London Markets – Where Are They & When Should You Visit Them?

You might only be more familiar with Camden Market or Portobello Market in London, but there are a whole host of markets to visit. There are food and clothing markets to flea markets and best of all they are free to visit.

Here are some of the best London markets to visit and when they are open.

Columbia Road Flower Market

If you are looking for new blooms, then Columbia Road Flower Market is where you will find them. Every Sunday the street is lined with the most beautiful flowers and plants, oh and people, so make sure to get there as early as you can, or as late as you can to avoid the crowds. Go early and have full choice, or go late and maybe pick up a bargain as the market vendors look to sell their stock off. There is usually some entertainment in the street and also plenty of places to stop by into for a bite to eat.

Where?: Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG

When?: Sunday 8am-2pm

Camden Market

Camden Market has been one of London’s biggest markets for quite some time. Situated next to Camden Lock, the market has over 1000 stalls and shops selling everything you could quite imagine, including clothing, food, music and art. It’s open everyday and draws in crowds a plenty on the weekend when it gets very busy. There is also plenty of restaurants nearby, with Gilgamesh being one of the very well-known restaurants within the Stables market where celebrities often frequent.

Where?: Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF

When?: Every day 10am-late

Flea Market @ Flat Iron Square

Located near London Bridge is Flea Market at Flat Iron Square. Open every Sunday, the market is a treasure chest of random objects. You really don’t know what you’ll find here, clothing, household objects, trinkets, really you could find some hidden gems. I even came across a pair of Chanel booties! There are also food trucks here so you can pick up a snack to eat as you browse.

Where?: Flat Iron Square, London SE1 1TD

When?: Every Sunday from 10am-5pm

Camden Passage

This market funnily enough isn’t in Camden, but Camden Passage, a small lane within Islington. Here you will find a small selection of stalls with antiques, clothing and lots of jewellery. Along the passage are also independent shops which are worth a look in. Stop off in a cafe for a coffee or tea or go for something a little harder in one of the traditional pubs.

Where?: 29 Camden Passage, London N1 8EA

When?: Wednesdays & Saturdays

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market may be one of the most famous markets in London. It’s situated in Notting Hill, next to all the rows of pretty coloured houses, so you will definitely get your Instagram opportunities here. At the market you will find plenty of unusual antiques, food to stock up on groceries like fruit and veg, food to eat on the day, as well as fashion – new and second hands goods. Saturday is the main day which can be busy, but the market does run all week.

Where?: Portobello Road, London, W11

When?: Saturday is the main day 9am-7pm, but it is open everyday. Full calendar of what’s on when and timings.

Brick Lane Market

Brick Lane Market is a large flea market in East London. Here you’ll find stalls selling clothing, antiques and bric-a-brac to name a few. There is also the Sunday UpMarket in the Old Truman Brewery, with again more of the usual market finds. Close by the market you will find lots of food trucks and often there can be discount designer pop-ups, with plenty of designer clothing bargains. There are also lots of boutique shops close by.

Where?: 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR

When?: Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

Hampstead Food Market

Inside the grounds of Hampstead Parochial School, behind the Everyman Cinema you will find the Hampstead Food Market. The food market is host to 45 award-winning farmers, street food traders and artisan producers. With plenty food to choose from on the day; pick up fresh fish and meats for dinner or enjoy a cupcake or hot muffin as your wander round. Afterwards you can take in the stunning views of Hampstead Heath.

Where?: Hampstead Parochial School, Holly Bush Vale, NW3 6TX

When?: Every Saturday 10am-3pm

Old Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields Market  is located inside a Victorian Market Hall, so there is no need to worry about the weather. You’ll find mostly fashion here, with a range of stalls selling all types of clothing and jewellery. There is also food stalls, and treats from cupcake connoisseurs Lola’s Cupcakes. There are a few boutique shops inside and in the surroundings, as well as places to eat like Wagamama and Giraffe.

Where?: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW

When?: Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm

Broadway Market

Broadway Market in Hackney is always a fun place to visit at the weekend. Every Saturday the street is lined with food stalls of fresh farm food, artisan bread, cakes and more. There are also shops and galleries selling local art and ceramics, clothing and gifts. It is also home to one of my favourite tapas restaurants El Ganso Cafe, which if you love tapas, I’d recommend checking out, if you have any room in your belly after all the food of course.

Where?: Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ

When?: Saturdays 9am-5pm

Borough Market

Borough Market has to be one of my favourite markets in London. I’m a little bit biased because food markets are always going to win me over, but the choice here is pretty brilliant. Fresh seafood and fish, cuts of meat, Ostrich eggs (not even joking), juices, vegetables, alcohol, everything you could think of. One of my favourite restaurants is also here, Roast and they have a Roast takeaway, where I can’t help but stop for a roast chicken baguette, I’m drooling thinking about it now.

Where?: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL

When?: Mon-Thu 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 8am- 5pm