In a nutshell
- London has a huge selection of fantastic and unusual markets to explore.
- You’ll find big, famous markets, lovely flower markets, inspiring vintage and antique markets, and plenty of mouthwatering street food markets.
- Our favorite market in London is Borough Market – the perfect place to find everything your foodie heart could wish for.
- In this article, we’ll show you the best markets London has to offer and which ones are particularly worthwhile.
Table of Contents
London Markets on a Map
We’ve marked all the London markets mentioned in this article on a map, so you can quickly see where each one is located.
Famous Markets in London
Let’s start with the most famous markets in London and share our personal impressions of each.
Borough Market
Borough Market has been around since the 13th century, making it one of the oldest food markets in London – and probably the most famous one today.
Whether it’s fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, or cheese – you’ll find everything a foodie could dream of. If you’re hungry, there are countless stalls serving amazing dishes from all over the world.
Our tip: The area around Borough Market has some of the best fish restaurants in London. We can highly recommend Applebee’s – super tasty and fairly priced.
Is Borough Market worth it?
A visit to Borough Market is absolutely worth it. For us, it’s the best market in London. You can also combine it with a visit to The Shard – the London attraction is just a few minutes away.
Borough Market is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturdays, it opens one hours earlier and on Sundays, it closes one hour earlier. The market is closed on Monday.
Camden Market
Camden Market covers a huge area in the north of London. It’s one of the biggest markets in London and without a doubt the most eccentric. You’ll find amazing vintage clothes and street food from around the world.
Camden Market isn’t exactly a hidden gem anymore – it’s usually very crowded, and some areas feel quite touristy. Still, it remains one of the true highlights among London’s best markets.
Our tip: Don’t miss Chin Chin Labs. It’s one of the wildest ice cream spots you’ll ever see. The ice cream is frozen right before your eyes with liquid nitrogen and served in a waffle filled with warm marshmallow. Sounds strange, but if you love sweets, you’ll be in heaven!
Is Camden Market worth it?
Yes – as long as you bring enough time and don’t mind big crowds.
Most stalls are open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, though some only open on weekends.
Right near Camden Market is the Kings Cross neighborhood, where you can find affordable hotels in London.
You can find even more London hotel recommendations here
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market is held in an indoor market hall with restaurants and shops like Lululemon and Peloton.
In the center, you’ll find stalls selling clothing, jewelry, kids’ items, and plenty of other unique finds. And of course, there’s delicious food too.
Is Old Spitalfields Market worth it?
You can easily combine a visit here with Truman Brewery and Brick Lane Market. We wouldn’t go just for Old Spitalfields alone, but it’s great as part of a day exploring the area.
Opening times vary slightly by day, but if you go between 10 am and 5 pm, you’ll find the market open.
Truman Brewery
Just a few minutes from Old Spitalfields Market, you’ll find Truman Brewery. The market takes place on a former brewery site and is divided into several smaller markets.
There’s a hall with clothing from local designers, one filled with food stalls from all over the world, and plenty of food trucks outside. In the basement, you’ll find the largest vintage market in the UK.
Our tip: Try the delicious momos (stuffed dumplings) at the Tibet Kitchen food truck – they’re incredible! Ten pieces for ten pounds.
Is the Truman Brewery worth it?
Definitely! Especially if you’re a vintage lover, this market is a must-see.
Most markets, such as the Vintage Market, are open every day from 11 am to 6 pm. The others are only open on weekends.
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane is an experience in itself. It starts right behind Truman Brewery and is lined with vintage shops, galleries, clothing stores, and street art.
Our tip: Art made from broccoli? Sounds crazy, but it’s brilliant. Stop by Adrian Boswell’s small shop – you might just leave with some colorful broccoli art!
Is Brick Lane Market worth it?
Absolutely. It’s a vibrant street full of creativity, street art, and unique finds.
You can visit on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm.
Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is one of the most famous markets in London. It’s held in a gorgeous old market hall that’s now filled with shops and restaurants.
In the center, you’ll find stalls mainly aimed at tourists. Around the market, you can watch street performers – magicians, singers, and acrobats showing off their skills.
Our tip: Shake Shack has great burgers, and just across the street, Din Tai Fung serves award-winning dumplings from Taiwan.
