The markets in London are a famous part of the city culture. People come to socialise, browse unusual items and soak up the atmosphere on a sunny afternoon. Specialising in everything from food and flowers to art and antiques, it’s essential that you spend at least one afternoon in one of these 7 must-see destinations before you leave the city.
The Best Markets in London
1. Spitalfields
Spitalfields is one of the best places to find clothes and jewellery in London. Plus, it’s open every day (but Sunday is the best day to visit)! There are permanent designer shops to browse, as well as hundreds of stalls selling unique, handmade items. Like every good London market, there are also lots of food stalls that offer exciting snacks and free samples.
2. Portobello Road
Make sure you plan a Saturday afternoon walking around Portobello Market, which is officially the largest antique market in the world. It’s great for buying records, vintage clothing, old cameras, retro homewares and all kinds of unexpected historic collectables. Plus, if you’re interested in famous film locations in London, you’ll be very close to the landmarks of Notting Hill!
3. Borough Market
Close to London Bridge station, Borough Market is very easy to reach. It’s famous for being the oldest food market in London, with local farmers, butchers and chefs coming here for 1,000 years. Visit Borough Market to buy fresh produce, gourmet products and savour incredible hot food. Vendors usually have lots of delicious samples for you to try, so this is definitely a place to visit when you’re hungry!
4. Camden Markets
Camden is known for being trendy, cool and a great place to people-watch. There are actually several markets in the Camden area, including Camden Lock Market, the Stables and Hawley Warf. You can find everything from handmade crafts and artworks, to clothing (new and vintage), to records, jewellery and homewares. Need a rest after all that shopping? Go for a drink at one of the trendy pubs and grab lunch from the incredible international food market. The market stalls are open every day of the week, but a Sunday in summer is the busiest, most vibrant day to come.
5. Brick Lane
Brick Lane is another great market to visit on a Sunday. The stalls in the Sunday Upmarket and the Backyard Market mostly sell an assortment of unusual, unrelated items (known as “bric-a-brac”). Look for crafts, art and fashion in the Old Truman Brewery, and visit the Boiler House building to try samples from dozens of international food stalls – make sure you’re hungry! Brick Lane is often crowded and chaotic – but that’s all part of the fun.
6. Covent Garden
The covered market at Covent Garden, called the Apple Market, is another iconic place to visit. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon, particularly in winter when the shops are decorated for Christmas. The market is open every day (but it’s much busier at weekends). Or visit the other markets in Covent Garden, the East Colonnade Market and Jubilee Market and is best for buying artwork, London souvenirs, jewellery and trinkets.
7. Columbia Road Flower Market
Browse an array of colourful flowers, plants, herbs and more, at Columbia Road Flower Market! This popular market is open every Sunday, 8am – 3pm – we suggest getting there earlier to avoid the crowds, as it tends to get very busy around midday. You can make a day of it and explore some of many independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
These are just 7 of the most famous markets in London, but there are lots of other amazing markets you can visit.
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