A local’s guide to the best markets in London for street food, vintage and souvenirs to visit during the week, or for a fun moment on Saturdays and Sundays!
If there’s one thing London is famous for, aside from its shopping streets, historical sites and other cute coffee shops, it’s the markets.
In these lively, oftentimes huge markets, you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for: street food? Check.
Artisan bits and vintage clothes? Also check.
Or maybe you’re looking for unique things to buy in London, like handmade jewelry, or feel like trying out, finally, tasty Neapolitan pizza or Korean corn-dogs on the go?
From Old Spitalfields Market in East London to Stables Market in Camden Town, there are some really cool markets to go shopping while in London, and these are the ones I visit the most when living in London.
The Best Markets in London for Street Food, Vintage & Souvenirs
Throughout this guide, I will scatter here and there other posts I have written about the best places to go shopping in London.
You know how passionate I am about treating myself to the best food possible, and while I love visiting high-end fashion shops, I also very much enjoy a walk around London’s historical markets.
Did you know, for instance, that Covent Garden and its Apple Market make for one of the oldest markets in London?
Established in the 17th century, the square hosted a fruit and veggie market which we now know as a concentration of shops right in the heart of Central London.
Enough rambling – let’s get on, and you’ll hopefully discover here a few new shopping spots, alongside other street food places and self-standing shops close to the markets!
Best Markets in London: Apple Market, Covent Garden
The Apple Market is located in the middle of Covent Garden Piazza, and blends in the best of London in stalls selling anything from handcrafted jewelry to vintage clothes and collectibles.
You will also find a few famous street food spots inside, like Shake Shack, along with a few dessert and ice cream spots like Venchi and Ladurée; the latter offers some of the best macarons in town, and also has a terrace from which you can observe life passing by around you.
The Apple Market is also one of the prettiest places to visit for Christmas decorations in London, made even more vibrant by the daily presence of street performers.
Read: The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London
Best Markets in London: Old Spitalfields Market, East London
What makes the Old Spitalfields Market so interesting to visit is, in my opinion, just how many street food vendors are established there, like Sud Italia and their incredible, quite cheap Neapolitan pizza.
The market, located between East London and the City of London, is one of the places I love the most in town, not only because of how many fashion stalls there are inside, but also because we’re here in a gorgeous Victorian building, in the heart of the historic Spitalfields area.
Within walking distance, Puma Court, a secret alley, makes for a perfect photo spot with its blend of brick houses and street art.
Plus, less than 10 minutes away from the Old Spitalfields Market, you can also find the colorful Brick Lane street art with all its vintage shops, bookshops and beautiful breakfast spots, like Vida Bakery and Kahaila.
Read: The Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf
Best Markets in London: Borough Market, London Bridge
I have a few favorite places to eat in Borough Market, and a couple of these are located right inside of the market, like Bread Ahead Bakery and their huge filled doughnuts, or Greedy Goat with their goat’s milk ice creams.
The London Bridge area is loaded with hidden gems, like the medieval Southwark Cathedral that you can see from the market, but if you love architecture, do take a moment to admire Borough Market’s Victorian-era ironwork structure.
Then, if you’re planning to stay in the area, make sure you check out the following guides to find more ideas for your stay:
- The Best Things to Do in London Bridge in one hour
- The Best Cafes in London Bridge
- The Best Brunch Spots in London Bridge
Read: The Best Harry Potter Things to Do in London
Best Markets in London: Stables Market, Camden Town
Stables Market, then, takes us to North London, an area I particularly love for its countless historical sites, like Highgate Cemetery and Holly Village amongst others.
It’s but an amazing shopping spot in Camden, in which you’ll find anything from bucket hats to vintage coats, unique shops such as Cyberdog and its neon clothes, and of course, lots of street food spots.
Stables Market represents the best of Camden Town, and is a place in which I can lose myself for hours, checking out the bronze horses sculptures, the colorful vegan burgers, and other Asian street food stalls.
If you’re looking for other really cool things to do in Camden Town, do pay a visit to Buck Street Market further down the road to see even more handmade art, scented candles, and vintage clothes.
Read: The Best Things to Do in Soho
Best Markets in London: Portobello Market, Notting Hill
Portobello Market in Notting Hill, West London, was one of the first markets I ever visited in London, and while it has always felt way too crowded for my liking, I cannot deny how amazing it is to stroll between the stalls there.
What’s interesting about Portobello Market is the line-up of antiques, fashion, and street food vendors surrounded by some of London’s coolest shops.
