Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the capital by visiting one of London’s best outdoor markets. From flowers to vintage clothing, here are our favourites
Words Annabel Fuller
London’s Best Outdoor Markets
Sometimes it can be fun to be a tourist in your own city, especially when exploring hidden gems. Here in time for summer is our pick of the capital’s 10 best markets for you to explore.
Broadway Market
Snuggled between Regent’s Canal and London Fields, Broadway Market has been a foodie haven for centuries. Formerly known as the Porter’s Path, Broadway Market relaunched as one of London’s most delicious Saturday markets in 2004. With 135 stalls all serving something equally delicious, be sure to wear something loose-fitting.
Saturdays 9am – 5pm; broadwaymarket.co.uk
Victoria Park Market
Hidden within one of east London’s most expansive parks and hosting an array of delicious food is the excellent Victoria Park Market. Here brunch is a must, with enough fresh fruit and veg to cram in your five-a-day and delicious goodies from Meltsmiths, Gyoza Guys and A Pie Party to name a few. Nobody is going home hungry.
Sundays, 10am – 4pm; victoriaparkmarket.com
Greenwich Market
The jack of all trades, offering food, fashion, crafts and jewellery, this market situated in historic Greenwich is no relic. Home to over 120 stalls the market is home to all kinds of exciting bric-a-brac, but we recommend refuelling at one of the 40 food and drink stalls, we hear the cannoli are a must.
Every day, 10am – 5: 30 pm; greenwichmarket.london
Columbia Road Flower Market
Prepare to witness an onslaught of foliage and flowers, a stone’s throw from the picturesque cobbled streets of Shoreditch. Each Sunday the street is packed with traders selling bulbs, herbs, shrubs, bedding plants and bouquets of freshly cut flowers. Arrive early to nab the pick of the bunch and stay late to enjoy the independent shops, cafes and galleries that nestle between the garden and vintage clothes stores.
Sundays 9am – 3pm; columbiaroad.info
Brick Lane Market
Although open every day, Sundays are the best day to visit when the streets are lined with people hawking their second-hand wares, with treasures hidden around every corner. Street performers dance between the vintage fashion, arts, crafts and other oddities that take over the Old Truman Brewery. The nearby Boiler House hosts an array of international cuisine, including authentic Jewish bagel shops and Bangladeshi curry houses, perfect for an inexpensive Sunday lunch. The joy of this market is that you never know what you’ll find; anything from vintage leather to kitsch collectables and Art Deco furniture.
Sundays 10 am – 5pm; visitbricklane.org
Old Spitalfields Market
One of London’s most Instagrammable markets, Old Spitalfields hosts all the usual aspects of food, fashion and crafts but you’ll also find higher-end eateries and shops surrounding the market. The original east London market is open all week, but for the most colourful affair visit on the weekend.
Every day – Saturday hours are 10am-6pm, Sundays are 10am-5pm; oldspitalfieldsmarket.com
Oval Night Market
London’s newest market is also the most secretive, with only four weekends in the diary for summer, you’ll want to pencil in a visit. Inspired by the party atmosphere of New York street markets, urban eats, dancing on the streets, crafts and cocktail bars can be enjoyed throughout the evening, all set against the iconic gasworks cityscape.
Currently closed due to COVID-19 – check website for updates; ovalnightmarket.com
Cabbages and Frocks
Voted London’s top fashion market, Cabbages and Frocks is the capital’s finest bespoke market. Set in a charming cobblestone courtyard in central Marylebone, shoppers seeking a real designer find should arrive early. Mulberry handbags and Jimmy Choos are hiding between Italian accessories, handmade crafts, unique Jewellery and specialist food items.
Currently closed due to COVID-19, check website for updates; cabbagesandfrocks.co.uk
Camden Market
You’ll have to dodge the tourists, but Camden Market is such a hub for a reason. Located in the old Lock and Stables, Camden has grown to be one of the largest markets in London. Open every day, there are enough browsing opportunities to fill the whole day.
Every day, 10 am-late; camdenmarket.com
Canopy Market
Canopy Market has recently moved to Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, and is home to wonderful artisan food, drink, designer-makers, and music. Browse the stalls and taste the rotating cast of street food while enjoying live music.
Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm; kingscross.co.uk
Portobello Road Market
No list of London markets is complete without Portobello. It’s several markets in one, Saturday being the day when all are in full swing. Situated between the brightly coloured homes of Notting Hill, you’ll find the mile-long hustle, haggle, colour and energy of the world’s largest antique market.
Every day, 9am – late; portobelloroad.co.uk
Information correct at time of publishing. Please note that due to the Coronavirus pandemic opening times may change.
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