10 Best London Markets You Must Visit Last Updated: June 29, 2024

If you’re anything like me, you love discovering the heart and soul of a city through its markets. Then, you are going to love this! London, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers some of the best market experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you’re a foodie, a vintage fashion lover, or just someone who enjoys a good bargain, London’s markets have something special for everyone.

In this blog, I’ll take you on a journey through some of the best London markets. From the bustling Borough Market with its gourmet delights to the eclectic vibes of Camden Market, there’s so much to see, taste, and experience. Here is a list of the must-visit markets in London:

1. Borough Market 

Borough Market is located near London Bridge, with entrances on Borough High Street and Southwark Street, close to Southwark Cathedral. The nearest Tube station, London Bridge, is about a 4-minute walk away.

This Market boasts a history over a millennium-long and has been at its current location since 1756. It spans over 4.5 acres with more than 100 stalls, making it one of London’s largest and oldest food markets. It’s popular with locals, tourists, and chefs looking for unique ingredients and dishes.

The market offers a wide range of products, from British pies to lactose-free ice cream and rare spices. You can buy fresh ingredients, prepared dishes, or sit and enjoy a meal on-site.

It is a must-visit place for fresh ingredients, culinary exploration, or experiencing a historic London icon. Located centrally, it’s an ideal stop while sightseeing, offering high-quality food from around the world. Nearby family-friendly attractions, like the London Dungeons, make it a perfect spot for a day out.

2. Camden Market

If you’re looking for London’s coolest shopping and entertainment, Camden Market is a must-visit. Known for its craftsmanship and vintage charm, it’s a place where punk, mod, and boho styles thrive.

Camden Market has four main entrances: Camden Lock, Camden Lock Place, The Stables, and North Yard. With over 1,000 spots to shop, eat, drink, and dance, you’ll find vintage fashion, unique gifts, and a variety of food options from cafes, bars, and street-food stalls. The market is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, including bank holidays, and some evenings.

3. Covent Garden

Next up is Covent Garden, which used to be known for its huge fruit and vegetable market. Today, it’s home to a chic mix of fashion, antiques, and crafts. The market is divided into three sections: the East Colonnade Market, featuring clothing, jewellery, and handbags; the Apple Market, offering handmade crafts, paintings, and prints; and the Jubilee Market, specialising in antiques on Mondays and household items the rest of the week.

4. Portobello Road

Portobello Road Market is one of the world’s most famous and historic street markets, offering a rich mix of diversity and culture. It’s a great place to explore, people-watch, find bargains, and enjoy a bite to eat with friends and family. The market is always changing, so you’ll never know what treasures you might find. 

The market runs Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to around 7:00 pm, with limited hours on Sundays. Antiques, collectibles, and flea markets are available only on Fridays and Saturdays. The farmers’ market, offering fresh produce and artisanal items, happens exclusively on Saturdays. Vintage clothing, new fashion, accessories, and trinkets are sold every day of the week.

Also read: Everything you need to know about the UK Bivs Visa (SAVE THIS!)

5. Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market, in East London, is a big indoor market with cool Victorian architecture. It’s got everything—fashion, arts and crafts, and food stalls. You can haggle with stall owners for great deals on clothes, souvenirs, and tasty treats.

You enter through a big archway on the red-brick building, built in 1876. The market has different stalls every day, selling jewellery, vintage clothes, hats, kids’ stuff, and more. Around the edges, you’ll find permanent shops with beauty products, fashion, and furniture. There’s even a dry cleaner!

Grab a bite at one of the many international restaurants like the Real Greek, Las Iguanas, or Café Caribbean. The market area has been around since 1638 and got its “Old” name in 1991 when the fruit and veg market moved away.

It’s free to enter and open daily, but the main market days are Thursday to Sunday, especially busy on weekends. They also have cool events like vintage fairs and record sales. You can easily get there by taking the train or Tube to Liverpool Street station, just a short walk from the trendy bars in Shoreditch.

6. Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market dates back to the 14th century and officially opened in 1737. Located next to the Old Royal Naval College, it now sits in a World Heritage Site. The market features handmade jewellery, vintage clothes, artwork, collectibles, and a variety of international street food. For a sit-down meal, try Goddards for traditional pie and mash.

Antiques are sold on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Crafts and design stalls are open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and weekends. The market operates from around 10 am to 5:30 pm, with a later start on Sundays, and is also open on Bank Holiday Mondays.

7. Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market, a historic Victorian marketplace with Roman roots, is a must-visit spot in London. Established in 1321, it became one of the busiest markets in the UK. Redesigned in 1881 by Sir Horace Jones, it now features boutiques, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and wine bars in a stunning grade II listed building.

Famous for its role as the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films, Leadenhall Market also appears in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Here, you can shop for jewellery, watches, and books, or enjoy a meal at one of its many upscale eateries. Its beautiful wrought iron and glass design makes it a charming destination for both shopping and dining.

8. Mercato Mayfair

Mercato Mayfair, set in the beautiful St Mark’s Church on North Audley Street, is a lively community market and cultural hub. It’s packed with small artisan stalls offering a variety of food and drinks, plus a busy lineup of events and activities. Inside, you’ll find three levels of food and drink stalls, a microbrewery, a wine bar and shop, a garden store, and a roof terrace.

Open from noon, with coffee and breakfast available from 10 am every day, Mercato Mayfair has something for everyone. Despite its Italian name, the market features global cuisine, including sushi, poke bowls, gelato, and Turkish pide. It’s a great spot to enjoy tasty food, unique drinks, and a buzzing atmosphere in a historic setting.

9. Lower Marsh Market

Lower Marsh Market is a lively street market in the heart of Waterloo, London. Once a sleepy, underdeveloped area, it’s now buzzing with life thanks to gentrification and support from private enterprise. Named one of London’s top five secret shopping streets, it’s located right next to Waterloo railway station.

The market is packed with fresh foods, local goods, and unique finds. Lower Marsh Street itself is home to pubs, bookstores, coffee shops, flower shops, vintage stores, and art galleries. With 77 stalls, vendors offer a wide range of items. Plus, it’s just a short walk from some of London’s most iconic sights across the River Thames.

10. Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre Food Market, behind the Royal Festival Hall, is a lively spot with food stalls offering global cuisines. Enjoy everything from Asian street food to Mediterranean pastries, juicy burgers, and vegan treats. Pair your food with coffee, juice, beer, or wine.

The market is open every weekend and on Monday bank holidays. Hours are Fridays 12 pm to 8 pm, Saturdays 11 am to 8 pm, and Sundays and bank holidays 12 pm to 6 pm. It’s easily accessible via Waterloo and Embankment Tube stations, nearby bus routes, and river buses at London Eye Pier.

And that’s all for the list. So, just in case you are stuck anywhere with your London market exploration, feel free to drop me an email at theveggietravels@gmail.com . I can help you with personalised itineraries and all your trip related queries.

Also read: 10 best free things to do in London (New List 2024)

FAQs

What are some of the top markets to visit in London?

Some of the best markets in London include Borough Market, Camden Market, Covent Garden Market, and Portobello Road Market. Each offers a unique blend of food, fashion, antiques, and crafts.

What is the best time to visit the markets in London?

• Mostly best London markets are busiest on weekends.
• Early mornings are ideal to avoid crowds and get the best selection of goods.
• Check individual market schedules for specific opening times and special events.

How can I get to these markets using public transport?

Most markets are easily accessible by Tube, bus, and train.

• Borough Market: Near London Bridge station.
• Camden Market: Near Camden Town station.
• Covent Garden Market: Near Covent Garden station.
• Portobello Road Market: Near Notting Hill Gate station.
• Old Spitalfields Market: Near Liverpool Street station.
• Brick Lane Market: Near Shoreditch High Street station.
• Greenwich Market: Near Cutty Sark DLR station.
• Southbank Centre Food Market: Near Waterloo station.

What should I bring when visiting a London market?

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Cash, as some stalls may not accept cards.
• A reusable bag for your purchases.
• Weather-appropriate clothing, as some markets are outdoors.