A Guide To London's Markets

A Guide To London's Markets

• Visiting London, Places To Eat, Sightseeing, Top Picks

You could spend days exploring London's many markets. Selling everything from food to flowers, modern art to antiques, clothes to furniture, they are the perfect shopping destinations. If you're looking to spend a day wandering about (hopefully finding a few bargains along the way) we’ve put together a guide to London’s top markets to help you decide which you'd most like to explore! 

Portobello Road Market

[Photo credit: ebookers.com]

Located in the heart of picturesque Notting Hill, the Portobello Road Markets are a must-do when visiting London! 

The full street market is open on Friday and Saturdays. Despite Saturday being the busiest day, we recommend going on either of these days to experience the bustling Portobello Road in full swing (limited stalls are open on other days of the week).  

Portobello Road is a very long road- on the Southern end of the market, you’ll mostly find antiques. In the middle of the market, you’ll come across various delicious food options, modern fashion clothing & accessories and household goods. And up towards the Northern end, you’ll find vintage clothing & accessories, collectables, bric-a-brac and furniture stalls.

The iconic colourful houses that line the road are a delight to see- and don’t forget to keep an eye out for the famous Blue Door featured in the film “Notting Hill” starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. 

Our tip: wear your walking shoes! 

When: Monday to Wednesday, 9am-6pm, Thursdays, 9am-1pm, and Friday and Saturday, 9am-7pm.

Where: Portobello Road, Notting Hill, W11 1AN

Closest station: Notting Hill Gate (Southern end), Ladbroke Grove (Northern end)

Our top vacation rental picks: Aldridge Road Villas, St Lukes Road, Codrington Mews

Brick Lane Market

[Photo credit: joiedejude.com]

This traditional flea-market affair has a diverse range of goods! Everything from (delicious) food, second-hand clothes, furniture, magazines, toiletries, sweet treats, nic-naks and everything in between! The market spreads across quite a large area and several streets. The Brick Lane Market is known for being a wonderful place to pick up home accessories: from kitchen equipment, CDs, DVDs, and more. 

It is most famously known for it’s delicious Indian and Asian food. You can be sure that there is no shortage of snacks, delicacies and proper sit-down meals that you can enjoy between browsing the stalls.

Our tip: head to the food stalls/restaurants with the biggest queues (the queues are long for a reason!)

When: The market itself is open on a Sunday from 9am-5pm, however the surrounding shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants are open 7 days a week.

Where: Brick Lane, E1 6PU

Closest station: Aldgate East or Liverpool Street

Our top vacation rental picks: Clerkenwell, Tower Bridge, Wireworks

Camden Market

[Photo credit: uk.businessinsider.com]

In addition to being well-known as the neighbourhood where the late Amy Winehouse resided, Camden is also renowned for its wonderful markets and lively atmosphere!   

The Camden Markets are filled with some of the capital’s most creative people. Spend a day browsing along many stalls located down the narrow streets off the Camden High Street, where you can expect to find jewellery, fashion accessories, shoes, alternative clothing, and more. 

And we mustn’t forget the myriad of food venders- you’ll be spoilt for choice by the many choices of cuisine from all over the world- it’s no wonder the Camden Markets is a favourite for both locals and tourists! 

Our tip: As the markets are quite big, we recommend downloading a map of the markets from Google so you don't miss any sections.

When: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 6pm.

Where: Camden High Street, London, NW1 8AF.  

Closest station: Camden Town

Our top accommodation picks: Buckland Crescent, Linehope Street, Park Road 

Borough Market 

[Photo credit: ebookers.com]

Borough Market is a wholesale and retail food market located in Southwark- it is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London.

Whether you’re after a delicious breakfast, lunch, or brunch- or just looking for some delicious fresh produce to take home to cook up a feast for yourself- Borough Market is where it’s at! 

Farmers and producers from all over England travel here to showcase and sell their exceptional British produce to the London locals and, of course, London visitors.

You can expect to find a range of produce including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes, patisseries, and more. 

 Borough Market truly is a foodie's paradise. Also- If you’ve been looking for a particular ingredient, you’re likely to find it here.

Our tip: Head to the Bread Ahead stall and grab a donut first thing in the morning- they are deeelicious! But be quick- they sell like hotcakes!

When: The market is open 10am-5pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-5pm on Saturday. Note: Although the full market operates from Wednesday to Saturday, some traders and takeaway stalls do open Mondays and Tuesdays.

Where: Borough High Street, Borough, London, SE1 9DE

Closest station: Southwark Station

Our top accommodation picks: Borough, Wireworks, Old Vic

Columbia Road Flower Market 

[Photo credit: theldndiaries.com]

If you want to fill your Sunday with stunning colours and beautiful floral scents, head on over to the Columbia Road Flower Market! The flowers and plants are some of the best (and cheapest) you can get in London.

In addition to the beautiful plants and flowers on offer, you’ll also find lovely stalls filled with modern decor for your home- perhaps you’ll find the ideal souvenir to take home or unique gift for friends or family.

We suggest going earlier in the morning to avoid the crowds and get your pick of the bunch!

Alternatively, if you’re not an early riser- try your luck at the end of the day (from 2.30pm) when the stallholders madly reduce their prices before packing up for the day! 

Tip: Take your camera and get some snaps of the beautiful sea of colour across the market.

When: Every Sunday from 8am–3pm. 

Where: Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Rd, E2

Closest station: Old Street Station

Our top vacation rental picks:  Clerkenwell, Tower Bridge, Wireworks 

Do get in touch with our Enquiries team if you'd like our expert advice on the perfect places to stay in London. We're happy to recommend options from our vacation rental portfolio based on your preferences. Please email [email protected] or call us on +44 20 7349 7016.  

Alternatively- you can view our full portfolio of London Vacation Rentals here. 

We look forward to hearing from you!