Best Markets in London

Updated: 21 marzo 2023
 By Margaret

There are few cities around the world that rival London's impressive market scene.

From handcrafted goods to vintage clothing, from flowers to jewelry, or just for an incredible bite to eat, there is something for everybody at one of London's markets.

Below is a list of our favourite markets in the city, including street food, market halls, and food stalls.

Many markets cover multiple different varieties but we will group them together here for what they are best known for.

Keep in mind that these do not run every day, so pay attention to the hours listed.

You will find some of the best Saturday and Sunday markets in London here but also some that only run on weekdays!

Remember to always check their websites before you go to avoid disappointment.

And lastly, be sure to read our post on the best places for shopping in London.

London Walking Tours

Columbia Road Flower Market

This one is a long-standing local favourite!

Columbia Road Flower Market is exactly as it sounds, a beautiful London market full of hundreds of plants, flowers, shrubs, and more.

Photo by Chmee2 licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

There are shops that line the street, most of which are independent, selling handmade goods, clothing, antiques, and homeware.

It's not the biggest market in London but it is one of our favourites and it's located in the fabulous neighbourhood of Hoxton.

Open: Sundays: 8:00 - 14:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Hoxton Overground Station

Website: http://columbiaroad.info


Alfie's Antique Market

Alfies is London's largest indoor antiques and vintage market. Located entirely within a beautiful Art Deco building, there are around 100 dealers selling their wares inside.

Antique jewelry, vintage fashion, art, books, silverware, furniture, home goods - the list goes on!

Open: Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 18:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Marylebone Underground Station

Website: https://www.alfiesantiques.com


Portobello Market

The world's largest antique market, Portobello showcases over 1,000 dealers in one localised area in the west of London. 

Easily the busiest market in London, it is best to visit Portobello Market first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.

100’s of stalls, stands, shops, and arcades are located along Portobello Road, providing some of the most unique antique items available in the capital. 

Portobello offers the opportunity to come face-to-face with some of London’s most experienced market operators who will be more than happy to haggle and bargain with anyone who is up to the task!

Bric-a-brac, jewellery, art and artifacts, crystal, silver and gold, books or clothes - whatever you may be after, you are sure to find it at Portobello. 

On Saturdays, there are also a number of food trucks and stalls set up so that you may refuel with delicious delights whilst you shop! 

Open Saturdays - The market hits full swing around 9:00 but some dealers set up stalls earlier. Most traders begin to pack up between 16:00 and 17:00.

Nearest Tube or Overground: Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove Underground Stations

Website: http://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/

We also have a post on Notting Hill and Portobello Markets Tour & Portobello Road Market Visitor Tips

NOTE: If you want to explore Portobello Market with us, come along on our fabulous Notting Hill Markets and Culture Tour on Saturdays - there will be plenty of time for shopping when the tour is done - book HERE!


Old Spitalfields Market

There has been a market in Spitalfields for over 300 years and the newest version is entirely covered and filled with myriad shops, stalls, and restaurants. 

Here you will find handcrafted goods as well as. unique items of clothing, second-hand book stalls, and more!

Find out more about the market in our blog post here.


Open:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 23:00
  • Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 - 23:00

Traders Market Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 10:00 - 18:00
  • Saturday: 11:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Liverpool Street Underground or Shoreditch High Street Overground Stations

Website: https://www.spitalfields.co.uk


Brick Lane Market and Truman Brewery Markets

Brick Lane is an East End institution.

East Londoners claim the east end is the 'real London' and this eclectic neighborhood will show you why!

Whether you are a foodie or hoping to snap up a bargain, there are a number of options for you here.

Brick Lane is home to a number of different markets: the Vintage Market for vintage goods and clothing, the Saturday and Sunday Upmarket for fashion and food, the Backyard Market for jewellery and accessories, the Tea Rooms for antiques, and the Boiler House Food Hall for more street food options.


Opening Hours:

Vintage Market:

  • Monday to Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

The Upmarket:

  • Saturdays: 11:00 - 17:30
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
  • Website

Backyard Market:

  • Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday - 10:00 - 17:00

Tea Rooms:

  • Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Boiler House Food Hall:

  • Saturday: 11:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Aldgate and Liverpool Street Underground Stations, Shoreditch High Street Overground Station


Petticoat Lane Market

Petticoat Lane may not be as famous as some of the others on this list, but it's been operating for over 400 years!

French Huguenots began selling their petticoats and laces here centuries ago, and today the market is still selling clothes, shoes, and accessories, all at bargain prices.


