The Apple Market

Located right in the heart of the Covent Garden district – a district jam-packed with funky stores and constant entertainment – is the Apple market. Sometimes referred to as the Covent Garden market, it is an indoor swath of boutiques, specialty shops and jewelry stores, clothing stands, cafés, and bars. The market has a reputation for its authentic English feel and moderate prices. Every Monday, the market holds a Vintage day for those looking for unique items hard to come by anywhere else.

The interior of Convent Garden Market, London, UK by Diliff

Portobello Road

Every Saturday, the Portobello Road Market takes over the entirety of Portobello Road, stretching over ten football fields in length, so visitors should be prepared for a marathon of shopping. The market, located in Notting Hill and most famous for its portrayal in the eponymous film, is actually the largest antiques market in the world. The street invites all walks of life, catering to everyone from tourists and locals to the most hardcore artifact-seekers. Vintage stores and cafés dominate the bottom of the hill, but as one heads further up the road, a younger vibe prevails as the stands transition into fashionable flea markets. Needless to say, your feet will be hurting by the time you’re done.

Regent Street

In the Mayfair/Knightsbridge districts of London is the crown jewel of ritzy shopping: Regent Street. Posh locals and affluent travellers patrol along Regent Street, fashioning tailored suits and handbags worth more than an old Fiat. Here you can step into designer stores and luxury boutiques to survey the latest fashion trends, and are guaranteed to feel in vogue with Regent Street purchases in your collection.

Oxford Street

Those looking for the latest fashions at more affordable prices know that there is no better destination than Oxford Street. Intersecting with Regent Street at what is known as Oxford Circus, Oxford Street is the home to stores like H&M, Niketown, and Kate Moss’s ultra-trendy Topshop. Here you’ll find younger crowds and college kids along with your run-of-the-mill tourists looking for a stylish something without having to worry about the price tag.

Oxford Street, London, UK by Ysangkok

Camden Market

Many would argue that Camden Market is one of the best marketplaces in the world, and after one visit there you will be hard-pressed to disagree. Located in the über-hip Camden Town district, the local market certainly reflects its surroundings. It’s hard not to get lost within the sprawling clothing bazaars, handcrafted jewelry shops, independent market shoot-offs, bars, and restaurants, and if the shopping isn’t enough, tattoo parlors litter the walls along the buildings. For those looking for something a bit more vibrant, there is even an EDM (electronic dance music) store in the mix, full of neon clothes and glowing accessories, with its own bondage shop in the basement. The alternative clothing and overabundance of hipster attire for bargain prices should be enough incentive for any young traveller in the area to stop by. Needless to say, Camden Market attracts over a hundred thousand visitors every weekend during the summer.

Article has been written by Party Earth. Party Earth is an international media and entertainment company that features reviews, editorials, and listings of the best bars, clubs, festivals, concerts, events, and more in 19 cities around the world.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by DAVID ILIFF

The London Eye

This attraction is a really great way to see the city (and a lot cheaper than a helicopter ride) and on a clear day you can see as far as 25 miles, but even on a not so clear day the views over London are still stunning. It’s the world’s largest observation wheel and takes about 30 minutes to do one revolution. If tickets are booked in advance they cost from £15.00 per adult but concessions are available for children and OAPs. If you turn up on the day expect to pay from £25.00 per adult, no concessions, and if you fancy it you can either hire an entire capsule, which can hold up to about 25 people.

Tower of London

Situated on the northern side of Tower Bridge (an attraction in its own right) this iconic building houses far more than just one sight for its viewer. The Tower of London is known for holding the crown jewels, but it began life as a show of power under the Norman invader, William the Conqueror. The tower then went on to become a prison to Sir Walter Raleigh and even two of Henry VIII’s wives. Entry to the tower costs from £18.00 per adult or £47.00 for family made up of two adults and up to 6 children. For those who fancy a good pint and some food afterwards cross Tower Bridge and about 50 metres down the road is a great pub on the left hand side called ‘The Draft House’; ask them for their pork scratching’s, they’re amazing!

Shopping

For those of you who love high street shopping nowhere comes as famous as Oxford Street. If you fancy more designer wear then Regent Street runs immediately across it. For those who love something a bit more alternative and niche, without having to go far, then Carnaby Street, which runs immediately parallel to the East of Regent Street is a fantastic experience; it’s Christmas decorations and lights are also always something to behold.

There are so many things you can do in London but the three above provide a good range of things you could do all in one or two days, depending on how much shopping you intend to do!

Why not spend your bank holidays 2012 seeing the sights of London; however, if you plan to go early in the year check, when do the clocks go forward? You don’t want to miss your flight!

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