London is an exciting destination for shopping. Whether you are seeking to refresh your wardrobe, spruce up your home, or lavish your loved one with gifts, there are shops aplenty in the capital city. Beyond the designer labels and department stores, London is teeming with markets. Check into a central hotel in London near these markets and you will be amazed with what you find.
- Covent Garden Market – best for wellness
London’s inaugural fresh produce market in the capital is now devoted to upscale boutiques and artisanal stalls where you can pick up artisanal handicrafts and luxury bathing products. Visit at Christmas to see the beautiful tree and lights or linger over an aperitif or cocktail during the long summer days.
- Borough Market – best for nighttime atmosphere
Borough Market is London’s top market for fresh produce, wine bars, and taverns. Besides stocking up on baked goods, gourmet cheeses, and pantry staples, you can sit down for a meal at one of the upscale eateries or nurse an ale while basking in the bustling environment. This is a great shout for where to go at night while staying at a hotel in Central London.
- Wapping Docklands Market – best for sustainability
One of the younger markets in Central London, Wapping Docklands Market occurs every Saturday. Committed to adhering to zero-waste principles, items on sale are ethically curated with a minimal carbon footprint. Food stalls are inclusive of British cuisine and cooking from afar.
- Camden Market – best for alternative appeal
Camden Market is in fact a sequence of different markets with an emphasis on unconventional tastes. Stalls are loaded with off-the-wall fashion, gifts, homeware, and other trinkets. Plan to visit in tandem with checking out the wall murals in this quirky neighbourhood.
- Columbia Road Flower Market – best for fresh flora
Highly niche and perhaps unpractical for a traveller, Columbia Road Flower Market is nonetheless a must for the phenomenal experience. Running weekly on Sundays, the market opens at 08:00 am with the best bouquets long gone by noon. If you’re planning a romantic city break in a Central London hotel, this is a lovely way to customise your guest room.
- Greenwich Market – best for village vibes
Plan a family outing or romantic trip to this riverside neighbourhood for a stroll around the Old Naval College and Greenwich Park. The market comprises home decor and fashion stalls plus delectable international food.
- Spitalfields Market – best for fashion
This covered market is the best shopping destination on a rainy day in London. With an emphasis on fashion, you can browse an assortment of vintage wear and new trends alongside accessories. Spitalfields Market is also a top choice for foodies with sophisticated taste buds.
- Portobello Road Market – best for antiques
Perhaps the most iconic market in London, Portobello Road is a hub for antiques and collectibles. The best days for antiques are Friday and Saturday. Pieces do not stick around for long, so do remember to request a wake-up call from the friendly front desk at your Central London hotel.