The Best Markets to Visit in London

LOCAL LONDON MARKETS

Poking through peoples discarded bits and bobs while snacking on treats is a pastime everyone should partake in when visiting London.

As a former resident, I found great pleasure in browsing the different markets around central London and deciphering their unique flavours and odd personas.

If you stick around anywhere long enough the distinct characters of the area become apparent quickly like the silver cowboy of Shoreditch or the rollerblading guy in Hyde Park.

Beyond the excellent people watching, there is exceptional vintage to be found and, of course, tasty food.

With that said, East London is heavily represented in this list as it was where I lived + frequented the most.

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

First up, the Columbia Road Flower Market. As a visitor it’s likely you won’t be buying flowers, HOWEVER, that should not deter you from visiting.

Imagine the juxtaposition of gorgeous blooms lining the streets accompanied by brusk bellowing men yelling out deals on their wares.

Even at my most hungover, it was entertaining watching their merchant showmanship.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

In addition to the flowers and gardening accessories being sold, the street is home to several boutique shops. Trinkets, haberdashery, you name it.

The Bird Cage, a Victorian pub that had an epic karaoke night, is a landmark of sorts and has been in operation since at least the 1760s. Its green subway tile exterior has an extra whimsical feel to it, in my opinion.

HOW TO GET TO COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET

Closest tube station: Hoxton (Overground) or Old Street (Northern Line)

COLUMBIA ROAD FLOWER MARKET HOURS

Sundays:  8am – 3pmish

BROADWAY MARKET

This Victorian market has a storied legacy that began prior to the Romans as it was a popular and important supply route. I’m no historian so I recommend looking into it more should these ancient tidbits interest you.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BROADWAY MARKET

My practical present day advice is that anyone who has access to a kitchen should be getting their groceries here. 

From fresh seafood to a vast array of greens, there is no shortage of exceptional ingredients to be found here.

Not only that, but one of the best magazine / bookshops is right on the corner. Artwords is a must for anyone interested in art / design / fashion.

BROADWAY MARKET’S VIBE

This is one of those markets that has great people watching since it’s such a fashionable destination.

The Cat & Mutton pub overlooking London Fields is a great place to perch and observe both patrons and people passing by.

The expansive park, once a mass grave dumping ground for victims of the plague, is now a hangout for the young and hip.

I once saw a group of indie dandies playing footie with winklepickers on. Truly a sight to behold.

Plus, the most hilarious song poking fun of hipsters in London (from the mid 2000s) even name drops London Fields.

HOW TO GET TO BROADWAY MARKET

My favourite way to get to Broadway market was walking along the Regent’s Canal. The signage is exceptional so there is no way to miss where the market exit is.

Visiting on the Sunday you could go to Columbia Market first then walk through Hackney City Farm and Haggerston Park to get to Broadway.

Closest tube station: Cambridge Heath (Overground)

BROADWAY MARKET HOURS

Saturday:  9am – 5pm (the larger of the market)
Sunday:  10am – 4pm

OLD SPITALFIELD’S MARKET

Open for over 350 years, the Old Spitalfield’s is a rare market that is open 7 days a week. The covered space allows for shopping even when the weather isn’t cooperating!

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT OLD SPITALFIELD’S MARKET

The thing about Old Spitalfield’s Market is that there is something for everyone depending on the day of the week.

Though it’s difficult to find specific information, Thursday’s used to be my favourite day as it was dedicated to all things vintage. Vinyl and clothing from yesteryear galore!

Aside from market stalls, there are permanent stores along the perimeter as well though sadly my favourite chocolate shop, Montezuma’s appears to have moved.

WHERE TO EAT NEAR OLD SPITALFIELD’S MARKET

I may be biased, but St John Bread & Wine is easily my favourite place to eat in the area. I used to buy fresh bread from here because it was soooooo good.

WHERE IS OLD SPITALFIELD’S MARKET

It’s in east London baby! Just north of the financial district.

Closest tube station: Liverpool Street Station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

OLD SPITALFIELD’S MARKET HOURS

Monday to Friday: 10am – 6pm
Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am – 6pm

BRICK LANE & OLD TRUMAN BREWERY MARKET

Eclectic personal style is in full effect on Brick Lane. If you love people watching and seeing future fashion trends, this is the place to go.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BRICK LANE MARKET

Whether you visit on the weekend for the full market experience or during the week, you will find a wide array of vintage shops, curry houses, and record stores. A trip to Brick Lane isn’t complete without a visit to the Rough Trade Photobooth.

WHERE TO EAT ON BRICK LANE

Aside from the plethora of Indian restaurants to choose from, there are a few other delicious places to pop by.

