Top 7 Markets in London
by Nina Christopoulou
1. Camden Market
It’s doubtful that you will be able to find any one place in London that boasts such versatility or richness of options as Camden. Having shaped the cultural and artistic scene of London, and with a global reputation, the area of Camden is renowned for its market that is split up into many pieces. The Buck Street Market is your go-to place for memorabilia, the Stables Market is ideal for vintage clothing and jewellery while there is also the main Camden Market, a foodie destination in all of its glory. Take a stroll in the packed market during the weekend and discover an entirely new part of London!
2. Borough Market
This one boasts a longstanding historical tradition, dating back to the 12th century! It consists of a wholesale food market with many street food options for any taste and offers an amazing experience for foodies… It has a laid back vibe and is surrounded by some amazing pubs to have that afternoon beer, while Tate Modern is a mere 10 minute walk from the market… All in all, it is one of the must-see options in London!
3. Apple Market
The name is quite deceiving, as apples are not on the menu in this Covent Garden market. The Apple Market has a wide selection of over 40 stalls, selling amazing souvenirs for your loved ones, unique fashion pieces, quite a bit of art and some incredible antiques. It’s situated right at the heart of Covent Garden, and is ideal for your weekend strolls as it is surrounded by amazing bars and great restaurants. The beautifully decorated Covent Garden swings are perfect for your touristy photo (let’s face it, we all want one of those), while a variety of street performers are always to be found somewhere in the area!
4. Brick Lane Market
This one you will find open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and you should definitely save a Sunday for it! Its main attraction is – what else? – food, with so many options to choose from you’ll be drooling endlessly until you decide what you want to eat. The Boiler House Food Hall is the perfect spot for international cuisine, but it also boasts a very nice and relaxing area to hang afterwards, with an awesome beer garden and a lounge bar with seating around the great chimney. The Backyard Market on the other hand is the “creative community” of Brick Lane, bringing together designers and artists of all sorts. In reality, there are very few things that you won’t be able to find at Brick Lane…
5. Portobello Road Market
It’s highly unlikely that – no matter what country you come from – you haven’t come across a photo of the colourful Notting Hill houses. Right there in the heart of Notting Hill, the Portobello Road Market attracts tons of tourists and Londoners alike every weekend! The market has a reputation as the world’s largest antiques market, which is evident upon a quick stroll. Among the 1000 stalls, however, you are bound to come across so many different little treasures, from books to vintage fashion and accessories! There is also a very well curated selection of stalls with international street food for that moment when you need a little pick-me-up to continue your shopping!
6. Columbia Road Flower Market
Unlike all the other options on the list, this one is dedicated to one thing and one thing only. Care to guess? Arguably one of the most visually pleasing markets of London, the Columbia Road Flower Market takes place in East London and it is quite the spectacle. It is immensely busy during the weekends, but the cute restaurants and cafes that you will come across when walking the side streets of the market make up for the mayhem of the flower-filled central display.
7. Old Spitalfields Market
Open 7 days a week, the Old Spitalfields Market has quite the reputation for its variety of products that cover antiques, clothing vintage or otherwise, bespoke child’s toys and of course plenty of food options! A short walk from Liverpool Street Station it’s ideal for your afternoon walk, but we also have an insider’s tip: head to the market on Thursdays, when the Old Spitalfields Antiques Market is set up, to be dazzled a little bit more than usual!
