Markets in London

[FullOfChoc]

Can anyone tell me about good markets to go to from central London?

We are staying a Friday night so ideally a Saturday market. I've recently been to Covent garden market which was interesting but very geared up for tourists.

Borough Market is fantastically interesting for food, but very very crowded.
Portobello Road has antiques and collectibles, not cheap and again very crowded.

Camden and Spitalfields markets are slightly less sanitised and touristy than Covent Garden

There are loads more depending on what you're looking for - have a look here

That's fabulous, thank you very much.

Or stay over 'til Sunday and go to the lovely lovely Columbia Road market. Flowers and nice shops and good coffee and bakery. Really special

Borough is awesome if you're into food.

Thank you all - I appreciate the help and it's making me very excited about the trip!

CactusAnnie, because the touristy ones are so expensive ! I'm hoping for a bargain ;-)

Surely nowhere could be more touristy than Covent Garden? Please tell me it can't!

Columbia road is lovely. Very busy, but not touristy in the way covent garden is. Close to spitalfields as well.

I don't know it, but Greenwich market is supposed to be good. I loved Camden lock as a teen, but it's probably heading towards covent garden on the touristy scale these days.

What sort of thing were you hoping to buy? Some of the markets are quite specialised.

Greenwich market is very nice and I love Columbia Rd

I think Greenwich market is like a small under cover, slightly smarter Portabello Road.
So, I was thinking today, as I walked past Greenwich market site, that I would prefer to go to Portabello for more out there shopping, but Greenwich for nice gifts. This may also be based on my proximity and slight boredom with Greenwich vs exotic west London! But if it is sunny Greenwich park wins for a post market picnic location.

Hobbes, I think my friends will be after clothes and shoes mostly. A bit of a variety would be good though.

I want to go to them all now!

Second Borough Market. Found it recently by accident and it is fantastic. Great food, street food is fab, has a great vibe with bars and restaurants round about. Camden is also good fun.