Top Ten Famous Markets of London
London is awash with a diverse array of markets. Venturing through the renowned food, flower and antique markets allows you to experience the city’s international heartbeat. We offer you TOP-10 markets to wander among the vivid smells and colours so beautifully mixed in the spring air.
This is one of the oldest markets in town – it has existed in one form or another for around 1000 years! Nowadays, this delicious paradise is open throughout the week except Sundays. Here, you can buy, or just sample different dishes from around the world, purchase from fresh produce, sip on international wines, or even just gawk at the seafood in display.
This is more than just a market to purchase anything you might need. This is a bustling hub especially popular with young Londoners. Here, you can find a lot of weird things like unusual clothes, all kinds of bric-a-brac, kitsch collectibles, and ethnic clothes. On Sundays, the market also hosts street performers to enhance the vibrant, lively atmosphere.
It comprises two indoor markets housed in separate arcades. Over the last decade they have transformed into an epicentre for London’s culinary diversity, housing nearly 130 independent traders. Here, you can try Jamaican/European fusion seafood, street-style Mexican food, smokey Portuguese grill, and a multitude of Caribbean takeaways. On Saturdays, Brixton Station Road hosts a space that cycles between a flea market, a makers’ market, a vintage and retro market and, at the end of the month, all of them.
Happening each Saturday in Hackney, which is situated in the east part of the city, this famous market is an absolute treasure no matter the weather. Stallholders peddling their wares are set up along the entire road, while food vendors dish out comfort food like paella and risotto from steaming pots. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not stop in for some Jellied Eels at the far end of Broadway?
5. Camden Market
The Camden markets consist of six distinct markets in and around Camden Town, which are located near Camden Lock, which is London’s fourth most popular visitor attraction! Every week, around 250,000 people come here to shop, sample street food and soak up the distinctive, still-grungy atmosphere. Retro or vintage, goth or steampunk...Whatever your cup of tea is, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy at the Camden markets. The markets in Camden Town are open seven days a week and always seem to be buzzing.
Built back in 18-th century, this historical indoor market is a modern home to around 120 stalls selling jewellery, clothes, second-hand furniture, original and unusual gifts. On Tuesday and Thursday, you’ll find more antique stalls; other days of the week have a greater arts and crafts presence. So, this market is worth a whole day visit. You can also pay a visit to the nearby Royal Observatory, or just hop on a Thames riverboat back to central London.
7. Leadenhall Market Columbia Road Flower Market
Situated in the heart of East London, Columbia Road Flower Market, since 1840s until present day has provided the East End with a magnificent assortment of locally and internationally grown flowers and plants. Here, you can pick up any kind of plants to transform your home into an exotic paradise. Neither can you pass by the array of independent shops, galleries, cafés and delis that line the Victorian terraced street that the market runs along.
Located South of the River near the Elephant & Castle roundabout, Mercato Metropolitano is London’s latest food market with a heavy focus on all things Italian and sustainability. Whether you are after a slice of wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, some freshly baked Foccacia, or something from the Argentine Grill – this is the place to be. The market is open all week aside from Mondays.
Old Spitalfields Market dates back to 1638 when King Charles issued a license for "flesh, fowl, and roots" to be sold in what was then known as Spittle Fields. Today, it is a cool place to shop and eat in East London, in just a five-minute stroll from Liverpool Street Station. Artwork to vintage clothes and antiques are plenty here, and the newly launched Kitchens offers a great street food experience in London. Open seven days a week, the market is busiest on Sundays.
The world’s largest antiques market occupies a prime stretch of Notting Hill. It is, in fact, five markets in one, with different sections dedicated to second-hand goods; clothing and fashion; household essentials; fruit and veg; and the main event: antiques. You’ll find the greatest range of antiques stalls on Saturdays, when the market gets so busy that it is wise to arrive early in the morning.