Visiting UK

Borough Market

There is no shortage of markets in London. Whether you’re looking for vegetables or vintage clothing, ethnic food or ethnic wares, London’s markets have a lot to offer. Here is my list of the top 5 London markets:

5. Portobello Market - Located in Notting Hill, Portobello Market is one of the most famous in all of London. On market days, Portobello Road is lined with antique dealers selling everything from magnifying glasses to toy soldiers. Whether you visit to browse or buy, Portobello Market is a great way to spend an afternoon when you are visiting London.

4. Leadenhall Market - One of the most beautiful markets in London is Leadenhall Market in The City. The Victorian structure is stunning to see, and a great place to spend an afternoon at a restaurant or pub. Fans of Harry Potter will recognise the market as the filming location of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

3. Exmouth Market - Exmouth Market is one of the most popular foodie markets in the city, and definitely one of the top London markets overall. Taking place every Friday and Saturday, the open-air food market features cuisine from India, Ghana, and other places around the world. On non-market days, the pedestrianised street is the perfect place to have a coffee, lunch, or dinner.

2. Camden Markets - If funky is your thing, look no further than London’s Camden Markets. The alternative style is no better represented than at the plethora of markets around the high street, and the area’s great restaurants and bars are the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of shopping.

1. Borough Market - London’s most famous farmers’ market is Borough Market near London Bridge. The market is packed with fruits, vegetables, and prepared foods from all over the world, and no visit to London is complete without a trip to taste the goods. Borough Market is not only one of the top 5 London markets, it is probably the top London market full stop.

Portobello Market

Portobello Market is one of the best markets in London. The market takes place every Saturday on Portobello Road in Notting Hill, and is famous throughout the world.

While it is best known for its antiques, Portobello Market also features vendors selling new goods, second-hand goods, fruits and vegetables, and fashionable accessories.

London locals and visitors alike flock to Portobello Road every week to check out the wares. On Saturday afternoons Portobello Market is one of the busiest places in London, so be prepared to join large crowds. The market stretches for nearly two miles, so leave yourself plenty of time to see everything that is on offer.

The closest tube station to Portobello Market is Notting Hill Gate on the Central, Circle, and District Lines. From there it is a five minute walk to the market.

Camden Market

London’s Camden Markets are a weekend afternoon staple for those that like alternative style.

Big and bustling, the Camden Markets sell everything from goth accessories to emerging designer clothing and ethnic food from all over the world. Visitors can spend hours browsing the wares and stopping for delicious food along the way. To round out the day, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes along the high street for post-market relaxation and entertainment.

There are several Camden Markets, including the Camden Stables Market, the Camden Lock Market, the Camden Buck Street Market, the Camden Lock Village, the Inverness Street Market, and numerous others crammed into every alley in the area. Each one is unique in its style, but all of them offer similarly funky goods.

The closest tube stations to the Camden Markets are Camden Town and Chalk Farm, which are on the Northern Line. The market stalls are open on weekends from 10:00 to 18:00, although some stay open later in the evening. On weekdays there are fewer stalls open, but the area is less crowded.