Best Things to do in London: Top 5 Must-Visit Markets
London is a city of many personalities, historic, modern, chaotic, elegant and its markets are no different. Scattered across the city, each one offers its own vibe, whether you’re after street eats, vintage finds, or just people-watching with a coffee in hand. From central London staples to neighbourhood gems, here’s a list of five markets worth checking out, one for every corner of the city.
1. Borough Market
If there’s one market in London that almost everyone seems to flock to, it’s Borough Market. Imagine walking through a maze of stalls where the aroma of fresh bread, sizzling street food, and exotic spices hits you before you even see the vibrant displays.
With a history stretching back over a thousand years, it’s not just a place to grab a bite, it’s a must-visit for any food lover. From artisanal cheeses to global street eats, Borough Market is the kind of place where you want to wander with a loose schedule, an empty stomach, and a camera at the ready.
Why visit Borough Market?
If you love food, this is the market you simply can’t skip. It’s busy, yes, but it’s London’s food scene in one buzzing place.
What was my experience like at Borough market?
This is the one market almost everyone ends up at, partly because it’s more centrally located compared to other markets in London. The smell alone will guide you in. The paella and the famous Black Pig roast pork sandwiches are almost a rite of passage here. The portions are generous, which is great, but it also means you’ll be full after just one dish. If you’re traveling solo, it can be a bit of a struggle to try multiple things, but if you’re with friends, it’s much easier to share plates and sample more of what the market has to offer.
How to get to Borough Market?
If you’re based in central London, you can either walk over or easily take the Tube or Overground to London Bridge Station, from there, it’s just a few minutes’ walk.
Borough Market Details
- Location: Outside London Bridge station, London SE1 9AL
- Opening Hours: Tues – Fri (10am – 5pm); Sat (9am – 5pm); Sun (10am – 4pm)
- Price: average £10 – £30
2. Spitalfields Market
Located in the heart of East London, Spitalfields Market is where trendy meets artsy. Picture a stylish Victorian hall filled with handmade crafts, vintage fashion, and mouthwatering street food, all in one space that’s surprisingly easy to navigate. Unlike some of the busier markets in the city, Spitalfields has a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for wandering at your own pace, sipping a coffee, and discovering little treasures around every corner.
Why visit Spitalfields Market?
Perfect if you want a blend of food and shopping in one place. It’s also covered, so a safe bet on a rainy London day.
What was my experience like at Spitalfields market?
I stumbled across Niji, a stall selling Japanese mochi, and I couldn’t resist. Soft, chewy, and perfect with a coffee. Chi Chi’s pasta was another standout, fresh, saucy, and comforting. What I loved most here is that you can switch between browsing handmade jewellery, crafts, fashion and grabbing street food without feeling overwhelmed.
How to get to Spitalfields Market?
A short walk from Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street stations.
Spitalfields Market Details
- Location: Around the Shordetich area, 65 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9am – 11pm
- Price: average £10 – £30
3. Portobello Road Market
If you’ve ever watched the movie Notting Hill, you probably remember the charming pastel houses and that iconic blue door. Well, Portobello Road Market is right in the heart of that neighbourhood, and it’s just as colourful and bustling as it looks on screen.
Portobello Road Market is famous for its antiques, vintage treasures, and street food, this market blends history, culture, and a little bit of tourist fun, yes, people still snap photos in front of the famous blue door. Whether you’re hunting for quirky souvenirs, unique antiques, or just soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Portobello Road Market is a must-visit slice of London.
Why visit Portobello Road Market?
Portobello Road Market is where London’s history, culture, and vibrant street life collide. It’s not just about antiques or shopping, it’s about strolling through one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, spotting hidden gems, and soaking up the energy of the market. Plus, who can resist snapping a photo in front of that famous blue door from Notting Hill?
What is my experience like at Portobello Road Market?
