Best Markets in London
Our guides often say the best way to get to know London is by visiting it’s markets. From street food to antiques, here is our list of London’s best markets:
1) For Foodies: Borough Market
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Heading our list of best markets in London is Borough Market. Borough Market is one of the best markets in London and is London’s worst kept secret. In recent years it has become the undisputed haven for hipster-foodies and enthralled tourists alike. Nestled close to London bridge, you’d be forgiven for thinking it doesn’t look very appetising at first glance. Yet below its grimy facade lies a haven of superb culinary exploits.
From scones to bratwurst, from jerk chicken to chow mien; Borough Market hosts a wide range of international cuisine. You can find anything you can think of: fresh bread, cheeses, pickles, chutneys, jams, oysters, hot dogs, burgers, paella, falafel, fish&chips, pasta, noodles, local beers, juices, pastries and cakes. Aside from the market stalls, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to sit down in.
Opening Hours:
Monday: 10am-5pm Limited Market
Tuesday: 10am-5pm Limited Market
Wednesday: 10am-5pm Full Market
Thursday: 10am-5pm Full Market
Friday: 10am-5pm Full Market
Saturday: 10am-6pm Full Market
Sunday: Closed
Getting Here By Tube
London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern Line)
Getting Here By Bus
There are bus stops very close by at London Bridge, Borough High Street and Southwark Bridge.
43, 141, 149, 521 to London Bridge/Borough High Street
Getting Here By Car
Union Car Park, 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU.
2) For Ambience: Camden Market
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Next on our list of best markets in London is Camden Market. Camden is one of London’s busiest attractions, especially on Sundays. The 6 markets cover everything from vintage clothes, jewellery, homewares to food&drink. Quality can be an issue so you’ll have to use your own judgement when haggling for trinkets.
As a student I used to live off Camden Market’s free food samples. Walk around the food market for long enough and you’ll be able to get your whole lunch for free! You’ll be offered to try hundreds of different samples of cuisine from all over the world. Some of my favourite moments were spent sitting by the canal, nibbling churros and watching revellers swirl by.
Opening Times: 10am-6pm Daily
Getting Here By Tube
Camden Town (Northern Line)
Getting Here By Bus
24, 214, 274, 393
Getting Here By Car
Lomax Car Park, (020 7388 4656), 38/40 Pratt St, Camden Town, London NW1 0LY
3) For Antiques: Portobello Road Market
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Portobello road market is one of the best markets in london, and is known for it’s jumble of antiques, fine art and vintage clothes. It can often be eye-wateringly expensive but don’t let that intimidate you, it is a beautiful part of London to walk around. A weekday afternoon is when its at its best, Saturday Mornings are when its at its busiest. Instagram photo opportunities are in plentiful supply around the graffiti shutters of closed stalls and colourful market roofs. It’s always fun to coax your friends to try on some of the hilarious array of hats, tweed jackets and scalves!
Opening Times: Daily 10am-6pm
Getting Here By Tube
Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith&City, Circle Lines)
Notting Hill Gate (Central, District&Circle Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 and 452.
Getting Here By Car
Arthur Court NCP, (020 7229 9381), Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 4QH.
4) For the locals: Old Spitalfields Market
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Last but certainly not least in our list of the best markets in London is the Old Spitalfields market. Spitalfields is a Grade II listed market, open 7 days a week and brings together a range of local artisans and independent retailers under one roof. It mainly specialises in jewellery and arts&crafts. At the centre of the market is a variety of delightful kitchens and eateries. The shops and restaurants are open daily but the market really comes to life on a Sunday, where the streets are suddenly filled with some of London’s best second-hand stalls.
Opening Times: Daily 10am-6pm
Getting Here By Tube
Liverpool Street (Central, Hammersmith&City, Metropolitan Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
(Primrose Street, Stop J) 8, 26, 35, 48, 78, 135, 149, 205 242, 388
Getting Here By Car
NCP Car Park London Whitechapel High Street, (0345 050 7080), Spreadeagle Yard, Whitechapel High St, London E1 7RA
LONDON IN A DAY TOUR
You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on our London In A Day Tour!
For more information, click here