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The London landscape is dotted with street markets, some of which are the best traveled in the world. Open most days of the week, these markets are always bursting with men and women shopping for the latest fashions, vintage trends and delicious street foods. Although London has more street markets than you can possibly travel to, here is a definitive guide to some of the best.
Camden Lock is the original arts and crafts market in London, and the “creative and cultural heart” of the city. What was once a timber yard is now a market selling alternative fashions, artwork, vintage jewelry and plenty of character. The perfect time to walk through the stables and along the canal is when the sun is setting just over the water.
While it might not be the exact location where Anna was “just a girl, standing in front of a boy, telling him she loves him,” Portobello Road Market – located in Notting Hill – is one of the world’s largest antiques markets. Each day of the week, different vendors arrive prepared to sell anything from fashion to antiques to food. If you’re searching for ware diversity, look no further!
Old Spitalfields Market is one of the finest surviving Victorian markets in London. Built in 1876 and located just five minutes from Liverpool Street Station, this market is a perfect shopping destination for vintage-loving men and women. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays are the main market days, but any day of the week at Spitalfields is a treat.
This is the largest East End flea market, selling antiques, clothes and bric-a-brac at bargain prices. While the area used to be the hunting grounds for Jack the Ripper, it is now the heart of London’s Bangladeshi population. It has become famous for its savory curry restaurants, so don’t forget to try this unique cuisine when you stop by!
This is London’s world famous Sunday market, dating back to the 17th century. Here, you can purchase clothing for men, women and children. It offers everything from club nightwear to over-ordered designer clothes, all for a fraction of the original price. The Aldgate East section of the market specializes in leatherwear. Technically, Petticoat Lane doesn’t exist anymore – you can thank Victorian sensibilities for that – and it is now called Middlesex Street. For fashionistas wanting plenty of styles to choose from, this is your new happy place.
At Greenwich Market, buyers have access to goods found nowhere else in the world. Considered one of London’s best covered markets, Greenwich market was founded in 1700 and has been a Royal Charter Market since its birth. In the tradition of Camden Lock, Greenwich Market began to sell arts and crafts in addition to its fashion, antiques, beauty products and jewelry.
A combination of multiple markets, Covent Garden is just off of the Strand. The Apple Market is home to British made crafts, arts and leathers, with a variety of goods sold each day. The East Colonnade Market is set up each day and sells a range of soaps, handmade jewelry and more. The Jubilee Market changes its business daily, with new stalls taking the place of older ones. No matter which market you visit, the diversity of goods will blow you away.
As one of the food markets of London – built in 1411, this is the oldest covered market in London – Leadenhall Market sells fresh meats, cheeses and other fresh cuisine. If that’s not enough to inspire a visit, the Diagon Alley scenes of Harry Potter were filmed in the market. With tons of old-world character, Leadenhall is a stepping stone to the past.
They say save the best for last, and that is certainly true with Borough Market. Monday through Saturday, vendors gather to sell gourmet food to Londoners and tourists alike. There’s every kind of cuisine, ranging from fresh meats and cheese to delectable desserts to fresh fruits to imported wonders. Don’t eat anything beforehand, though; you don’t want to ruin your appetite!
London’s urban landscape has been catering to merchants for centuries, and remnants of this tradition survive today. Whether you’re looking for elegant fashion pieces or cuisine, London’s markets know how to take care of you no matter where you go.
