no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 05 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

From fruit-and-veg stands piled high with produce to chatty antiques sellers, London has a long and proud tradition of regular, public markets.

Some are set within high-arched Victorian structures, others thrown together in an open-air jumble, but all will give you a taste of an older way of shopping: browsing, haggling, rooting around for a treasure.

Markets big and small pop-up all over town at different times of the week, month or year – selling everything from vintage records to artisan street food – but these are the most established, unmissable shopping spots.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: +
When: All year around

When to do it

London’s markets are spread across different days, but all start early in the morning, which is when you’ll find the best stock, freshest food and vintage bargains. All of them – particularly Camden and Borough markets – are much busier on weekends, so try and aim for a weekday.

Borough Market

London, United Kingdom (UK)

London’s premier gastro hub, with over 100 stalls in a historic covered market, offering everything from artisan breads and cheeses to street food, hand-made chocolates and vegan cakes.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

Street view of a busy market on a sunny day
Experience

Brick Lane Market

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Against the backdrop of authentic East End curry houses and junk shops, this weekend market selling vintage clothes to local art and food is the embodiment of the East End scene. London’s edgy diversity in all its scruffy glory.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
Close up of the market welcome sign during the daytime
Experience

Camden Market

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Beloved of teens, tourists and tie-dye fans, this rambling collection of markets, selling everything from clothes and crafts to vinyl and vegan food, stretches along Camden Lock and the historic Pickford Stables.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

Website >
Overview >
People buying flowers at the market during the daytime
Experience

Columbia Road Market

London, United Kingdom (UK)

One of the Insta crowd, Columbia Road blazes with colour every Sunday morning, when the flower market spreads out along the street.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Borough Market and beyond

Borough Market and beyond

London

While Borough Market is firmly on the tourist trail I will show you the hidden, quirky history that only the locals know. Starting from the ...

£15 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [44 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
PRIVATE London Food Tours - Borough Market, Soho, East End, Camden

PRIVATE London Food Tours - Borough Market, Soho, East End, Camden

London

Whether you’re travelling to London, planning an event or looking for a unique gift idea, Chubby Fellow is at your service. Choose from one...

£135 | Rating 4.98 / 5 [165 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Bingham Riverhouse

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.

Official star rating:

CitizenM Tower of London

London, United Kingdom (UK)

An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.

Official star rating:

Durrants Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This grand, family-run hotel has the warmth, intimacy and polished service of a gentlemen’s club in uber-trendy and sophisticated Marylebone.

Official star rating:

Ham Yard Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Set in the heart of the buzzing West End, this super-chic hotel is as popular with Londoners as visitors, giving it a vibrant, authentic vibe.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

Website >
Overview >