12 Markets Worth Visiting When in London
London's markets offer a vibrant alternative to the typical high-street shopping experience. From historic Borough Market, with its abundance of food stalls, to the quirky finds of Camden Market, here are 12 of London's most captivating markets.
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Borough Market
Borough Market is a London landmark, a culinary institution whose history dates back to at least the 12th century. More than a mere food hall, it's a sensory symphony where freshly baked bread, pungent cheeses, and exotic spices mingle, creating an intoxicating perfume. Here, you can find the finest ingredients from across the globe, from rare breed meats and artisan cheeses to freshly caught seafood and hand-picked fruits.
The market is also a social hub where chefs, foodies, and everyday shoppers converge to share their passion for good food. Borough Market's historic setting, nestled beneath the wrought-iron arches of a Victorian railway viaduct, adds to its unique charm and creates a bustling and timeless atmosphere.
Beyond the tantalizing array of produce, the market's location in Southwark offers a wealth of attractions. Explore the historic Southwark Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic church with a fascinating past. Walk along the Thames Path, offering stunning views of the city skyline. Visit the Tate Modern, a world-renowned art gallery housed in a former power station. And don't miss Shakespeare's Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where you can catch a performance of the Bard's plays.
Web: boroughmarket.org.uk
Address: 8 Southwark St, SE1 1TL London
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Portobello Road Market
Immortalized in film and folklore, Portobello Road Market is a quintessential London experience. Famous for its antiques and vintage finds, it's a treasure trove for collectors, bargain hunters, and anyone with a penchant for the unique and the beautiful.
Saturday is the market's main day, when the street transforms into a vibrant bazaar, overflowing with stalls selling everything from antique furniture and silverware to vintage clothing, jewellery, and collectables. The colourful facades of the surrounding buildings, the stallholders' lively banter, and the street musicians' impromptu performances all contribute to the market's vibrant and theatrical atmosphere.
Beyond the antiques and vintage finds, the Notting Hill neighbourhood is a vibrant and colourful area famous for its pastel-coloured houses and annual Carnival. Explore the charming streets, browse the independent boutiques, and soak up the bohemian atmosphere. Visit the Electric Cinema, one of London's oldest cinemas. And don't miss the Portobello Road Gin Distillery, where you can learn about the art of gin-making.
Web: portobelloroad.co.uk
Address: Portobello Rd, W11 2QB London
Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate
Camden Market
A melting pot of subcultures and styles, Camden Market is a vibrant and eclectic destination that embodies the spirit of individuality. From punk rock fashion and gothic accessories to vintage clothing, handmade jewellery, and street art, Camden Market caters to a diverse and creative crowd. It's a place where self-expression is celebrated.
The market's labyrinthine layout, spread across interconnected indoor and outdoor spaces, adds to its sense of discovery. Beyond the shopping, Camden Market offers a thriving street food scene, a lively atmosphere, and a chance to immerse yourself in the unique energy of this iconic London neighbourhood.
The Camden neighbourhood is vibrant and eclectic with its music scene, canals, and independent spirit. Explore the Regent's Canal or stroll along the towpath. Visit the Jewish Museum or catch a live music performance at one of Camden's iconic venues, such as the Electric Ballroom or the Jazz Cafe.
Web: camdenmarket.com
Address: Camden High St, NW1 8AF London
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Columbia Road Flower Market
A feast for the senses, Columbia Road Flower Market, is a Sunday morning ritual for many Londoners. The street transforms into a fragrant garden overflowing with blooms of every imaginable colour and variety. From classic roses and lilies to exotic orchids and rare succulents, the market offers a stunning display of floral artistry.