When I visited, I started at Layla Bakery for some of the flakiest, melt-in-your-mouth pastries you can imagine. From there, wandered down the long strip of stalls feels like a treasure hunt for quirky souvenirs, vintage clothes, vinyl records, and plenty of street food. You’ll notice, it can be quite tourist with a lot of the Notting Hill tote bags for sale. I found myself stopping every few steps, snapping photos, tasting bites, and just soaking in the lively, colourful atmosphere and houses.
How to get to Portobello Road Market?
If you’re coming from central London, take the Central Line to Notting Hill Gate Station, from there, it’s just a few minutes walk to Portobello Road Market.
Portobello Road Market Details
- Location: Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market, London W11 1LJ
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8am – 7pm
- Price: average £10 – £30
4. Camden Market
Tucked along the picturesque Regent’s Canal, Camden Market is London’s playground for the alternative and the adventurous. It’s less of a single market and more of a maze of smaller markets, each with its own personality, from vintage fashion and punk-inspired clothing to hand-crafted jewellery and street food from every corner of the globe. The atmosphere is chaotic, energetic, and unmistakably Camden, making it a must-see for anyone looking to experience the city’s edgier, offbeat side.
With roots going back to the 1970s, Camden Market has grown into one of London’s most iconic cultural hotspots. It’s a place where subcultures collide, smells of international cuisine fill the air, and treasure-hunting feels like an adventure around every corner.
What is my experience like at Camden Market?
To be honest, Camden can feel a bit overwhelming at first with the crowds, the smells, the energy, it’s a full-on sensory experience, especially on weekends. But once you settle in, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement. I spent hours weaving through the maze of vintage shops, quirky record stalls, and food vendors offering dishes from every corner of the globe.
Why visit Camden Market?
Camden Market is your window into London’s alternative side. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something offbeat from edgy fashion and handmade crafts to international street food, you’ll find it all here. Just be ready for a sensory overload, because this market doesn’t hold back. Every corner has something different to see, taste, or photograph.
How to get to Camden Market?
The easiest way is via Camden Town Station, just a short walk from the market. Fair warning: the moment you exit the station, you’ll likely be swept into the crowds, so embrace the chaos and dive in!
Camden Market Details
- Location: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am – 7pm
- Price: average £10 – £30
5. Greenwich Market
Tucked away in the historic heart of Greenwich, this market is a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of central London. Smaller than the city’s big-name markets, Greenwich Market makes up for its size with character, offering a mix of arts, crafts, and delicious food stalls. Its riverside location, combined with cobbled streets and historic surroundings, gives it a relaxed, almost village-like vibe that feels worlds away from the city’s chaos.
Why visit Greenwich Market?
It’s ideal if you want a slower-paced market experience. Plus, it’s a great excuse to explore the historic Greenwich area, soak up the riverside atmosphere, enjoy iconic landmarks, and take in stunning views of London from Greenwich Park.
What is my experience like at Greenwich Market?
The churros stall here completely stole the show, Brazilian-style, made fresh on the spot with gooey caramel inside. It’s the kind of treat that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left. Beyond the food, Greenwich itself makes the visit worthwhile: scenic riverside views, the majestic Cutty Sark, and the Royal Observatory all just a short walk away. After exploring the market, I headed up to Greenwich Park for some of the best panoramic views of London, the city skyline framed by the lush greenery is a picture-perfect moment you won’t want to miss.
How to get to Greenwich Market?
The easiest way is to take the DLR to Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich from there, it’s just a short stroll to the market.
Greenwich Market Details
- Location: 5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am – 5:30pm
- Price: average £10 – £30
Overview
London’s markets are a window into the city’s soul. Each one has its own personality, Borough’s foodie buzz, Spitalfields’ trendy balance, Portobello’s iconic flair, Camden’s chaotic energy, and Greenwich’s charm. You don’t need to visit them all in one trip, but if you do, you’ll leave with a stomach full of food, a bag of eclectic finds, and a pretty good sense of what makes London tick.
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