London Markets: 13 Cool Market Halls Worth Visiting

London’s Markets on a Map

We’ve marked all the London markets from our article on a map so you get a quick overview of where everything is located.

The Best-Known Markets in London

Borough Market

Borough Market has been around since the 13th century — making it one of London’s oldest food markets and today probably the city’s most famous.

Whether it’s fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, or cheese — you’ll find everything a foodie’s heart desires here. There are also plenty of stalls where you can grab a bite on the spot with some of the most delicious dishes in the city.

Our tip: Around Borough Market you’ll find some of London’s best fish restaurants. We highly recommend Applebee’s. Seriously delicious and really reasonably priced.

Is Borough Market Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! For us, it’s the most beautiful market in London. You can also easily combine a visit with a trip up The Shard — that London landmark is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Borough Market is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM. On Saturdays it opens an hour earlier, and on Sundays it closes an hour earlier. It’s closed on Mondays.

Camden Market

Camden Market spreads across a massive area in the north of the city. It’s one of the largest london markets and sells the most eclectic mix of stuff. You’ll find great vintage clothing and delicious food from around the world.

Honestly, Camden Market is not one of London’s under-the-radar picks. It’s usually extremely crowded and tourist-trap stalls pop up at every corner. Even so, it’s still one of the standouts among the best markets in London.

Our tip: Chin Chin Labs. Possibly the craziest ice cream shop we’ve ever been to. The ice cream is frozen right in front of you using liquid nitrogen, then served in a waffle filled with warm marshmallow. Sounds wild — and it is. But if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll absolutely love it.

Is Camden Market Worth a Visit?

Generally, yes — but you should definitely bring plenty of time and not mind crowds.

Most stalls at Camden Market are open daily between 10 AM and 7 PM. Some, however, are only open on weekends.

Right near Camden Market is the King’s Cross neighborhood, where you’ll find budget hotels in London.

Find even more hotel tips for London here

Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market takes place in a covered market hall with restaurants and shops like lululemon and Peloton.

In the center of the hall you’ll find stalls with clothing, jewelry, kids’ stuff, and all kinds of other things — plus plenty of good food.

Is Old Spitalfields Market Worth a Visit?

You can easily combine Old Spitalfields Market with a visit to Truman Brewery and Brick Lane Market. In our opinion, though, it’s not worth making the trip to this area just for Old Spitalfields Market alone.

Opening hours vary by day of the week. Your safest bet is to come between 10 AM and 5 PM, as the market is open every day during those hours.

Truman Brewery

From Old Spitalfields Market, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Truman Brewery. The market is set on an old brewery site and divided into several smaller markets.

There’s a hall with clothing from local designers and one with food stalls from all kinds of countries. Outside, there are even more food trucks with great food. In the basement, you’ll find the largest vintage market in Great Britain.

Our tip: Make sure to try the delicious momos (stuffed dumplings) at the Tibet Kitchen food truck. So good! You get 10 pieces for £10.

Is Truman Brewery Worth a Visit?

Totally! It’s a must for vintage fans in particular.

Most markets, including the vintage market, are open every day between 11 AM and 6 PM. The rest are only open on weekends.

Brick Lane Market

Brick Lane is an attraction in its own right. It starts behind Truman Brewery and is lined with all kinds of vintage shops, art galleries, clothing stores, and street art.

Our tip: Art made from broccoli? Sounds crazy? Yes — but also really cool. Be sure to stop by Adrian Boswell’s little shop. You might just end up taking a colorful broccoli home with you.

Is Brick Lane Market Worth a Visit?

Definitely! It’s simply a super cool street with a lively mix of shops, street art, and galleries.

Every Sunday you can visit it from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Read more tips for free activities in London here

Covent Garden Market

Covent Garden Market is one of the most famous london markets. It takes place in a historic market hall that is now home to many shops.

In the center there are numerous stalls aimed squarely at tourists. Around the market, various street performers — magicians, singers, acrobats — show off their talents.

Our tip: Shake Shack serves up great burgers, and Din Tai Fung on the opposite side of the street offers delicious, award-winning dumplings from Taiwan.

Is Covent Garden Market Worth a Visit?

You don’t need to go out of your way just for the market — it’s simply very touristy. That said, it’s super centrally located, so if you’re already nearby during your London trip, it’s worth a quick look. You can also pair it with a visit to the London Eye.

The shops at Covent Garden Market are open Tuesday through Saturday between 9 AM and 5 PM. On Sundays they open an hour later.

