London's markets
Although famously historic, London’s markets are far from old-fashioned. They’re bustling homes to almost everything from local flavours to international cuisine. Vintage and vegan to books, food and flowers. Celebrate a diversity that spans local to global and see where London’s iconic spots merge old and new in what’s been a century in the making.
A market to suit every choice
Whether you’re into vintage clobber or antique items, bespoke Converse or a British-grown Goan curry, you’ll find everything you never knew you needed, and some more. Check out the best foods, or try something completely new at one of London’s many markets. Make a day of it, make a night of it, or even make a weekend of it. All you need is some money - and a big appetite.
5 every-day markets for everyone
Borough Market
In the shadows of the iconic London Bridge, the world-renowned Borough Market is steeped in history. With more than 1,000 years to its name, this is today’s go-to place for foodies. Discover its meat, fish, fruits and veg or explore the mouth-watering Borough Market Kitchen. Delve into its massive array of street food stalls, where you’ll be hard pushed to find something that’s been left out of the menu. Grab a vegetarian Gujarati Rasoi or a slow-cooked Hobbs Roast sandwich and enjoy the buzz of this bustling ancient market.
Alfies Antique Market
With almost 100 dealers, Alfies Antique Market is London’s largest indoor antique market. Located in the fashionable East End, this four-floored bohemian treasure trove has been attracting new and serious collectors, interior designers and celebrities for the past four decades. Hunt for vintage collectables, antiques or art, then kick back with a drink at its roof-top café - an oasis for sun-lovers.
Camden Market
Camden Market rocks London’s alternative scene. Check out its punk and rock vibe, reminiscent here from the 1970s, when it led the creations of alternative fashion collections. Today you’ll find anything goes from punk to parson - no one cares. Grab a bite at one of the lively eateries by the canal or check out its street-food stalls. Pick up a pair of vintage slacks or some battered Dr. Martens and swing by the iconic Dingwalls Dance Hall.
Old Spitalfields Market
Dubbed the original East London market, Old Spitalfields Market sits beneath a characteristic Victorian market hall drenched in history. Its arresting location is armed with more than 50 shops and stalls, from independent retailers, local producers and some well-known brands. It also offers lots of good street food and global dishes. For antique treasure hunters there’s a Thursday Antique Market.
Mercato Metropolitano
Meet London’s first sustainable community market, Elephant and Castle’s Mercato Metropolitano and get a wholesome helping of good, clean, naturally and ethically produced food, sourced as local as possible. Expect a lively social vibe, where you can pick up anything from artisan groceries to home-made fresh pasta, craft beer to boa buns all located within a former paper factory. Or check its second site, Mercato Mayfair, in a beautifully restored Grade I St Mark’s Church, complete with wine cellar.
Weekend markets to feast and forage
Broadway Market
Hang out with the cool kids at Hackney’s Saturday Broadway Market. Arguably the ‘hippest’ market in town, it welcomes up to 130 stalls each weekend selling everything from fabulously fresh produce to vintage threads, blooming flowers and artisan coffee. Although there are no stalls on weekdays, Broadway Market is a lace with deserved kudos and just hanging out there is an enjoyable pastime any day of the week to enjoy its chic boutiques, original restaurants and a seriously robust coffee culture.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden has luxury shopping boutiques housed under the iconic Piazza, but come Tuesdays and Sundays you can shop for everything from hand-crafted jewellery to hand-made t-shirts at the Apple Market. Monday’s Jubilee Market is an antique collector’s haven with vintage tins and one-off pieces, and you can also explore handmade soap and handbags of the East Colonnade Market any day of the week.
Brick Lane Market
East End’s Brick Lane is a melting place of curry houses, cafes, with places to read, drink and dance tucked along its side-streets. You’ll also found a collection of no fewer than five markets known as The Truman Markets, held in the former Truman Brewery. Although Brick Lane Vintage Market is open daily, every weekend you can catch arts and crafts at the Backyard Market, antiques at The Tea Rooms and independent fashion from Rinse. Sunday’s UpMarket is the star of the show, explore its eclectic street food hall packed with artisan and vintage gems.
Greenwich Market
Just an eight-minute train ride (or a leisurely riverboat ride) south of the river, you’ll find Greenwich Market. Depending on which day you visit, you could be picking up one-off hand-crafted gifts or bespoke bunting at the Arts & Crafts Market. Take home some treasures from its Antiques & Collectables Market or refuel at the many vibrant food stalls before exploring the historic and pretty Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Maltby Street Market
Set among the 19th-century railway arches of Ropewalk, south-east London, you’ll find the foodie’s weekend Maltby Street Market. Seen as a lesser known alternative to the buzzing Borough Garden, it’s no less rewarding with more than 50 artisans serving mouth-watering nosh from La Pepia the Venezuelan street kitchen to dumplings from Gyoza Guys. Indulge in home-grown British beef at The Beefsteaks or behave yourself with a Bumpin’ Rinds fresh juice, whatever you’re into, come armed with a curious palate and an empty stomach.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday, East London’s Columbia Road comes alive with the big, bountiful blooms, from the exotic to the local, fragrant foliage lines the streets of the Columbia Road Flower Market. Immerse your senses in colour and scent, and even if you go empty-handed you’ll never be disappointed you came. Spilling into side streets, you’ll find lots of local businesses from delis to vintage shops, antiques to local boozers, it’s a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Portobello Road Market
Arguably the world’s largest antique market, Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market is a London institution. Visit on a weekend to get the best of it all from Fridays offering of vintage stalls, antiques and bric-a-brac to Saturday’s full-swing market of more than 1,500 stalls. Enjoy the hunt and the haggling.