Markets of London - An Array of Flavors, Food, and Vintage Finds

Victoria Ruzzo
Sep 30
4 min read

Updated: Nov 4

Forget souvenir shops and shopping malls - if you really want to feel like a Londoner, walk through its markets. These aren’t just places to shop; they’re living, breathing neighborhoods, filled with stories, sizzling street food, indie designers, vintage treasures, and sometimes, a saxophonist playing under a railway arch just because it’s Tuesday. Each market in London has its own soul - a road map to vibrant life of the city. Below are six of our favorite markets across the city, each worth visiting not just for what you can buy or eat, but for the experience of being there.

Brick Lane

There’s nowhere quite like Brick Lane on a Sunday. The energy here is electric - part flea market, part global kitchen, part street art museum. You’ll find vintage denim, retro leather jackets, old cameras, handmade jewelry, and crates of dusty vinyl. The real magic, though, is the food. Steam rises from stalls serving Bangladeshi curries, Korean BBQ, Ethiopian stews, Venezuelan arepas - all within a few steps of each other. For breakfast bites, try vegan donuts at Crosstown or Beigal Bake for its famous salt beef bagel. Brick Lane is also a mecca for street art lovers, so between bites, look up: Banksy, ROA, and local talents have turned the brick walls into an ever-changing canvas. Brick Lane is where culture collides, making this market authentic to what London is at its heart.

Old Spitalfields Market

Just a few minutes' walk from Brick Lane is Old Spitalfields Market. This covered Victorian-era market is filled with independent brands, local designers, handmade goods, and artisan food vendors. It’s the kind of place where you find a jacket that becomes your new favorite forever piece, or handmade ceramics that still have a bit of clay under the glaze. Between artisan markets and the adjacent shops, it's some of the best places to get a souvenir that doesn't feel gimmicky. The buzz here when the shops are open feels fashionable and modern. Enjoy the market's sit down restaurants and eateries - from gourmet burgers to freshly made bao buns, there's something of every flavor profile.

Borough Market

Borough Market is the kind of place you walk into and suddenly wish you had more than one stomach. Nestled under the railway arches near London Bridge, it’s the oldest food market in the city and still its most beloved. Chefs, foodies, tourists, and locals all crowd shoulder to shoulder, tasting fresh burrata, sipping craft cider, buying cuts of aged beef, or just soaking in the aromas. There are hot meals, deli treats, pastries, pantry staples - and always someone handing you a sample of something that will ruin supermarket food for you forever. Our advice? Skip a sit-down lunch one day just to spend that time at Borough tasting and sampling your way through. If you decide on a dish, great! If not, then take some fresh produce to go or buy yourself a treat for later.

Broadway Market

Broadway Market feels like the kind of place you stumble into and then plan your next trip around. Located in Hackney, it’s open on Saturdays and has that perfect weekend vibe: locals walking dogs, people picnicking by the canal, and stalls bursting with handmade everything. The market is a mix of high-quality crafts, independent books, vintage stalls, and lovingly-prepared food. It’s not huge, but that’s part of its charm - it feels like a secret shared between you and the neighborhood. Shop for handmade jewelry, letterpress prints, or vintage books while snacking on Ethiopian platters or a filled croissant. It's a wonderful place to find a small knickknack - or "bits and bobs" as the British say- to remember your trip by.

Camden Market

Camden Market is like a full-on sensory immersion. It’s big, chaotic, colorful, and will pull you right in. Think punk fashion, handmade corsets, incense stalls, retro video game memorabilia, and entire shops dedicated to steampunk. If you're a music buff, it's a great place to look for music merch and vinyl records. It’s also known for its incredible street food, with dozens of stalls representing every cuisine you could imagine. You could easily spend hours wandering the different sections - the Lock, the Stables, the food market - and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.

Columbia Road

Come Sunday, Columbia Road blooms into one of the most photogenic and joy-filled places in London. This East End street turns into a botanical parade: flowers spill from buckets and the scent of fresh eucalyptus and roses floats through the air. It’s not just for people buying flowers (though you’ll want to) - the independent shops, cafes, and galleries lining the road are full of personality and charm. Our tip? Come early if you want the best blooms; go later for deals and people-watching.