For instance, while budget shops are usually found in East and North London, you will find a spacious Poundland store on Portobello Road.
There are also lots of really good cafes and breakfast spots in Notting Hill, like When Abby Met Claud or Gail’s Bakery, one of my favorite bakeries in London, which offers the fluffiest, tastiest cinnamon buns.
When you’re done visiting Portobello Market, you do have lots of options to keep enjoying West London’s hidden gems:
- Maybe a snack in the shape of a delicious pastel de Nata at Lisboa Patisserie?
- Or why not visiting Kyoto Garden and the Dutch Garden at Holland Park, easily reachable by walk?
Read: The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
Best Markets in London: Columbia Road Flower Market
Hidden between Bethnal Green and Hoxton, two of the coolest East London neighborhoods, Columbia Road Flower Market is an it-spot to get beautiful flowers on a Sunday.
As soon as the weather gets really nice and sunny, this flower market makes for a nice natural moment, great to visit on a romantic date before enjoying the period rooms at the nearby Museum of the Home.
Read: The Best Things to Do on London’s Piccadilly Line
Best Street Food Markets in London: Deptford Yard Market
A few days ago, I shared with you some of my favorite things to do in Greenwich, South East London, and briefly mentioned that a visit to Deptford close by would show you London with fresh, local new eyes.
Deptford might be one of the most secret neighborhoods in London, but when you discover the plethora of small, cute cafes, very local restaurants and the bustling Deptford Yard Market, you’ll understand why it’s such a must-visit.
Mouse Tail Coffee, another branch of which can be found inside a free library in London Bridge, has a permanent spot in the market with a hipster slash minimalist decor, and if you enjoy natural things, then Forest, a beautiful plant and flower shop, is another place to have on your bucket list.
Read: The Best Free Things to Do on London’s Central Line
Most Secret Markets in London for Food: Exmouth Market
My favorite thing about visiting Exmouth Market is that the whole street very much feels like a village inside London, add to it the presence of Macellaio, one of the best Italian restaurants in town, and you’ve already got two reasons to spend some time there.
Grind, Caravan and Gail’s Bakery, three famous London coffee shop chains I’ve mentioned time and time again here, are all perfect for breakfast, brunch, or to work on your laptop for a bit.
If there’s one shop to pop by while in Exmouth Market, though, it’s the Botanique Workshop, with its curated plants and floral-inspired gifts.
When you’re done walking around Exmouth Market, you’ll find that the Clerkenwell area is a great one to visit to learn about London’s past and architecture.
And if you’re down to walk some more, Barbican and Smithfield are also located close to Exmouth Market, with historical hidden gems that you just shouldn’t miss, like the Charterhouse and St Bartholomew the Great church.
Read: The Best Things to Do During Summer in London
Best Street Food Markets in London: Roman Road Market, East London
Nestled in the Bow area, after Bethnal Green and Mile End, Roman Road Market is one I used to visit a lot when I lived in Mile End, close to the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park.
We have here a more simple, more traditional market with lots of fresh fruits and veggies and street food bits and bobs, in addition to a couple of fashion stalls.
Roman Road is one of East London’s coolest streets, lined with small cafes and local restaurants, one of which, Cafe East, offers some of the best halal Full English breakfast you’ll ever eat in London.
And if you’d like to go for some makeup shopping, there’s a really well-stocked Superdrug on Roman Road, in which you’ll notably find MUA Makeup Academy, Barry M, Rimmel, and other amazing British makeup brands, alongside the dreamy Hawaiian Tropic body mists.
Read: The Prettiest Places for Nature in London
Best Street Food Markets in London: Street Food Union Market, Soho
Located on Rupert Street, close to the colorful Carnaby Street, Street Food Union Market is one of the most easily accessible markets in Central London.
And that’s where you will find some of the best street food stalls out of the whole city, from fresh pasta to juicy burgers and other Lebanese specialties.
It’s interesting to note that if you’re ever looking for really cheap eats in Central London, Street Food Union makes for one of the most affordable food spots, with many dishes priced at around £5/6.
When you’re done eating, a walk around the area will make you discover some of Soho’s hidden gems, including street art, colorful streets, and other very unique shops.
Read: Where to Find Shakespeare Sculptures in London
Best Street Food Markets in London: Mercato Metropolitano, Mayfair
Where Mercato Metropolitano in Mayfair differs from places like Stables Market or Street Food Union in Soho, it’s in its upscale vibe.
