In the US, local food and craft markets have seen a revival in recent years. In Europe, markets have been going strong for centuries and continue to be a big part of cultural and economic life. If you’re planning a visit to London, I highly recommend taking a day to enjoy the many lovely, lively, and fun London markets.
Whether you’re shopping for clothes, antiques, handmade goods and jewelry, furniture, art, gorgeous flowers, a special souvenir, or local cuisine — there’s a London market to suit your tastes.
With a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you find the ones that are just right for you and seamlessly integrate them into your trip.
Here are some of my favorites!
Disclosure: There are some tour affiliate links below and I may receive compensation if you book through them (at no additional cost to you). This did not influence inclusion – these are tours I’ve vetted and truly recommend.
Borough Market
Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. Although its location has changed a couple of times over the centuries, it has remained in the same spot for the last 250 years, just at the southern end of the London Bridge.
While also known for its retail offerings, what really makes Borough famous is its reputation as a foodie paradise. High-quality ingredients, artisan dishes, and a huge variety of delicacies to choose from make this place a magnet for hungry tourists and residents alike.
Speaking of experiencing delicious food, there are some amazing food tours in London that have so much to offer. There is a wonderful Borough Market tour that also features a special cooking class. And I love this indulgent Food Tour through both Borough and Southwark.
If you’re a movie buff, you’ll probably recognize parts of the Borough Market from Harry Potter (where the Leaky Cauldron’s exterior was filmed), Bridget Jones’s Diary, and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.
Don’t miss: If you want to sample some classic English cuisine, check out Maria’s Market Cafe.Location: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL (Closest tube station: London Bridge)
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 8am – 5pm; Sun 10am-3pm
Cassie’s Tip: Only some of the stalls are open on Mondays and Tuesdays, so if you want the full Borough experience, plan to visit Wednesday through Saturday.
Covent Garden
The rightly-famous Covent Garden is actually a collection of several London markets all under one arched, iron roof. This place is huge and offers a staggering variety of goods — which fits its location in one of London’s most famous shopping neighborhoods.
The three main markets that make up Covent Garden are:
- The Apple Market — historically a fruit and vegetable market, the Apple now also offers things like art, antiques, handmade jewelry, home goods, and specialty soaps.
- East Colonnade Market — look for home goods, clothing, handbags, jewelry, and more.
- Jubilee Market — this one is a shapeshifter! On different days of the week, you’ll find antiques, general goods (everything from brooms to beauty products), and arts and crafts.
(If the thought of navigating these spaces on your own feels a little overwhelming, I recommend this private tour that offers expert guidance through the Borough, Camden, and Covent markets.)
Don’t miss: Take your pick! But if you need a quick quiet break from the crowds, slip into the Tea Haus for a cup of tea and peruse the hundreds of mugs, pots, and tea accessories.
Location: 14 James Street, London WC2E 8BU (Closest tube station: Covent Garden)
Hours: Apple — Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm; East Colonnade — Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 12pm-6pm; Jubilee Market — Mon 5am-5pm (antiques) ; Tue-Fri 10:30am-7pm (general); Sat-Sun 10am-6pm (arts & crafts)
Cassie’s Tip: Though Covent Garden is the closest Tube stop, it can be extremely crowded and kind of a hassle to navigate. I recommend going to the Leicester Square stop — it’s just a few minutes’ walk and it’s way more relaxed.
Seven Dials Market
Tucked away in the bustling Covent Garden area, Seven Dials Market is a dream come true for food lovers, showcasing the best of London’s vibrant culinary scene. Once a warehouse, this lively spot has been transformed into a food paradise, featuring a fantastic selection of street food, artisanal products, and unique dining experiences that are sure to please any palate.
The market is a must-visit for anyone traveling through the area. It’s a fantastic spot where you can sample a wide range of cuisines all in one place, from gourmet pizza to exciting Asian street food, delicious vegan options, and classic British dishes.
Don’t miss: Stakehaus, where you can enjoy delectable premium steak sandwiches made with locally sourced beef and artisan bread.Location: Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LX (Closest tube stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square)
Hours: Mon – Tues: 12pm-10pm, Wed – Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 11am-9pm
Cassie’s Tip: Come hungry and ready to explore – sharing multiple dishes is the best way to experience the incredible variety at Seven Dials Market!
Portobello Road Market
Just north of Notting Hill, Portobello Road is the largest antique market in the world. Over 2,000 stalls offer all kinds of vintage collectibles, books, clothing, bric-a-brac, jewelry, and more. If you’re a treasure hunter, this place is pure catnip.
There’s also lots of delicious food to be sampled right around the corner on Golborne Road, and this is a marvelous place to find a one-of-a-kind keepsake to remember your London trip by.
Don’t miss: Antiques and awesome vintage goods. For a fresh take on second-hand, look at a shop like SirPlus — which makes unique designer menswear from surplus fabric.Location: Portobello Rd, London W10 5TY (Closest tube stations: Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate)
Hours: Mon-Wed 9am-6pm; Thu 9am-1pm; Fri (antiques) & Sat 9am-7pm (main day)
Cassie’s Tip: As you might imagine, this one can be a bit of a madhouse, especially on Saturdays. If you’re serious about finding your treasure, I recommend getting there early before the crowds really build.
Camden Market
Known for its quirky bohemian vibe and its historically cutting-edge music scene, Camden Market is one of London’s most popular sites, attracting more than 250,000 people a week. Like Covent Garden, it’s actually a collection of markets that blend together.
