London's weekends—and many weekdays—come alive in the bustling markets that spread far and wide throughout the city. Some offer a broad spectrum of handcrafted items and antiques, while others focus on artisanal treats and international flavors.
In 2021 alone, London was home to over 260 markets, with a mix of 162 permanent and numerous temporary or seasonal gatherings, reflecting the city’s love for commerce and community.
Exploring London's markets offers a deep dive into the city's vibrant subcultures, providing a genuine taste of urban life through fashion, antiques, gastronomy, and beyond. These markets are a portal to unexpected shopping adventures and culinary discoveries..
The emphasis on street food in London's markets today reflects its diverse immigrant communities. Representing at least 35% of the population, these communities bring a taste of home to the capital, offering authentic cuisines for any curious palate looking to explore genuine flavors from around the world—Afghan, Colombian, Nigerian, Jamaican, Taiwanese, and beyond. After all, this is London, where the world's cultures converge.
Whether you're after a unique gift, a taste of global cuisine, or a new addition to your collection of treasures, London's markets offer an authentic slice of the city's diverse and vibrant culture.
A hidden gem tucked away just a short stroll from Tower Bridge and a fifteen-minute walk from Borough Market, that comes to life on weekends, Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11am - 4pm. Its appeal lies in the unique stalls and the vibrant, local ambiance that replaces the weekday workshops and carpentry spaces.
During the festive season, the market extends its warmth to Friday evenings as well. Adjacent to it on Saturdays, the Spa Terminus market offers its own array of specialities, while the surrounding Bermondsey neighbourhood has its own charm that worth an exploration.
For antique enthusiasts, the nearby Bermondsey Market on Fridays from 6 am to 2 pm is considered to be one of London's finest for vintage finds. It's a market where the early bird is truly rewarded, with the most coveted items often claimed fast.
Situated on the south bank of the Thames, a stone's throw from the London Eye, the South Bank Center Food Market is a cherished fixture in London's culinary scene. Operating on Friday 12 noon – 8pm, Saturday 11am – 8pm, Sunday 12pm – 6pm, this historic market is nestled behind the vibrant South Bank arts and entertainment complex. The area is a hive of activity, brimming with fairs, eclectic stalls, cozy cafes, lively street performances, a book market, and a seasonal Christmas market — offering an abundance of sights and experiences.
A trip to this market can be delightfully paired with a leisurely stroll along the south bank of the Thames, or a visit at the Tate Modern or the Gabriel's Wharf complex, particularly on a balmy day. Be sure to enjoy the culinary delights on offer, including the acclaimed duck confit sandwich from Frenchie's.
Located on the border of Shoreditch and the City of London, Old Spitalfields Market boasts over 350 years of history. It stands as a testament to the seamless blend of the antique and contemporary, offering a rich mix of art, fashion, jewellery, gastronomy, and a vibrant atmosphere. Constantly evolving, the market welcomes new vendors, eateries, and areas to discover.
We regard it as one of London's most rewarding markets, a sentiment reflected in my choice to lead some of our food tours there. We invite you to join us in experiencing this market, a place I have intimately explored daily for the last five or six years. I am well-acquainted with every dish and vendor, as well as the intriguing area around the market.
Here, you'll encounter an array of delectable food options, with a notable emphasis on robust Asian flavours, nestled amongst an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, craft and art stalls, and more. Additionally, the market hosts a special antiques fair on Thursdays and a vinyl record fair on Fridays. The market is open daily between 09am and 05pm.
Broadway Market, a Victorian gem adored by local Londoners, requires a venture to east London, an area often bypassed by tourists, but the journey is rewarding. Its sole shortcoming is its Saturday-only schedule (9am - 5pm) . Beyond that, the market stretches impressively, brimming with culinary surprises and an array of vintage and art stalls.
The market is a global feast, featuring Persian, Vietnamese, French, Argentinian, Guinean, Indian, and Greek delicacies, to name a few. You can even indulge in oysters and artfully crafted seafood sandwiches, surrounded by trendy restaurants and delicatessens.
In addition to the gastronomic delights, there are stands offering art and clothing, set against a backdrop of canals, boathouses, and proximity to two large parks.
Additionally, every Saturday, the nearby Netil Market offers a true community atmosphere. This compact space for art and fashion vendors seamlessly integrates with an array of street food, great coffee and a bar, fostering a sociable and inviting ambiance.
Borough Market, London's oldest food market with a history spanning a millennium, is an essential stop for anyone seeking a diverse array of fine ingredients from around the globe.
For a more relaxed experience, visit on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays (10am - 5pm). While it is also open on Saturdays and Sundays, these days typically draw large crowds which can be quite overwhelming. Midweek, the market is quieter and more focused on raw ingredients.
You'll find a treasure trove of culinary gems here, such as the renowned cheeses at Neal's Yard Dairy, the exceptional oysters from Richard Haward's stand, and the pastries of Bread Ahead. An added perk: a short stroll from Borough Market leads to a cluster of food havens including Mercato Metropolitano, Maltby Market, and Vinegar Yard.
