Summer is finally here and why not make the most of it by visiting some of London’s bustling markets? Treat yourself to some street food, buy local cheese or ham; even come out with a whole new wardrobe or a cool vintage camera. We have decided to help you out a little with our round-up of the top seven. In no particular order, here are our favourite London markets. They are a feast for all the senses...
CAMDEN LOCK MARKET
Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
Attracting an alternative crowd of hipsters and foodies, Camden Lock Market isn’t just your average market, it’s an experience. Known as a street food paradise, Camden is the place to come to enjoy some amazing food from all corners of the world. Get a taste of amazing halloumi fries from Oli Baba’s or head to the Cheese bar to enjoy some cheese raclette heaven, or, if you’re feeling more traditional grab some British fish and chips from Poppies.
But there’s not just food - the market also sells vintage clothes, jewellery, homeware and antiques. Get a sense for different cultures and explore the narrow walkways and admire what's on offer at the eclectic mix of stalls. One shop you cannot miss when visiting Camden is “Cyberdog”. Offering you a unique shopping experience, this Neon lit store sells everything from makeup and accessories to clothes and you guessed it, they’re are all fluorescent!
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Camden Town Underground
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OLD SPITALFIELDS MARKET
16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW
Every Thursday, Old Spitalfields Market hosts an “art market” with a diverse mix of artistics styles - there is something to match every taste and to suit every budget. From photography to oil paintings you can purchase these pieces from the artists themselves!
Love quirky fashion too? Check out Spitalfields “Style Market”. Every Saturday, they host a “style market” with a variety of original clothing, accessories and homeware coming from up to 88 independent designers. You won’t be disappointed! This little gem is the ideal place to go if you unique stalls such as vinyl which are turned into clocks or handmade jewellery.
The market itself is honestly so fun with such a variety to do and eat. Old Spitalfields boasts some amazing food stalls from African cuisine to Turkish wraps, crepes, to traditional Italian pizza, Ethiopian food and fat burgers - Spitalfields caters for every foodie no matter the style. It is open everyday: 10am until 5pm and Saturdays from 11am until 5pm. This market is an 11 minute walk from our hostel in Liverpool Street.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Liverpool Street Underground
BOROUGH MARKET
8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
Calling all foodies. You do not want to miss out on visiting London’s oldest food market and one of the most famous markets worldwide better known as Borough Market. Warning: Even if you’re not hungry, entering this market will make you hungry. I Guarantee that you will not leave empty handed! Get lost in food heaven crammed with over 100 stalls run by small producers, with food stalls such as bakeries (Olivier’s Bakery), olives, cheese, ice cream (Gelateria 3Bis), spices (Spice Mountain), wine and even your pimms for just 4 Pounds a cup!
Located in the bustling London Bridge and 5 minutes walk from our two London Bridge hostels, this is the perfect place to spend your day moseying around sampling the many food offerings and dipping in a out of every stall. Need a small break from all the food and drink? Check out the Southwark Cathedral, the London Tombs and the Golden Hinde located right next to Borough Market.
Nearest hostels: and
Nearest station: London Bridge Railway or Southwark Tube Underground
While you're there,
APPLE MARKET (COVENT GARDEN)
41 The Market, Covent Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8BE
The Apple Market doesn’t actually sell apples. This vibrant market is always full of people walking around and enjoying themselves. It’s the best place to come if you’re looking to buy a unique gift for friends/family or even for yourself! There are also some lovely specialty shops, boutiques and cafes.
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the Apple market is open everyday of the week with over 40 stalls selling a mixture of jewellery and accessories, fashion, antiques, artwork and homeware (some are even handmade!)As well as that, where the market takes place there is an open-air cobbled area where street acts can be found, so you may even get to watch a performance.
Nearest hostels (by tube): and
Nearest station: Covent Garden Underground
GREENWICH MARKET
5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Greenwich market is packed with arts and crafts (sold by traders but also in the independent boutiques situated within the market) but, our favourite part about it is the antique and handmade jewellery stalls- each of them unique in their own way.This beautiful market is also located very close to Greenwich Park where you can enjoy your tasty street food while admiring the beautiful view of the city. Taste some of the very enjoyable street food which Greenwich has to offer from Ethiopian food to Greek food to vegan churros.
Located between London Bridge (10mins by train) and Canary Wharf (14mins by DLR), Greenwich is a place you need to visit at least once. Although, once you’ve been, you’ll definitely want to come back! Better yet, if you're staying at our Greenwich hostel, this market is just a 7 minute walk.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Cutty Sark DLR
BRICK LANE MARKET
Brick Lane, Shoreditch, E1 6QL
Located just a 14 minute walk from our Liverpool Street hostel, Brick Lane Market is open every Saturday and every Sunday. Challenge your tastebuds with some traditional Bangladeshi curry (and the best you'll find in London), some cheap Jewish bagels and plenty more street food that this market has to offer. The exciting thing about this market is you’ll never know what you will find, anything from old magazines, to cheap clothes and even some stunning collectibles.
Visit Brick Lane market on a Sunday and you may also find some cool second hand clothes and furniture sold by young Londoners. People also flock to Brick Lane to admire the epic street art covering the walls.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET
A pleasant walk from our Shepherd's Bush hostel. Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antiques market with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique imaginable. So it has to make our list. Located in the pretty Notting Hill, you can grab yourself a bargain here. From fashion, vintage cameras, fresh fruit to clothes and alternative fashion. Maybe a nice new leather jacket will take your fancy? This lively market is full of energy and runs through most of Notting Hill. The streets are lined by charming colourful lined-townhouses so it's a pleasnt place to make a haggle. On Fridays and Saturdays there are plenty of hot food stalls offering choices from around the world such as curry, paella, fish and chips, bratwurst and more. Or try the Carribean food available every day on Goldborne Road.
Open every day except Sundays.
Nearest hostel:
Nearest station: Notting Hill Underground or Ladbroke Grove Underground