London markets guide: discover the city's best markets

How we chose the best markets in London

I selected the best London markets by using a mix of first-hand and in-house data driven insights.

I have visited all the mentioned markets to access their quality and the experiences they offer. During my visits, I have gauged how popular they are, as well as researched which markets are most visited and beloved.

As part of my selection, I have considered their cultural significance and the breadth of experience. The result is a curated list of markets that reflects both what Londoners and visitors love and what makes them worth exploring.

1. Borough Market – best for street food and gourmet produce

One of the most famous food markets in London,  Borough Market has been a destination for fresh produce and street food since at least 1014, when a market was first recorded in the area near London Bridge. Today, I see the historic market bringing together artisan traders, independent producers and international street food stalls, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

From experience, I recommend arriving hungry and taking your time exploring the different sections. I usually start with a coffee and pastry before working my way through the tempting food stalls.

You’ll find everything from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and freshly shucked oysters to Ethiopian stews and handmade pasta. Traders such as Bread Ahead are famous for their filled doughnuts, while Brindisa draws queues for its Spanish chorizo rolls. For something sweet, there are stalls selling artisanal chocolate, fudge and baked goods scattered throughout the market.

Beyond ready-to-eat dishes, Borough Market is a great place to shop for high-quality ingredients. Cheese counters, charcuterie specialists, spice merchants and fruit and vegetable stalls showcase produce from across the UK and beyond. If you’re staying nearby, I’d recommend picking up picnic supplies here.

2. Old Spitalfields Market – best for independent designers, crafts and unique gifts

Set in a restored Victorian market hall, Old Spitalfields Market opened in the 17th century. Whether you’re looking for art, fashion, unique gifts, antiques or food, this historic market offers a range of stalls, shops and restaurants. It’s one of the best places I’ve experienced for finding independent designers who offer a range of products from jewellery to prints, fashion and homeware.

Don’t miss out on the amazing food options either - there are plenty of savoury and sweet options to enjoy. I usually go for one of the many Asian food choices on offer.

If you’re lucky you might also encounter some music playing in Bishops Square, which is adjacent to the market. I would also suggest exploring the surrounding area, as there are plenty of restaurants and pubs nearby.

3. Camden Market – best for street food, vintage fashion and alternative culture

Camden Market is one of London’s most iconic cultural hubs, with more than 1,000 stalls, shops and food vendors and a variety of indoor and outdoor venues near the canal at Camden Lock. I always find Camden buzzing with energy.

Here, you'll find plenty of goods from Camden's thriving music scene, designer clothes, food stalls, vintage garments and one-off artworks, alongside workshops and restaurants. When you walk towards the market you find a street‑food paradise and most of the vendors offer bites on toothpicks, so you can try before you buy.

I recommend walking through all parts of the market and don’t miss The Stables Market which is great for vintage finds and independent designers. I always look at the jewellery stalls; some offer pieces with Egyptian symbols that I love browsing through. The canal-side has more food stalls offering everything from Korean fried chicken to vegan burgers and loaded fries.

The market celebrates individuality – and it’s one of the best places in London with an alternative edge. Some clothing shops even offer to play dress up in Victorian clothing. Camden’s creative spirit is what makes it special.

4. Greenwich Market – best for handmade crafts, art and global street food 

Greenwich Market is a lively market offering about 150 stalls showcasing handmade crafts, artwork, jewellery, photography and unique gifts, as well as pre-loved items. I enjoy visiting each time and love the combination of a creative hub and a foodie destination. There is a central food court hall serving everything from dumplings to curries, crepes and cakes with plenty of vegan food options.

What makes the market so special is that it sits in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage area, surrounded by the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Park. If you’re planning a full day out, this is one of the easiest markets to pair with sightseeing, green space and riverside views.

5. Portobello Road Market – best for antiques, vintage treasures and colourful market stalls

Portobello Road Market is one of London’s most famous vintage markets. Soak up the atmosphere at Paddington Bear’s favourite market, one of the oldest in London, on Portobello Road. There has been a market here since the 1800s, but it's become famous for its antiques since the 1950s. I love browsing the mix of vintage clothing, jewellery, maps, collectibles and bric‑a‑brac, all set against the colourful Notting Hill houses.

The highlight of my visit is the vintage clothing. There are market stalls selling 1930s through to 1960s fashion, as well as specialists in 1950s bomber jackets and more. You can find everything from bric-a-brac to maps, jewellery, coins and furniture. When I visit, I always take a look at the silver jewellery, as you can get quite good deals, especially on rings.  

Although open every day except Sunday, it truly comes alive on Saturday, with more than 1,500 stalls to browse. It’s hard to beat this market if you love treasure-hunting like me and it’s always busy, which is  also part of the charm.

