There’s nothing like whiling away an afternoon in a market to find hidden treasures, discover the best of local produce or simply just take in the hustle and bustle.
In London, there are heaps of brilliant markets offering up everything from food to flowers, with vintage clothes and antique furniture in between.
In fact some spots such as Borough Market, Greenwich Market and Camden Lock Market have become world famous for their wide array of stalls and electric atmosphere.
The best part is they are a great way to have cheap days out in London (depending on what you buy!) as they’re free to enter and wander around in.
Here we take a look at the 12 best London markets you’ll want to bookmark.
Don’t live in London but coming down for a weekend? You can find plenty of cheap hotels in our handy guide.
1. Borough Market
Best for: Food
Right by London Bridge, this is one of the oldest and largest food markets in London and it needs to be on any foodie’s bucket list.
Expect local foods, dishes from every corner of the globe, and ample opportunity to taste samples.
Just be warned – you’re going to want to eat everything.
When to visit: It’s open Mondays to Saturdays 10am-5pm, closed on public holidays. However, not all the traders are open on Mondays and Tuesdays, so head between Wednesday and Saturday to get the full experience.
2. Columbia Road Flower Market
Best for: Flowers
This street market off Hackney Road is an explosion of colour thanks to the breathtaking flowers that fill the stalls from exotic plants to local flora. Unsurprisingly, it smells incredible too.
You might have to navigate your way through hordes of Instagram fans trying to capture that perfect picture, but it’s well worth it just for the sights.
When to visit: It’s open on Sundays only, but head down early to get your pick of the best blooms.
3. Greenwich Market
Best for: Food, antiques, fashion
This bustling indoor market in the heart of Greenwich (which is a World Heritage Site) boasts up to 120 stalls offering everything from antique furniture to local artwork and street food.
You can easily while away a morning checking out the different stalls and chatting to the friendly vendors, not to mention it’s right by other local landmarks including the Cutty Sark and Greenwich Observatory.
When to visit: It’s open seven days a week, 10am-5.30pm but be warned that it can get really busy on weekends.
4. Camden Market
Best for: Fashion, art, music
In the heart of edgy Camden you’ll find over 1000 shops and stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to art work and delicious food.
Music fans can find band T-shirts and forgotten records, comic book fans can get their fill in the dedicated stalls offering themed merchandise, and there’s even a stall that collects old pianos!
When to visit: It’s open seven days a week from 10am-late, although hours for each vendor varies so if you have a specific one in mind, check before you visit. The only day the market closes is Christmas Day.
5. Portobello Road Market
Best for: Antiques
The world’s largest antiques market has everything you could possibly want, with over 1,000 traders on hand to help you source the best treasures.
Visitors from all over the world flock here to check out the stalls and the vibrant atmosphere, so it can get pretty busy – if you have something in mind, you may want to head down first thing.
When to visit: The main antiques market is Saturday when the arcades are open. You can find some stalls on Fridays – and there are antiques shops along Portobello road open throughout the week.
6. Brick Lane Market
Best for: Food, clothes, furniture
If you’re after a market with plenty going on, then Brick Lane won’t disappoint. Expect eclectic clothing, plenty of second hand furniture, and stalls offering up all kinds of bric-a-brac.
There’s loads of street art to look out for too, as well as live music and a brilliant foodie scene.
When to visit: Sundays. (Although the shops and restaurants along Brick Lane are open the rest of the week if you do want to go exploring anyway).
7. Broadway Market
Best for: Fashion, food
Tucked away in Hackney in East London, what started off as a single stall selling jellied eels in 1900 is now a huge market which draws in foodies from all over the world.
Here you’ll find everything from local produce and fresh fruit and veg stalls, to mouthwatering street food inspired by international cuisine.
Meanwhile, fashion and arts fans will find plenty to explore thanks to the clothes stalls and arts and crafts offerings amidst the crowds.
When to visit: The market is open every Saturday 9am-5pm.
8. Alfie’s Antiques Market
Best for: Antiques
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Take a step back in time at London’s largest indoor market for antiques, vintage fashion and 20th century design.
Here you’ll find an abundance of home decor features to eye-catching furniture and heaps of breathtaking clothes that will have you wanting to redo your entire wardrobe.
When to visit: Alfie’s is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am-6pm.
9. Old Spitalfields Market
Best for: Fashion, Arts
This covered market in Spitalfields offers a plethora of fashion stalls selling everything from vintage clothes and accessories to jewellery.
There’s also an impressive choice of home decor and arts stalls where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces for your home.
When to visit: The market is open even days a week, but opening times vary each day. Planning a weekend trip? Saturdays it’s open 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.
10. Covent Garden Market
Best for: Arts, fashion
In the heart of London’s bustling Covent Garden, you’ll find this covered market with quirky stalls offering local artwork, handmade clothes and extra trinkets and souvenirs.
The surrounding area is filled with pubs, restaurants and bars too, with plenty of live entertainment on offer from musicians to comedians.
When to visit: It’s open seven days a week, 10am-6pm.
11. Maltby Street Market
Best for: Food and drink
You won’t just find your usual street food offering here (although there is plenty of that too).
At Maltby, you can also expect some more gourmet twists on traditional dishes, alongside craft beers and fresh local produce – all in a very laidback setting under picturesque railway arches.
When to visit: It’s open on weekends, Saturdays from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 11am-4pm. In December it also runs a night market every Friday from 4pm-9.30pm.
12. Southbank Centre Market
Best for: Food, books
There are various themed markets held throughout the year at the Southbank Centre, but the most regular two are the food market and the book market.
The food market offers up plenty of street food from around the world and tends to be a hit with people after a lunch on-the-go while visiting the area (which is home to iconic landmarks such as the London Eye), while bookworms are sure to find plenty of new wish list-worthy reads at the impressive book market with everything from classics to non-fiction.
When to visit: The food market is open Fridays (12-8pm), Saturdays (11am-8pm) and Sundays (12-6pm), while the book market is open daily until 7pm.
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