Best Markets in London for Food, Fashion and Local Finds

What to buy at Borough Market, and the stalls worth finding

1. 1

   Borough Market

   8 Southwark Street, London Bridge · Food and produce market · Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm; cash and card

   The market is busiest on Saturdays, so aim for a mid-week visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Saturday mornings fill fast with over 100 delicatessens, butchers, fishmongers, and cheesemakers selling paella, duck wraps, and Thai coconut pancakes. Access to Borough Market is free and open to everyone. Most traders accept card; some still take cash. The real move is arriving just after opening on a Saturday to beat the 11am crush.

   Source: Borough Market
2. 2

   Portobello Road Market

   Portobello Road, Notting Hill · Antiques and vintage fashion · Sat 8am–7pm (full market), Sun closed; haggling expected

   Over 100,000 visitors come every Saturday. Try to arrive before 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday to avoid the busy crowds and pick up unique antique or vintage items before they get snagged by other shoppers. Haggling is common, especially for antiques and vintage items; start by offering about 70% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Portobello Road Market is free to enter. The market offers everything from original and vintage fashion to antiques of every description to scrumptious street food from Morocco, Ghana, Spain, Germany, Jamaica, Thailand.

   Source: Things To Do in London
3. 3

   Brick Lane Upmarket

   83 Brick Lane, Truman Brewery · Street food and indie fashion · Sun 10am–6pm; card preferred

   Upmarket is celebrated as one of London's most diverse food halls, open daily and filled with flavors from around the world. The food hall features over 40 unique street food traders, with menus ranging from Ethiopian Injera bread to Korean Dak-kkochi skewers. Sundays are its main day; the whole high street becomes pedestrianised and packed with stalls selling vintage clothes, street food and unique trinkets. No tickets needed. Most vendors here are card-only; only a few street food stalls outside take cash.

   Source: Upmarket
4. 4

   Camden Market

   Camden Lock, Regent's Canal · Fashion and street food · Sat–Sun 10am–6pm; mostly card

   It is one of London's busiest market areas, so timing your visit can make a huge difference to how enjoyable it feels. From Friday till Sunday you need to expect big crowds. The best days to visit are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the main stalls open between 10am to 6pm. Sellers are sometimes more open to a chat (and a bit of friendly bargaining). Camden Market is great for bagging a bargain – making it favourable over Borough Market for many. Come before noon or after 4pm on weekends to find breathing room.

   Source: Things To Do in London
5. 5

   Bermondsey Market

   Bermondsey Square, Tower Bridge Road · Antiques · Fri 6am–2pm; cash for best deals

   Early-bird shoppers can shop from 6am when the market opens, selling everything from cutlery and china to furniture and jewellery. Bring cash, as some sellers still love the old-school handshake and a tenner. Around 200 stalls for bargain china, silver, furniture, glassware and pottery. This is strictly a Friday morning market; the early hour is what makes it work. Most traders have no card readers. Arrive before 9am for the best finds.

   Source: Visit London
6. 6

   Columbia Road Flower Market

   Columbia Road, Bethnal Green · Flowers and local shops · Sun 8am–3pm; cash and card

   Columbia Road flower market and shops are open every Sunday from 8am until about 3pm. To beat the crowds head there early, but to get the best bargains—5 giant sunflowers for £1—head there around 1.30/2pm. There is also a mass of independent shops, selling everything from jewellery and vintage clothes, to antiques, cupcakes, art and furniture. The flower stalls accept mostly cash; neighbouring shops take card. This is a Sunday-only stop with a different vibe than the food markets.

   Source: Visit London
7. 7

   Broadway Market

   Broadway, Hackney · Produce and street food · Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm; card preferred

   Broadway Market in Hackney, East London, is the city's most beloved local Saturday market. With roughly 80 stalls focused on UK farmers, artisan producers, and prepared food vendors, it offers a more intimate, community-focused alternative to Borough Market. Food offerings include fresh bread and tempting pastries, contemporary Persian dishes, organic vegetables, Japanese street food and fresh oysters. You'll also find vintage clothing, photographs, vinyl, stylish accessories, distinctive homeware. Less crowded than Borough, more local feel. Card accepted most places.

   Source: Visit London
8. 8

   Old Spitalfields Market

   16 Horner Square, Liverpool Street · Fashion and street food · Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm; card and cash

   Under its striking Victorian roof, this lively marketplace is home to independent designers, vintage treasures, artisan makers and some of London's most exciting street food spots and restaurants. Whether you're hunting for a unique outfit, handcrafted homewares or a bite to eat, there's always something new to discover. You'll find vintage specialties at the Antiques Market every Thursday and handmade goods at the monthly Urban Makers Market, while music lovers won't want to miss the fortnightly Vinyl Market. Covered market (good for rainy September). Most vendors cashless; some take both.

   Source: Visit London
9. 9

   Maltby Street Market

   Ropewalk, Bermondsey · Street food · Sat 10am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm; card only

   Tucked beneath the atmospheric railway arches of Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is where London's industrial grit meets the flavours of a modern street food scene. Since 2010, this hidden gem has evolved into one of the capital's most exciting weekend destinations. Do not visit Maltby Street Market between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM on a Saturday. By midday it becomes an uncomfortably cramped bottleneck. You'll find packed sausage sarnies and homegrown, grass-fed, dry-aged beef cooked over sustainable English charcoal. Arrive early or late; everyone pays card.

   Source: London Cheapo
10. 10

    Mercato Metropolitano Mayfair

    St. Mark's, North Audley Street, Mayfair · Sustainable food and drink · Sat 8:30am–midnight, Sun 8:30am–10:30pm; card preferred

    Mercato Mayfair is the second sustainable community market by Mercato Metropolitano and features a grocery shop with sustainably sourced and artisan products, three levels of food & drinks stalls and a roof terrace. Two levels of food stalls and bars are accompanied by a rooftop terrace, whilst the vaulted crypt basement hosts an authentic wine cellar with fresh cuts and world cheeses, a micro-brewery, events and cookery classes. The market only takes place on Saturdays for the full market experience. Extended hours mean you can arrive mid-afternoon and still have three hours to explore. Card payment preferred throughout.

    Source: TripAdvisor