Guide To London Attractions: Five Of London's Best Markets

London has a wealth of Markets, ranging from small local street markets, to major attractions that draw in large crowds. If you are after unusual foods, vintage clothing or collectable antiques, you are sure to find what you are looking for in one of the many markets all around the capital.

Here are five of the best:

Covent Garden Market is right in the heart of London. This was originally the site of the vegetable market until it was moved to its new site in Battersea. An ideal market for buying gifts, especially traditional English craft ware, as well as jewelry, collectables, clothing and household goods. The Apple Market houses the arts and crafts section, apart from on Mondays when it is used for selling antiques. There are plenty of places to eat and drink as well as many independent shops and familiar chain stores. Live classical music performances are often performed free to the public as well as street performers and buskers demonstrating their talents and skills.

Open Mon to Sun 10.00-19.00

Nearest tube is Covent Garden Station

Borough Market is for foodies. Anyone who loves food and has a passion for edibles will enjoy strolling around the multitude of different stalls, selling cooked products, vegetables, meats and cheeses and a vast array of home-made goods. It is one of the cities oldest markets, sprawling under the railway arches and into the local area. Even if you don’t buy anything, it is a great place to take in the sights, smells and sounds, and enjoy trying the free samples that many of the stalls give away. On Saturdays, a farmers market brings fresh produce to the market, adding to the choices available.

Open: Thur 11.00-17.00 Fri 12.00-18.00 Sat 09.00-16.00

Tube London Bridge

Camden market is actually a collection of markets in the same area, making it a vast collection of stalls selling a multitude of collectables, foods from around the world, vintage clothing, and everything else in-between. You can buy everything from ethnic wear from India , to furnishings from the Middle East . Parts of the market are open during the week but it is at weekends that the area really comes into its own when over 100,000 people visit, making it one of the most popular visitor attractions in London.

Mon to Sun 10.00-18.00

Tube: Camden Town , Chalk Farm, Mornington Cresent

Berwick Street Market. For lovers of the traditional English street market, this market in the heart of Soho hits the spot. It is not a very big market but has a lively, bustling feel. As well as selling household goods, there are many stalls selling specialist foods such as cheeses and deli products, as well as the popular fruit and vegetable stalls. The street also hosts several collectors’ record shops as well as good cafes, pubs and eateries.

Mon to Sat 09.00-17.00

Tube: Piccadilly Station

Portobello market is a must for lovers of antiques and jewelry as well as vintage and collectable second hand clothing. Eating here is a treat as there are plenty of places to grab great food on the go, as well as buying edible products to take home. As well as the market, there are numerous shops and boutiques in the area, and it is an experience in itself to wander the surrounding streets with their beautifully colored houses. Saturdays are the best time to visit the market, being the main day, though there are some stalls throughout the week.

Mon to Wed 09.00- 18.00 Thur 09.00-13.00 Fri and Sat 09.00-19.00

Tube: Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate

These are just five of the hundreds of Markets that take place every week in London.