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Vintage Shopping in London: 10+ Unmissable Markets and Areas

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A local’s guide to the best spots for vintage shopping in London, from famous Portobello Road to off-the-beaten-path Crystal Palace’s Maltpress Trading!

Timeless fashion, vibrant trinkets, and quirky treasures – vintage shopping in London is pure magic, a nostalgic window into a past that refuses to fade.

While spots like Brick Lane Vintage Market and Portobello Road steal the limelight, there are many hidden gems in quieter neighborhoods waiting to be explored.

These charming spots are perfect for vintage clothes, second-hand designer scarves or tights from decades past, and unique jewelry pieces.

So, let’s wander through some of London’s most captivating shopping districts, discover one-of-a-kind stores, and explore the best markets for vintage finds!

Vintage Shopping in London: 10+ Unmissable Markets and Areas

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What I love about antiques and vintage shops is how they capture the soul of the city, each one telling its own nostalgic story.

In a place like London, where history seeps into every corner – from its secret churches to tucked-away courtyards – vintage shopping isn’t just shopping.

It feels rebellious, too, like you’re sidestepping the blandness of fast fashion and choosing something with meaning instead.

And let’s not forget, it’s sustainable!

From timeless clothes to homeware with charm, it’s a refreshing way to shop that’s as unique as the city itself.

Vintage shopping in London isn’t just about style; it’s about finding pieces that feel like they were waiting just for you.

Best Antiques and Vintage Shops in London: Maltpress Trading, Crystal Palace

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Located in the Crystal Palace area on Hollybush Terrace, Maltpress Trading is a shop I only discovered a few months ago.

From incredible vintage clothing to hats, scarves, pots, pans and mannequins, they have it all.

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If I had to recommend only one must-visit vintage shop in London, it would be this one.

The owner, Sally, handpicks every single item, and definitely has an eye for unique treasures.

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Those who choose to pop by the Crystal Palace neighborhood will find many hidden gems in the area, especially if you’re into food and vintage shopping:

  • Colairo’s and The Vaults Collective, for instance, are two of my favorite, and very secret cafes in London
  • The Crystal Palace Park dinosaurs are located about 15/20 minutes away on foot
  • Plus, there are other vintage shops in the area, including Bambino, for homeware, vintage makeup containers, retro posters and more
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I purchased a few ends and odds at Maltpress Trading, and every time I am in the area, I know I will get something new from the shop – one of the best you could ever come across!

Find here my full review of The Vaults Collective to learn more about this wonderful cafe, plant and homeware shop close to Maltpress Trading.

You can also read my review of Colairo’s Cafe Deli for gorgeous floral and vintage vibes, red velvet doughnuts and delicious chai latte.

Where to Go Vintage Shopping in London: Portobello Market, West London

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Portobello Market in Notting Hill is another one of the most famous places to go vintage shopping in London.

Beyond that, the entire area is dotted with cute bakeries, colorful streets and other hidden gems.

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The market offers really cool antique stands, with vintage cameras, turn-of-the-century clothing, homeware, collectibles, jewelry…

Pretty much anything you could wish for – you’ll find it on Portobello Market.

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At the start of the street, closer to Notting Hill Gate Station, Alice’s is probably one of the most instagrammed shops in town – and one you have to visit for quirky antiques!

PS. If you get hungry, there are oh-so-many cool bakeries and cafes in Notting Hill you have to try, starting with When Abby Met Claud, a purple and neon coffee shop/restaurant!

Best Antiques and Vintage Shops in London: Various Charity Shops in Posh Areas

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Charity shopping in London is one of my favorite things to do.

From Chelsea to Bethnal Green, from Muswell Hill to Camden Town, the city seemingly offers more charity shops than actual, brand-new-stuff shops.

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Some of my favorites to find second hand designer and vintage clothes, accessories and shoes are:

  • Traid Camden, with truly amazing edgy pieces
  • The Shelter Boutique in Muswell Hill, clean and posh, with lots of designer brands
  • The Trinity Hospice in Notting Hill Gate, which also offers lots of second hand designer bits
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For true vintage, your best bets are Chelsea, Notting Hill, Kentish Town and Muswell Hill.

I also love charity shopping in North Finchley, an area in which I used to live, where you will however mostly find high-street brands – but you never know!

Where to Go Vintage Shopping in London: Crystal Palace Antiques and Haynes Lane Market

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We talked about Maltpress Trading earlier in this guide, but Crystal Palace has more to offer than just this amazing vintage and antiques shop.

Indeed, two other places you have to visit when in the area are:

  • The Crystal Palace Antiques shop, perfect for home decor and vintage furniture of all eras
  • The Haynes Lane Market, also known as the Backyard Market
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One of the most secret markets in London, the Haynes Lane Market offers anything from kitchenware to vintage jewelry, furniture and collectibles.

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We’re in a tiny warehouse type of building, tucked away in a hidden alleyway off Westow Street, and beyond retro furniture and accessories, you will also find there local produce and handmade pieces – a must-visit!

Best Antiques and Vintage Shops in London: Camden Town – Various Shops

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Shopping in Camden Town is a vibe in itself.

From the Stables Market to Sknfd, from budget shops to charity shops, the North London neighborhood never disappoints.

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When it comes to vintage shopping, you will find lots of hidden stalls and stores in various places:

  • Buck Street Market has a few vintage stalls inside, such as Min’s, along with art, candles and fashion shops
  • Stables Market also has a few vendors selling retro telephones, hats, clothes and scarves
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If you are willing to walk around Camden Town for a bit, you will also find lots of charity shops there, many of which not only sell vintage clothes but also second hand designer bits.

