Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday)

It's on every list for a reason, but it earns its place: one narrow street, banked with flowers on both sides, traders yelling prices that halve as the morning goes on, and a run of tiny independent shops and coffee spots behind them. Columbia Road on a Sunday is London doing what it does best.

Go early for the calm and the choice, or roll up around two for the end-of-day bargains when whole armfuls go for a fiver. Either way, do the shops behind the stalls — that's where the magic is. Cash helps, patience helps more.