Best Markets in London

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable shopping adventure in London? This vibrant city is a true paradise for shopaholics, boasting over 100 markets and an endless array of shops, from vintage finds to luxury boutiques. With a flight time of just under two hours from Spain, your dream shopping spree is just a trip away.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best markets in London and the streets where you can indulge in retail therapy. Get ready to discover unique treasures and delicious street food that will make your shopping days in London truly memorable!

Discovering the best markets in London

With your ticket in hand, the only challenge you’ll face is deciding which vibrant market to explore first. From the colorful stalls of Portobello Market to the eclectic vibes of Camden Market and the chic boutiques of Bond Street, the choices are endless.

Don’t worry; we’ve prepared a handy guide to the best shopping areas and markets in London to ensure you make the most of your time.

Before you set out, check out our articles to help you plan your trip:

• Tips for traveling to London
• 25 things to see and do in London
• 3 days in London
• Where to eat in London
• Where to stay in London

Market hours can change, so be sure to double-check on Google Maps before you go. Are you ready? Let’s go!

1. Camden Market

If you seek a quirky and eccentric spot to find clothing, food, music, and urban tribes, look no further than Camden Market! This market is anything but dull: you might encounter a punk with a green mohawk and a double of Noel Gallagher while chatting with a rockstar who looks like a cross between Mario Vaquerizo and the guitarist from The Strokes.

Camden Market is arguably one of the best markets in London, perhaps even the best!

• Tip: Eating here is very affordable; find your favorite stall and recharge your energy!
• Hours: Open from Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Camden Town.
• Free tour in Camden

2. Borough Market

When it comes to food, Borough Market reigns supreme. This market is the most beautiful food market in London, filled with ethnic cuisines and organic products. While it can be a bit pricey, the culinary delights are worth every penny, and we always recommend wandering through the stalls and sampling something delicious.

• Tip: Go with an empty stomach because you’ll want to try a pastry or two!
• Hours: Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM, Thursday from 11 AM to 5 PM, Friday from 12 PM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 8 AM to 5 PM.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to London Bridge.

3. Portobello Market

Who hasn’t heard of Portobello Market? It’s one of the most famous and cool antique markets in the world, with its colorful houses, trendy restaurants, retro shops, and diverse stalls offering true treasures of jewelry, clothing, ceramics, art, and various curiosities.

A visit here is a must when exploring the Notting Hill neighborhood, and the food options are abundant!

• Tip: Take the opportunity to join a free tour of Notting Hill.
• Hours: The antiques market is open only on Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM, while fruit and vegetable stalls operate throughout the week.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Notting Hill.

4. Brick Lane, one of London’s best markets

Brick Lane is another of London’s top markets, focusing on vintage clothing, retro furniture, second-hand books, and an incredible array of international street food reflecting the city’s cultural diversity.

• Tip: Don’t miss the legendary bagels from Beigel Bake; they’re one of the best places to eat cheaply in London!
• Hours: Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Shoreditch High Street.

5. Columbia Road Flower Market

If you love flowers and plants, Columbia Road Flower Market is a visual and aromatic feast that you simply cannot miss during your London itinerary. This Sunday market is perfect for purchasing fresh flowers, plants, and all types of gardening accessories.

• Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• Hours: Open Sundays from 8 AM to 3 PM.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Hoxton.

A shopping guide: where to shop in London

Beyond its famous markets, London offers countless streets ideal for shopping. Here are some must-visit spots:

Carnaby Street

If you want to breathe in the “swinging” atmosphere of the ’60s, Carnaby Street is your ideal destination. This street is lined with boutique shops where you can buy urban clothing alongside chic boutiques, transforming you into a modern-day Twiggy!

• Tip: To fully immerse yourself in the London of the sixties, listen to The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, or The Who on your mp3 player for a guaranteed trip back in time!
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus.

Oxford Street, one of the best shopping options in London

Not far away, we find another must-visit shopping stop: Oxford Street. With over 300 stores, it’s hard to resist the temptation to shop. Add to that the latest collections from top brands like Selfridges, Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Primark, Forever 21, and many more, and it becomes an impossible mission to leave empty-handed!

This is one of the main areas for shopping in London, so don’t miss it!

• Tip: If your feet (and wallet) allow, explore nearby Regent Street, Berwick Street, St Christopher’s Place, and South Molton Street.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Oxford Circus.

Knightsbridge

One of the most fascinating neighborhoods in the city, where trendy shops and excellent restaurants abound, but the crown jewel (if the Queen allows it) remains Harrods, the most famous department store in the world, where you could find everything from a needle to an elephant… a true British icon!

• Tip: Explore the food hall at Harrods, where you can buy (or at least window shop) delicacies from every corner of the globe… yum!
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Knightsbridge.
• Official Harrods website

Covent Garden

Another unmissable visit! Here, between shops, you can enjoy a unique atmosphere thanks to the street performers and the market selling fruits and vegetables… and we already told you how much we love markets!

• Tip: Don’t go on Mondays; it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM. If you have time, stroll through Floral Street, Shorts Gardens, and Seven Dials to appreciate how complete and modern this neighborhood is.
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Covent Garden.

Bond Street

No shopping guide for London would be complete without mentioning the street with the most luxurious shops… in London, that’s Bond Street! If money is no object, you can happily splurge on prestigious brands like Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Victoria's Secret, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Donna Karan, Prada, Armani, Cartier, and Tiffany among others.

If you don’t have unlimited funds, you can simply come to window shop and create a wishlist for your next life!

• Tip: Instead of spending €1000 on a bag, wouldn’t it be better to take a trip around the world? Oh, you have thousands of euros to spare? Lucky you! Have you thought about sponsoring a Spaniard, an Italian, and their two backpacks? Just kidding!
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Bond Street.

King’s Road

The name says it all: this was the private street of Charles II! Over time, the kings have been replaced by designer shops and unique brands… Heard of Vivienne Westwood?

• Tip: If you need a little relaxation among all the shopping (it’s well known that the life of a compulsive shopper is so hectic), seek refuge in a café at Duke of York Square and feel like a true queen sipping afternoon tea!
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Sloane Square.

Westfield Stratford, one of the best shopping malls in London

If you prefer shopping malls over street style, stroll through Westfield Stratford, one of the largest in Europe. With over 260 stores, including TopShop, H&M, and Versace, you’ll find plenty of options to discover the perfect outfit!

• Tip: Don’t miss the food court in the mall: there are offerings for every taste and budget!
• How to get there: Take the Tube to Stratford.

At this rate, you might have worn yourself out or run out of money, but if your shopping thirst in London is still unquenched, make a note of these names: Petticoat Lane, Greenwich Market, and Old Spitalfields Market, other fascinating markets worth exploring!

What other markets in London do you know? How many of these markets and shopping streets in London have you visited?

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