Visiting 3 Top London Markets

If you're planning on a visit to the UK capital, exploring the top London markets usually figures prominently on the typical visitor’s 'must see' list. But the problem is there are just so many of them, so how do you figure out which are worth going out of your way for? Inevitably there’s going to be a degree of personal preference involved, but here are at least some of the top London markets you should think seriously about adding to your itinerary.

Portobello Road / Notting Hill Markets

If you love antiques and ornate decoration, then you’ll love Portobello Road. It’s the best-known of London’s antique centres and claims (almost certainly justifiably) to be the biggest antiques market in the world. In fact, the story’s a little more complicated than that.

Portobello Road is roughly three miles west of Marble Arch, in Notting Hill, and actually comprises several markets (including Notting Hill) stretching across a number of roads over a large area. Saturday and to a lesser extent Friday are the main antiques days, although individual dealer’s shops might be open at other times too. On other days the market is well known for its food, clothing and bric-a-brac.

Be warned that after around 11am on Saturdays, the area is very busy and you’ll need to anticipate large crowds. Even so, it’s a fantastic sight - with hundreds of stalls and shops (actually, over 1,000) stretching along the streets; you’ll find everything from top-of-the-range antiques to what is often described as 'tat, or cheap trinkets. Heading to these markets makes for a great day out and you might find a real bargain. The nearest Underground stations are Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove.

Petticoat Lane

This is another of the wonderful traditional London markets that's well worth a visit. Located on the border of the City of London Proper and the increasingly gentrified East End, this market is open Monday-Friday and Sunday morning – although, oddly, not with a full complement on Saturday.

It has over 1,000 stalls, on average, though it is perhaps a little more down-market and 'jumble sale' in nature than Portobello Road. However, some aficionados argue that you’re far more likely to find a bargain here than in Portobello.     

Pronounced by the locals more as 'Petticut', this eclectic market spreads over several streets, including Middlesex Street and Wentworth Street. The Underground stations at Aldgate and Aldgate East are the most convenient.

Broadway Market (Hackney)

Located in the East End, Broadway Market is not as well known as some other London markets but it is one of the oldest. It specialises in art and eccentric or alternative products and local crafts. It’s becoming very trendy, as part of the above-mentioned East End gentrification, and you’ll find a range of shops and stalls selling all sorts of items that are harder to find in any other market. There are also some trendy bars and cafés nearby. The nearest Underground station is Bethnal Green, although it’s a fair walk from there. There are plentiful bus services though, and a taxi from Aldgate Underground station will be fast and reasonably priced.

When you're visiting any of the London markets, do remember that wherever crowds gather, so will crooks – notably pickpockets. Although London has far fewer problems in this respect than many other European capitals, do take care with your belongings.