Leadenhall and Spitalfields Markets

Markets are known for selling unique items. The best markets are known for selling unique items at a low cost. Ever heard of Leadenhall Market? No? That is probably because Leadenhall is not a cheap market. A small group of three of us ended up at Leadenhall Market on accident. We were wandering through the city after stopping by the London Tower, and asked a local walking by where the nearest market was. We were looking for Spitalfields or Petticoat Market, but couldn't remember the names of them. The local gave us directions to Leadenhall Market instead, as it was the closest market to us. We had hoped to find some cheap souvenirs to take home to friends and family. The only cheap souvenirs at the market were unique candies and shot glasses. Besides those souvenirs, there was expensive art and shops with high end clothing like Barbour. This was all fun to look at, until you saw the price tag. Needless to say, we did not spend long at this market. 

As we were leaving, we talked to a local sitting outside of a pub. He asked if we needed directions or were looking for anything - I guess he could tell we weren't from around here. We asked about any other nearby markets or other things to do in the area. The man was very helpful. He gave us directions to Spitalfields Market, recommended a building with an amazing view of the city, and informed us that we were standing outside of a pub used in the filming of one of the Harry Potter movies. So our trip to Leadenhall Market was not for nothing.

Spitalfields Market is a more commonly known market, and I can see why! There were a lot more tables set up with unique items, like jewelry, hats, clothing, bags, cards, and other unique souvenirs. One of the random souvenirs I saw were boxers with the tube map printed on them. There were also many food trucks set up - the smells coming from the trucks were amazing. The prices were also much lower at Spitalfield, making the unique merchandise that much more appealing. Samira was even able to bargain with one of the vendors to get a deal on a few items. We did not have a lot of time there, so I did not spend any money, but I do hope to go back to Spitalfields Market before I go back home. The markets are a great way to see new parts of London and find unique items and food. I hope to get a chance to check out that building with a view before I leave, as well. ~Sedona