I posted a message several days ago asking which market to choose when visiting London with limited time. Choice of Portobello Rd, Camden Town, or Spitafields <BR> <BR>Unfortunately, the messages on the left-hand side of my screen are only up to april 22nd. What is happening??? <BR> <BR>

Hi, Muriel, <BR>No question about this one, Portobello Road for sure! It is huge and fascinating. I think it is the grandest of all markets of this type. <BR>You will want to be there early. We arrived around 8:00, had a cup of coffee, and starting looking. When we left, the crowd had swelled so much that you were elbow to elbow. I have read 100,000 people attend that market every weekend. I can believe it. You will find many lovely items there. It features permanent stalls and shops to the more casual setup. I found some wonderful crystal knife rests, a clock, and a piece of silver. It has something for everone. <BR>You can get there by way of the NottingHill Metro. Exit and go left. <BR>Camden Hill is trashy and filled with a lot of new things. Wouldn't waste my time on it. <BR>Have a great trip and let us know what you find! <BR>Cheers! <BR>Gloria

Does anyone know what time the shops and vendors open at Portobello Market - is it before 8:00 a.m.?

The shops were not open at 8:00. You may have some luck with the stands that set up a little before that. It was very quiet at 8:00 that October morning.

Thanks Gloria.

I wouldn't waste my time on Camden either, I was really disapointed in it. It seems to be in a really bad part of town and it is mostly poor quality, cheap clothes and "whip and chain" type stores. We were being stalked by a guy who was probably a pick pocket so we left. (My husband is an extremely observant person, I wouldn't have noticed him until it was too late.) I really wanted to go to Portabello but we couldn't be there on Saturday.

I was really disappointed in the Camden Market. It is mostly cheap, poor quality clothing and "whip and chain" type stores. It seems to be in a really bad part of town. We were being followed by this guy that was probably a pick pocket. (Good thing my husband is an extremely observant person. I would not have notice him until it was too late.) So we left. Portobello would be my choice.

sorry for the double post...I got an error message the first time so I tried again.

You'll love Portobello Road EARLY on Saturday morning! One warning: many of the shopkeepers and stalls don't take credit cards, so you'll need cash. Also, don't take a big back pack or purse--it gets extremely crowded by 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. and you can be "easy pickins" for the few less scrupulous folks about. I have a nylon navy duffle that zips up into a really small square (purchase anywhere that sells travel gear like ear plugs, locks, etc.) You can open it and add purchases as you go (I also use it for dirty laundry for the trip home--too thin to want to pack anything that shouldn't be bumped, but lightweight and perfect for jamming clothes). Check this Web site for all the details on Portobello Road (if you have a sound card on your computer you'll love the background noises of the vendors!) <BR> http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/welcome.asp

Hi Mel, <BR>i use the same duffel!! I pack it up with dirty laundry and pray to God someone steals it!!!!!