A dynamic and expansive venue that offers a lot more than just food and drinks. Its selection of drinks is commendable, featuring everything from small-batch gin to biodynamic wines and Bavarian-style beers, catering to a diverse palette​​. The venue itself is massive, with multiple large rooms filled with stalls.​
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Outdoor areas complement the interior spaces, with leafy courtyards that are equipped with bars and food stalls, perfect for sunny days or sheltered gatherings during various seasons.​Unlike many street food markets in London that are open only on select days, Mercato Metropolitano welcomes visitors seven days a week, 8am - 11pm (weekends from 11am) with generous opening hours that accommodate both early birds and night owls​.
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Mercato Mayfair is a gastronomic haven nestled in the historical grandeur of a restored 1825 Greek church. This exquisite food hall, which is part of the Italian Mercato group, is filled with culinary hits. You will find a deli, a wine cellar, Neapolitan pizzeria, grilled steaks, fresh seafood, Turkish cuisine specializing in pastries, and much more.
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Venture upstairs to discover a secluded rooftop terrace, a perfect spot to gather with friends for a great dining experience. The hall isn't just about dining; it doubles as a community hub, offering cooking classes and events, and frequently hosting live music sessions to enrich the atmosphere. The market is open daily 12pm - 11pm.
The Duke of York Square Market, operating every Saturday from 10am to 4pm, is one of our favorites. Curated by Partridges, this open-air market is a hotspot for artisanal and locally produced goods, ranging from meats and fish to bread, cakes, and more​​. Its setting outside the esteemed Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea only adds to the market's allure, providing a charming backdrop for the high-quality street food and fine ingredients on offer. It's a place where food connoisseurs can indulge in a variety of flavors, making it a noteworthy destination for anyone looking to experience some of the best of London's food scene on a Saturday.
Brixton bursts with the vibrancy of its Afro-Caribbean roots, presenting a mix of colorful streets and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of the community. The neighborhood is a feast for the senses, where the air is thick with the aroma of authentic Jamaican cuisine and the buzz of authentic immigrant food, including Colombian delights, fills the air. Unlike the commercial vibes of Camden or Shoreditch, Brixton retains a raw, unfiltered authenticity.
Brixton Market stands as a testament to this, a place where hipster trends haven't taken hold, and the focus remains on the rich array of Caribbean and African offerings, from exotic fruits to unique vegetables. Venture behind the main thoroughfare, and you'll discover a warren of alleyways brimming with bustling restaurants and an unmistakable atmosphere.
The local fare is best represented in the numerous Jamaican working-class eateries scattered throughout the neighborhood. Close to the market, two standout attractions are 'Brixton Village' and 'Pop Brixton.' Brixton Village is a hub of culinary diversity, housing working-class restaurants and a smorgasbord of international flavors. Meanwhile, Pop Brixton offers a chic, independent vibe with its array of repurposed shipping containers that now serve as unique retail spaces and food stalls. Open daily 8am - 11pm. Don't miss out our unique Afro-Caribbean food tours in Brixton!
Greenwich Market, operating on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm, is a celebrated destination in Southeast London, rich in variety and culture. The market is split into two main sections. The larger is filled with art, collectibles, and antiques, from classic cameras and watches to collectible coasters, fashion, pop art, and cinema memorabilia.
The more compact section presents a rich assortment of international street food that swells to its full vibrancy on weekends, featuring Thai, Indian, Mexican, Caribbean, American, and South American flavors. Notably, Pimp My Ramen offers a unique take on the classic hamburger by sandwiching it between two savory ramen noodle 'buns'—a delightful fusion that's not to be missed.
Victoria Park Market, nestled in East London's scenic Victoria Park, is a Sunday sanctuary for food lovers. Since its establishment in 2017, the market has evolved into a community staple, celebrated for its incredible array of seasonal produce and street food​​. Managed by the Good Market Company, this market prides itself on high-quality offerings that are as good for the environment as they are for the palate, with a variety of local businesses and suppliers showcasing their best from cheese and charcuterie to cheese steak sandwich and wide selection of international street foods, from Philippine to Afghan. Open Sundays 10am - 4pm.
Camden boasts an eclectic array of markets, each with its own unique charm. The prominent Camden Lock Market, nestled by the serene Regent's Canal, is a vibrant hub open daily, teeming with street food, bars, and an array of merchandise from art to music.
The Stables Market, the largest of Camden's offerings, occupies a historic equine hub, now a haven for antique hunters and a mecca for gothic, rave, and house cultures, punctuated by the renowned Cyberdog shop and the exquisite General Eyewear.
Buck Street Market presents a more compact, open-air experience, with an array of affordable clothing, reminiscent of Middle Eastern bazaars, while the weekend-only Electric Ballroom
thrives with creativity, drawing designers and collectors alike. Food stalls are open daily 11:30am - 9pm, retatil 12pm - 6pm.
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