11 Best Markets in London
Where to Go Shopping Like a Local in London?
The best markets in London are known for offering hidden treasures, international cuisines, and a buzzing local ambience. Londoners and tourists alike flock to the city’s lively markets to hunt for bargains, discover new designers, or spend a few hours people-watching. They’re also fantastic places to snack on innovative street food and gourmet delicacies.
Some markets are highly specialised, with great opportunities to hunt for rare books, obscure records, or one-off designer pieces. General markets are more unpredictable, and you might stumble over Victorian medical equipment or old theatre props. If you’re visiting London and want to get a taste of local life, there’s nowhere better to do it than spending time at one of the city’s colourful markets.
1. Covent Garden Market
A former fresh market turned sophisticated shopping venue
Categorías: Ir de compras, Historia, Fotos
Covent Garden was once famous for its enormous fruit and vegetable market, but today it hosts a stylish selection of fashion, antiques, and crafts. The market is divided into 3 sections, with clothing, jewellery and handbags filling the East Colonnade Market while the Apple Market hosts handmade crafts, paintings, and prints. The Jubilee Market specialises in antiques on Mondays and household items the rest of the week.
Check out the vintage militaria and medals at the amusingly named Go Commando, gasp over the exquisite glass flowers at Steampunk Glass, or admire the beautifully carved wooden fruit at Martin Jones. For something a bit different, swing by Ahura Collectables to see their brass nautical instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Dirección: 14 James St, London WC2E 8BU, UK
Horario: Monday and Wednesday from 10 am to 7.30 pm, Tuesday and Thursday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)20 7420 5856
Covent Garden Market
2. Camden Market
For counterculture and cutting-edge fashion in London
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos
Camden Market is a must-visit if you’re after a taste of London’s hippest shopping and entertainment. The market built its reputation on craftsmanship and period glamour – it’s a place where punk, mod and boho style lives on. Visit Modfather for classic British fashion from the ‘60s, check out the unique vintage finds at Collectif, or buy cosy handmade Nepalese clothing at Little Kathmandu.
Some of Camden Market’s more interesting stores include Oddballs, which sells eye-catching circus equipment, and the crystals and astrological readings at Charlotte’s Astrology. Bookshops and art galleries vie for space with comic stores and specialist tea emporiums. Stop for lunch at one of the food stalls – you’ll find just about everything, from Peruvian street food to Portuguese custard tarts. Leer más
Dirección: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF, UK
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)20 3763 9900
Camden Market
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3. Borough Market
Sprawling market selling fresh produce and gourmet bites
Categorías: Ir de compras, Historia, Fotos, Comida
Borough Market has existed since at least 1276, with local vendors trading in this specific spot since 1756. You can find it on Southwark Street, tucked under brick railway arches and covered by a glass-domed roof. It’s a gourmet utopia, where you can buy oak-smoked cheeses, trout and tarragon pate, Lithuanian rye bread and white chocolate truffles. Best of all, everything sold at this market is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Try eco-friendly ‘wine on tap’ at Borough Wines, get a taste of organic Greek food at Oliveology, or check out the vegan cheeses at Palace Culture. Regular events hosted at Borough Market include cookery classes, demonstrations, interviews with vendors, and talks on agriculture and sustainability. Leer más
Dirección: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, UK
Horario: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm, Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)20 7407 1002
Borough Market
4. Old Spitalfields Market
Buzzing indoor market for flowers, antiques, and collectables
Categorías: Ir de compras, Historia, Fotos, Comida
Old Spitalfields Market shows no signs of slowing down, as there have been traders peddling their wares at this spot for over 350 years. Browse the stalls and you’ll spot piles of spices, stands of fresh flowers, and one-off art prints. Thursdays are dedicated to antiques and collectables, while record enthusiasts bring out their stacks of vinyls on Fridays.
Stand-out stalls include retro glasses from Klasik, locally made jewellery at Nekewlam, and original period hats at Last Stop for the Curious. The market has a foodie section, the Kitchens, with 10 counters serving food from some of London’s coolest restaurants. Best of all, it’s a covered market, so it’s a great choice for rainy day entertainment. Leer más
Dirección: 16 Commercial St, London E1 6EW, UK
Horario: Monday–Wednesday and Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)20 7375 2963
Old Spitalfields Market
5. Southbank Book Market
Attracts bibliophiles from across the city
Categorías: Ir de compras, Historia, Fotos
Southbank Book Market takes place rain or shine, sheltered from the elements by the arches of Waterloo Bridge. The varied books on offer range from classics to contemporary thrillers, murder mysteries, science fiction, poetry, and children’s literature. There are stalls selling comics and graphic novels, and you can also buy maps, prints, and old vinyl records.
The riverside location also provides gorgeous views of Somerset House across the water, which you can enjoy at numerous waterside cafés. Avoid arriving too late in winter, as many stallholders pack up early. This area is a cornerstone of the arts, so you can easily combine your shopping spree with a visit to BFI Southbank Cinema, the National Theatre, or the Hayward Gallery.
