The london markets, all of them very authentic and unique, are one of the main reasons to make a visit to the city, in which bargain lovers will come home with bags full of items and food from the stalls and shops of the street markets. London's celebrities.
In this cosmopolitan and multicultural city you can find several reference markets where you can find everything from antiques to food from different parts of the world, flowers, vintage or curious objects or clothes of all kinds.
You should keep in mind that some markets only open only one day or a weekend and others all week, so it is advisable to plan the route through the city well and save on weekends to tour some of the london markets, which open those days and are usually the ones with more atmosphere.
Another thing you can not forget is to carry cash, since some places do not accept a card, and an empty backpack to take all purchases.
During our visits to London in 10 days and London in 6 days we have traveled many of its street markets and cutlery, so based on our experience and taste, we have dared to make this list of what we consider are 5 best markets in London.
1. Camden Market
When you arrive in Camden Town either by subway, by boat from Little Venice or on the typical red double-decker buses, you feel like in another world. The most famous place in this picturesque and entertaining neighborhood is Camden Market, our favorite, and for us the best market in london.
The Camden market opens every day from 10 to 7 in the afternoon, although the day with more atmosphere and people is Sunday. In principle, if you want to take photos and take a leisurely walk, we recommend you come during the week, but if you want to live the atmosphere, do not hesitate to come here on the last day of the week, we are sure it will be an unforgettable day. You should also keep in mind that you can invest a whole morning in traveling, since it has more than 1000 stops and shops, which make it the largest market in London.
One of the places we love is the Camden Stables Market, full of stables converted into original shops or art galleries, full of charm.
If you want to buy different or second-hand clothes at good prices, get tattooed, buy vintage items, look for vinyl records or listen to alternative music, Camden Market is your place.
Camden Market
2. Portobello Market
The Portobello market, located in the beautiful and colorful neighborhood of Notting Hill, is another essential place to visit in London. This market is one of the largest in the world in antiques and takes place every day of the week except Sunday, on Portobello Road. According to our experience, the best day to visit the Portobello market is Saturday, when you can look for bargains at antique and vintage objects stalls since during the week it is more dedicated to food products.
In addition to the market, you can take advantage to enjoy the environment and that is one of the things we are sure you will like most about Portobello Road will be to enter its premises full of original and charming details such as bookstores, bars, restaurants, cafes or small shops.
Notting Hill is a bit far from central London, so to reach the market the best option is to take the subway to the Notting Hill Gate stop.
A good option to know the history and not miss anything about the neighborhood is to book this free tour of Notting Hill Free! With guide in Spanish.
Portobello Market
3. Brick Lane Market, one of the markets in London that you have to visit
The neighborhood and street market of Brick Lane in London, is one of the places that is increasingly fashionable in London. On this last trip we did not miss the opportunity and took the subway to Aldgate East to tour the market, in addition to seeing its famous graffiti, among which are some made by the best graffiti artists in the world such as Bansky.
Most of the shops, galleries and market stalls are concentrated on Brick Lane, where you can find second-hand furniture, original items, books and magazines, vintage clothing and food stalls from around the world.
In this neighborhood there is a great presence of the Bengali and Indian community, so don't be surprised if you find numerous shops and restaurants, as well as cartels written in English and Bengali.
The only problem with Brick Lane, one of the best markets in London, is that it only opens on Sundays from 10 to 5 in the afternoon, so you will have to book this day of the week if you want to know it.
If you doubt between going to Camden or Brick Lane on Sunday, we would leave Camden for a Thursday or Friday, which also has a lot of atmosphere, and leave Brick Lane for Sunday.
Brick Lane, one of the markets in London that you have to visit
Recommended travel cardsRemember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
4. Borough Market
One of the best things to do in London is to eat one day at one of the Borough Market stalls. In this covered food market, art deco style and located very close to the London Bridge, you will find quality products from different locations around the world in its more than 100 stalls. Also in the market stalls and shops you will find cooked food and you can also buy meat, fish, pastries, bread, wines, cheeses or quality products from British farms.
To find other places to eat we recommend you check this post of our favorite restaurants where to eat in London.
The origins of the Borough Market in London date back to the 11th century, which makes it the oldest food market in England and even its old style has made it appear in films such as Harry Potter or The diaryof Bridget Jones, although it is also a regular in the cooking programs in which the most famous chefs are going to buy the products in this market.
This market opens every day from 10 to 5 in the afternoon, on Saturday they open at 8 and on Fridays it closes at 6. It is advisable not to go on a Monday or a Tuesday, since they do not open all stores.
Borough market
5. Leadenhall Market
Our latest recommendation from best markets in London It is the beautiful Leadenhall Market, one of the pleasant surprises of our last trip to the capital of the United Kingdom. This market stands out above all for its location in a Victorian building, covered in glass and iron, which moves you in another era. Once you see yourself going through it, we are sure that you will understand the reason why in this market of the fourteenth century several films have been shot, including scenes of Harry Potter.
If you have seen the movies or liked the Harry Potter books, we recommend you book this tour through Warner Studios where the movies were shot or this tour through the stages that inspired J.K. Rowling of London as the Leadenhall Market.
For more information on these tours you can consult this guide to visit the Harry Potter studios in London, based on our experience.
The Leadenhall market takes place from Monday to Friday from 10 to 4 in the afternoon, although shops and restaurants are open every day.
Rather than going to shops that are quite expensive, we recommend going in the evening to see it illuminated and have a pint or eat in one of its pubs or restaurants.
Leadenhall Market
Other markets in London that you cannot miss
If you have more time and want to visit other markets in London, here are 5 options that are also worth it:
- Covent Garden: famous covered market in which the Apple Market market stands out. Open every day from 10 to 8; Saturdays from 9 to 8 and on Sundays it closes at 6 in the afternoon.
- Columbia Road Flower Market: Market with all kinds of flowers, plants and garden items. Open every Sunday from 8 to 3 in the afternoon.
- Broadway Market: They sell products from local farmers, clothes, furniture ... Open on Saturdays from 9 to 5 in the afternoon.
- Greenwich Market: Very appreciated by locals with fruit and vegetable stands, antiques and handmade items. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 in the morning to 5:30
- Old Spitalfields Market: Market covered with topo type of objects and clothes. Open every day from 9 to 5 in the afternoon.
If you feel like helping us complete the list of the 5 best markets in London, add yours in the comments.