Open:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 16:00
  • Saturday: CLOSED
  • Sunday: 9:00 - 14:00
  • Website

Covent Garden Market

Throughout the centuries Covent Garden has had multiple incarnations.

It's been public fruit and vegetable market; a residential area for affluent 16th-century Londoners; a red-light district; a flower market; and the home of London’s West End theatre district.

Today, Covent Garden is dominated by a beautiful piazza, designed by architect Charles Fowler in the 1830s. 

Within this piazza are a myriad of shops, restaurants, a market, and a pitch for opera singers and musicians. 

Surrounding the piazza are the iconic cobbled streets of Covent Garden, home to markets, museums, theatres, street performers, restaurants, bars, and shopping.

There are two main markets to visit here.

First, the Jubilee Market, selling anything from clothes to food, souvenirs to jewellery, wall art to antiques, it’s all here - depending on the day of the week.

The other is the Apple Market, located under the beautiful roof of the Piazza.

Here you will find antiques and artisan pieces from traders that have been here for decades.


Open:

Jubilee Market:

  • Monday: 5:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday - Friday: 10:30 - 19:00
  • Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00

Covered Market:

  • Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 18:00
  • Sunday: 11:00 - 17:00

Nearest Tube or Overground Station: Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Charing Cross Stations

Website: https://www.coventgarden.london

NOTE: If you want to explore Covent Garden with us, consider coming along on our Covent Garden & West End Walking Tour!


Camden Market

Camden Market is the heart and soul of Camden Town -- a vibrant neighbourhood known for once being the home to several aspiring musicians, including Amy Winehouse.

A combination of a number of markets, Camden Market is home to more than 1,000 shops, food stalls, cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

Shopping, eating, and seeing the sites is a great ways to spend an afternoon.

Open:

  • Daily: 10:00 - 18:00
  • Note that individual businesses may have different hours or occasional closures so always check before you go!

Nearest Tube or Overground: Camden Town

Website: https://www.camdenmarket.com

Also, check out our posts on Things to Do in Camden Town.


Greenwich Market

There has been a market in Greenwich for centuries.

Permission for a market was granted in 1700 to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital, giving them the right to hold a market here for the next 1,000 years!

Greenwich Market

Located inside an 18th-century building (and the only market in London located within a Unesco World Heritage Site), the market is both a great place for a delicious lunch and a mecca for those who like to shop for individual and unique items.

There are also permanent stores within the buildings so there are lots to explore.

Check out our self-guided walk of the area.

Website: https://www.greenwichmarket.london/

We also have a post on Greenwich London tour, do check it out.

NOTE: If you want to explore more of Greenwich (and you should!) consider following our Self-Guided Greenwich Tour HERE.


Brixton Village and Market Row

Controversially 'upgraded' and 'regenerated,' Brixton Village is still standing tall in the location it has occupied for generations.

A real snapshot of south London, Brixton maintains a community feel despite its proximity to the centre of town.

There's a real hodge-podge of items on sale here, with authentic food and goods from the African and Caribbean communities taking pride in place.

You'll also find electronics, homewares, clothing...and so, SO much food!


Open:

  • Monday: 8:00 - 18:00
  • Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 - 23:30

Nearest Tube or Overground: Brixton Station

Website: https://brixtonvillage.com

Check out our interesting post on best things to do in Brixton.

NOTE: If you want to visit Brixton, but aren't sure where to start, come along on one of our Brixton Tours! Check out the Street Art and Culture Tour here.


Leadenhall Market

Located in the City of London, Leadenhall Market is a true treasure - although not a market a we imagine one today. 

Leadenhall is a covered market and the ornate rooftop, as well as the cobbled floors, were designed in 1881.

They are nearly all original, although there was some redecoration done in the 1990s.

Rather than a group of stalls, Leadenhall is home to a number of permanent shops and restaurants.

The Market is only open Monday - Friday as most of the trade here comes from the thousands of office staff who work in the offices of the City.

Most of the shops here are upscale - again, fitting in with its location in the financial district.

But, there are also affordable stores as well as great options for lunch, which makes it worth a stop.

Find out more on our blog post about Leadenhall Market here.


Open: The market itself is accessible 24 hours a day - individual shops and restaurants will have their own hours so make sure to check their website before you go!

Nearest Tube or Overground: Bank, Monument, and Liverpool Street Stations

Website: https://leadenhallmarket.co.uk

Aside from Leadenhall's offerings, it is also well known for playing the role of Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter films! 

