London’s markets – especially Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road – are some of the city’s most vibrant experiences, whether you are visiting from Singapore, relocating as an expat, or exploring global lifestyle options before investing in property through Homejourney.
This definitive London markets guide is written from the perspective of a Singapore-based real estate and travel specialist who has repeatedly visited these areas in different seasons, at different times of day, and with different budgets. It combines first-hand experience with up‑to‑date data, safety insights, and practical advice tailored specifically for Singapore travellers and international investors.
Table of Contents
- London Markets Overview: Why Borough, Camden & Portobello Matter
- Best Time to Visit & Market Opening Hours
- Getting to London Markets (From Singapore & Within London)
- Money, Currency & Cost Expectations
- Borough Market: London’s Food Lover’s Hub
- Camden Market: Creative, Alternative & Waterfront Vibes
- Portobello Road Market: Antiques, Notting Hill Charm & Weekend Buzz
- Top Attractions & Experiences Around Each Market
- Street Food London: What to Eat at Borough, Camden & Portobello
- Practical Travel & Safety Tips for Singapore Travellers
- Where to Stay Near London’s Key Markets
- Sample 3‑Day & 5‑Day London Market-Focused Itineraries
- Day Trips & Neighbourhood Extensions
- Connecting London & Singapore: Property, Lifestyle & Currency
- FAQ: London Markets for Singapore Travellers & Investors
London Markets Overview: Why Borough, Camden & Portobello Matter
London has dozens of markets, but three names appear again and again in expert guides and traveller forums: Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road Market[1][2][4][6]. Each offers a distinct experience that complements what many Singaporeans already love about cities like Hong Kong or Bangkok – dense, walkable streets full of food, culture and shopping – but with London’s own historical and creative twist.
For Singapore property seekers using Homejourney, these markets also double as lifestyle indicators: they show how neighbourhoods feel on the ground – the noise levels, demographic mix, night‑time activity, and transport access – all of which are the same factors you would check when assessing a place to live in Singapore.
Quick snapshot: which market is right for you?
Best Time to Visit & Market Opening Hours
Weather, crowds and opening days matter more in London than in Singapore because of the colder seasons and shorter daylight hours in winter. Here is an up‑to‑date overview (always verify closer to your travel dates as timings may change):
Seasonal considerations for Singapore travellers
- Late spring to early autumn (May–September): Mild temperatures (15–25°C), longer days, best for lingering at outdoor stalls and walking between attractions.
- Winter (November–February): Can be 0–8°C, gets dark around 4–5pm; markets still operate but outdoor browsing is less comfortable. However, festive lights and Christmas specials can be a unique experience.
- Weekdays vs weekends: Weekends have the most stalls and atmosphere, but also the biggest crowds. If you dislike Orchard Road Saturday‑style crowds, plan early weekday visits to Borough and Camden, and Saturday morning for Portobello before 11am[2][5][6].
Opening hours snapshot
Insider tip: From multiple visits, the sweetest spot for Singapore travellers is usually: Borough Market on a weekday late morning for brunch; Camden on a weekday afternoon; Portobello early on a Saturday before the heavy crowds and tour groups arrive.
Getting to London Markets (From Singapore & Within London)
Flying from Singapore to London
Singapore to London is one of Changi’s most popular long‑haul routes, with direct flights to both Heathrow and (sometimes) Gatwick operated by major carriers. Flight time is typically around 13–14 hours non‑stop, with a time difference of 7–8 hours behind Singapore depending on daylight saving. Many Singapore residents arrive in London early morning – perfect for dropping bags at your hotel and heading straight to a late breakfast at Borough Market.
Travelling between markets within London
London’s public transport is extensive, but it is more complex and spread out than Singapore’s MRT network. Plan your routes on apps such as Citymapper or Google Maps, and always tap in and out with contactless bank cards or mobile wallets.
- Borough Market: Next to London Bridge station (Northern & Jubilee lines, National Rail). Around 5–10 minutes’ walk from station exit.
- Camden Market: Short walk from Camden Town (Northern line) or Camden Road (London Overground). Avoid peak‑hour arrival if you are not used to crowded platforms.
- Portobello Road Market: Best accessed from Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle, District lines) with a 10–12 minute walk, or from Ladbroke Grove (Circle, Hammersmith & City) with a slightly shorter walk.
