There is no shortage of London markets — and that’s exactly the problem. With so many options, it’s hard to know which ones deserve a spot on your itinerary and which ones you can skip. Consider this your London market guide, built from three or four real trips (and one more coming this May). My husband and I have wandered, eaten, and shopped our way through the city’s best markets so you don’t have to guess. Here’s what’s actually worth your time.
Before You Go:
How to Dress for London Markets: Markets in London are casual. So wear something comfy that you’ll be okay walking miles in.
What to bring: Bring a tote bag or plan to buy one. You’ll find souvenirs and stuff you want to bring home or snacks you’ll want to save for later!
A day bag can also be helpful here to carry things you may want with you like a camera, hand sanitizer, an extra layer, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
Check the weather: Markets are mostly outdoors so pay attention to the weather that day! There are exceptions and some markets are both indoors and out.
Cash or card: It’s up to the individual vender so you may need some cash on hand. We’ve been fine with a travel credit card for most of our purchases though. An exception is the bathrooms…
Toilets: In a lot of these markets the toilets will cost you a couple pounds and in my experience many don’t take card. So pee before you leave the hotel and if you eat at a restaurant go to the restroom before you leave.
Pay attention to the days: Many markets are open in some capacity daily. Their websites will have the most up-to-date info on what is open so you don’t miss their “big” day of the week!
The Markets:
The Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane is my favorite market we’ve been to. It’s busy, gritty, edgy, and urban. I think about it all the time and I wish I was kidding when I say that! It’s that good and the vibes really are immaculate.
When: Sunday (but various areas are open 7-days a week)
Where: Brick Lane, Whitechapel. The Old Truman Brewery hosts several of the regular markets at it’s huge site right on Brick Lane.
What to expect: Vintage fashion, home goods, handmade art and crafted jewelry, and international street food
Not to miss: There is A LOT to see so here is a small list of what not to miss:
- The Brick Lane Vintage Market: Dozens (hundreds?) of vintage venders. You can basically find anything your heart desires in this part of the market. Some venders are super niched down where they only sell trench coats or certain designers. It’s really cool to just walk around even if you’re not into vintage!
- Upmarket: This is attached to Vintage Market so you’ll walk right into it. Greg and I always get lunch here. If you like street food and want to try food from literally anywhere on this big beautiful planet, you’ll have the opportunity here! This isn’t sit-down eating though. It’s street food so expect to either eat it standing or try to grab a quick spot on a picnic table.
- Backyard Market: I look forward to this part of the market every time we go to Brick Lane. You’ll find jewelry, prints, accessories, home decor, etc here. Everything is so unique.
Caught on a rainy day? Everything above here is inside. There is also:
- Ely’s Yard: Offers street food trucks.
- Brick Lane Beigel Bake: I don’t eat beef but we can’t go to Brick Lane without Greg getting a beef bagel. Open 24-hours which is cool! They usually have a line so arrive before you’re hungry.
- Various venders, tents, and shops: Walk around Brick Lane and it’s connecting streets. You’ll find all kinds of cool people doing and selling cool stuff.
Portobello Road Market
When: Saturday
Where: Portobello Road
What to expect: Trinkets, collectables, laid back vibes, the most colorful distinct buildings
Not to miss: Portobello Market consists of many mini markets and I’ll admit I’m not sure we’ve seen everything there is to see there yet. We spend most of our time between Kensington & Chelsea.
- Antiques: You’ll find hundreds of dealers in the street and in indoor arcades. This is what the Portobello Road Market is famous for!
- Fashion: The Green Market sells clothes and collectables.
- Notting Hill Bookshop: Technically not part of the market but if you’re there and a fan of books it’s worth a stop. Yes the bookshop inspired the Notting Hill romcom with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
Portobello gets busy. Like really busy! So get there early. And when you’re done shopping, I have to recommend you get a drink or a bite to eat at a cafe where you can sit outside and people watch. It’s so fun!
Covent Garden
When: Tuesday-Sunday
Where: Covent
What to expect: Food, gifts, handmade jewelry, collectables
Covent Garden is a whole vibe. Again here there are a few different markets that either link together or are just so close in proximity they sorta become one! Covent Garden is a full-day destination if you want it to be.
Not to miss:
- The Jubilee Market Hall: Depending on the day you go, the market changes. Some days are antiques while other days have more of an art market vibe.
- Apple Market: Great place for local goods and foods. Right outside the canopy is a large square which frequently has street performers and other entertainment.
- East Colonnade Market: Handmade soaps, handbags, children’s clothing, and more.