If you want to know more about that, check out our page on Harry Potter in London.

Our Self-Guided Audio Tour includes a stop here so make sure to download it before you go!


And be sure to check out our post on the Top 10 British Foods to Eat in London.


Borough Market

Though several of the London food markets are very well known, Borough Market is arguably the most famous of them all....and for good reason! 

Borough Market originally opened in 1014 and thus celebrated its 1,000-year birthday in 2014.

Originally called Southwark, Borough Market currently resides in its original location -- just south of London Bridge.

Come hungry as most food stalls offer samples, and you'll certainly want to pop into a nearby pub for a pint at the end!

We have a self-guided tour that you could use. Or, explore with us on our Borough Market and Maltby Street Food Tour!


Open:

  • Monday - Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
  • Friday: 10:00 - 18:00
  • Saturday: 8:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 10:00 - 14:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: London Bridge (map)

Types of stalls: Cheese, olives, meat, fruits and vegetables, and chocolates.

Website: https://boroughmarket.org.uk


Maltby Street Market is a hidden gem that opened in south London in 2010.

Maltby Street Market

The market space is a lot smaller than some of the others, which means that only the very best vendors are able to secure a place there.

Also, photographers will love the picturesque location, so don't forget your camera!


Open:

  • Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: London Bridge or Bermondsey (map)

Types of stalls:  Innovative takeaway meals and many samples.

Website: http://www.maltby.st

Also, check out our post on Borough Market and Maltby Street Food Tour


Whitecross Street Market

Whitecross Street Market is an amazing little market, perfectly placed to serve workers in the northern reaches of the City of London.

The stalls in this area tend to be cheaper than those in some of the other markets, making this a budget-friendly option.


Open: 

  • Monday - Friday: 11:00 - 14:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Old Street or Barbican Station (map)

Types of stalls: Wide variety of food stalls.

Website: https://bitecross.co.uk


Leather Lane Market

Leather Lane Market lacks all of the pretensions that some of the other markets boast.

Described as "a bit scruffy" and "down to earth", Leather Lane Market features several fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as a variety of cheap street eats.

There are also a few vendors selling cheap clothing on the southern end.

Leather Lane Market
Photo by Mastermelt Group licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Open: Weekdays 10:00 - 16:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Chancery Lane or Farringdon

Types of stalls: Fruit and vegetables, and cheap street food.

Check out our post on Central London Food Tour | Leather Lane Market.


Brockley Market

A favourite market amongst many locals, Brockley Market in southeast London is a bit of a journey from the typical tourist haunts.

However, do not be put off by its location -- Brockley Market is a vibrant hub of ethnic cuisine, fresh fruits and vegetables, gourmet sweets, and an impressive array of meats and poultry.

It is especially worth a visit during the holiday season.


Open: Saturdays 10:00 - 14:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: St Johns or Elverson

Types of stalls: Fruit and vegetables, meats and poultry, ethnic cuisine, and seasonal treats.

Website: http://www.brockleymarket.com


Broadway Market

Broadway Market in Hackney first began in 1900 when Fred Cooke began selling jellied eels in the East End.

Though the market was forced to close for several years due to the crumbling infrastructure of the surrounding area, Broadway Market finally reopened in 2004.

Broadway Market
Photo by Jim Osley licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Today, there are 135 stalls selling a variety of produce, artisan bread, cakes, and artwork.


Open:  Saturdays 9:00-17:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: London Fields

Types of stalls: Fruit and vegetables, bread, cakes, art, and merchandise.

Website: https://broadwaymarket.co.uk


Berwick Street Market

Though not as famous as some of the other markets, Berwick Street Market has been around since 1778.

The variation of stalls is immense; expect to find stalls selling different ethnic cuisines, fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, as well as clothing, art, antiques, and flowers.


Open: Monday -  Saturday: 8:00 - 18:00

Nearest Tube or Overground: Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus

Types of stalls: Fruit and vegetables, meats and poultry, takeaways, flowers, art, and antiques.


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About The Author

Margaret

An American simply by accident of birth, Margaret moved to London over 16 years ago and hasn’t looked back since! With a keen interest in History – and a BA degree to match – Margaret prides herself on her knowledge of the amazing city she calls home and she's been guiding here now for nearly a decade. Social history is her real expertise, with sound understanding of the day-to-day lives of Londoners over the past centuries. Read More...
Updated: marzo 21st, 2023
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