London holds more than just Big Ben and the British Museum. If you are visiting the city and willing to stray from the typical tourist path, the city has something almost as rich as its attractions, its markets. These aren’t mere shopping destinations; they are hubs of culture and commerce. Many have a rich history and a kind of organized chaos that feels oddly comforting. Some markets are perfect for artisanal finds, rifling through racks of retro jackets, or food options from various countries. Each market tells a story of London and its people, one that is often louder than any guidebook.
Each visit to a London market brings something unexpected, a new stall, a hidden café, a street musician. And while no two markets are quite the same, a few top the rankings as must-visit places for anyone wanting to truly be a part of London’s commercial scene.
5 Best Markets In London
1. Borough Market
2. Greenwich Market
3. Brick Lane Market
4. Camden Market
5. Portobello Road Market
Best Markets In London
1. Borough Market
If you’re even remotely a foodie, Borough Market is the perfect spot for you. The food wholesale and retail market is located beneath the railway arches near London Bridge, and is believed to have roots stretching back to 1014 AD. The market was, however, officially established in its current location in 1756 and has been in operation since then. Borough Market’s longstanding presence is an awe-inspiring feat for a food market and practically sacred in the foodie circles. Nowadays, it is London’s undisputed haven for artisanal produce, gourmet treats, and a head-turning range of global street food.
Most parts of the market are thankfully covered, which means that, come rain or sunshine, the market is always open. The environment is always lively, with the low hum of chatter layered over the crackle of sizzling pans. There are over 100 food stalls, bars, stands, and shops in the Borough selling every range of food, both British and International. From organic vegetables and fruits, shelves lined with loaves of bread, piles of cured meat, to mounds of cheeses named in Greek, pastries and cakes, wines and drinks, and many more. There is almost no end in sight to what you can find, eat, and buy.
The Market consists of three major market areas: Three Crown Square for the merchants and larger producers, Green Market for small produce traders, and Borough Market Kitchen for the street food traders. Mixed into these areas is a mashup of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Borough is at its liveliest from Thursday through Sunday. This is when locals, chefs, and camera-wielding tourists converge in a chaotic, and almost dizzying dance of food and taste.
Location: 8, Southwark Street, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Tuesday-Friday)
9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Saturday)
10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sunday)
2. Greenwich Market
At the core of Greenwich Borough lies Greenwich Market, a graceful Victorian structure established in the 1700s by the Royal Charter. The market is directly located at the Maritime UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although it originally started out as a vegetable and livestock market, it is now the heart of Greenwich’s local shopping.
The Greenwich Market is a treasure trove of handmade artistic work. It features shops and stalls specialising in artwork, crafts, fashion, jewelry, and antiques. You are just as able to leave the market with a gallery-worthy painting as you are to leave with a vintage music box.
Don’t let the art and crafts talk fool you, though. Greenwich is one of the best street food markets in London. Market goers can find everything from Ethiopian stew to Italian pizza or Thai dishes, and a simple grilled cheese sandwich made to gourmet standards. The food stalls are as eclectic as the crafts and just as uniquely independent.
The market is one of those places where you wander in for a gift and end up staying for lunch. Maybe dessert as well.
Location: 5B, Greenwich Market, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
3. Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane is the market to hit on a Sunday or any other day, really. The market is a collection of seven different markets known as the Truman markets. Brick Lane casually spans several streets from Sunday Upmarket, where you can get all your street food, to the Backyard Market filled with art and crafts.
Just like East London, the market is more than your typical collection of orderly stalls or polished storefronts. It’s less curated and more chaotic, but that raw edge is precisely what makes it unforgettable.
The market is known for its mish-mash of second-hand items. You will be pleasantly surprised to find everything from crates of vintage denim to old vinyl records, or try on sunglasses that haven’t seen daylight since the ’80s. It’s part treasure hunt, part time capsule. And if you have just the right amount of patience, you just might walk away with a treasure for next to nothing.
Known as the epicenter of London’s Bangladeshi community, Brick Lane has a reputation for its authentic curries. The market has a reputation for having a line-up of hearty spicy curries and indian dishes for next to nothing. The food portions are really generous, too. Finish up your shopping with bagels and bakeries bought at Beigel Bake, just at the end of Brick Lane.
Location: 91 Brick Lane Road, Shoreditch, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 11:00 am – 6:30 pm (Monday-Friday)
11:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saturday – Sunday)
4. Camden Market
To leave Camden off a list of the best London markets would be a crime. Camden is a collection of several markets stitched together, each with its diverse offerings. Camden Lock Market, with a backdrop of the Regent Canal, is a haven for arts and crafts. The Stables is your go-to for trendy furniture and hippy clothing, set in the mix of stable stores along umbrella alley. Meanwhile, Hawley Wharf is where the food diversity offerings align, and a perfect setting for a family day out.
Camden has over 1000 shops, cafes, and stalls, some tucked indoors, others simple stands, both underground and aboveground. You can be sure that you’ll find what you are looking for from handmade leatherworks, artistic jewelry, and accessories to cinemas and game experiences. Even if you have nothing to buy, Camden market has quite a lot to offer for a day out, from massage spas to music karaoke.
Location: 54 – 56 Camden Lock Place, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 10:00 am -7:00 pm
5. Portobello Road Market
In existence since 1865, Portobello is the largest antique market in London and your go-to market for vintage bric-a-brac. The market runs through the whole week, but truly comes to life on Friday and Saturday. This is when the antique dealers set up camp, and you can dive into all the old goodies. From gramophones and furniture to heirloom jewelry and old world oddities.
Portobello is also the home of vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, and a mini feast. That’s not all, though, the market is lined up with more than 800 stalls selling everything from fresh produce to global food eats and snacks. You can find cafes offering the freshest coffee or pastries. All the while, tourists and locals are jostling side by side for the best offer.
It is undeniably chaotic and just a tad bit loud. However, the market seamlessly blends history, culture, and modern commerce to create a rich shopping experience.
Location: Portobello, London, United Kingdom
Hours Open: 8:00 pm – 7:00 pm
London Markets are never just places to get your groceries and go. Many of them are rooted in history, having existed in one or the other for centuries. The stalls and shops that are housed in the markets are rich in treasures, antiques, and the best food produce. It is also a chance to observe London grocers in action and interact with passionate traders. From bookstores to jewelry, vintage dresses, and antique clocks, the markets in London are a shopper’s paradise.
