In a nutshell: Our tips for London’s markets
- London has a huge selection of fantastic and unusual markets.
- There are big, well-known markets, beautiful flower markets, vintage and antique markets, and delicious street food markets.
- Our favorite market in London is the Borough Market. At the stalls, you can get everything your foodie heart desires.
In our article, we will show you which markets London has to offer and which are particularly worthwhile.
Table of Contents
London markets on a map
We have drawn all London markets from our article on a map, so you’ll get a quick overview where the markets are.
Well-known markets in London
We will start with the most famous London markets and give you our opinion on each.
Borough Market
Borough Market has been around since the 13th century. This makes it one of the oldest food markets in London and is probably the most famous market in the city nowadays.
Be it fruit, vegetables, fish, meat or cheese: You will find everything a gourmet desires. So if you’re hungry, there are loads of stalls offering the most delicious dishes.
Our tip: In the area around Borough Market there are some of the best fish restaurants in London. We can highly recommend Applebee’s. Super tasty and fair prices.
Is Borough Market worth it?
A visit to Borough Market is definitely worth it. For us it’s the most beautiful market in London. You can also combine the market with a visit to The Shard. The London attraction is only a few minutes away.
Borough Market is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturdays, it opens two hours earlier. On Sundays, Borough Market is closed.
Camden Market
Camden Market is located on a huge area in the north of the city. It’s one of the biggest markets in London and offers the craziest stuff. You can find great vintage clothes and delicious food from all over the world.
Unfortunately, Camden Market is not an insider tip in London anymore. It’s usually extremely crowded and touristy stuff is offered at every corner. Nevertheless, Camden Market is definitely one of the highlights among London’s markets.
Our tip: Chin Chin Labs. Perhaps the craziest ice cream parlor we’ve ever been to. The ice cream is frozen right before your eyes using liquid nitrogen and then served in a waffle filled with warm marshmallow. Sounds bizarre, and it is. But if you like sweets, you’ll love it.
Is Camden Market worth it?
A visit to Camden Market is worth it. But you should definitely bring a lot of time and not be afraid of crowds.
Most of the stalls at Camden Market are open daily between 10 am and 6 pm. Some, however, only open on weekends.
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market takes place in an indoor market hall with restaurants and stores like lululemon and Peloton.
In the center of the indoor market, you’ll find stalls selling clothes, jewelry, things for kids, and all sorts of other stuff. There’s also delicious food.
Is the Old Spitalfields Market worth it?
You can combine Old Spitalfields Market with a visit to Truman Brewery and Brick Lane Market. Going to the area just for Old Spitalfields Market, however, is not worth it in our opinion.
The exact opening hours of Old Spitalfields Market are not the same every day. The safest time to visit is between 10 am and 5 pm which is when the market is open every day.
Truman Brewery
From Old Spitalfields Market, it’s just a few minutes walk to Truman Brewery. The market takes place on a former brewery site and is divided into several small markets.
There’s a hall with clothes from local designers and one with food stalls from many different countries. Outside there are even more food trucks with delicious food. The basement is home to the largest vintage market in the UK.
Our tip: Be sure to try the delicious momos (stuffed dumplings) at the Tibet Kitchen food truck. Super tasty! You get 10 pieces for 10 pounds.
Is the Truman Brewery worth it?
The Truman Brewery is definitely worth it! Especially for vintage fans, the market is an absolute must.
The market is open between 11 am and 6 pm on Saturdays and 10 am and 6 pm on Sundays.
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane is an attraction in itself. It begins right behind the Truman Brewery and is lined with all kinds of vintage stores, galleries, clothing stores and street art.
Our tip: Art made of broccoli? Sounds crazy? Yes, but also very cool. Be sure to stop by Adrian Boswell’s little store and maybe you’ll take some colorful broccoli home with you.
Is the Brick Lane Market worth it?
Brick Lane Market is definitely worth it. It’s a cool street with a colorful mix of stores, street art and galleries.
You can visit on Saturdays from 11 am to 6 pm and on Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is one of the most famous markets in London. It takes place in an old market hall which is now bustling with stores.
In the center, there are numerous stalls that only target tourists. Around the market, various street artists such as magicians, singers and acrobats show their skills.
Our tip: Shake Shack has delicious burgers and Din Tai Fung across the street has tasty, award-winning dumplings from Taiwan.
Is Covent Garden Market worth it?