Even if you don't have a garden, a visit to Columbia Road is a treat for the eyes and the soul. Arrive early to beat the crowds and witness the flower traders setting up their stalls, or come later for discounted prices and a more relaxed browsing experience. The surrounding neighbourhood of Bethnal Green is a vibrant and up-and-coming area with a thriving arts scene and a diverse community. Explore the nearby Victoria Park, a beautiful green space with a boating lake and a bandstand. Visit the V&A Museum of Childhood, which houses a fascinating collection of toys and games. And discover the many independent shops, cafes, and restaurants that have sprung up in the area.
Web: columbiaroad.info
Address: Columbia Rd, E2 7RG London
Nearest Tube: Hoxton
Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is a must-visit steeped in history and brimming with charm. Located in a beautifully restored Victorian building that once housed London's main fruit and vegetable market, It now offers a sophisticated mix of arts and crafts, fashion, and food. The elegant piazza, with its cobblestone streets and street performers, adds a touch of theatrical flair to the market experience.
Inside, you'll find a curated selection of stalls selling handmade goods, unique clothing, and gourmet food. Covent Garden is also a great place to explore the surrounding area, with its numerous shops, restaurants, theatres, and historical landmarks. The Covent Garden area is a bustling hub of activity, with a mix of theatres, shops, restaurants, and museums.
Visit the Royal Opera House, one of the world's leading opera venues. Explore the London Transport Museum, which tells the story of London's public transport. And wander through the charming streets of Seven Dials, a network of seven interconnected streets filled with boutiques and restaurants.
Web: coventmarket.com
Address: Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF London
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Greenwich Market
Nestled in the heart of the historic Royal Borough of Greenwich, this market offers a charming mix of antiques, arts and crafts, and street food. Located just a stone's throw from the Royal Observatory, Greenwich Market is a perfect complement to a day of exploring this fascinating corner of London. The market has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, making it a pleasant place to browse for unique gifts, sample delicious food, and soak up the historic ambience.
The Greenwich area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stand on the Prime Meridian Line, the dividing point between East and West. Explore the Cutty Sark, a beautifully preserved clipper ship. Learn about Britain's maritime past at the National Maritime Museum. Greenwich also offers stunning views of the city skyline from Greenwich Hill.
Address: Greenwich, SE10 9HZ London
Docland Light Railways:: Cutty Sark
Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street Market is a foodie's paradise tucked away in the railway arches of Bermondsey. Smaller and more intimate than its neighbour, Borough Market, Maltby Street, offers a curated selection of artisanal producers and street food vendors. It's a place to discover new flavours, sample handcrafted delicacies, and chat with the passionate people behind the food.
The market's location, in a quiet residential street, adds to its intimate and exclusive feel. The Bermondsey neighbourhood is a rapidly developing area known for its breweries, art galleries, and vibrant food scene. Take a tour of a local brewery, such as the Bermondsey Beer Mile. Explore the White Cube Gallery, a leading contemporary art gallery. And sample the diverse culinary offerings of Bermondsey's many restaurants and cafes.
Address: 41 Maltby St, SE1 3PA London
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Broadway Market
Broadway Market is a vibrant East London institution, a microcosm of the area's creative energy and community spirit. Stretching along the Regent's Canal, this Saturday market offers a delightful mix of independent designers, vintage clothing, artisanal food, and street food from around the globe.
Here, you can find unique fashion pieces by local designers, one-of-a-kind vintage finds, handcrafted jewellery, and artwork that reflects the area's artistic flair. The food stalls are equally diverse, offering everything from freshly baked sourdough bread and organic produce to Ethiopian stews, Japanese dumplings, and Venezuelan arepas.
The market's location alongside the canal adds charm, offering a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely stroll or a picnic by the water.
The London Fields neighbourhood is a melting pot of cultures and styles, a popular spot for young professionals and creatives drawn to its independent spirit and lively atmosphere. Explore the Regent's Canal and stroll along the towpath, enjoying the tranquil waterways and the colourful houseboats that line the banks. Relax in London Fields park, a large green space with a lido, perfect for a picnic or a game of frisbee.
Discover the many independent shops, cafes, and bars that line Broadway Market and the surrounding streets. Each offers a unique glimpse into the area's vibrant character, from quirky bookstores and vintage shops to trendy cafes and craft breweries.
Web: broadwaymarket.co.uk
Address: Broadway Market, E8 4PH London
Nearest Tube: London Fields
Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is a captivating blend of history and modernity. It is housed within a beautifully restored Victorian building that once served as London's primary fruit and vegetable market. Today, it's a thriving hub of creativity, offering a curated mix of independent boutiques, designer stalls, art and craft vendors, and diverse food stalls.
Wander through the market's airy halls and discover unique fashion pieces, handcrafted jewellery, original artwork, and homeware with a distinct style. Foodies will be equally delighted by the array of culinary offerings, from gourmet sandwiches and salads to global cuisine representing flavours from every corner of the world. Whether you're craving a steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho, a spicy Indian curry, or a classic British pie and mash, Spitalfields Market has something to tempt your taste buds.
Don't miss the chance to wander down Brick Lane, a vibrant street famous for its curry houses, street art, and vintage shops. Visit Christ Church Spitalfields, a masterpiece of English architecture and a magnificent Baroque church designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor. And delve into the area's rich history at the Dennis Severs' House, a unique "still-life drama" that recreates the lives of a Huguenot silk-weaving family in the 18th century. Spitalfields Market and its surrounding neighbourhood offer a captivating glimpse into London's multicultural past and vibrant present, making it a must-visit for any visitor seeking an authentic London experience.
Web: spitalfields.co.uk
Address: 16 Horner St, E1 6EW London
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street
Brockley Market
Brockley Market is a true testament to the power of community, a bustling hub that brings together local producers, artisans, and residents in a celebration of South London life. Held every Saturday, this vibrant market showcases the best of the area.
Wander through the stalls and discover a colourful array of fruits and vegetables from local farmers, artisanal bread and pastries, locally sourced meats and cheeses, and handcrafted preserves and sauces that capture the season's flavours.
The market also features a diverse selection of street food vendors, offering everything from gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas to Ethiopian stews and Korean BBQs, ensuring something satisfies every craving.
The Brockley neighbourhood itself is a hidden gem in South London, a residential area with a strong sense of community, known for its green spaces, independent shops, and vibrant arts scene. Visit Hilly Fields Park, a sprawling green space with stunning views of the city skyline, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with friends. Explore the charming high street, lined with independent shops and cafes, each offering a unique glimpse into the area's character. Discover the thriving arts scene, with several galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists, adding a touch of creativity to the neighbourhood.
Web: brockleymarket.com
Address: Lewisham Way, SE4 1UT London
Nearest Overground: Brockley
Alexandra Palace Farmers' Market
Perched atop a hill with breathtaking panoramic views of London, the Alexandra Palace Farmers' Market offers a unique market experience. This bustling market brings together local farmers, food producers, and artisans every Sunday to celebrate fresh, seasonal produce and handcrafted goods.
Local farmers proudly display their seasonal bounty, from crisp apples and plump pumpkins to vibrant greens and fragrant herbs. Artisan bakers tempt you with freshly baked bread and pastries, while cheesemakers offer samples of their handcrafted cheeses. You can even find locally produced honey, jams, and chutneys to add a touch of sweetness to your day.
Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as "Ally Pally," is a historic landmark with a rich history. Explore the palace, learn about its past as a Victorian entertainment venue and a BBC broadcasting centre, and admire its grand architecture. Take a stroll through the surrounding park, a sprawling green space with a boating lake, a playground, and a skatepark. A perfect destination for a Sunday outing in London.
Address: Alexandra Palace, N22 7AY London
Nearest Tube: Alexandra Palace
Victoria Park Market
Victoria Park Market is a charming Sunday haven nestled within the leafy embrace of London's oldest public park. Discover handcrafted jewellery, unique artwork, vintage clothing, and homeware with a distinct focus on sustainability and ethical production.
