Experiences
The 5 Best Markets in London
Flowers, antiques, vintage and street food: the best markets in London, from Portobello to Columbia Road.
In short: our top picks are Borough Market, Portobello Road Market and Columbia Road Flower Market. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London’s markets are where the city shows its true colours: flowers on Columbia Road, antiques on Portobello, vintage in Brick Lane and street food everywhere. They are part shopping, part theatre, part day out. These are the best markets in London, and the days to catch them at their best.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Borough Market | Borough | ££ |
| Portobello Road Market | Notting Hill | ££ |
| Columbia Road Flower Market | Bethnal Green | ££ |
| Camden Market | Camden | ££ |
| Old Spitalfields Market | Spitalfields | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Borough Market
Why we pick itLondon's great food market; come hungry and graze your way around the finest produce in the city.
-
Portobello Road Market
Why we pick itThe world's largest antiques market on Saturdays; a mile of stalls, colour and Notting Hill charm.
-
Columbia Road Flower Market
Why we pick itA riot of blooms every Sunday on a Victorian street of independent shops; London at its most charming.
-
Camden Market
Why we pick itA sprawling maze of fashion, vintage and global street food by the canal; chaotic and brilliant.
-
Old Spitalfields Market
Why we pick itA covered Victorian market of design, vintage and food; different traders by the day, always worth a wander.
Before you book
Markets run on their own timetables, so check the days; Columbia Road is Sundays only, others are weekend-best. Go early for the pick of the stalls and the calmest crowds. Bring cash and a bag. And treat it as a wander rather than a mission; the joy is in the browsing.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Borough Market is our editor's choice: London's great food market; come hungry and graze your way around the finest produce in the city. Borough Market, Portobello Road Market and Columbia Road Flower Market lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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