Locals and tourists alike love spending their weekends at London’s world-renowned markets. Whether you’re looking for a pick-me-up snack or a unique gift for a friend, stopping by one of these markets will provide you with everything you need (or perhaps, with what you didn’t need!).
Borough Market
Located in South London by the River Thames, Borough Market is every foodie’s paradise. Here, you can pick up your weekly groceries or try out a new cuisine. Two of my personal favorites inside this iconic scene are The Ginger Pig, which provides incredible sausage rolls, and Humble Crumble, an award-winning fruit crumble spot. I’ve been here a handful of times now and still stumble upon a new booth that offers something exciting to try. This market is a fan favorite and it’s always bustling on the weekends (rightfully so!). If you only have a weekend in London, Borough Market is an absolute must.
Brick Lane Vintage Market
Another fan-favorite, Brick Lane Vintage Market has got to be one of the coolest places on the planet. Inside the sprawling market-space, you’ll find racks on racks of top-notch vintage and second-hand clothing. The market consists of dozens of boutiques, and these small business owners are some of the sweetest and most fashionable people you’ll ever encounter. If you’re into thrifting and fashion, Brick Lane Market is the place to be!
You can spend hours inside Brick Lane checking out each rack and gaining some fashion inspiration for the next time you go all out with your outfit. This is a great spot to bring your friends from out of town, and it’s equally the perfect place to explore on your own. If you somehow don’t find something inside Brick Lane, the surrounding area in Shoreditch also carries unbelievable vintage goods. So, mark off a full afternoon here on your itinerary.
Spitalfields Market
A more humble market compared to the others mentioned, Spitalfields Market sneakily holds everything one could ask for: mouth-watering food, artisan booths, and a ton of options for shopping clothes and crafts. Pick up a donut (or try Humble Crumble here in case you miss it at Borough Market!) and check out all the local businesses represented. It’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch and some talk-’n’-shop.
Camden Market
Even if you haven’t visited London, you’ve probably heard of Camden Market. Camden truly does have everything you possibly could need across its 1,000+ stalls. With endless food options and booths for every niche fashion obsession, I feel that I’ve barely scratched the surface at Camden even with a few visits under my belt. Pick up some (faux) leather goods or, like I finally did, get your hands on a film point-and-shoot camera. The myriad of shops and food spots –– on top of the intense crowds you trudge through –– will keep you busy for hours. To keep it short, it’s most definitely another market that tourists should prioritize while traveling through London.
Portobello Market
Situated in the famous Notting Hill neighborhood, Portobello Market has an eclectic mix of vintage china, cowboy boots, and everything in between. The different booths stretch out along the streets of this quaint area and give you high odds of finding a forever keepsake. Simply browse or seriously dig around the stalls to encounter some serious steals. Although the Tube ride out West may be a bit of a hike for some, it’s totally worth it to see this quirky market and to take in the colorful homes around Notting Hill.
Feeling overwhelmed by the options of markets –– and the options within each market –– is inevitable, but you’ll quickly get a sense of what each one is all about. If you’re not sure what to do one day, check out a market near or far and make an afternoon out of it, for it’s guaranteed to be a great time.
