Visiting one of the top London Markets is a must if you are planning a trip to London. London has a large number of incredible and unique markets, some of which are only open during weekends but others are actually open during the week too.
If it’s the first time you’re visiting London, the London Markets that I’d recommend that you try and visit first are Camden Town, Borough Market and Portobello Road. If you are staying in London for a longer period of time, then I’d recommend that you try and visit them all to be honest, as they are all unique and fantastic in their own little way.
Top 15 London Markets
1. Portobello Road, Notting Hill
Portobello Market has to be the first market to make it to our top London Markets list, as it is one of London’s most world-famous and vibrant markets. Once you enter Portobello Road you’ll find yourself immersed in one of London’s most picturesque scenes, with colourful house facades and small boutique shops beautifully decorated. You’ll then have the chance to discover Portobello Road’s famous antique shops, where you can expect to find the un-expectable. More than 2000 traders work in this famous market, and although you can expect to find a large number of collectible items, as you explore the market you will also find numerous stalls selling clothes and fashion accessories as well as plants, fresh fruit, hot food, snacks and drinks, household items and souvenirs of London and much much more!
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Full market on Saturdays 9 am – 7 pm.
- Nearest tube station: Notting Hill Gate / Westbourne Avenue (London Travel Zone 1)
2. Camden Lock Market
Camden Lock Market is one of London’s most popular visitor attractions in London, and once you’ve experienced its uniqueness you will understand why. As you exit Camden’s Town underground station you will immediately notice the distinctive shop fronts on the High Street, the shop’s gigantic and unique signs will undoubtedly get your attention, and as you wonder across Camden Town and enter the market the amusement just grows and grows… Camden Lock Market has everything that you can wish for, hundreds of stalls will keep you amused for a good couple of hours, but the best part of Market in my opinion is the Stables Market, which is located inside an old equine hospital which dates back to 1854. This is the place to go for alternative fashion, but it´s also the place to get very cheap London souvenirs. The large number of multicultural food stalls also allows to try something to eat from every corner of the world without having to leave Camden Town.
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Any day of the week 9 am – 6 pm.
- Nearest tube station: Camden Town (London Travel Zone 2)
- Itinerary: See our suggested itinerary to visit Camden Town.
3. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is another one of London’s most famous tourist spots, a magical piazza in the centre of London near Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square which is not to be missed if you are planning a trip to London. Covent Garden is the perfect place for both Londoners and visitors, as there are many things to do and places to see in the area. Explore the markets of Covent Garden, both the indoor jubilee market as well as the Apple Market; the numerous shops and boutiques; the cafes and restaurants and other places such as Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop or the London Transport Museum. This is also the site of the Royal Opera House and around Covent Garden you will also come across the West End Theatres, where you can watch the best musicals in London.
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Any day of the week
- Nearest tube station: Covent Garden
4. Borough market
With more than 1000 years of history, Borough Market is the oldest market in London. A vibrant food market located in London Bridge, where you will be able to wander around more than 100 food stalls. The majority of stalls specialize in produce from all over the UK, and some stalls specialize in imported produce. Vegetables, fish, meat, cheeses, cakes, ciders, breads, coffees, flowers and plants… As well as the market stalls specialized in selling produce, there are also stalls and shops that sell food on the go, anything from a Spanish Paella to a burger. The best way to see Borough Market is by wandering around the different passageways and open spaces.
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Full market Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 10 am to 5 pm.
- Nearest underground station: London Bridge (London travel zone 1)
- Itinerary: See our suggested itinerary which takes you through Borough Market
5. Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is one of London’s most popular indoor markets, with a large number of stalls and shops to keep you entertained for a good few hours. Located right next to Liverpool Street Station and next to Brick Lane and Petticoat Markets it’s advisable to visit this market on a Sunday, when these other two markets are also open, so you can actually visit three London markets in one day. In Spitalfields market you will find stalls selling anything from antiques to quirky fashionable items, and there are also a large number of well known chain restaurants and cafes as well as food stalls. The Ten Bells pub, where Jack the Ripper’s last victim was last seen alive, is also one of its attractions that we recommend you don’t miss.
8. Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road in East London becomes the most colourful and fragrant road in London every Sunday, when it becomes London’s Flower Market and bucketfuls of beautiful flowers invade the whole road. This London Market is not only recommended if you like flowers, but I’d recommend visiting Columbia Road Flower Market to anyone who has no plans for a Sunday morning in London. Not only will you see the most amazing flowers and plants that you have ever imagined, but the beautiful shops located on either side of the market which sell anything from pottery to perfume also add a special something to this gem in town.
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Saturdays 9 am – 7 pm.
- Nearest underground station: Hoxton (DLR, London travel zone 1)
9. Maltby Street Market
Maltby Street Market is a less well-known market in London but I have to say, it’s one of my favourites. An unexpected quirky market nestled under the Victorian railway arches in Bermondsey, where cafes and eateries can be found inside the workshops, making it quite a unique place. Definitely recommended if you are a food lover, but also great for antiques.
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Saturdays 9 am – 7 pm.
- Nearest underground station: Bermondsey.
10. Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is one of London’s oldest markets, dating from the 14th century, and it is a covered market located in the heart of the financial district of the City of London, set in a beautiful historic Victorian market place. Full of restaurants, cafes, pubs, shops and stalls, this is a popular tourist destination, but also frequented by local city workers for lunch or after work gatherings. Leadenhall Market was used to represent Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.
» Visitor information:
- When to go: Open weekdays 10 am – 6 pm.
- Nearest underground station: Monument / Bank.
More London Markets
A few other London Markets to consider if you are planning a trip to London are:
11. Broadway Market
12. Brixton Market
13. Greenwich Market
14. Real Food Market
15. Farmer Markets
London Markets: Map
Hello! We moved to London (Yes, the best city in the world) in 2010, and since then we have been discovering everything that this fantastic city has to offer. We regularly plan our friends’ trips to London, so we thought we would create PlanTripLondon.com and share our suggestions with the world for everyone to be able to plan the perfect trip to London!
