Our fast-paced capital might be known for its shop-till-you-drop highstreets and Michelin star restaurants, but when it comes to variety, you simply can’t beat the atmosphere of a London market.
Whether you want to follow your nose to find a perfect example of street food or you simply want to browse stalls full of bric-a-brac as you while away a Sunday in the city, strolling through one of London’s markets is always high on our list of musts when visiting the capital.
Of course, with over 160 markets, it can be tricky deciding which one is up your street, which is why we’ve done the leg work for you to curate our very own list of the best markets in London.
Portobello Road Market
Made famous by the intro to Notting Hill, Portobello Road market features a variety of different stalls throughout the week and is one of our top things to do in London. “There's the market on weekdays, selling every fruit and vegetable known to man” (thank you Will Thacker for that summary), antique stalls on Fridays and a mix of everything on Saturdays when the main market day allows you to walk for a mile down the colourful stalls. Why not bring the pooch for a walk that satisfies both of your curiosities. Here are some other dog-friendly activities you can try in London.
portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market
Greenwich Market
Although open Tuesday to Sunday, the weekends are the best time to hit this vibrant market as 150 stalls assemble to provide shoppers with a veritable smorgasbord of choice. Browse your way through stalls full of unique jewellery, pictures, clothes, and a whole host of other artisan gifts. Once your arms are laden with bags, it’s time for a breather at the food court, which is home to over 40 oh-so-tempting food stalls.
greenwichmarket.london
Old Spitalfields Market
A daily line-up of independent boutiques, food vendors and everything vintage, makes the Old Spitalfields Market a firm favourite amongst small producers and eager shoppers. Every Thursday, old is gold as the Antiques and Vintage Market pulls out all the stops as it vies for the title of the best antiques market in London. Where else can you pick up a haul of beautiful vintage clothes alongside an antique map collection?
oldspitalfieldsmarket.com
Maltby Street Market
When the food cravings hit, there’s only one place we want to be… Maltby Street on market day! With the arches of London Bridge as its backdrop, this weekend market brings food from around the world to the streets of London where it can be enjoyed along the Ropewalk. Let your taste buds travel to Venezuela with La Pepia and their famous Rainbow Arepa, or pick up a portion of everybody’s favourite dumplings from the Gyoza Guys.
maltby.st
Broadway Market
Whether you’re in the market for a fabulous statement chair or a punnet of deliciously fresh strawberries, Broadway Market in Hackney is full of local traders, producers and farmers ready to share their wares. On Saturdays, this Victorian market comes to life, adding even more hustle and bustle to the already thriving street. Or you can stop by the nearby Netil Market any day of the week to get your fill of arts and crafts and fiendishly good food.
broadwaymarket.co.uk
Covent Garden Market
When it comes to added extras, we love Covent Garden for a visual treat. Not only do you get to enjoy the architectural splendour of the iconic Market Building, but you can catch a fantastic array of street performers from magicians and musicians to incredibly skilled acrobats. Once you’ve enjoyed the entertainment, it’s time to head to one of the three markets at Covent Garden. For all things arts and crafts, Covent Garden’s historic Apple Market is a must, whereas those in the mood for a sweet treat should head to the East Colonnade Market on the other side of the building. Love shopping amidst history? The Jubilee Market inside the Grade II listed Jubilee Hall offers shoppers the chance to browse antiques and collectables on Mondays, a general market on Fridays and arts and crafts at the weekend.
coventgarden.london/shop/markets
Borough Market
Food is one of life’s great conversation starters and nowhere is this truer than at London’s premier food market. At Borough Market in central London (which we have dubbed one of the best foodie experiences in London) you can chat to vendors from all over the world as you learn about the cuisines your senses are so tempted by. You can then put your fork where your mouth is as you taste your way through Europe, Asia and beyond… one traditional Italian gelato, please!
boroughmarket.org.uk
Camden Market
With over 1,000 unique shops, stalls, bars and cafés, Camden Market is the be-all and end-all of London markets. Stroll down the incredible, eye-catching buildings as you decide what you want to look at first. One-off pieces of art, designer clothes, and a myriad of mouth-watering choices will pull you in many directions so relax and let the vibrant stalls and shops sweep you up as you “accidentally” spend a whole day tootling between vendors.
camdenmarket.com
Columbia Road Flower Market
This celebration of sights and smells is one of the city’s most famous Sunday markets and makes for a lovely way to round off a week in East London. Take a camera or sketchbook for some floral inspiration or pick up some bunches, bouquets and beautiful blooms to add some colour to your holiday. You’ll also find a variety of houseplant and gardening essentials so you can really satisfy your green thumb at this bustling market.
columbiaroadmarket.co.uk
London Farmers Markets
If you’re looking for fresh produce and locally reared meats, then London’s Farmers’ Markets are the places to go – and with over 20 weekly markets dotted around the city, you’ll always be close by. Stalls laden with the freshest fruit and veg you’ve ever seen add colour and vibrancy to the scene, while freshly baked bread wafts through the air making the stomach rumble – don’t worry, with plenty of cakes and sundry to be found, hunger is easily rectified here.
lfm.org.uk
Alfies Antique Market
While it’s less on the Bargain Hunt side and more on the Antiques Roadshow end, Alfies Antique Market is one of the top flea markets in London, making it the perfect place to dig through treasured antiquities to find a hidden gem. The carefully curated stalls and shelves are lined with one-of-a-kind treasures so if you’re on the hunt for something special, this should be your first port of call (as it is for British Vogue and a host of celebrities). Pair your trip to Alfies Antique Market with a visit to one of London’s top art galleries and you have yourself a perfectly cultured day in the city.
alfiesantiques.com
Brick Lane Market
From bric-a-brac to hidden treasures, Brick Lane Market sprawls across several streets creating a huge space to explore kitsch finds and towers of colourful spices. If you head over for the Sunday Upmarket, you’ll be met with over 200 stalls, guaranteeing an interesting find. If all this bargain hunting makes you hungry, simply stop off at one of the nearby restaurants and treat yourself to a craft beer and fried chicken or a superb curry.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury retreats in London here.
