Street food, vintage clothes, local handicrafts? If you’re like me and love spending hours browsing market stalls, hunting for unique finds and sampling food from around the world, you are in for a treat in London!
London’s markets are great for shopping, eating, and people watching. However, since there are so many, where to start? Follow this guide to find, then pick your favorite(s) and get ready for a true London experience!
1. Camden Market
A labyrinth of stalls, street food and colorful facades, Camden Market has been around since 1974 and continues to grow and thrive five decades later.
The market originally made a name for itself as an edgy and slightly chaotic place where punks, rockers, and all kinds of artists shopped for their outfits. And while today it’s all a bit more commercial with stylish food vendors, hip cafes, and tourist shops in between the designer stalls, you’ll still find unique souvenirs — you just have to look a bit more closely.
Tip: The Hawley Arms, a pub popular with musicians and music lovers alike, is just around the corner. The late Amy Winehouse was a regular.
2. Brick Lane Market
If you love vintage, Brick Lane Market at The Truman Brewery in East London is a must-visit.
The market prides itself as being the biggest of its kind in the whole country, with over 100 stalls and shops spread out every day of the week, selling everything from revamped leather and denim jackets to men’s suits, band T-shirts, and bridal outfits.
Brick Lane Market is also a great place to buy vinyls, check out the latest local designers, or snap colorful Instagram pictures. Hungry? Head to the food stalls in the Upmarket.
3. Old Spitalfields Market
The Old Spitalfields Market is just a short walk from Brick Lane, so make sure to check out both.
This market is full of independent clothes, jewelry, and skincare vendors, shops, street food, and restaurants, with events taking place before big holidays such as Christmas or Easter.
If you visit on a weekday, you’ll notice the market getting incredibly busy around noon. This is because it’s surrounded by offices, and many employees head there for a bite during their lunch break.
4. Portobello Road Market
Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market is considered the world’s largest antique market.
Surrounded by more vintage furniture shops, such as “Alice’s,” recognizable by its bright red facade, this is your go-to place if you want to redecorate your apartment.
But even if you don’t, you’ll find plenty of accessories, vintage clothes and small gifts that are easier to take home than a bookshelf or vintage sofa. The main market day is Saturday, so, unless you can’t handle crowds, that’s when you want to visit.
5. Borough Market
Borough Market on the south side of the Thames is a hotspot for foodies. Food and drinks sellers have been trading here since 1756!
Make sure to bring your appetite as there are more than 100 take-away stalls, bars, and restaurants, selling everything from curries to pasta and seafood. Not sure where to start? The London Borough Market Food Tour takes you straight to all the highlights.
Borough Market is also where many locals come for their food shopping. Spices from Italy, cheeses from France, wines from around the world — you’ll find it all.
6. Greenwich Market
Greenwich in South London is not only home to the Prime Meridian but also the vibrant Greenwich Market. If you love arts and crafts, this is a great place to spend your Sunday.
The market has roughly 100 stalls, selling everything from photo prints to silk scarves, and retro lamps, with plenty of food and drinks options too. The stalls are surrounded by even more small art shops, so schedule in some extra time to have a proper look around.
7. Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market is where the Londoners head, you guessed it, for their weekly flower shopping. Every Sunday from 8 AM to 3ish, the street turns into a bustle of plants, with roses, tulips, sunflowers, and even large banana and palm trees up for grabs. Come early to avoid the crowds or late to get the best deals!
While the flowers are undoubtedly the main attraction, don’t leave without checking out what’s going on left and right of the stalls. Columbia Road is home to 60 independent businesses, think art shops, galleries, small delis and pubs.
8. Netil Market
Netil Market is one of these places that the creative East London crowd adores but that has somehow managed to remain a bit of an under-the-radar gem. Home to just 17 permanent stands, including pizza, and burger stalls, tiny handicraft and clothing shops, and a bike mechanic, this is one of the smaller markets, but that makes it no less interesting. In fact, it’s a proper East End institution.
Local tip: The rooftop bar Netil 360 right next to the market is a local favorite.
9. Brixton Village Market
Brixton Village Market sits in the heart of the South London neighborhood of the same name (best known for its late celebrity resident David Bowie) and calls itself London’s most diverse market.
There are more than 100 vendors selling everything from vintage denim to Indian kimonos, and Caribbean coconut tarts. Enjoy the latter with a Pina Colada or German craft beer.
Rain or sunshine, Brixton Village Market is always a good choice as it’s completely indoors.
10. Covent Garden Market
One of the best-known markets in London, Covent Garden Market is busy all year round. But don’t let that turn you off, there’s a reason why it’s so popular!
Once a fruit and veggie market (hence the sign “Apple Market”), it’s now full of handmade jewelry, t-shirts, prints, and all kinds of London souvenirs, with small shops and cafes on the sides.
Tip: Covent Garden is also the most famous place for buskers in the city, so be prepared for some spontaneous sing-alongs.
11. Alfies Antique Market
Antiques are a big thing in London. And besides Portobello, Alfies Antique Market in Marylebone is another must-visit.
Spread over four floors and home to nearly 100 antique dealers, it has been around for almost 50 years and attracts antique fans from all walks of lives, including celebrities. Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Keira Knightley have all been spotted here!
12. Southbank Centre Food Market
No matter if you’re new to London or have lived here your whole life, the south bank of the Thames always makes a pleasant stroll on a sunny day, leading you past many city landmarks.
Fridays to Sundays are especially pleasant thanks to the Southbank Centre Food Market, just behind the arts center of the same name. There’s also a second-hand book market just a few minutes walk away.
In the area: Our London in a day tour shows you London’s best highlights and includes an optional upgrade to ride on the famous London Eye!
13. Canopy Market
King’s Cross might be first and foremost a major transport hub, but there’s a lot more to discover in this area. From Friday to Sunday, Canopy Market sees dozens of street food outlets, design traders, and jewelry makers pop up their stalls under a Victorian steel and glass roof. This market gets especially busy Friday noon, as both the Meta and Google offices are just around the corner.
Tip: Love books? Head to the canal afterwards for Word on the Water, a floating shop selling both new and second-hand books.
14. Hackney Flea Market
Hackney Flea Market in Stoke Newington, East London, takes place just once a month but if you’re in the city that day, it’s well worth having a look around.
As with all flea markets, you can never be quite sure what you’ll find on the day, but it’s safe to say there will always be records, home accessories, vintage clothing, and the odd stuffed teddy bears.
15. Victoria Park Food Market
Last but not least, here’s another food market (because who doesn’t love food after all?) you shouldn’t miss. Victoria Park, dubbed “Vicky Park” by the locals, is East London’s most popular green space, and its food market on Sundays is the icing on the cake.
Pizza, pad thai, curry, falafel, you name it — there’s a vendor for every taste. And if you want to stock up on fresh fruits and veggies, juices, and bread, bring a bag. You’re at the right place for that too!