Best Markets in London

London is a city teeming with vibrant markets, each offering a unique slice of the capital’s diverse culture. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a vintage fashion hunter, or simply looking for a quintessentially London experience, the city’s markets are a must-visit. From historic sites brimming with gourmet delights to bustling modern hubs of creativity, there’s something for everyone. I love spending a lazy Sunday afternoon wandering around Colombia Flower Market or enjoying a pint after work by Borough Market. Here’s a guide to some of the best markets in London, perfect for visitors and Londoners alike.

Borough Market

Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most renowned food markets, is a paradise for food lovers. Located near London Bridge, it boasts an impressive array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and international street food. The perfect place for tasting gourmet cheese, freshly baked bread, delectable pastries and street-food type foods. The atmosphere is lively, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the high-quality offerings. Borough Market is not just a place to shop; it’s an experience that captures the essence of London’s culinary scene.

There are too many great stalls to recommend, but some of my favourite are; Borough Olives, the MANY cheese stalls, Butter Nut of London, Humble Crumble, the Black Pig and Gastronomica. For more sit-down options, I love Bao, Kolae, Mei Mei, Arabica and Tapas Brindisa. There are honestly so many great places here so be sure to allocate a few hours to explore. As you might expect, it does get very crowded here, particularly on weekends. For more information on Borough Market, check out their official site.

Location & Nearest Tube: South-East London. London Bridge Underground

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday

Maltby Street Market

Maltby Street Market, nestled in Bermondsey, South London, is a hidden gem known for its artisanal food and vibrant atmosphere. Open on weekends, this market is smaller than some of London’s more famous markets but packs a punch with its high-quality offerings. There are many fantastic gourmet street food options, freshly baked pastries and drink options from independent vendors. The market’s Ropewalk area is particularly famous for its eclectic mix of stalls, where you can find everything from cheese to handmade chocolates.

Maltby Street Market is more intimate and less touristy, so I’ve found it to be a more relaxed experience, away from the larger crowds. I would recommend going on Saturday, as that’s the only day when all traders and stalls are open.

Outside of the Maltby Street Market, you can also enjoy the Maltby Street Arches. These are little hole-in-the-wall restaurants nestled in the railway arches. With both indoor and on-market seating, this is a great place to come outside of the market’s operational hours. There are so many great places here, but I always love going to Bar Tozino.

Check out the Maltby Street Market site and Maltby Street Arches for more information.

Location & Nearest Tube: South-East London. London Bridge Underground or Bermondsey Underground.

Opening Hours: Saturday & Sunday

Brixton Village Market

Brixton Village Market is a lively, indoor market in the heart of Brixton, South London. Open every day, this market is famous for its eclectic mix of global cuisine, trendy boutiques, and artistic flair. Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of foods, from traditional Caribbean dishes to innovative fusion cuisine. The market’s charm lies in its community feel, with local artisans and small business owners offering unique products and services. Brixton Village is a cultural melting pot, perfect for those seeking an authentic and vibrant London experience. There are lots of great places here but i’ve always enjoyed drinks at Kraft Brixton, for craft beers, and Pergola Brixton for cocktails in the sun!

Over the road from Brixton Village Market is Pop Brixton, a place definitely worth checking out, if you’re in the area. Pop Brixton is made up from repurposed shipping containers, housing a variety of independent businesses including street food vendors, boutique shops, and creative workspaces, offering a dynamic mix of cultural events, dining, and shopping experiences.

Location & Nearest Tube: South London. Brixton Underground

Opening Hours: Daily, with differing hours.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is situated in the heart of London’s Financial District, locally known as ‘the City of London’. This beautiful Victorian market is one of the oldest markets in London, opening in 1445!! This area is a popular destination for professionals working nearby. The market’s stunning architecture, with its ornate roof and cobbled floors, provides a picturesque setting for shopping and dining.

Leadenhall offers a range of high-end shops, pubs and eateries, making it an ideal spot for lunch breaks and after-work drinks. I have always loved the Bedales Wine Bar here and the cheese & wine bar ‘Cheese’. Leadenhall Market is also famous for featuring in several tv series and films, including Harry Potter!

Location & Nearest Tube: East-Central London. Monument, Bank or Liverpool Street Underground

Opening Hours: Daily – best enjoyed in the afternoon/evenings.

Broadway Market

Broadway Market, located in the heart of Hackney, is a bustling weekend market that attracts a more arty crowd. Known for its artisanal food stalls, vintage clothing and unique crafts, it’s a great place to explore local talent, arts and creativity. The market’s laid-back vibe and diverse offerings, from gourmet street food to handmade jewellery, make it a favourite among East Londoners. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performances, and a vibrant community atmosphere, making Broadway Market a perfect weekend destination.

Other than the weekend market, Broadway Market is a street home to a number of bars, restaurants, shops, cafes, and more! You can enjoy this street any day of the week. London Fields park is located adjacent to Broadway Market and is a lovely place to visit. I often get food from the market to take to the park.