Portobello Road Market

Along the colorful houses of Portobello Road in Notting Hill, you’ll find many flea market stalls selling antiques and secondhand goods.

In the surrounding buildings, you’ll also come across little arcades and shops with even more stuff — some of which will surely find its way into your luggage.

Our tip: Grab a delicious and affordable sandwich to go for lunch, or sit down and eat at the French bakery Maison Puget.

Is Portobello Road Market Worth a Visit?

The whole area around Portobello Road is lovely and really worth your time. The market itself is a nice bonus.

Hours vary, but most of the time the market runs between 9 AM and 6 PM. On Thursdays it closes at 1 PM. It’s closed on Sundays.

Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market is especially popular with antique enthusiasts and art lovers. You’ll find everything a collector’s heart desires. On top of that, there are also stalls with great fashion and delicious street food.

For a little break, you can pop into one of the many London restaurants, cafés, pubs, or wine bars nearby.

Is Greenwich Market Worth a Visit?

A visit pairs perfectly with a boat trip on the Thames. If you’re only in London for a short time, though, the trip out there isn’t necessarily worth it.

The market is always open from 10 AM to 5:30 PM. Depending on the day, the market’s focus shifts. The Arts and Crafts Market takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends, while the Antiques and Collectables Market runs on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Special Markets in London That Are Less Touristy

If the more well-known markets feel too crowded for you, these are a great alternative — especially if you’re visiting during London’s peak travel season and want to steer clear of the tourist masses.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road is home to one of the coolest london markets around. At this flower market you’ll find fragrant blooms and everything gardeners and flower lovers could need. Tucked among the many plants, there’s even jewelry and small works of art.

But it’s not just hobby botanists and flower enthusiasts who’ll feel right at home here — the Columbia Road Flower Market is also one of our favorite local tips for London for photographers. The colorful flowers simply look stunning in photos.

Is the Columbia Road Flower Market Worth a Visit?

Absolutely! Even if you just wander through the sea of flowers for a while, it’s seriously worth it.

The Columbia Road Flower Market takes place every Sunday between 8 AM and 2 PM.

Leadenhall Market

One of the most beautiful market halls in London can be found in the City of London district. It’s completely covered and built in Victorian style.

You can buy all kinds of food here, as well as fashion. The many restaurants and cafés are perfect for a little break.

If the market hall reminds you of the world of Harry Potter, you’re not wrong — Leadenhall Market served as the filming location for several scenes set in Diagon Alley.

Is Leadenhall Market Worth a Visit?

A visit is worth it for the great photos alone. But simply strolling through the corridors and soaking up the lively atmosphere is genuinely fun too.

The Leadenhall Market hall is open 24 hours. The shops can be visited from 7 AM into the evening hours.

Antique Markets in London

For antique enthusiasts, there are several markets in London that will make your heart race. Here are our favorites.

Alfies Antique Market

Anyone hunting for special, one-of-a-kind pieces should definitely stop by Alfies Antique Market.

It’s the largest antique and vintage market in London. Whether it’s furniture, accessories, jewelry, or books — you’ll find it all at Alfies, as long as it has even a hint of vintage.

Is Alfies Antique Market Worth a Visit?

Alfies Antique Market is truly quintessentially British. The atmosphere is one of a kind and the vendors are friendly. It’s especially worth your time if you’re an antique fan.

The market is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.

Cecil Court

In Covent Garden there’s another lovely, lesser-known spot worth seeking out: Cecil Court.

This historic street isn’t really a classic market. What you will find here, though, is almost exclusively antique shops, secondhand bookstores, junk shops, and art galleries — filled with items that each tell their own story.

Is Cecil Court Worth a Visit?

Even though Cecil Court isn’t a classic market, it’s still a must-see for art and antique lovers.

Most shops open at 10:30 AM and close around 5:30 PM.

Streetfood Markets in London

London’s street food markets are all smaller, less touristy affairs. You don’t absolutely have to see them, but if you happen to be nearby, it’s well worth stopping by and stuffing yourself.

The best London street food markets are:

• Acklam Village Market: This lively market with live music is open on Saturdays from 11 AM to 7 PM.
• Mercato Metropolitano: You can get delicious food from around the world here daily from noon until late at night.
• Maltby Street Market: The less crowded alternative to Borough Market — it takes place on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 AM and 5 PM and 11 AM and 4 PM respectively.
• Broadway Market: A great mix of fresh produce and delicious food. Open Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM.
• Leather Lane Market: Open on weekdays between 7 AM and 7 PM, making it a great spot for a tasty lunch.