From bargain to posh, London markets have it all.

Shopping in London is tops! But once you’re through with Oxford Street, Piccadilly Circus and Harrod’s, turn your sights to the many markets coloring the streets of typically gray London. 

Let’s start with the market at Covent Garden, which is likely already on your list of must-sees. Once there, make sure you visit Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop with its three-dimensional pop-up cards, which are not only fun but make unique gifts as well. On the lower level of the market, you’ll find Octopus, a shop filled with colorful clocks, unique jewelry bags, themed watches, designer luggage and spiced-up household goods like green-dotted toasters. Opposite Octopus, Cuffs & Co. sells personalized cufflinks ... the perfect birthday present for the hubbie or boyfriend.

Apple Market and Jubilee Market are adjacent to Covent Garden. While the former features mostly hand-made British arts and crafts items, the latter offers a mixture of general goods from T-shirts, games and antiques to posters, jackets and other knick knacks.

You can easily stroll from Covent Garden west through China Town into Berwick Street. Here, in the heart of Soho, you’ll find a tiny fruit and vegetable market where the produce is neatly displayed in silver bowls. While the market itself is not a top attraction, if you’re into vinyl or CD shops, it’s paradise! I suggest trying one of the Mediterranean restaurants while you’re there.

Among London’s most popular tourist attractions is the Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, made famous by the movie starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Monday through Saturday, vendors sell general goods, while fashion and antiques dominate the scenery over the weekend. The market is divided into distinct sections. Antiques lovers should concentrate on the section between Chepstow Villas and Elgin Crescent; fashionistas should focus on the Westway area; and second-hand bargain hunters are likely to find their treasures from Westway to Goldborne Road.

Since London is known for its unpredictable weather, you still can enjoy a market-atmosphere in the covered Leadenhall. This Victorian market hall in East London has an upper-class feel despite its fresh produce, flower, fish and meat stalls. But the Leadenhall Market also includes clothes and accessories stores, restaurants and a small shoe shine booth.

If you’d rather escape the crowds, stroll along the Thames between Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge on the south side of the river. You’ll stumble across a picturesque piazza called Gabriel’s Wharf, home to interesting designer shops offering jewelry, arts and crafts. Or sit in one of the cafés or restaurants and watch the world walk by under the usually clouded sky.

No matter your market destination, London will satisfy even the most finicky shoppers. Safe travels, and good shopping!