Any of the beigel places (yes, this is how they spell it there. Tyre, kerb, and beigel. I’ll never understand.) Dray Walk feels like an alley but it’s filled with little swill joints and eateries across from Rough Trade. 

There was once a Bansky Pink Car installation and a double decker bus restaurant but that appears to have disappeared. Much of what I loved about this area has changed, a fact that will never get easier it seems.

My favourite Japanese okonomiyaki vendor from Brick Lane, Okan, has since made it into permanent locations elsewhere. But at least there’s always St John Bread & Wine around the corner.

WHERE IS BRICK LANE MARKET

Brick Lane is one block away from Old Spitalfield’s so you might as well check out both while you’re in the area.

Closest tube station: Liverpool Street Station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines)

BRICK LANE & OLD TRUMAN BREWERY MARKET HOURS

Monday to Friday:  10am – 6pm
Saturday:  11am – 6pm
Sunday:  10am – 6pm

CAMDEN MARKET

Camden Market is home to a rich music history that has captivated me since my early teen years.

The Clash’s first album features a photo of them in Camden, Amy Winehouse lived (and subsequently died well before her time) there, and Noel Gallagher bought a home and named it “Supernova Heights” at the zenith of Oasis’ popularity.

These little anecdotes are but a single thread in a sonic tapestry of the area that spans several decades.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT CAMDEN MARKET

The market is a polished amalgamation of all that has come before housed in a storied location. It’s worth a visit just to poke around the old stables and canal walk. 

If you can, I recommend going to a concert at one of the storied venues like The Roundhouse (a former Victorian railway garage), Electric Ballroom, or KOKO (formerly known as Camden Palace).

I saw Best Coast in 2011 at KOKO and the venue was enchanting.

WHERE IS CAMDEN MARKET

Closest tube station: Camden Town Station (Northern line)

CAMDEN MARKET HOURS

Monday-Sunday:  10am – late

BOROUGH MARKET

Nestled under the London Bridge train station, Borough Market is an easy place to pop by while en route to the various historical sites along the Thames in Central London.

Whenever I go to the Tate Modern, I stop by Borough Market to get ingredients for a snack to eat while people watching along the river.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT BOROUGH MARKET

My ultimate goal when visiting Borough Market is to build a croissant sandwich with cheese from Neal’s Yard Dairy. They have the most exquisite selection!

For any cheese enthusiasts, I cannot recommend this spot enough. I often find myself dreaming of their ash covered goat cheese that I would stuff into a croissant with arugula. Sigh.

In addition to that, there are a number of street food vendors as well as produce. Even if you aren’t interested in eating, I would go just to admire the artful displays of food arrangements.

I still think about the colours and textures from the plethora of mushrooms displayed. Yes I find inspiration in produce.

WHERE IS BOROUGH MARKET

Borough Market is somewhere I would consider more on the tourist side just by its location alone but because of that, it’s easily accessible by train and tube (Northern Line).

Not to mention its alongside many sightseeing destinations such as the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the Tate Modern.

Closest tube station: Ladbroke Grove (Circle or Hammersmith & City)

BOROUGH MARKET HOURS

Tuesday to Friday:  10am – 5pm
Saturday:  9am – 5pm
Sunday:  10am – 4pm

PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET

My fascination with Portobello Road first began with my favourite movie, Bedknobs and Broomsticks starring Angela Lansbury.

The soundstage version of the market looked so magical that I knew I needed to visit it one day. I can confirm that the real life version is just as good.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET

Friday / Saturday are the best days to go in terms of the number and types of vendors. For fashion and antique shopping, the weekend is prime time just be prepared to navigate the crowds. 

It’s not unusual to find typesetting stamps next to bins of old photographs beside racks of centuries old clothing and endless ephemera. You truly never know what will present itself while you meander the strip.

HOW TO GET TO PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET

Depending on where you’re coming from, taking the tube to Ladbroke Grove station will most likely be the quickest way to the market. However, my personal preference is Knotting Hill Gate station (Central, Circle, & District Line). This requires much more walking however, strolling up Pembridge Road is a treat.

There are several little boutique shops along the way as well as the added bonus of turning onto Portobello Road at the very start of the street. This allows you to pass all of the brightly coloured private residences as well as the former homes of George Orwell and Virginia Woolf.

If that wasn’t enough walking, I’d recommend a stroll through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park after the market.

Closest tube station: Ladbroke Grove (Circle or Hammersmith & City)

PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET HOURS

Monday to Wednesday:  9am – 6pm
Thursday:  9am – 1pm
Friday / Saturday:  9am – 7pm