London Markets Guide

London has an exceptional market culture — food, antiques, flowers, vintage clothing and crafts — spread across the city and running on different days. Here's a practical overview of the best, when they run, and who each one is actually for.

Food Markets

Borough Market (London Bridge) — the big one, open Wednesday to Saturday. Best for produce, artisan bread and grazing, busiest on Saturdays. Maltby Street Market (Bermondsey) — Saturday–Sunday, smaller and less crowded than Borough with similar quality. Broadway Market (Hackney) — Saturday only, primarily food and local-facing. Portobello Road (Notting Hill) — primarily antiques and vintage on Saturdays, with some fruit and veg stalls.

Antiques & Vintage

Bermondsey Antiques Market — Friday from 4am, gone by mid-morning. Portobello Road — Saturday, best for antiques in the northern section. Brick Lane — Sunday, strong for vintage clothing and furniture. Spitalfields (East London) — Thursday and Sunday for antiques, daily for general craft and market stalls.

Flower Markets

Columbia Road (Hackney) — Sunday morning only, the best flower market in London. Arrive before 10am for the best selection; later for reduced prices as stalls pack down.

Tips for Visiting

• Most good markets are weekend-only or Saturday-only — check days before planning your trip around one.
• Early morning gives the best selection; arriving in the final hour often means cheaper prices on perishable stock.
• Markets near tourist areas (Borough, Camden) are busier and slightly pricier than equivalent neighbourhood markets.
• Bring a bag and cash alongside card — useful at smaller stalls.