Is Covent Garden Market worth it?
You don’t need to visit just for the market itself – it’s very touristy. But since it’s right in the city center, it’s easy to stop by while sightseeing. You can also combine it with a visit to the London Eye.
The shops are open Tuesday to Santurday from 9 am to 5 pm. On Sundays they open one hour later.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road in Notting Hill isn’t just lined with colorful houses – it’s also packed with stalls selling antiques and vintage treasures.
In the surrounding buildings, you’ll find small shops and passageways with even more quirky finds.
Our tip: Grab a tasty sandwich or pop into Maison Puget, a lovely French bakery, for lunch.
Is Portobello Road Market worth it?
Definitely. The whole Notting Hill area is charming, and the market is a great addition to your visit.
Hours of Portobello Road Market vary. Most of the time, it runs from 9 am to 6 pm. On Thursdays, it closes earlier at 1 pm, and it is closed on Sundays.
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is especially popular with antique fans and art lovers. You’ll find everything from collectibles to handmade fashion and delicious street food.
For a little break, stop by one of the many cafés, pubs, or wine bars in the area.
Is Greenwich Market worth it?
It’s a great market to combine with a boat trip on the Thames. But if you’re short on time in London, it’s a bit far out for a dedicated visit.
The market is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm. The market’s theme changes by day – 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 big-name markets are too crowded for your taste, these are great alternatives – especially during peak season when you want to escape the tourist crowds.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road is home to one of London’s coolest markets. Here you’ll find everything a gardener or flower lover could dream of — from fragrant flowers and plants to jewelry and small works of art tucked between the stalls.
It’s not just a paradise for plant lovers though — for photographers, Columbia Road Flower Market is one of our favorite London insider tips. The explosion of colors makes for stunning photos.
Is the Columbia Road Flower Market worth it?
Absolutely! Even if you just want to take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere, the flower market is well worth a visit.
Every Sunday, Columbia Road Flower Market is open from 8 am to 2 pm.
Leadenhall Market
One of the prettiest markets in London is found in the City of London. Leadenhall Market is an elegant indoor market built in striking Victorian style.
You can shop for food, fashion, and more, or simply enjoy a break in one of the inviting restaurants or cafés.
And if it feels familiar — you’re right! Parts of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley were filmed right here in Leadenhall Market.
Is Leadenhall Market worth a visit?
Definitely. It’s worth coming just to take photos, but it’s also fun to wander through the aisles and take in the lively atmosphere.
Leadenhall Market is open 24/7. The shops usually open from 7 am until the evening.
Antique Markets in London
If you love antiques, London won’t disappoint. Here are our favorite spots for a proper treasure hunt.
Alfies Antique Market
If you’re after something truly special, Alfies Antique Market is a must. It’s the largest antique and vintage market in London — a real treasure trove filled with furniture, accessories, jewelry, and books with a vintage touch.
Is Alfies Antique Market worth it?
Absolutely. The market has a distinctly British vibe, and the friendly dealers make it a joy to browse. It’s a must-visit for any antique fan.
Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Cecil Court
In Covent Garden, you’ll find another beautiful and lesser-known market: Cecil Court.
It’s not a classic market in the traditional sense — instead, the charming street is lined with shops selling antiquities, second-hand books, curiosities, and art, each with its own story to tell.
Is Cecil Court worth it?
Even though it’s not a typical market, Cecil Court is a must for art and antique lovers.
Most shops open around 10:30 am and close by 5:30 pm.
Best Streetfood Markets in London
London’s street food markets are usually smaller and more local — perfect for discovering something tasty away from the crowds. You don’t have to plan your trip around them, but if you’re nearby, they’re definitely worth a stop (and a snack!).
Here are the best London street food markets:
- Acklam Village Market: A lively weekend market with live music, open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 7 pm.
- Mercato Metropolitano: Food from all around the world, open daily from noon until late.
- Maltby Street Market: A smaller, less crowded alternative to Borough Market, open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm/11 am to 6 pm.
- Broadway Market: A great mix of food and local dishes. Open Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Leather Lane Market: Perfect for a weekday lunch, open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 7 pm.