Practically a tourist attraction in their own right, London has lots of markets full of special trinkets, yummy food and one-of-a-kind fashions, just waiting to be discovered. From street food markets and flower markets to ones selling antiques and vintage clothing – there's a market in London where you can happily spend hours browsing, whatever your interest. How many markets will you be able to fit into your London itinerary?
BOROUGH MARKET
Food lovers need look no further than Borough Market. With enough delicious creations to have you eating something new every time you go, it’s well worth a visit to this food market in London. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you.
The roots of this market go as far back as the 11th century. Today it’s a bustling, vibrant destination for gourmet food from around the world. Browse the exotic products and sample the wares, from baklava and banh mi to unusual ice cream flavours and deliciously cheesy Italian food, you’re bound to find some tasty cheap eats. Once you’ve made your mind up about what to order, have a seat under the rainbow of hanging umbrellas and try not to get food envy when you see everyone else’s.
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OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET
Spitalfields is the oldest market in London, and it's open every day of the week. Visit the Saturday Style Market for your fix of independent fashion or pick up a bargain at the Spitalfields Art Market. It only runs on selected days, so be sure to check online before you set off. There's also a tasty selection of food stalls to choose from, as well as street art to admire and quirky shops to find a hidden gem. Plus, it's all indoors so you can take your time browsing the stalls, even when it's wet outside.
Once you’re all shopped out, head to nearby Shoreditch for a well-deserved drink in one of the area's many lively bars or pop over to Brick Lane for a curry.
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CAMDEN MARKET
Known as the place angsty teenagers, punks and creatives go to hang out, Camden Market is a must-visit in London if you want to experience an energetic and engaging counterculture. Made up of a number of adjoining markets, you’ll be able to find iconic band t-shirts, sterling silver jewellery, tattoo parlours and bespoke boutiques selling 1950s clothing and serious rock and roll attire.
Camden Lock is the place to go for eating, with a huge range of street food stalls selling cuisine from all corners of the globe. We recommend making a stop at Kerb too, for an assortment of food trucks serving everything from fried chicken to halloumi fries. When you’re done, go for a short walk to Regent’s Canal, it’s the perfect place to people watch.
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PORTOBELLO MARKET
With over 1,000 dealers selling antiques and assortments, Portobello Market is the world’s largest antique market. Popular with both tourists and Londoners, Portobello in West London is also one of the best-known street markets in the world. Made even more famous by the film Notting Hill, you won’t be alone if you decide to pose for a picture outside the house from the movie.
The market stretches for about two miles down the Portobello Road and is at its busiest on Saturday afternoons. Hop off our bus tour and go gaze at the colourful houses, lose yourself to the lively atmosphere and munch delicious street food along the way. And if you happen to be in London over the Bank Holiday in August, check out Notting Hill Carnival for an upbeat street festival of music, culture and dancing like no other.
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BRICK LANE MARKET
Although the shops and restaurants along Brick Lane are open every day, this is one of the best Sunday markets in London. You never know exactly what you’ll find as you scour this traditional East End flea market for antiques, vintage clothes and unique art at bargain prices.
It’s very much an authentic London market experience, remaining much the same over the years, with a definite hipster influence in recent times. And if you want to capture the moment for social media, its heavily graffitied walls make the perfect backdrop for an artsy Instagram post or two.
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COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET
An entire market devoted to selling flowers, plants and garden accessories, what more could you ask for? Wander the Victorian streets of Hackney on a Sunday and you’re sure to stumble across this visually appealing market. Open from 8am-2pm expect to see flower buyers mixed in with photographers and TV crews who frequently use this market as a filming location.
Although it specialises in selling fresh flowers, it’s still one of the busiest London. There’s plenty more to discover on its stalls these days and there are countless cheap tents where you can snap up inexpensive flora. Spending the morning here is a great way to explore one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.
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Stick to this list of the best markets in London and you’re bound to have a unique shopping experience you can’t get anywhere else. And once you’ve stocked up hidden gems and sensational bargains, why not hop on one of our bus tours for a front row seat to the most iconic landmarks and London attractions.