Location & Nearest Tube: East London – London Fields Overground

Opening Hours: Saturday & Sunday

Old Spitalfields Market & Truman Brewery Markets

Old Spitalfields Market, near Liverpool Street Station, is a historic market offering a mix of contemporary and traditional stalls. Open seven days a week, it features a variety of vendors selling fashion, antiques and gourmet food. The market’s unique blend of the old and new attracts a diverse crowd, from trendy shoppers to history enthusiasts. Regular events, including art installations and pop-up shops, add to the market’s appeal. Old Spitalfields is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the rich cultural tapestry of East London.

If you’re planning to visit Old Spitalfields Market, head down the road to another popular food market Truman Brewery Markets. Open on weekends, the market has a fantastic array of food options, showcasing the diversity of London. From here, head to Brick Lane for colourful street art, graffiti, vintage clothing stores, restaurants and fun bars! Check out the Truman Brewery site and Old Spitalfields Market site for more information.

Location & Nearest Tube: Central London – Liverpool Street Underground and Shoreditch High Street Overground

Opening Hours: Saturday & Sunday

Camden Market & Camden Lock Market

Camden Market is one of London’s most iconic markets, with over 1,000 stalls and shops to explore! Open daily, Camden Market consists of several adjoining markets, including Camden Lock Market and Stables Market. You can find everything from vintage and alternative clothing, handmade jewellery, unique crafts, quirky gifts and a diverse street food scene. Camden Market’s eclectic atmosphere, live music, and street performances create an energetic and bohemian vibe. It’s a hub of creativity and individuality, perfect for those looking to explore London’s alternative culture. Check out the Camden Market site to see what’s going on.

Location & Nearest Tube: North London – Mornington Crescent Underground and Camden Road Overground

Opening Hours: Daily – but best at weekends!

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market, open every Sunday, is a floral paradise in East London. The street comes alive with vibrant colours and scents as flower vendors display their beautiful blooms. In addition to flowers, the market features independent shops, galleries, and cafes. You can buy everything from fresh flowers and plants to gardening accessories and handmade crafts.

This is my go-to for plants, as you’ll be able to so many species at really reasonable prices. It’s a lovely place to spend a Sunday morning, attracting both locals and tourists. This is also a great place to come in the lead up to Christmas for Christmas trees and other festive plants. I would recommend coming early on Sunday if you’re looking to buy plants, as many stalls are sold out, or low in stock, by the afternoon. Check out their site for more info.

Location & Nearest Tube: East London – Old Street Underground and Hoxton Overground

Opening Hours: Sunday – go early in the morning!

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is one of the world’s largest and most famous street markets. Open daily, with the main market day on Saturday, it offers a wide range of goods, from antiques and collectibles to fashion and fresh produce. The market is divided into sections, each with its own unique offerings, including the famous antiques arcade. You can enjoy browsing through vintage treasures, sampling delicious street food, and soaking up the lively atmosphere. After visiting Portobello Road Market, you should walk around Notting Hill to marvel at the pretty, colourful houses!

Location & Nearest Tube: West London – Notting Hill Gate Underground or Ladbroke Grove Underground

Opening Hours: Daily – Saturday is the main market day

Broadway Tooting Market

Broadway Tooting Market, nestled in South London, is a hidden gem known for its multicultural vibe. Open seven days a week, this market offers everything from fresh produce to unique crafts. What sets Tooting Broadway apart is its eclectic mix of street food stalls, reflecting the area’s diverse community. You can try food from around the world, including Caribbean, South Asian, and African cuisines. The market also features vintage clothing shops, quirky boutiques and a vibrant atmosphere that makes it a favourite among locals. For more information, check out the Broadway Tooting Market site.

Location & Nearest Tube: South London. Tooting Broadway Underground

Opening Hours: Daily, with differing hours.

More Markets in London to Explore

London is home to countless other markets, each with its own unique charm and offerings. In addition to the well-known markets, there are many smaller, local farmer markets worth checking out:

Greenwich Market: Famous for its arts, crafts, and antiques. Read more on how to have a great day out in Greenwich!
Shepherds Bush Market: A bustling, historic market in West London, offering a diverse range of goods including fresh produce, clothing, household items and international foods, reflecting the area’s multicultural community.
Brook Green Market: A vibrant farmers’ market located in Brook Green, known for its focus on sustainability, organic produce and high-quality food.
Chiswick Market: A popular neighbourhood market in Chiswick, offering a variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal products, and local crafts, creating a lively community shopping experience.
Chelsea Farmers Market: An upscale market in Chelsea (near Sloane Square tube), providing a selection of premium fresh produce, gourmet foods and artisanal products in a garden-like setting.
Kingston Market: A historic market located in Kingston upon Thames, offering a wide array of fresh produce, unique crafts and everyday essentials, serving as a bustling hub for the local community.