Every weekend, the streets of London explode with dozens of London markets cropping up across the capital. Some even make weekday appearances, perfect if you're visiting or for a lunch break wander.
London markets are ideal shopping destinations for everything from food to flowers, modern art to antiques, and clothes to curios. Visit sprawling markets such as Old Spitalfields, Camden Market or Portobello Road, or find gifts from local designers and artisans at the likes of Greenwich Market.
If you're a foodie on a hunt for the best food markets in London, check out one of the many food markets in London, including famous Borough Market – or discover local markets full of locally sourced goods.
Most London shops and markets reopened on 12 April following the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions – be aware that some venues listed may still be closed after that date.
Make sure to follow the latest government guidelines and act responsibly when out and about in the capital.
Central London markets
Borough Market
Come with an empty stomach and discover a gourmet's paradise at Borough Market near London Bridge. Find stacks of fresh and organic produce, as well as condiments, baked treats and delicious street food. Take home specialist ingredients, pick up a tasty lunch, or sit down at one of the many restaurants.
Covent Garden Market
Watch a musician or magician in the piazza and wander among the stalls and high-end shops at Covent Garden Market. Housed in and around the iconic Market Building, this central London shopping market is an architectural masterpiece. Alongside Apple Market, speciality shops such as perfume boutiques, homeware stores, restaurants and cafes, you'll find gorgeous crafts, antiques and jewellery.
Maltby Street Market
Venture beneath the arches of London Bridge on a weekend where foodie playground Maltby Street Market comes to life. There's a fantastic range of street food sellers lined along the Ropewalk, from New York-style sandwiches at Sub Cult, to Little Bird gin cocktails and Waffle On's sweet and savoury waffles.
Market Hall West End
Feeling peckish? Then take a stairway straight to foodie heaven at Market Hall West End, the UK's largest food hall filled with everything from sweets to savouries. The eager traders are ready to serve you with some of the most delicious bites seven days a week in the West End, across three floors. There's even a heated roof terrace, demo kitchen and cuisines to fulfil any mood.
Seven Dials Market
Go bananas for Seven Dials Market in Seven Dials, an ex-banana warehouse turned glass-roofed chillout spot full of delicious nosh on every corner. Head downstairs if you're in need of a bite of street food, or upstairs for elegant terrazzo countertop cafes. Shop for artisan goodies at Cucumber Alley.
Southbank Centre Book Market and Food Market
Follow your nose to find the tasty treats on offer at the Southbank Centre Food Market, hosted in Southbank Centre Square behind the Royal Festival Hall on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and bank holiday Mondays. The rotating cast of street food vendors are specifically chosen for their dedication to delicious, sustainable and ethical food and drink. Or peruse paperbacks and hunt for hardcovers at the Southbank Centre Book Market each day under Waterloo Bridge.
East London markets
Brick Lane Market
Find both junk and gems at this east London market spread across several streets. At Brick Lane Market, you'll uncover bric-a-brac, second-hand furniture, vintage clothes, shoes and lots more. There are also some fantastic stalls selling exotic spices and colourful saris. Sunday is the best day to visit, with the Sunday Upmarket featuring more than 200 stalls.
Broadway Market
Chat to the local farmers, artists and craftspeople who display their wares at Broadway Market in Hackney. Shop here for delicious ingredients, tasty ready-made food, unique and unusual clothes and gifts, as well as furniture, lighting and more. Also check out nearby Netil Market, a smaller market focused on art and food.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Get up early for the best selection at Columbia Road Flower Market. A street bursting with plants, shrubs, bulbs and trees, this market in London is a must-visit for its super-colourful displays and fragrant blooms. You can also pick up gardening accessories in this east London hotspot, and make sure to take home some of the gorgeous cut-flowers on offer.
Old Spitalfields Market
Explore this covered market in east London that sells everything from clothes to food and artwork. Old Spitalfields Market is full of cutting-edge fashion and accessories; whether from designer brands or independent boutiques. You'll also find specialist shops, street food and restaurants nearby. Come down for the Antiques Market every Thursday, Urban Makers Market the last weekend of each month, and Vinyl Market every other Friday.
Victoria Park Market
Head to trendy Hackney and walk down pedestrianised The Nightwalk on a Sunday to find an abundance of food at Victoria Park Market. Fill your shopping bags with seasonal produce, organic meat, fresh fish and freshly baked breads. Once you've got your groceries for home, make sure to treat yourself to a cake, a homemade pie or a cold craft beer.
South London markets
Brixton Village and Market Row
Wander under the railway archways into the covered arcades of Brixton Village and you'll discover a thriving community of arty homeware shops, cocktail bars and food traders, plus clothing and crafts. Or, head out onto Electric Avenue for even more vibrant local street food stalls that have been a staple of this neighbourhood for years.
Greenwich Market
Pick up beautiful products from artisans and small cottage industries every day at Greenwich Market. Weekends are busiest, with about 150 stalls selling an enticing range of jewellery, pictures, clothes, accessories and unique gifts. Once you've explored the market, grab a bite at the food court then head to the local shops selling even more goodies.
Herne Hill Market
Spend a Sunday strolling through Herne Hill Market, which is crammed full of foodie treats, both for eating on the spot and produce to take home, plus arts and crafts, all sourced from within 100 miles of Herne Hill. A proper local neighbourhood market!
Mercato Metropolitano
Choose from mouthwatering bites from more than 40 vendors, browse stalls full of artisan produce and soak up the chilled vibes in the indoor and outdoor seating areas at Elephant and Castle's Mercato Metropolitano. If you're keen for more, check out its sister venue, Mercato Mayfair, which sits within an 18th-century St Mark’s Church, now a hub of international yet sustainable dining.
West London markets
Alfies Antique Market
Visit one of the largest indoor antiques market in London at Alfies Antique Market. This charming Marylebone destination specialises in vintage clothes from the 1930s and 1940s, alongside other collectables and design pieces. Make sure to head to its rooftop kitchen for views over west London.
Cabbages and Frocks Market
Follow the fashionistas of Marylebone to the courtyard by St Marylebone Parish Church on a Saturday and you'll find one of London's most upscale markets, Cabbages and Frocks. As well as the up-and-coming designers that are supported here, you can also nab yourself some serious high fashion if you rummage around enough.
Portobello Road Market
Soak up the atmosphere at one of the oldest markets in London, on Portobello Road. There's been a market here since the 1800s, but it's become particularly famous for its antiques since the 1950s. Nowadays, you can also find everything from vintage clothes and bric-a-brac to music. This Portobello market is in full swing on Saturdays.
North London markets
Camden Lock Market
Peruse more than 100 shops and stalls near the canals at Camden Lock, the central hub of the huge Camden Market. Here, you'll find plenty of goods from Camden's punk scene, designer clothes and one-off artworks, alongside workshops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
In search of more London shopping destinations? Check out our picks of the best areas to shop at, including late-night spots and a guide to top department stores in London. For post-shopping fun, take a look at what's on in London.