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Traid Camden, mentioned earlier, is one of them, and another favorite of mine is Mind Camden, close to the station, a treasure trove with a diverse array of retro clothes, books, shoes and jewelry.

Where to Go Vintage Shopping in London: Vinegar Yard, London Bridge

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If you only have one hour to spend in London Bridge, Vinegar Yard is one of the must-visit places.

Known for its street food stalls, retro decoration and vintage shops, Vinegar Yard is still very secret amongst tourists – not so secret for Londoners, though.

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If you’re into quirky bits, you’ll most definitely find something new to treat yourself to when in the market.

The kind of place in which you find yourself purchasing things you didn’t even think you would ever by, like myself and the shapka hat I got a few months ago…

Best Antiques and Vintage Shops in London: Brick Lane – Various Shops

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We will talk about the Brick Lane Vintage Market right below, but before we do so, just know that there are plenty of vintage shops on Brick Lane, including my favorites:

  • Rokit
  • Here After
  • Hunky Dory Vintage, closer to Bethnal Green Road
  • and Brick Lane Vintage

In addition, you will find other interesting shops on Brick Lane, namely the Brick Lane Bookshop and Urbiana, perfect for quirky jewelry pieces.

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Rokit is one of the most famous places to go vintage shopping in London, and the large Brick Lane store is obviously a must-visit for all kinds of colorful, retro pieces.

Walk down from Bethnal Green Road and you will be able to discover lots of hidden gems on Brick Lane when it comes to clothing and accessories.

If you get hungry while in the area, here are a few of my favorites places to eat in Brick Lane:

Find here my full review of Kahaila Brick Lane to discover a wonderful rustic coffee shop with Red Velvet cakes, carrot and rainbow cakes, and delicious chai latte.

Where to Go Vintage Shopping in London: Brick Lane Vintage Market, East London

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When we talk about London’s vintage shopping scene, one of the first places that come to mind is the Brick Lane Vintage Market.

Actually, there are many different markets in Shoreditch and East London in general perfect to buy vintage, antiques, and street food all rolled into one – this is one of them.

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From homeware to vintage rings, retro Burberry coats and vinyl records, the Brick Lane Vintage Market has it all.

It is, in my opinion, one of the most surreal places in London, one in which you never know what you’re going to find.

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Still, you might very well go home with a 1920s dress, a fluffy bucket hat, or a patchwork pair of washed out jeans!

Best Antiques and Vintage Shops in London: Audition Vintage, Commercial Street

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Audition Vintage on Commercial Street is a decently-sized shop facing the Old Spitalfields Market, and one of the most affordable places to go vintage shopping in London.

The Spitalfields neighborhood is simply an enchanting one, in which streetwear shops elbow hidden alleys and medieval sites – all of this, close to the historic Liverpool Street station.

At Audition Vintage, I have found many different DKNY pieces, including retro and vintage bags of the kind celebrities used to sport during the 90s…

This alone made me fall in love with the shop.

In the basement, there is also a huge selection of clothes which barely retail for over 10 pounds – if you’re looking for cheap clothes, that could be a great place to start.

Where to Go Vintage Shopping in London: Good, Neal Street, Covent Garden

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There are several branches of Good shops in London, but my favorite is the one on Neal Street – a colorful, beautiful street in Covent Garden.

The selection there is immaculate, spanning from high-street to couture brands, and so organized that you could easily spend hours there.

And since London’s streetwear style is so developed, those of you who love that kind of fashion style will very much enjoy a visit at Good Covent Garden, with retro brands like Carhartt being very well represented.

PS. We’re also close to Neal’s Yard, one of the most colorful places in London – don’t miss out on this super instagrammable spot!

Best Antiques and Vintage Shops in London: Goldsmith Vintage, Charing Cross Road

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Goldsmith Vintage on Charing Cross Road is one of the vintage shops I’ve visited more times than I can recall – from hats to handbags, and from shirts to sparkly dresses, this gem hidden in plain sight has it all.

We’re close to the gorgeous Outernet at the Now Building, close to the huge Foyles bookshop, to Tottenham Court Road station, and to one of the best TK Maxx in London – what’s not to like?

You will find all kinds of branded and unbranded pieces there; no matter which color, shape, texture or style you’re looking for, the Goldsmith Vintage selection, with most pieces priced at 12.95 pounds, is one you’ll want to check out!

Where to Go Vintage Shopping in London: Trove 167, Bermondsey Street

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On Bermondsey Street, one of the prettiest streets in London as far as I’m aware, Trove 167 makes for a destination in itself.

Here, you will mostly find home decor, furniture and jewelry, all carefully selected.

Depending on the items, the prices can fly off the charts, but every single piece is worth at least a look.

Every time I visit, all I want to do is get as many home decor pieces as I can, and it’s not just vintage, but also rare items from all around the globe that Trove 167 sells.

Pictures inside are not allowed.

Be careful if you have your phone out, as the staff makes it a (quite rude) point that absolutely no one take pictures of the pieces.

Aside from that, this is still one of the most secret places to go vintage shopping in London, and we’re close to some of London Bridge’s best cafes!

Vintage Shopping in London: 10+ Unmissable Markets and Areas

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Whether you’re a seasoned vintage shopper or new onto the scene of past eras fashion, these places will hopefully have shown you that vintage shopping in London is worth a try.

It’s clear that London’s eclectic vibe translates into its fashion – and has for decades.

From secret markets to charity shops and self-standing stores, these are my top picks for vintage and antiques shopping… And might very well become yours too!

If you’re into unique shops and overall hidden gems, you might enjoy these guides and reviews: