The Best Markets London Has To Offer
Markets are a main part of London life. Historically, they were the place to go for the weekly shop as well as somewhere to hang out and catch up with friends. Of course, our habits have somewhat changed since then – but both locals and tourists continue to visit the capital's most well known markets for fashion or homewears as well as groceries. Nowadays, there’s a huge range of markets across London, from farmers markets and fashion markets to street food, vintage and antique markets. But if you’re only in town for a quick visit, any one of these are worth making a beeline for. Here’s our pick of the very best markets in London.
1. Old Spitalfields Market
After being renovated in the 2000s the covered market opposite Liverpool Street Station has become a main shopping and eating destination in London. Open seven days a week The market sells all kinds of things from vintage clothes to makeup and of course food. The market is also just a short walk from brick lane.
2. Greenwich Market
3. Covent Garden Market
4. Brick Lane Market
5. Camden Market
6. Columbia Road Flower Market
Situated just off Shoreditch’s main drag, this weekly flower market is an East End gem. Every Sunday from 8am-3pm (roughly), the picturesque cobbled street is packed with traders selling bulbs, herbs, shrubs, bedding plants and bucketfuls of cut flowers. Surrounding the stands are around 60 interesting independent shops and cafés, many open only at weekends.
7. Portobello Road Market
Notting Hill houses one of the world’s largest antiques markets, an area that manages to feel diverse and surprising despite heavy gentrification (how Hugh Grant in that movie could afford a one-person flatshare despite working in a bookshop is beyond us) in the ’90s. Portobello Road Market is really five markets in one, with different sections dedicated to second-hand goods; clothing and fashion; household essentials; fruit, veg and other food; and the main event: antiques. You’ll find a range of antiques stalls as well as characterful cafés, shops and drinking spots. It is worth a visit any time.
8. Broadway Market
Since being relaunched in 2004, this Hackney street market is packed with arty students and East End creative types who come to fill their tote bags with organic groceries, vintage clothes, fresh flowers, coffee, books and unusual handmade gifts. Broadway Market has so many street food options, it’s practically impossible to go hungry here. The only downside is how busy its gets, especially on sunny Saturdays, so arrive early to beat the hordes.
9. Brixton Village and Market Row
Brixton is one of the capital’s most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhoods, and these adjacent indoor markets reflect its unique and varied flavour. In recent years they’ve become a place for food enthusiasts to come from far and wide to visit. Hungry visitors can grab a table at places serving seafood, superior pizza, Portuguese cuisine, Mexican food, Jamaican/European fusion and all manner of Caribbean delicacies. But they contain plenty for shoppers, too. A leisurely walk through the arcades reveals independent outlets selling clothing, jewellery, homeware, art, antiques and unusual gifts. Brixton Village and Market Row are open from 8am to 11.30pm every day, except for Monday, when they close early at 6pm.
10. Borough Market