Portobello or Borough Market? Or both?. Going to be there for 11 days.
A cool collectible would be nice...but really in it for some great food. And any of these markets open throughout the week?
Also what should I expect the weather to be...Ill be there in 2 weeks? Rainy? Or just cloudy and over cast?
Expect the weather to change often -- sun, clouds, rain, repeat. Bring a portable umbrella for your day bag. Borough Market has delicious food options! I've never been to Portobello Road Market.
As for days and hours, I just googled that info:
http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/
http://boroughmarket.org.uk/travel-and-opening-times
Also what should I expect the weather to be...Ill be there in 2 weeks?
Rainy? Or just cloudy and over cast?
Yes. Both. Either. Maybe. Or it could be mild and sunny. Who knows? We don't often get extreme weather but it's extremely changeable. And in change-of-season months like September it's anyone's guess. Use something like the BBC weather app, but don't expect to get a perfect forecast even a day ahead.
Re markets, they're two very different markets.
Borough Market is food only whereas Portobello Road has a bigger range. There is a partial market at Borough Market most days, in that there are a few traders with permanent bases there who open, but for the full market you want Wednesday to Saturday. http://boroughmarket.org.uk/travel-and-opening-times
Personally I've never been to Portobello Road Market or felt the urge - the only people I've ever met who've been there are tourists! But I'm sure that's just because I don't know the right people. Details of the different days are here: http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/
Haha - Continental and I could almost be the same person...
Anyway, Borough Market is fab, and conveniently sited near the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul's etc so it's very easy to work into a day of sightseeing.
There are several street markets in London which can be found online. They all have different days and many if not all go year round. They feature different stuff. Many have permanent booths. Portobello is worth going to even if it is for "Tourists"; all the more likely to have something you can afford to take home. Beware of "Scrimshaw" or other "ivory" items. They are either not "real" antiques or are "real" and not legal to bring thru customs. I found tons of antique etchings (bookplates) at cheap prices that are easy to pack. Go very early on Saturday to get the deals before the crowds.
Borough Market has become a victim of its own success and is now hideously busy at the weekend at lunchtime, making it unpleasant.
Camden Market has a great food options, again less busy weekdays.
Brits tend not to go to Portobello Road.
I've been to Portobello road to a particular restaurant many years ago but never the "antiques" market.
I love Borough Market but not at lunch time on a busy day.
Portobello Road can be good fun; I like to go on Friday as it gets very busy on Saturday. I go for the fruit and veg section and like to wander through the retro and secondhand sections near the Ladbroke Grove end of the market.
Saturday's market is the full market - all the antique dealers put their stalls out as well as even more prepared food stands. It becomes very busy by about 11:00...go early in the morning if you're going on Saturday.
I always visit Portobello and Camden Lock markets when in London.
http://shopportobello.co.uk/portobello-market-what-you-can-buy/food/
Each has food stalls. At Portobello you'll find many take away food stalls at the Golbourne end.
Loads of food stalls at Camden Lock.
I travel in November and hit each of these markets to find Xmas stocking gifts.
For Camden Lock I tube to Hampstead early, walk in the Heath then walk all the way back down to Camden Lock,. Don't care about Mother Nature. That's my traditional end of visit excursion.
Have been to Bourough but liked it more before it became " hip and happening." Now just a glorified foodie ensemble. Preferred it when it was grittier and less fashionable.
As far as great food review Timeout London online. Pretty certain you can find something that entices a visit. Same with researching London food blogs. Always something I take a gander at before I leave for London.
I love Borough Market. Yes, it's busy and bustling at the weekends but there's a great atmosphere and lots of bars and restaurants you can retreat to for food & drink. Go to Rabot 1745 (Hotel Chocolat's restaurant and chocolate cafe). It has a terrace with a wonderful view of the whole market. After I've spent time exploring, I walk along the River Thames past Tate Modern to Waterloo Station. There are really interesting things to see along the way including The Globe theatre and a great view of St Paul's cathedral on the other side of the river.
For an added extra, within 10 mins walk of Borough Market, there's another charming and much smaller food market on Maltby Street (Sat & Sundays only) but worth a visit. It's much quieter.
Personally, I don't bother with Portobello Market.
