London street markets have a long history and a very special place in the hearts of London residents. Many of these markets have been around in one form or another for 500 years or even longer, serving the needs of the local population in the days before Tesco and Sainsbury's came along with their over-packaged and mundane stock.

Wandering through a street market, listening to the vendors tout their wares is a very primal experience for many people; the sights, smells, and sounds really put you in touch with the goods and the people who supply them.

London street markets are sometimes fabulous and world famous. Portobello Road Market is renowned as an amazing place for antiques and collectibles, and if antiques are what you seek, Camden Passage is another world class venue for your perusal.

Spitalfields Market is quite upscale and glam these days, as is Leadenhall Market; a Victorian confection whose architecture is as fantastic as its shops.

Camden Markets carry an astonishing array of goods and are well known for their alternative fashion.

Cabbages and Frocks Market is much smaller but carries a delightful selection of top quality goods.

Greenwich Market is another place that carefully vets their vendors to make sure the goods are handmade and unique.

Is food your passion? Borough Market is a foodie's dream come true.

Gardeners and flower lovers will want to check out the fragrant Columbia Road Flower Market (pictured).

Brick Lane Market is in the heart of London's Banglatown and is a great place to rummage for bargains and eat curry.

There are also markets in London that might seem a bit less glamorous. These are not what you would consider tourist markets; they are real working markets carrying the kind of goods the local population needs. Petticoat Lane Market falls into this category; despite its fame, it remains an affordable local standby. Berwick Street Market in Soho is another such neighbourhood market, as is East Street Market in Walworth.

London street markets truly offer something for everyone.

Berwick Street Market caters to a wide variety of customers; everyone from East London locals to smart Soho executives congregate here looking for a bargain.

Borough Market boasts a fantastic array of foods, many of which are sold by the people who grow and produce the items.

Brick Lane Market is surrounded by so many curry houses that competition for customers is fierce; you may be cajoled or even bribed by hawkers trying to fill their restaurants.

Of the many London street markets, Cabbages and Frocks Market has consistently been voted in magazine and newspaper polls as one of the very best.

More than 100,000 people flock to Camden Markets every weekend to shop the eclectic assortment of goods and soak up the edgy atmosphere.

Camden Passage is Mecca for the antiques lover; over 200 dealers bring out their best offerings twice a week.

Columbia Road Flower Market is like a supermarket for flower lovers; everything in the way of live and cut flowers you could want for your home and garden can be found here.

East Street Market has been around since the 16th century when farmers bringing livestock to London would rest them on Walworth Common.

Greenwich Market runs a world class arts and crafts market on weekends, offering one of a kind creations sold by the artists themselves.

Leadenhall Market is quite a popular destination for city workers; to avoid crowds try not to shop during the lunch rush.

Petticoat Lane Market is a bit dodgy and worn about the edges; just what you'd expect from such a venerable old market.

Portobello Road Market runs the gamut from the sublime to the ridiculous; it is a truly amazing market that should be on every visitor's itinerary.

The markets in East London make for interesting shopping, and Spitalfields Market is certainly one of the most memorable of the bunch.

Photo courtesy: diekatrin

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