You don’t have to go there just for the market itself, as it’s very touristy. However, since the market is centrally located and if you’re going to be around there at some point during your London vacation anyway, you can stop by. You can also combine Covent Garden Market with a visit to the London Eye.
The stores in Covent Garden Market are usually open daily between 10 am and 6 pm.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road in Notting Hill is not only lined with colorful houses, but also with many flea market stalls offering antiques and clutter.
In the surrounding buildings are often also small passages and stores with even more stuff.
Our tip: For lunch, get a delicious and cheap sandwich right away or eat in the French bakery Maison Puget.
Is the Portobello Road Market worth it?
The whole area around Portobello Road is charming and definitely worth it. The market is a nice addition.
Portobello Road Market is on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 7 pm. A few stalls are open during the week as well.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is especially popular with antique fans and art lovers. You’ll find everything the collector’s heart desires. In addition, there are some stalls with great fashion and delicious street food.
For a little snack in between, you can stop by one of many restaurants in London, cafes, pubs or wine bars.
Is Greenwich Market worth it?
You can combine a visit to the market with a boat trip on the Thames. But if you’re not in London for very long, the trip there is not necessarily worth it.
The market is always open from 10 am to 5 pm. The market’s theme varies depending on the day of the week. The Arts and Crafts Market takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and on weekends. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, it’s an Antiques and Collectables Market.
Special markets in London that are less touristy
If the more famous markets are too touristy for you, then these markets are a good alternative. Especially if you’re in London during peak tourist season and want to avoid the tourist crowds.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road is home to one of London’s coolest markets. At the flower market, you’ll find fragrant flowers and everything gardeners and flower lovers need. Between the many plants there’s even jewelry and small works of art.
But not only hobby botanists and flower lovers are right here: for photographers, Columbia Road Flower Market is one of our favorite insider tips for London. The colorful flowers look absolutely beautiful in pictures.
Is the Columbia Road Flower Market worth it?
The flower market is definitely worth it, even if you just want to spend some time strolling through the sea of flowers.
Every Sunday, Columbia Road Flower Market opens between 8 am and 2 pm.
Leadenhall Market
One of the prettiest London markets is in the City of London district. The market is indoors and built in Victorian style.
You can buy all kinds of food, but also fashion. It’s great to take a break in one of the many restaurants and cafés.
By the way, you’re not wrong if the market hall reminds you of the world of Harry Potter. A couple of scenes in Diagon Alley were filmed here at Leadenhall Market.
Is Leadenhall Market worth a visit?
A visit to Leadenhall Market is worth it just for taking great photos. Strolling through the aisles and looking at the hustle and bustle is also fun though.
Leadenhall Market hall is open 24/7. You can visit the stores from 7 am until the evening hours.
Antique markets in London
For antique fans, there are of course several markets in London that will make your heart beat faster. Let us present our favorites.
Alfies Antique Market
If you’re looking for special and unique items, you should definitely stop by Alfies Antique Market.
The market is the largest antique and vintage market in London. Whether it’s furniture, accessories, jewelry or books, you’ll find everything at Alfies Antique Market as long as it has even a hint of vintage.
Is Alfies Antique Market worth it?
Alfies Antique Market is truly British. The atmosphere is unique and the traders are friendly. So a visit is worthwhile especially for antique fans
The market is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 am to 6 pm.
Cecil Court
Covent Garden is home to another beautiful and lesser-known market than our #6: Cecil Court.
This street, very rich in tradition, isn’t actually a classic market. Instead, you’ll find stores filled with antiquities, second-hand books, clutter and art that all tell their own story.
Is Cecil Court worth it?
Even though Cecil Court isn’t a classic market, it’s still a must-see for art and antique fans
Most stores open at 10:30 am and close around 5:30 pm.
Streetfood markets in London
London’s different street food markets are usually smaller and not-so-touristy markets. You don’t have to see them, but if you’re around anyway, you can stop by and fill your belly.
The best London street food markets are:
- Acklam Village Market: this lively market with live music opens on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 7:30 pm.
- Mercato Metropolitano: Delicious food from all over the world is available here daily from noon until late at night.
- Maltby Street Market: The less crowded alternative to Borough Market takes place on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 5 pm.
- Broadway Market: Great mix of food and delicious dishes. Opens on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Leather Lane Market: Open during the week between 10am and 4pm, so it’s great for a tasty lunch.
These were the most beautiful markets in London
Have you been to a market in London and have a tip that’s still missing here? Let us know in the comments!