Probably the oldest of London's street markets, Petticoat Lane first saw market traders touting their wares during the 1700s in an area predominantly populated by Jewish immigrants.
The name comes from its long association with the clothing trade, known locally as the "rag trade," but the street name was changed to Middlesex Street in 1846 by the prudish Victorians to avoid any connection with women's under garments.
The market has grown in size considerably and has spread through Middlesex Street, Wentworth Street and the surrounding roads and lanes.
Although open all week, Sunday is the prime market day with thousands of stall holders gathered to offer bargain fashions and textiles, leather goods, jewelry, china and all sorts of electrical items.
Even though the Jewish population has now moved out, the area still has Jewish bakeries offering some of the scrummiest bagels in London. Enjoy one with some smoked salmon or cream cheese to round off a great day's shopping.
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 10.30am - 2.30pm Sunday: 9am - 2pm
Location
Petticoat Lane Market - Wentworth Street - Aldgate - E1
Nearest Tube: Aldgate East (Metropolitan and Circle Lines) or Aldgate (Central Line)
Camden Markets
If you're young and trendy, head north to Camden Town where several funky markets have grown into one.
Visit the market on a Sunday and you'll be excused for thinking you've somehow been transported back to the swinging sixties even though the market itself didn't actually come into existence until 1972.
Emerging fashion designers enjoy the company of African art, oriental rugs and textiles, vintage clothing, club wear, collectibles, new age products, music and just about everything else you could imagine from top quality goods to commercial tat, all colorfully arranged in three open market yards and a covered market hall.
When you're tired of the shopping experience, take a rest alongside the picturesque Regent's Canal as it runs through Camden Town and watch the colorful barges as they pass through the lock.