- Covent Garden overall: Covent Garden has tons of stores
- Neal’s Yard: Tucked away little safe haven in the Sevel Dials area of Covent. Couple cute shops (Including Neal’s Yard Remedies which is to DIE FOR) and good people watching.
Borough Market
When: Everyday except Monday
Where: Southwark
What to expect: Food. Lots and lots of food. Come for Lunch or drinks
This isn’t really a market you’re really going to shop at unless you’re staying in London longterm (jealous if that is your story!). It’s a market that quite literally celebrates food in every way. There are three main areas to to the market to explore and each area varies a little Everything from super specialty ingredients to more standard ingredients can be found here. I always stock up at the Tinned Fish Market with fish imported from Portugal and Spain to bring home with me for girl dinner.
Greg and I always walk the parameter before we leave and find a pub for lunch.
Camden Market
The first time we went to Camden we really didn’t understand the appeal and why it’s so hyped online. After going a second time and knowing what to expect, we finally get it. When you get to Camden, walk by all of the odd shops out front with big crazy displays. That’s not what you are here to see! Instead walk by the lock and you’ll find a more relevant area.
When: Varies
Where: Camden Town
What to expect: Unusual gifts, eye catching accessories, vintage pieces that have been “upcycled” in some way
Like the Portobello Market, Camden is broken up into three distinct locations: Stables Market, Camden Lock, and Hawley Wharf.
The Stables Market is a historic area with cobbled walkways and lots of little shops. Once horse stables, now a market with lots of local venders and a Amy Winehouse statue.
Camden Lock is the home to vintage markets, vinyl stores, and street food.
Hawley Wharf has lots of canal-side stuff to enjoy. We usually get a drink to sit by the water with before we move onto our next thing for the day! But they also have shops, hotels, and activities like mini-golf.
Camden has some of the coolest boutiques and you’ll definitely want a tote bag for goodies here!
Old Spitalfields Market
This is always a busy market with a lot of locals. To me, the appeal of this market is that it’s inside, you can walk through it really quickly and feel like you “saw it”. You’ll basically know if there is something you want right away. When I was researching this market to make sure I had my facts straight—I learned this is a curated market which means they’ve carefully chosen traders, artists, and craftsmen for the quality of the products they make and sell.
When: 7-days a week
Where: Spitalfields (Pairs really well with Brick Lane Market and the Schoreditch area!)
What to expect: Modern eateries, some gentrification vibes, small makers, traditional market stalls, brand stores you’d see other places
Leadenhall Market
A true hidden gem!!! It is BEAUTIFUL and so worth seeing. It served as a filming location for Harry Potter which is it’s current claim to fame. The shops close but the beautiful pathway doesn’t.
When: Everyday except Sunday
Where: City of London
What to expect: Harry Potter vibes (duh!) and beautiful design
Off the Beaten Path: Greenwich Market
When: Weekends and Monday/Wednesday/Friday
Where: Greenwich center
What to expect: Local energy, collectables, independent stores, some food venders
We accidentally stumbled into this market on our first trip to London! Greg wanted to go to Greenwich Park to see the Prime Meridian Line and we saw this market and had to turn in! It’s a covered market with a really distinct local feel. I got a pair of earrings and they were so surprised we were there on vacation and happened to make our way down to Greenwich! Since this isn’t a particularly busy market (we’ve now gone twice), you can really talk to the venders and they’re so eager to tell you about what they’ve made and give you ideas on what to do next. It’s really special!
How to do a Market Day Right
Here’s the thing about London markets: they work best when they’re part of a bigger day, not the whole day. Most of them are in walkable, interesting neighborhoods with plenty of other things to do nearby. A few pairings that work really well together:
Millennium Bridge + Borough Market — Views first, food second. Walk the bridge, then reward yourself with lunch at Borough. Simple and perfect.
Greenwich Observatory + Prime Meridian Line + Greenwich Market — We found Greenwich Market completely by accident on our first trip and it became one of our favorite stops. Head to the observatory, do the Prime Meridian photo, then wander into the market on your way back down.
Brick Lane + Old Spitalfields — Plan these two together, full stop. They’re close, they complement each other well, and you can easily spend a full morning moving between them.
Covent Garden + London Transport Museum — The museum is right there. Like, right there. It’s an obvious pairing and a great backup if it starts raining mid-market-browse.
Every time we go to London, the markets are one of the first things we plan around — and somehow they always end up being the part of the trip we talk about most on the flight home. There’s something about wandering through a city at street level, eating food you’ve never tried before and finding things you weren’t looking for, that just can’t be replicated. I hope this guide takes a little of the guesswork out of your trip — and if you want help planning the rest of it, Greg and I are available for that too. Now go find your new favorite market — and maybe grab a bagel while you’re at it.