Victoria Park itself, affectionately known as "Vicky Park," is a beloved East London institution. This sprawling green space boasts a beautiful lake, a playground, a charming bandstand, and plenty of open space for picnics, games, and leisurely strolls. Explore the park's hidden corners, discover the tranquil Regent's Canal that borders its edge, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. The park also hosts various events throughout the year, from outdoor cinema screenings to music festivals, adding to its character.
Address: Victoria Park, E2 9GA
Nearest Tube: Bethnal Green
Brick Lane Market
"Brick Lane Market" is actually an umbrella term encompassing several distinct markets, each with its own unique character and offerings. On weekends, Brick Lane transforms into a bustling street market scene offering a treasure trove of vintage clothing, antiques, bric-a-brac, and street food.
Rummage through the stalls and discover hidden gems, from retro fashion and vintage furniture to antique cameras and vinyl records. The market's eclectic mix of vendors ensures you find what you are looking for, whether you're a seasoned collector or simply searching for a unique souvenir.
Towards the top of Brick Lane, you find the Truman Brewery. Here, you'll find a collection of individual markets known as The Truman Markets:
The Backyard Market: This sprawling outdoor market is a haven for vintage enthusiasts and treasure hunters. Rummage through the rails and discover retro fashion, designer labels, unique accessories, and one-off pieces you won't find anywhere else.
The Sunday UpMarket: Showcasing the work of independent designers and makers, this market is a treasure trove of handcrafted jewellery, unique artwork, homeware, and gifts. It's the perfect place to find something special and support local creatives.
The Vintage Market: This market is a must-visit for serious collectors and lovers of all things vintage. Discover antique furniture, retro homeware, classic vinyl records, and collectables from bygone eras, each with its own story.
The Boiler House Food Hall: When hunger strikes, head to the Boiler House Food Hall, where a tempting array of street food vendors awaits. From juicy burgers and aromatic curries to vegan delights and sweet treats, there's something to satisfy every craving.
Brick Lane is a cultural melting pot. Delve into the area's rich history, from its Huguenot silk-weaving past to its present-day Bangladeshi community, evident in the abundance of restaurants that scent the air with aromatic spices.
Address: Brick Lane, E1 6QR
Nearest Tube: Shoreditch High Street or Aldgate East
Navigating London's Transport Network: Your Ticket to Market Bliss
London's extensive public transportation network makes it easy to hop between markets, even those in far-flung city corners. To make your market adventures seamless and cost-effective, consider these travel options:
Oyster Card
This reusable contactless card is a must-have for navigating London's Tube, buses, Overground, DLR, and trams. Simply top up your Oyster card with credit and touch in and out at station barriers or on buses. Oyster offers significant savings compared to buying individual tickets and caps your daily spending, ensuring you don't overspend on fares.
Visitor Oyster Card
If you're visiting London from abroad, consider ordering a Visitor Oyster card online before your trip. This card comes pre-loaded with credit and offers additional benefits, such as discounts on attractions and restaurants.
Contactless Payment
Most major contactless credit and debit cards are now accepted on London's transport network, offering the same pay-as-you-go convenience as Oyster. Touch your card on the reader at the start and end of your journey.
Topping Up Your Oyster Card
You can top up your Oyster card at Tube station ticket machines, online at the Transport for London (TfL) website, or at many local shops displaying the Oyster symbol.
Planning Your Journeys: The TfL website and the Citymapper app are invaluable tools for planning your market adventures. They provide real-time travel information, route suggestions, and estimated journey times, helping you easily navigate the city.
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Helpful Websites:
Transport for London (TfL): tfl.gov.uk
Visitor Oyster Card: visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk
Citymapper: citymapper.com
With a little planning and the right travel card, you can navigate London's transport network like a pro and enjoy seamless market-hopping adventures. Happy exploring!
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