect its unique and varied flavor.
In recent years, they have become a gastronomic pilgrimage where hungry Londoners can take their seats in restaurants serving a wide range of dishes. seafood, top-quality pizzas and cuisine from around the world.
A leisurely stroll through the arcades reveals a treasure trove of independent outlets selling :
- Clothes
- Jewelry
- Items for the home
- Works of art
- Antiques
- Unusual gifts
Brixton Village and Market Row open from 8 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. every dayexcept Mondays, when they close at 6 pm.
London market: Camden Lock Market
Bringing together several adjacent markets, this market stretches from the metro station of Camden Town at Regent's Canal is London's fourth most popular tourist attraction.
In its recent heyday, around 250,000 people came here every week to shop, sample street food and soak up the distinctive atmosphere.
Camden Lock Market is a haven for arts and crafts, while Stables Market is a trendy spot for everything from original furniture to fetish clothing.
Buck Street Market on Camden High Street, has redesigned its shipping containers.
Camden Town's markets are open seven days a week and generally seem to be bustling with activity.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Located just off Shoreditch's main thoroughfare, this weekly flower market is a must-see! an East End gem.
Every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the picturesque cobbled street is packed with traders selling bulbs, herbs, shrubs, bedding plants and buckets of cut flowers.
Around the stands are some sixty interesting independent boutiques and cafés, many of which are open only at weekends.
Arrive early for the best selection of flowers.
London market: Covent Garden market
This grand neoclassical market in the heart of Covent Garden is a true London landmark.
Since 1980, after traffic congestion forced the traditional fruit and vegetable market to relocate, Covent Garden Market has reinvented itself as a must-visit shopping destination.
And now, the entire area has become pedestrianised to encourage socially distant punters to to come back in complete safety.
On Mondays, it's packed with stalls selling antiques and collectables.
From Tuesday to Sunday, it welcomes a wider range of merchants offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to handmade soaps.
There are also many permanent retail stands.
London would look very different without these markets. During your visit, you can visit some of them and enjoy the products they offer every day.
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