Inside this market, situated in a former church, you will be able to enjoy views of the beautiful stained glass patterns, columns, and even be able to shop for plants at the flower shop at the front of the market.
Ice cream, authentic pizza, Japanese ramen, tapas… There’s everything you could wish for, and more at Mercato Mayfair.
Don’t forget to go upstairs when visiting so you can soak in the lively atmosphere of the street food market from above, and admire the church’s beautiful architecture.
And afterwards?
Well, once you’re done enjoying some food, make your way to Mount Street Gardens or Brown Hart Gardens nearby – they’re two of the most secret gardens of Central London, perfect for pictures and some downtime!
Read: The Most Instagrammable Secret Cafes in London
Best Street Food Markets in London: Truman Brewery Market, Brick Lane
There are a good few markets in East London, but none come close to how famous the Truman Brewery Market and the Brick Lane Vintage Market are.
Enter from Brick Lane, about 10 minutes away from Bethnal Green Road, Beigel Bake and Crosstown Doughnuts, go downstairs, and you’ll simply find one of the biggest vintage fashion shopping spots of London.
Spending time in Brick Lane is probably one of the best things to do whether it’s raining, the dead of summer or you’re just bored on the weekend, as beyond simple shopping, you can find lots of inspiration at the vintage market.
Second hand Burberry trench coats, costume jewelry, leather jackets and rows upon rows of Levi’s 501 jeans await downstairs with, at street level, more handmade items and street food stalls.
Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London
Best Street Food Markets in London: Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
About 5 minutes away from London Bridge station, Vinegar Yard is one of the lesser-known markets in London, and one to visit absolutely for even more fashion and styling inspo.
Vinegar Yard is known among Londoners for its street food stalls, which include, of course, Italian food and delicious burgers, but it’s really the handmade soaps, scented candles, and various retro clothing and jewelry stalls that always attract me.
We’re really close to the historic Bermondsey Street here, which bears, like much of the London Bridge area, traces of its maritime past.
Do pop by when you’re done at Vinegar Yard, as there are lots of cute cafes on Bermondsey Street to enjoy, like my favorite, Fcukoffee, so full of colors and so politically incorrect.
And since I haven’t yet told you about any of London’s secret museums in this guide, just know that on Bermondsey Street, you’ll also find the Fashion and Textile Museum, a top spot to visit on a fashion itinerary of London.
Read: The Best Cafes in London With a View
Most Secret Markets in London for Food: Lower Marsh Market, Waterloo
A couple of minutes away from Leake Street, one of the most secret street art spots in London, the Lower Marsh Market is another cool spot to visit for great street food, in a street that, like Exmouth Market, feels like a tranquil village.
We’re close to the Waterloo Tube station, and within walking distance from Southbank, which means you could start the day by visiting Borough Market, walk up the South Bank, and then take a left to Lower Marsh.
This is a weekday market, and there, you’ll be able to taste amazing katsu curry chicken at Daddy’s Japanese Food, Greek pita wraps, and oh-so-flavorful Nigerian specialties at Sisi Olonje.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Best Street Food Markets in London: Boxpark Wembley
Boxpark Wembley is a huge street food market I used to visit a lot when I lived in West Hampstead, as there are only a few Tube stations between West Hampstead and Wembley Park.
The latter houses the London Designer Outlet, which is but one of my favorite shopping centers in London, especially for discounted Nike sneakers and cheap Yankee Candles, and makes for a must-visit if you’re coming to town specifically for shopping.
At Boxpark Wembley, which has other branches in London, and namely one at the end of Bethnal Green Road, you will find so many good things to taste.
Zia Lucia, with their indescribably tasty Neapolitan pizza, the Argentinian Grill, or German Doner Kebab are all present there, and if you’d like to end on a sweet note, you’ll find a huge Bread Ahead Bakery (yes, the same as Borough Market) a few minutes’ walk from Boxpark.
Read: The Cutest Floral Cafes in London
The Best Markets in London for Street Food, Vintage & Souvenirs
There you have them, all the best markets in London to visit for pastries and desserts, vintage clothing bits, and other really cool gifts and souvenirs!
You’ll hopefully have found here some new places to discover while visiting London: all of these vintage and street food markets offer something different, with each their own identity.
Whenever I live in London, I like to start my day by having a coffee at one of the chain cafes London is filled with, like Caffè Nero, Starbucks or Pret a Manger, and then make my way to a market.
The bustling vibes make London what it is, and it’s always a blast to treat myself to a new kind of snack before discovering pretty neighborhoods I’ve never seen before!