Top 6 London Markets


 

The London markets are some of the best outings you’ll enjoy in the city. There are few places where you’ll experience more diversity or tangible energy; people from all over the world together in a space of simple trading that exists outside of the rest of the city’s gentrification.

Camden Market in London – by Mike Peel – Wikimedia Commons

It is estimated that there are little over 1000 markets that run weekly or monthly across the United Kingdom, with the majority of them taking place in Greater London. Whether it’s fresh produce, antiques, vintage clothing, furniture, spices, flowers or records you need you’ll find them on the city streets at least once a week.

Here are six markets in London not to be missed!

1. Broadway Market in London

The neighborhood of Hackney launched the Broadway Market back in 2004. On Saturdays it is the place to be for London’s hippest, trendiest youth.

It is a creative’s market; stalls sell reworked and vintage clothing, artisanal coffees, books, records, organic fruits and veg & handmade local art. This is one of the best markets for street food in London, arrive early and eat your way through the many stalls on offer.

Broadway Market in London – by Broadway Market – Sourced from their website

There are a total of 135 stalls that you’ll make your way through. Remember to bring along a tote bag to carry the items you collect. The Broadway Market are environmentally friendly as much as can be, which means little to no plastic.

The Broadway Market gets packed in the warmer months. Even in the winter there is no shortage of crowding in the space. Arrive early to avoid everything being sold out by the afternoon.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Saturdays from 9am to 5pm
Info: www.broadwaymarket.co.uk
Subway STATION: Cambridge Heath

2. Portobello Road Market in London

Notting Hill is one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods and I always encourage newcomers to the city to take a guided walking tour to properly experience it. The Portobello Road market is another great way to see the best of Notting Hill as it cuts right through the middle of the area.

This is the largest antique market in the world. And yes, you have probably seen it featured in more than one movie starring Hugh Grant.

Portobello Road Market in London – by Garry Knight – Wikimedia Commons

It takes place seven days a week, but Saturdays are reserved for the main sale of antiques.  This market has taken place religiously since the 1800s; it has seen history that those of us today never will, and it continues to lure London’s most fashionable crowds for their weekly shopping.

Friday’s are the most vibrant, with visitors buzzing thanks to the end of the work week.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9am to 6pm
Address: 306 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA, UK
Subway STATION: Westbourne Park

3. Greenwich Market in London

When the weather takes a turn in Britain, everyone heads to the city’s indoor markets.

The Greenwich Market takes place in the historic village of Greenwich, inside of an 18th century warehouse that is an official World Heritage Site.

The Greenwich Market takes place seven days a week, but there will be different stalls on different days depending on their personal operating times. Antique shoppers are encouraged to visit Tuesdays and Thursdays as this is when they’ll find more on offer.

Greenwich Market in London – by Daniel Case – Wikimedia Commons

There are 120 stalls selling goods like jewelry, clothing, handmade gifts, collectables and art. Then there are 40 stalls dedicated to foods from around the world. A lot of visitors come here just to eat, and aren’t concerned with shopping at all.

As I mentioned, Greenwich holds a lot of history in the city of London. There are guided walking tours that can immerse you in this; alternatively you can catch the riverboat nearby back across the Thames and into the city center.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10am to 5:30pm
Address: 5B Greenwich Market, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 9HZ, UK
Subway STATION: Maze Hill

4. Brick Lane Market in London

Brick Lane Market is my personal favorite one in all the city. I love the sheer chaos of it all; the nonsensical collections held by the stalls, the weird and wonderful bohemian characters that come to shop here and the mind blowing bargains you can find (thrifted Doc Martens for £10, for example).

Brick Lane Market in London – by Aqwis – Wikimedia Commons

Stalls and their contents are unpredictable and just because something was there last week does not mean you’ll ever see it again. This is a market where you need to arrive as early as possible, or all of the good stuff will be gone by midday and you’ll be left with the afternoon junk, sorry!

Brick Lane Market has quirky food stalls as well, as well as many Asian restaurants in the surrounding area.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Saturday & Sunday – 10am to 5pm
Address: Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR, UK
Subway STATION: Shoreditch High Street

5. Camden Market in London

The Camden Market is almost as grungy as the one on Brick Lane. It attracts thousands of visitors each week, and is technically a cluster of small markets within the neighborhood of Camden rather than one single one.

You’ll find food, clothing, furniture, antiques, jewelry, music and touristy souvenirs. Camden is known for its great street food that make up part of the markets as well.

Camden Market in London – by Dcastor – Wikimedia Commons

Note that you’ll spend most of the day outside; so rainy weather calls for sufficient protection, as does a sunny, hot day.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10am to 6pm

Address: Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF, UK

Subway STATION: Camden Road

6. Borough Market in London

The Borough Market is one of the most iconic fresh food markets in the country. It sits right next to the London Bridge, making it a hotspot for tourists. It has been here since the year 1014; just try and comprehend how long standing that is.

This is a food lovers paradise. It’s fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, baked breads, homemade sweets, baked goods, oils, spices… everything you need to fill a wholesome home in the city.

Borough Market in London – by Edward – Wikimedia Commons

There is an area dedicated to those who want to eat in the market rather than shop for take home groceries. The food stalls range from traditional British cuisine to foods from around the world.

Note that the Borough Market does not open on Sundays. A lot of people assume this would be a popular grocery shopping day and make the mistake of heading through.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10am to 5pm
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK
Subway STATION: London Bridge

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