One of the greatest things about London is that it’s impossible to run out of things to do. No matter what day of the week, there are always museums, shopping, shows, parks and of course, markets. London has more markets than the average person would know what to do with, ranging from food markets to flower markets to somewhere in between. It can be overwhelming trying to choose from so many options, but here’s a short list of my personal favorites to get you started:
Portobello Road Market
Where: Notting Hill
Known for: Great food, quirky antiques, chic fashion … and its use as a film location in Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
Can’t miss: Taking a photo in front of the famous ‘blue door’ where Hugh Grant’s character lived in the movie Notting Hill.
Camden Markets
Where: Camden Town
Known for: Stables Market, which occupies an old horse cavalry – each stable is a different stall of anything ranging from vintage clothing to African jewelry to crêpe stands.
Can’t miss: The Cereal Killer Café – famous in London for being the original cereal bar with any cereal you can imagine at your fingertips (even childhood favorites like Boo-Berries), tasty cereal ‘cocktails’ or loaded hot chocolate topped off with, you guessed it, more cereal.
Leadenhall Market
Where: The City
Known for: Appearing in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” as Diagon Alley and later in “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.
Can’t miss: Feeling like you took a step back in time to Victorian England with original cobblestones, ironwork and storefronts.
Borough Market
Where: South Bank
Known for: Fresh produce, amazing meals, delicious desserts … basically a foodie haven.
Can’t miss: Walking over London Bridge (of Fergie fame) to get a breathtaking view of Tower Bridge before eating everything in sight at Borough Market across the street.
Covent Garden
Where: West End
Known for: Daily street performers outside of the market in front of Saint Paul’s Church and tons of shopping from small stands to Burberry.
Can’t miss: Hitting up one of the only Shake Shacks in London … a little taste of home.
[…] From the column I am writing this semester for the Fairfield University Mirror… […]
Love this! Can’t wait to visit the markets with you!