6. Coal Drops Yard's markets – best for foodies, design lovers and architecture fans 

Choose from two weekly markets at Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. Browse Canopy Market’s stalls for delicious food, designer products, arts and crafts. It is one of my favourite modern markets and it changes up its offerings quite frequently. It often hosts events such as monthly gardening and nature workshops or weekly outdoor salsa classes on Wednesday evenings. If you are into Asian food and products, visit the Shōtengai pan-Asian Market running from Thursday to Sunday and on bank holiday Mondays once a month in the Lower Stable Market.

I was amazed when I saw miniature vivariums in the Canopy Market as well as stands with olives allowing you to taste before you buy. I also saw plenty of handmade beauty products alongside homewares, clothing, art, books and more at the Lower Stable Street Market.

This charming covered market is located just off Granary Square, under the beautiful Victorian glass-and-steel roof of the West Handyside Canopy. This restored Victorian railway building gives the whole area a unique character, with desk chairs and outdoor seating, and pop-up events in the summer months. During peak hours it can get very crowded so if you want to bring a buggy or big bags, it's best to visit off-peak.

I find weekends particularly enjoyable here, to wander between stalls, cafés and the surrounding boutiques. When you want to take a break, it’s easy to step outside and enjoy nearby Granary Square with its choregraphed fountains and outdoor seating.

7. Brick Lane Market – best for vintage fashion fans and street‑art lovers

One person’s junk is another’s gem – and you will find plenty of both at this sprawling east London market spread across several streets. At Brick Lane Market, you can pour over an eclectic selection of bric-a-brac, second-hand furniture, vintage clothes, shoes and lots more.

Food is a big part of the experience, too. I tend to stop at the exotic spice's stalls before getting something tasty to eat. Sunday is the best day to visit, with Upmarket featuring more than 200 stalls including a food hall with 40 traders, plus there is the rambling flea market. If you arrive later, explore The Old Truman Brewery's more upscale markets, including the Backyard Market, Sunday Upmarket and Vintage Market.

When I visit, I always stop to get bagels at the popular Beigel Bake shop close to the market, open 24 hours and seven days a week. You can also take part in a Brick Lane Indian Food Tour, which showcases the best food from the subcontinent, including delicious curries, fresh naan, unusual snacks and traditional Indian sweets.

8. Covent Garden Market – best for foodies, artisanal goods and street performers

Covent Garden Market consists of three areas: Apple Market, selling British-made crafts and accessories; East Colonnade Market, with stalls offering everything from magic tricks to sweets; and Jubilee Market, where you’ll find arts and crafts on weekends. I always stop at the area within the Apple market where a staircase leads to a below area with restaurants and tables and usually offers some kind of musical entertainment.

This central London shopping market built in 1830 is an architectural masterpiece featuring a spectacular iron and glass roof. It houses the amazing Benjamin Pollock’s toy shop, perfume boutiques, restaurants and cafes, as well as gorgeous crafts, antiques and jewellery and one of my favourite bakeries selling macaroons.

After finding your treasures, you can relax on the Piazza, sipping a coffee at a table and having a leisurely afternoon being entertained by one of the many talented street performers. Or visit the London Transport Museum which is right next to the Piazza and discover London's transport history.

9. Southbank Centre food and book markets – best for foodies and book lovers

Follow your nose to find the tasty treats on offer at the Southbank Centre Food Market, set just behind the Royal Festival Hall near the Thames. The rotating cast of street food vendors are specifically chosen for their dedication to delicious, sustainable and ethical food and drink. I love the concept behind the market, and the food is so delicious.

After eating I often stroll a few minutes along the river to the Southbank Centre Book Market, beneath Waterloo Bridge, to hunt for cheap hardcovers outside the BFI Southbank . You always find street performers and plenty of nearby bars and cafés, which make it a relaxed and scenic afternoon out.

10. Brixton Village and Market Row – best for foodies, fresh produce and home goods

Wander under the railway archways into the covered arcades of Brixton Village and Market Row in the south of London. I love the cultural mix here – you'll discover a thriving community of arty homeware shops, cocktail bars and food traders, plus clothing, crafts, book and record shops.

If you step outside onto Electric Avenue, the atmosphere shifts again, with long‑standing street‑food traders and stalls selling fresh produce, spices and ingredients from around the world. It’s one of the best places in London to shop for Caribbean, African and South American groceries, and the restaurants inside the arcades serve dishes like jerk chicken, dumplings, burritos and curries.

I always recommend visiting hungry and giving yourself time to explore both the indoor arcades and the surrounding streets. My favourite places to eat are the two Ethiopian restaurants, Light of Africa and The Kitchen Majeti, as well as KOI Ramen Bar and any of the independent coffee shops.