Insider walking tip: On a clear day, you can combine Borough Market with a pleasant 20–25 minute riverside walk along the Thames to attractions like the Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge – similar to walking from Marina Bay Sands to Esplanade but with more heritage warehouses and street performers.
Money, Currency & Cost Expectations
London uses the British Pound (GBP, £). Singapore travellers often feel London is more expensive than Singapore for sit‑down meals, but market street food can be comparable to or slightly higher than mid‑range hawker or food‑court prices.
- Typical street food London prices: £7–£12 for a hot main (roughly S$12–S$20), £3–£5 for coffee, £5–£8 for pastries or snacks.
- Antiques & vintage: Small decorative items and posters can start from £5–£20; serious antiques and branded vintage easily reach hundreds of pounds.
- Bargaining: Unlike some Asian markets, aggressive haggling is not common, but polite negotiation is sometimes possible for antiques or second‑hand items in Camden and Portobello.
Homejourney supports price comparison in multiple currencies, including GBP, making it easier for London‑based or UK‑based users to compare Singapore property prices with their home market. When browsing Singapore listings via Property Search , you can mentally benchmark prices against London property or travel budgets to understand purchasing power.
Borough Market: London’s Food Lover’s Hub
Borough Market is widely considered London’s premier food market, frequently highlighted in food and travel guides for its high‑quality produce and global street food[2][4][6]. For many Singapore travellers, Borough feels like a hybrid of Tiong Bahru, Lau Pa Sat, and an upscale supermarket – but housed in a historic Victorian railway undercroft with the aroma of cheese, coffee, and freshly baked bread.
What makes Borough Market special
- Gourmet produce: Cheeses by the wheel, charcuterie, oysters, artisan bread, seasonal fruit and vegetables, chocolates and wines[2][6].
- International street food London options: From raclette to paella to Singapore‑style curries from diaspora chefs, you can easily build a progressive meal by sampling several stalls[2].
- Historic atmosphere: Traders still call out their wares, echoing a centuries‑old tradition, while the market sits in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral and the Shard[2].
Insider tips from repeated visits
- Visit before lunch peak (10.30am–12pm) on weekdays to avoid shoulder‑to‑shoulder crowds typical on Saturdays.
- Start with coffee and pastries at one of the independent roasters, then circle back for heavier dishes after a quick explore.
- Watch for seating: Indoor seating is limited; many regulars bring food to sit in the churchyard of Southwark Cathedral or along nearby riverside benches.
- Allergies & dietary needs: Labelling is generally clear, but if you have severe allergies (common among Singapore families), ask vendors directly and avoid peak times when communication can be difficult.
Safety & crowd management
Borough Market is popular with locals and tourists, and London authorities maintain a visible security presence. Like any dense urban area – including Singapore’s more crowded events – standard precautions apply: keep valuables close, be cautious with bags when photographing food, and agree on a meeting point if travelling with children or elderly family members.
Camden Market: Creative, Alternative & Waterfront Vibes
Camden Market is not a single market, but a sprawling collection of connected markets – including Camden Lock, Stables Market and Hawley Wharf – attracting millions of visitors annually[2][4]. It is known for alternative culture, live music, street art, and a mix of vintage, fashion and food.
Why Singapore travellers love Camden
- Youthful energy: Teens and young adults gravitate to the graphic tees, vintage denim, band merch and sneaker stalls – like a more eclectic, canal‑side version of Bugis Street and Haji Lane combined.
- Food variety: The food courts and stalls cover everything from bao to burgers, vegan bowls to churros – great for families with different tastes[2][4][6].
- Canal views: Regent’s Canal runs through Camden Lock, and you can watch narrowboats pass while eating by the water.
What to buy
- Independent fashion, jewellery and art pieces
- Music memorabilia, posters and vintage records[1][4]
- Quirky homeware that works well as gifts for friends in Singapore (but check fragility for flights)
Insider tips for Singapore visitors
- Avoid the narrowest passages around 2–4pm on Saturdays – they can feel more cramped than a packed MRT train.
- Wear comfortable, closed shoes: Old cobbles and uneven surfaces mean high heels are not ideal.
- Plan 3–4 hours if you want to shop, eat and explore the canal; more if you attend a gig at nearby venues.
Portobello Road Market: Antiques & Notting Hill Charm
Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous markets, especially for antiques and vintage items[1][2][4][6]. Many visitors recognise the colourful terraced houses from films and Instagram photos, and Saturdays are the main event when antique dealers line the upper stretch of Portobello Road.
