An introductory guide to the main markets for visitors to London
There are many markets in London, many small neighbourhood fruit and vegetable markets you might stumble across at any time.
Then there’s markets like the world-famous Covent Garden, which have become destinations for unique crafts as well as household goods.
Many of the markets in London get very busy and popular, especially at weekends – timing is everything. Get up early and grab some great one-off bargains, or go later and soak up the atmosphere, with loads of London of entertainment and food and drink too.
The really big markets in London include; Covent Garden Market, Portobello Road, Camden Lock and Borough Market. Columbia Market boasts a popular flower market while Spitalfields is a covered market with character and all sorts of different goods.
For more information on these and other top markets to see in London visit our blog: top 10 London markets you must visit. You might also be interested in our other page Shopping in Central London.
Popular markets in London
Some markets are housed in iconic buildings, others have simply made a name for themselves through years of honest trading; here are the top markets in London for visitors and locals alike.
Portobello Road Market – Notting Hill – Bayswater
Portobello is a street market occupying Portobello Road north of Notting Hill. The South end of the street is mainly antiques, the middle is vegetables, and the north end bric-a-brac.
The market is open Monday – Saturday from 8am to 7pm, with traders usually operating from 8.30am to 6pm. In the summer stalls close between 5-6pm and in the winter they close between 4 and 5pm.
If you are after antiques, the main day is Saturday, but there are antiques stores open around the market for most of the week and a few antique traders on Fridays.
On Saturdays, Portobello is huge, with over 2,000 stalls, selling everything from books to bric-a-brac to lace. Thousands of people mill around browsing second-hand clothing stalls or other vintage items and collectables.
For those who have the patience to search and have some knowledge, there are some fantastic bargains.
You can walk to the market (just follow the crowds) from Notting Hill Underground in about 5/10 minutes and at the northern (less interesting end) of the market is Ladbroke Grove Underground. If you’re staying in Bayswater you can easily walk it.
Portobello Market can be found on Portobello and Golborne Roads.
Underground Stations: Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove
Camden Market
Combining two former markets: Camden Stables Market, previously a horse stable and hospital, and Camden Lock Market.
Situated alongside the canal, it started as a craft market but has since expanded to offer a much broader range of products and eateries.
Camden Market has emerged as one of London’s top tourist destinations. The crowd here is generally younger compared to other markets, giving it a more fashionable vibe, although it is gradually becoming more commercialized.
The main market is by Regents Canal, you cannot miss it with the words Camden Market emblazoned over a railway bridge that crosses the main road outside.
Visit our Hotels near Regent’s Park, Baker Street and Marylebone page for more information.
The nearest underground is Camden Town. The number 24 bus stops outside and is one of may bus routes, the 24 goes very frequently connecting Camden Lock with the heart of Central London.
It is at the weekend that the market scene jumps fully into life with all stalls and shops fully trading and the lively Camden Lock Village opening Friday to Sunday.
The indoor fashion market at the Electric Ballroom opens on Sunday only.
There’s a wide array of goods to view ranging from antiques to clothes (vintage and new) crafts, accessories and furnishings. Indeed just about everything and anything you could conceivably want, but probably not need. Sundays, in particular, tend to be mega-crowded.
Underground Station: Camden Town
Borough Market
Borough Market is London’s oldest food market. It was established on the south bank of the Thames when the Romans built the first London Bridge. It has occupied its present site for 250 years.
This gourmet’s delight boasts a mouth-watering range of fresh food stalls under its Dickensian wrought-iron roof. Accent here is on quality, not cheapness.
People may not know but Borough Market is also known for its Harry Potter connections.
Visit our Harry Potter Walking Tour for Muggles in London page for more information.
Between Borough High Street, Bedale Street, Stoney Street and Winchester Walk nearest Underground is Borough or London Bridge, both a 5-minute walk away.
Underground Station: London Bridge
Covent Garden Market
Historically Covent Garden’s Apple Market was famous as the home of quality fruit and veg in London. Today you can find a range of unique handmade crafts and goods throughout the week – arts and crafts are at the weekends with more general market selling clothes and household good in the week.
Covent Garden has its own special atmosphere with a musicians and magicians regularly making an appearance, alongside both stalls and high-end shops. There really is something for everyone.
There’s even the famous pub – The Punch and Judy – to relax in.
Underground Station: Covent Garden
Columbia Road flower market
Every Sunday this historic street fills with a bright patchwork of hundreds of flower stalls. Columbia Road is the capital’s most colourful and sweet-smelling market.
Everything from bedding plants to 10-foot banana trees are up for grabs. A lot of the flower sellers grow their own plants.
Underground Station: Hoxton
Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is a covered market which marries market stalls with modern shops and restaurants. Best day to come is Sunday by far the busiest day, with over 150 stalls operating.
Organic vegetables, art, books, ethnic, vintage cars – a whole rag tag of merchants. Many leading contemporary artists and sculptors have their studios there.
Underground station: Aldgate East
Popular London Attractions
| London Eye | Amazing panoramic flight on the world’s highest observation wheel. » Fast track tickets available. |
| The Shard | Tallest building in Western Europe with viewing of London from the top. » Fast track tickets available. |
| St Paul’s Cathedral | Cathedral of the Diocese of London, venue for royal weddings. » Pre-book to guarantee entry. |
| Westminster Abbey | Along with St Paul’s, England’s main religious building.» Pre-book to guarantee entry. |
| Tower of London | Home of the Crown Jewels and a rich thousand year history. » Fast track tickets available. |
| Madame Tussauds | See wax statues of the most famous people in the world. » Fast track tickets available. |
| London Dungeon | The creepiest attraction in town, the London Dungeon. » Fast track tickets available. |
| Hampton Court Palace | Henry VIII Medieval Palace set in vast grounds. » Pre-book to save money. |
| The London Zoo | World class zoo in the centre of London. » Flexi tickets available. |
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