Steeped in history, the capital’s independent markets are one of its biggest attractions. They don’t only entice tourists from across the world to sample the city’s best craft, but also born-and-bred Londoners looking to invest in some vintage garms from Brick Lane, stock their kitchen cupboard with homemade produce from Borough Market, or deck out their home with antique furniture from Portobello Road. Elsewhere, the likes of Brixton Village and Greenwich Market have long catered for their surrounding communities, while newcomers include Seven Dials’ chic food hall and Maltby Street’s trendy takeover. So, what are you waiting for? Here are the best London markets to visit now. 

Brick Lane Market, Shoreditch

During the week, head over to east London’s trendiest street to get your fill of records, antiques, vintage clothes and more – but it’s on weekends that Brick Lane truly comes to life. Upmarket, found in the Old Truman Brewery houses more than 200 food stalls serving an array of cuisines, from Ethiopian Injera bread to Korean Dak-kkochi skewers. Also in the Truman Brewery is the Vintage Market, where you can take your pick of glam fur coats, vintage bridal wear and men’s suits seven days a week. Don’t miss The Tea Rooms – a real-life Aladdin’s cave of antiques and second-hand furniture – and the Backyard Market, which sells jewellery, art and accessories. 

Brick Lane, E1 6QR, visit vintage-market.co.uk

Portobello Road Market, Notting Hill

You won’t realise you’re slap bang in the middle of London’s largest antique market until you stand at the top of Portobello Road and see the sprawling stalls winding through this Notting Hill stretch. Below the colourful houses that line the street, rifle through antiques on a Saturday; throughout the week, meanwhile, you’ll find vintage fashion, household goods, fresh fruit and veg and street food vendors – you name it, they’ve got it. 

Portobello Road, W11 1LJ, visit portobelloroad.co.uk

Columbia Flower Market, Hoxton

If you’re going for the flowers, get there early. If you’re more interested in the vibes, however, just get to Columbia Road Flower Market before 3pm. One of the best days out in the East End, this stretch of road blooms with an array of fresh shrubs, flowers, plants and trees every Sunday – suitable for Londoners with and without gardens. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, we bet you’ll have a great time (especially if you tag on a Sunday roast at one of the local pubs). 

Columbia Road, E2 7RG, visit columbiaroad.info 

Borough Market, London Bridge

Images: Bruno Martins

One of the most famous markets in the capital, and dating back to 1756, we’d recommend visiting Borough Market on an empty stomach. It’s closed to the public during the early hours, when it operates as a wholesale market, before opening up for Londoners to get their fill of freshly-baked bread, homemade jams and sauces, an array of sweet treats and, of course, some of the most delectable street food in the city. There are up to 100 stalls to choose from (there’s more choice from Thursday-Sunday), making picking between Middle Eastern mezze, seafood wraps, bao buns, Persian stews, Spanish tapas and more almost impossible. 

8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, visit boroughmarket.org.uk

Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey

Think of Maltby Street as Borough Market’s refined younger sister, home to only a handful of food vendors and wholesalers where you can get a delicious bite to eat and stock up your kitchen cupboard with the best artisan products. The market resides within railway arches that are also home to some of the capital’s best craft breweries, earning them the nickname the Bermondsey Beer Mile. The market itself launched in 2010 and is open at weekends; it has surprisingly managed to keep a low-profile since – so it should be the top choice for any foodie looking to escape the crowds. 

Ropewalk, Maltby Street, SE1 3PA, visit maltbystreetmarket.co.uk

Greenwich Market, Greenwich

An oldie but goodie, Greenwich Market is the only shopping experience in London housed within an Unesco World Heritage site. It is open every day, but weekends are the busiest, with 150 artisans selling an array of hand-crafted goods ranging from jewellery and food to clothes and furniture. A food fair is located just outside the entrance, serving stir-fried noodles, fragrant curries and burgers among other things, and you can also find more delicious street food opposite the Cutty Sark, just a few moments away. 

Greenwich Market, SE10 9HZ, visit greenwichmarket.london

Camden Market, Camden

North London’s most famous market encompasses fashion, food, homewares and music across a sprawling 6.5-hectare complex. Camden Lock is the market’s oldest destination, where you can enjoy a canalside pint and steaming-hot street food while browsing quirky arts and crafts. Go under the bridge to find the Stables – a historic courtyard home to international and local brands, creative workshops and more up-market (ahem) dining destinations – or find family-friendly experiences in Hawley Wharf. The newest addition is the eco-friendly Buck Street, featuring colourful shipping containers housing vegan eateries and upcycled clothing.

54-56 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF, visit camdenmarket.com

Brixton Village, Brixton 

One of London’s most vibrant districts is also home to a diverse labyrinth of market stalls and micro-restaurants, where you can find everything from fusion foods, Caribbean delicacies and fresh seafood to independent outlets stocking handmade jewellery, arts and antiques. The arcades are so big that you can easily get lost in them – and we highly recommend that you do. 

Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8PS, visit brixtonvillage.com

Old Spitalfields Market, Shoreditch

Situated opposite Liverpool Street station, Spitalfields Market was originally London’s one-stop-shop for all fruit and vegetables until it moved to Leyton in the 1990s. It’s now housed in a historic covered space where vendors have traded for more than 350 years, and represents an all-round destination offering vintage fashion goods, high-street shops and plenty of street food. The space hosts the Antiques Market from 8am to 5pm on Thursdays, and melomaniacs should visit the fortnightly Vinyl Market to scout out rare LPs and albums, while handmade goods that make for perfect gifts can be found at the monthly Urban Makers Market. 

16 Horner Square, E1 6EW, visit oldspitalfieldsmarket.com

Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden

Another one for foodies, Seven Dials Market is a chic, multi-storey food hall that’s home to more than 20 vendors and two bars in the heart of Covent Garden. The space is lined with communal dining tables – a perfect relaxed spot for date night or catch ups with friends – and is fringed by pop-ups from across London’s food scene. We’d recommend the sushi rolls from Sukoshi, Indian street snacks at Naanstop Express and saucy Cuban sandwiches from Hot Rocket. 

Seven Dials Market, WC2H 9AU, visit sevendialsmarket.com

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