It has a rich history and has blossomed into a diverse community of independent stores and food vendors, with more than 1,000 places to shop, eat, drink, and dance.
If you’d like an immersive experience to learn more about the history, art, music, and culture of this place, there’s an excellent private tour.
Related Post: How to Visit the Camden Markets in London
Location: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF (Closest tube stations: Camden Town or Chalk Farm Road)
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm
Cassie’s Tip: Sunday is extremely busy. If crowds aren’t your thing, plan to visit on another day!
Leadenhall Market
One of the historic gems among London markets, Leadenhall Market has been serving locals since the 14th century. With its beautiful glass roof and ornate walkways, it feels enchanting, and it even appeared in the Harry Potter films as the entrance to Diagon Alley.
Originally a market for meat and poultry, today it features a mix of gourmet food shops, wine merchants, artisan bakeries, and upscale fashion boutiques. The gorgeous architecture and cobbled floors make it a favorite spot for photographers, blending the charm of the past with the energy of modern London.
Don’t miss: The gourmet food shops and wine merchants offering artisan British delicacies. Sample premium cheeses, fresh-baked pastries, and locally crafted delights that showcase the best of London’s culinary traditions.Location: Leadenhall Market, Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 1LT (Closest tubes: Bank, Monument)
Hours: Hours vary by individual shop and eatery; public areas are open 24/7.
Cassie’s Tip: Visit during weekday lunch hours to experience the market at its most vibrant, and don’t forget to explore the surrounding financial district for a complete London experience!
Spitalfields Market
Like Borough Market, Spitalfields is one of the best London markets when it comes to amazing food. This market has its own rich history as an immigrant neighborhood that became well-known for its silk weaving and gorgeous, delicate fabrics.
Today, in addition to the tasty food, you can find all kinds of unique goods, including artwork, fashion, and jewelry.
Don’t miss: Mouth-watering dishes from around the world, including Japan, Burma, Turkey, India, and more — along with lots of traditional London fare.Location: 16 Horner Square London, E1 6EW (Closest tube stations: Liverpool Street or Aldgate East)
Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri 10am-8pm; Thu 8am-6pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 10am-5pm
Cassie’s Tip: In addition to the daily openings, once a month you can find the Spitalfields Arts Market. It runs from Thursday to Sunday and features affordable artwork from local artists.
Alfies Antique Market
Two big bonuses to this market: it’s London’s largest indoor market — perfect for those legendary rainy London days! — and it specializes in antiques and vintage fashion.
If you’re a 20th-century design fan, and especially mid-century modern, Alfies Antique Market is THE place to be. You’ll likely rub elbows with collectors and designers, and you might even spot a celebrity or two meandering through the stalls.
Don’t miss: The rooftop cafe is a beautiful place to get some tasty breakfast and enjoy the view.Location: 13-15 Church Street in Marylebone (Closest tube stations: Marylebone and Edgware Road)
Hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am-6pm
Cassie’s Tip: It’s not uncommon for the stall owners to not be present all the time — so if you find a treasure, you might have to hunt a little more to find someone to take your money!
Southbank Centre Market
Perfectly located close to some of London’s biggest attractions and overlooking the Thames, Southbank actually includes two London Markets — one that specializes in food, and one that features thousands of books of all kinds.
This is a great market to visit on a day that you’re planning to see places like Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Then, grab dinner and some drinks at the food market, and catch the sunset from the London Eye. What could be better?
In addition, Southbank is famous for its winter and Christmas market — so no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be sure to find something enchanting!
Don’t miss: If you’re in the mood for international fare, you’ll find just about everything here your tastebuds might be craving. Plus, the prices tend to be very reasonable, making this market a great place for the whole family.Location: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX (Closest tube stations: Waterloo, and the Embankment stop is also fairly close and offers a beautiful walk. Also, if you’re interested in spending time on the Thames, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers weekday services — you dock at London Eye Pier, just five minutes’ walk from the market.)
Hours: Book Market: Daily 10am-7pm; Food Market: Fri 12-8pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 12-6pm (and Bank Holiday Mondays from 12-6pm).
Cassie’s Tip: The Book Market is also a great place to pick up a souvenir or unique gift, with hidden classic gems, first editions, maps, prints, and more.
Finding your favorite London Markets
Shopping in London is an experience all on its own, and the city’s proud tradition of markets is a wonderful way to connect with the history and essence of London shopping.
In addition, many of these markets are located in their own lovely neighborhoods, so it’s easy to incorporate them into whatever you have planned that day. As part of my custom itinerary service, I can help coordinate transportation, Tube stops, and visits to other nearby attractions.
This is so different from a typical American mall experience, and I highly recommend picking one or two London markets that appeal to you and giving it a go! They’re cheerful, fun, relaxed, and unique. You’ll come away with a full tummy, and at least one (probably more!) special token to remember your trip by.
Cassie Tetro
Itinerary Designer
& Certified Travel Expert
(Paris, London & Rome)
WHO AM I?
I’m Cassie Tetro, an Itinerary Designer and Certified Travel Expert for Paris, London, and Rome — my three favorite cities!
I help independent travelers like you save time and eliminate confusion with customized point-to-point itineraries crafted to your interests, preferences, travel pace, and style.
I take care of every aspect of your trip before you walk out your front door — tickets, reservations, tours, maps, transportation — so you can relax, soak in the magic, and enjoy a frustration-free vacation with a travel plan that’s as unique as you are.
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