Going to the Market in London

One of my favorite things to do when traveling to a foreign city is to go to the local open-air markets. To me, this is a fun way to see a part of what the locals are up to on a regular day. These photos were taken at the Portobello Road Market, which is a huge open market with vintage items, fruits and veggies, prepared foods, and antiques. (Thanks for the recommendation, Gabe!) Since it claims to be the world's largest antiques market, it does get a little touristy, but that doesn't mean that the fruit and flowers for sale do not still look beautiful. Get there at 9:30 on Saturday morning, when all the antique dealers have already set up shop and the food stalls are almost ready. By 11, hordes of people will be gravitating to the area.

After getting a morning snack at the Portobello Road Market, I highly recommend heading over to the Borough Market for lunch. The Borough Market is a vast food market in the most perfect setting for such a thing; the market is under railway viaducts super close to the London Bridge and right behind the Southwark Cathedral. It is so packed by lunchtime that in some areas it is hard to move, but here, you can find everything from freshly-pressed pear-and-mint juice to cheese that's been soaked in red wine to meringues the size of your face. From a stall right next to the gateway between the market and the grassy courtyard of the cathedral, I got this amazing "toasty cheese sandwich" with leeks, scallions, and a huge pile of cheese inside.

After you get your food, eat it in the courtyard while admiring the trees and the architecture of the Southwark Cathedral. Then walk it off along the River Thames. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

| Photo Credit: Me. |