Stuck for something to do this weekend? See a different side to the capital this summer with our ultimate guide to London markets
 

 - Let MCC's Bookings team take care of all your summer travel reservations
 

Londoners love a good mooch around the capital’s markets and there are dozens to choose from on any given weekend. Some, such as Spitalfields and Borough Market, have been around for centuries and sell everything from antiques to curios, modern art to clothes as well as flowers and food. If you’re visiting the capital, be sure to check one (or several!) of them out, although plan ahead to make the most of your day. And if you fancy brunch or a traditional English Sunday roast after you shop, our Bookings team is here to help. 
 

London’s restaurant scene is booming at the moment, with dozens of new eateries opening every week. 
 

Here’s our guide to London’s best markets:

1. Old Spitalfields Market - Liverpool Street

One of London’s most historic markets had a revamp several years ago and now hosts hundreds of stallholders selling artisan interiors, gifts and curios, as well as unique fashion and jewelry. The covered market is buzzing at weekends and also houses dozens of upmarket street food stalls, as well as eclectic boutiques and fashion stores. For more refined dining options try nearby Eaterly, Bubala and Ottolenghi. 
When to go: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am-5/6pm / monthly art fair 
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2. Greenwich Market 

Historic Greenwich Market in south-east London has around 150 stall holders selling arts and crafts, gifts, homewares and accessories. Dozens of independent shops, cafes and restaurants are close by, as well as other well-known attractions, including Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, and the Old Royal Naval College, making the UNESCO-listed Royal Borough the perfect destination for a family day out.
When to go: Daily 10:00am to 5:30pm 
Mon, Wed, Fri to Sun: arts, crafts, designer makers Tue, Thur and Fri: antiques and collectibles 
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3. Portobello Road Market

There’s been a market on Notting Hill’s Portobello Road since the 1800s, but its famous antique market started in the 1950s and remains as popular as ever. Start at the Notting Hill end of Portobello Road for the antiques, then soak up the atmosphere as you meander your way down passing food, vintage, clothes and bric-a-brac stalls. Arrive early to avoid the crowds! 

For lunch book ahead at the ever-popular Gold, or try your luck in the brunch queue at Farm Girl or Granger & Co. For the best nata (custard tart) outside Portugal, head to Goldborne Road (at the end of Portobello Rd) and make a beeline for the no-frills, but totally worth the pilgrimage, Lisboa Delicatessen. You're welcome! 
When to go: main day Saturday 10am-6pm 
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4. Borough Market - London Bridge

London’s iconic foodie market has been around in one form or another for almost 1000 years. These days, the market is the go-to destination for sustainable, ethical produce from top-notch greengrocers, butchers, bakeries and everything in-between. Be sure to go hungry to enjoy the many samples handed out, or take advantage of the plentiful street food stalls, which are excellent.  
 

While you’re in the historic neighbourhood, take a short stroll down the river to see Shakespeare’s Globe theater as well as The Golden Hinde - a full-scale replica of the first ship to circumnavigate the globe during the reign of Elizabeth 1. 
When to go: open daily, although best days to go are Friday (10am-5pm) and Saturday (8am-5pm) 
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5. Columbia Road Flower Market - Hackney

Without a doubt London’s prettiest market is dedicated to all things flora and fauna. Watch out for fashionable influencer-types seeking photo ops, but if it’s beautiful blooms you’re after, arrive early on Sunday for the pick of the crop, or early afternoon for the best deals as stallholders vie for trade before closing. A mix of boutiques, gift shops and cafes line either side of the bustling market, and traditional English pubs - Birdcage and The Royal Oak - are on hand for refreshments. 
 

For a more elevated lunch head to the Marksman pub on nearby Hackney Road, notable for its eclectic blend of Victorian and contemporary decor. 
When to go: Sundays, officially 8am-2pm (sometimes 3pm) 
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6. Brick Lane Market - Bethnal Green

In the heart of London’s East End, Brick Lane’s sprawling market sells everything from bric-a-brac, junk and exotic spices to vintage clothes, jewelery and art, and is a wonderful place to while away a few hours at the weekend. Several covered halls serve every street food imaginable, and, of course, its famous Bangladeshi restaurants are well-worth a visit. 
 

The bi-monthly Upmarket in Ely’s Yard is a hub for independent vintage, design and craft specialists, while the Vintage Market (one of the largest in the UK) has a permanent home The Truman Brewery. Old Spitalfields Market is a short walk away, as is Eaterly London, if you’re craving upmarket Italian fare. 
When to go: Saturdays and Sunday, 10/11am-6pm 
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7. Covent Garden Market 

Perennially popular, Covent Garden was formerly home to the famous fruit and vegetable market and now serves as a hub for tourists and Londoners seeking unique gifts and handicrafts. Designer boutiques and well-known fashion brands surround the market hall, while the pretty cobbled streets around Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard are certainly worth a detour.  The Ivy Market Grill is a reliable choice for a bite to eat, or marvel at the eclectic decor at Ave Mario, although be sure to book ahead. For more casual dining, the recently opened Seven Dials Market has 11 micro-restaurants under one roof.
When to go: Mondays - antiques and collectable; Tuesday-Sunday - handmade crafts 
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8. Broadway Market - London Fields, Hackney

Farmers, artisans and craftspeople gather every Saturday to ply their trade at east London’s buzzy Broadway Market. Vegetarians and vegans are particularly well catered for, with picnics spilling over onto London Fields when the sun shines. Around the corner, Netil Market is home to several renowned street food stalls; try the stuffed falafel pitas at Pockets, or tacos at Sonora Taquería. 
When to go: Saturdays 10am-4pm 
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9. Marylebone Market

On Sundays between 10am and 2pm one of London’s best farmers’ markets descends on Marylebone in west London. With around 40 stalls, go to pick up the very best fresh seasonal produce as well as artisan cheeses and charcuterie. Afterwards, make a beeline for the cute cafes and boutiques along Marylebone High Street. For old-world Viennese charm, try the brunch menu at Fischer’s, or Orrery for elegant French fare. 
When to go: Sundays 10am–2pm 
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10. Alfies Antique Market - Marylebone

This charming indoor market is a rabbit warren set over four floors with dealers selling everything from antique maps and vintage glassware to mid-century furniture. Go for a browse and stay for a pot of tea on the rooftop kitchen. 
When to go: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm 
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11. Camden Market

One of London's most vibrant destinations, the market at Camden is spread over several sites, including Camden Lock and Camden Stables by the Canal. As the spiritual home of London's punk and goth scene, expect an eclectic array of stalls and clothes shops, as well as vintage collectibles, unique gifts and leather good. 
 

Dozens of street food stalls will keep hunger at bay, but for the craving a burger, head to Burger and Beyond, arguably one of the best in town. 
When to go: open daily 10am-6pm, although most stallholders trade Friday-Sunday 
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