An introduction to London markets
There's something about browsing one of London's many markets that always makes me feel like the main character of a movie – or maybe I've just seen Hugh Grant walk through the seasons on Portobello Road one too many times.
Popular among tourists and locals alike, these markets draw huge crowds. Knowing when to plan your shopping and where to go if you're looking for food, clothing, or antiques can help make your browsing more enjoyable.
Here are a selection of London markets – my favourites – and how best to experience them.
Borough Market
From its beginnings connected to the construction of London Bridge in 990 AD to being the location of Bridget Jones's supposedly shabby flat to the viral chocolate-covered strawberries that have flooded the market with TikTok-influenced tourists, Borough Market has been a central hub for its nearly 1,000 years of history.
This bustling food market entices crowds with its fresh produce, artisanal ingredients, and expertly prepared food. While you may have to plan your visit to avoid overwhelming hordes of people, there is something quintessentially "London" about picking up food from one of the many stalls and enjoying it on a stroll along the Thames.
Open every day except Monday, I highly recommend visiting during the week (especially in the morning before the lunch rush) to ensure you have time to leisurely peruse and decide what you want to try. For the Londoner, Borough Market gets forgotten after a time, but there’s a nostalgia in making your way through throngs of tourists to buy fancy cheese.
Southwark, SE1 | boroughmarket.org.uk
Portobello Road Market
We can all agree that if Borough is London's oldest market, Portobello Road Market is the city's most famous market. For over 150 years, vendors have sold food, clothing, and antiques along this bustling street.
Today, tourists flock to wander through the brightly coloured buildings and pose for a photo with the famous blue door from the film Notting Hill. Portobello is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts - my go-tos are the sterling silver rings from the jewellry vendors that are (surprisingly) usually affordable and still high-quality. And telling someone their gift comes from such an iconic market never gets old.
The various types of vendors are open on different days throughout the week, except for Monday. Saturday is the busiest day on Portobello Road as all the vendors are open for the weekend crowds. If you're local or just want to avoid the busiest days, it's worth checking the schedule to see which stalls are open on specific days. I always find weekdays to be the best for browsing with more space and without feeling rushed.
Notting Hill, W11 | visitportobello.com
Spitalfields Market
If shopping until you drop and trying new foods is your idea of a perfect afternoon, Spitalfields Market is the place for you. The market has a little bit of everything and I highly recommend dedicating a few hours to peruse all Spitalfields has to offer.
Like much of east London, Spitalfields is a mixture of old and new. From viral street food and trendy shops to timeless restaurants and vintage market stalls, there's truly something for everyone.
As one of the larger markets, Spitalfields also holds special events in addition to their daily market. After shopping, you can check out children's theatre, art exhibitions, or screenings of special sporting events like Wimbledon and the Olympics.
Spitalfields Market is open every day from 8:00 on weekdays and 9:00 on weekends until 23:00.
Spitalfields, E1 | spitalfields.co.uk
Southbank Book Market
Strolling along the Thames on a sunny day is one of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon in central London – made even lovelier by stopping at the charming Southbank Book Market.
Under the Waterloo Bridge, you'll find table after table of second-hand books to browse. From early editions of Harry Potter to orange Penguin classics, you're sure to find familiar favourites or a brand new read. Set against the backdrop of Westminster, the market is a picturesque book-shopping experience that even the most seasoned Londoner can appreciate.
The market is located just outside the Southbank Centre which is home to various arts organisations and festivals, like the London Literature Festival and classical music concerts. The book market is open every day from 10:00 to 19:00.
Southbank, SE1 | southbankcentre.co.uk
Alexandra Palace Farmer's Market
If your usual weekly trip to the supermarket is getting a bit dull, you can always mix up your food shop by visiting one of London's many farmer's markets. Bringing in organic produce from the countryside, these markets make high-quality, sustainable food shopping more accessible in the city.
When I lived in Crouch End, I loved spending Sunday mornings at the Alexandra Palace Farmer's Market. With a mix of farm stalls and prepared food, shopping was much more enjoyable when I could grab a snack or a coffee at the same time.
The farmer's market is open every Sunday from 10:00 - 15:00 at Alexandra Palace Park or Campsbourne School. If you're intimidated by the hill at Alexandra Palace Park, don't worry, the farmer's market is located at the foot of the park and is close to a bus stop so you don't have to walk too far with your shopping. The market is run by City & Country Farmer's Markets which put on markets throughout London with similar vendors.
Muswell Hill, N8 | weareccfm.com
Real Food Market
Finding the right snacks for a train journey is crucial for making an already stressful experience a bit more bearable. When travelling from King's Cross, add a few minutes to your itinerary to visit the Real Food Market outside the station. The market is comprised of a collection of independent vendors, including everything from authentic Masala Chai to traditional Scottish haggis. My absolute favourite vendor is called Outsider Tarts, which sells decadent brownies, cookie bars, and millionaire shortbread.
The Real Food Market is perfect for picking up a treat to make your commute a little sweeter or finding a snack to take with you on a longer journey. The market is open Tuesday to Friday, from 11:00 - 19:00.
King's Cross, N1C | realfoodfestival.co.uk
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