Dirección: Waterloo Bridge, 337-338 Belvedere Rd, London, UK
Horario: Daily from 10 am to 7 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)20 3879 9555
Southbank Book Market
6. Brick Lane Market
Fun retro market with street entertainment
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos
Brick Lane Market is a great place to find antiques, furniture, vintage clothing, and retro curios in London. It’s fitting that one of the most vibrant areas of the East End hosts a market that’s just as lively, colourful, and exuberant. You can find niche sellers who trade in period cameras, ethical skincare, and imported fabrics, just to name a few. Street performers add to the festival atmosphere with music, dance, and street theatre.
Just off Brick Lane, the Old Truman Brewery hosts a specialist markets focusing on vintage clothing, jewellery and accessories, and antiques. The street is famous for its curry houses so, once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to sample the pasanda and jalfrezi dishes at Aladin Brick Lane, or try Sheba‘s famous ’Bollywood Blast’. Leer más
Dirección: Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, UK
Horario: Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Brick Lane Market
7. Bermondsey Antiques Market
An old-school market for antique silverware and china
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos
Get up early to bag a bargain at Bermondsey Antique Market, where stallholders set up before dawn. This is where the serious collectors come to hunt for beautiful antique gems and one-of-a-kind pieces. Many of the vendors have been there for decades and are hugely knowledgeable about their trade and happy to chat with customers.
Among the dizzying array of collectables, you’ll spot plenty of Victorian and Georgian silverware, glass and china, antique jewellery, period furniture, paintings, and plenty more goodies. It’s not unusual to see old maps and postcards, ancient fossils, or antique weapons. Local history enthusiasts will enjoy the stalls run by ‘mudlarks’, who comb the banks of the Thames for historic objects.
Dirección: 11 Bermondsey Square, London SE1 3UN, UK
Horario: Friday from 6 am to 2 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)33 3358 3688
Bermondsey Antiques Market
8. Cabbages & Frocks
Cupcakes and cute clothing in a tranquil courtyard
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos, Comida
Cabbages & Frocks is a fabulous shopping spot for dedicated followers of fashion. The market combines vintage clothing from big-name brands with pieces from independent designers and handmade jewellery. Dig around the stalls and you might spot a preloved Coach handbag or pair of Manolo Blahniks, or clothes from up-and-coming designers.
The Saturday-only market is held in a picturesque tree-lined courtyard behind St Marylebone Parish Church, where you can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee between bouts of shopping. Food stalls lean towards desserts and sweet treats, with standouts including moreish cupcakes from Monkey Poodle Cake Co., and colourful macaroons at Wharf Road Bakery.
Dirección: St. Marleybone Parish Church Grounds, Marylebone High St, London W1U 5BA, UK
Horario: Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm
Teléfono: +44 (0)20 7794 1636
Cabbages & Frocks
9. Hackney Flea Market
A surprising and intriguing assortment of knick-knacks
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos
You never know what treasures you might unearth at Hackney Flea Market, with its offbeat collection of craft objects and vintage curiosities. Stallholders sell everything from furniture, homeware, textiles and lighting to ceramics, artwork, jewellery, and period luggage. Some of the odder items for sale include taxidermy animals, vintage bicycles, and old flags from around the world.
There’s more than just antiques to be seen, as local crafty types sell their handmade wares, often upcycled from old bits of salvage. Regular special events focus on specific areas like records or furniture, and there’s a magical Christmas market every December. General markets are once per month, so look out for upcoming dates and get ready to hunt for bargains.
Dirección: 73a Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AS, UK
Hackney Flea Market
10. Vinegar Yard
Artsy hub serving local beer and craft rum
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos, Comida
Have a relaxing drink in the sunshine at Vinegar Yard, a city garden that combines pop-up shops and market stalls with street food and art installations. Shops include vintage fashion at Pezze Vintage, vinyl records at Blue Groove Soundz, and just about any wool product you can imagine at Alpaca Emporio. On weekends, the Flea London market sells a varied mix of books, antiques, jewellery, and fashion.
The market is known for its wide selection of draught beers sourced from local London breweries, as well as food stalls selling handmade burgers, Neapolitan-style pizza and Asian food inspired by ancient spice routes. As you amble around, you’ll spot sculptures made from recycled scrap metal by British artist Joe Rush.
Dirección: 72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX, UK
Horario: Daily from noon to 10 pm
Vinegar Yard
11. Portobello Road Market
One of the largest antiques markets in the world
Categorías: Ir de compras, Fotos
Portobello Road Market is one of the world’s largest antiques markets, running through the whole of Notting Hill. It’s most famous for its main Saturday market, but you can actually shop here 6 days a week. Although it’s possible to find a bargain, the items are often high-end and unique, with prices to match.
Portobello Road is arguably the best shopping spot for antiques in London, but it’s also a great place to soak up the ambiance of this swanky neighbourhood. Take the Tube to Ladbroke Grove and it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk to the market. Alternatively, book yourself a room in a hotel located in Notting Hill itself, giving you more time to poke your head into the rows of antiques shops lining Portobello Road.
Dirección: Portobello Road, London, W11, UK
Horario: Monday–Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed on Sundays)
Portobello Road Market
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