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 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, check out one of the many food markets in London, including lively Borough Market.
North and central London markets
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 and Piazzas, this central London market is an architectural masterpiece. Along with the Apple Market, speciality shops such as perfume boutiques, unique homeware stores, restaurants and cafes, you'll find gorgeous crafts, antiques and jewellery.
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, as well as designer clothes, one-off artworks, alongside workshops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
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 the market.
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, 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. Saturdays turn into the Style Market and every month a special Arts Market is held. Every other day is a bit of everything.
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
Borough Market
Come with an empty stomach and discover a gourmet's paradise at Borough Market near London Bridge. Stacked full 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.
Brixton Village and Market Row
Wander under railway archways into the covered arcades of Brixton Village and you'll discover a thriving community of arty homeware shops, great cocktail bars and food, plus clothing and crafts. 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!
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 sweet and savoury waffles.
Southbank Centre Food Market
Follow your nose to find the tasty treats on offer at the Southbank Centre 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. The variety never disappoints.
West London markets
Alfies Antique Market
Visit the largest indoor antiques market in London at Alfie's 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. Among the new up-and-coming designers that are supported here, you may also nab yourself a serious high fashion find if you get there early 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.