Street Wise: London’s 5 Best Outdoor Markets
There is a lot to love about London in the summer. When the sun comes out, so do market goers looking for days filled with fashion, food and feel good vibes. There is only so much time for so many markets, so here are the top five you must see.
Borough Market
Producers from all across the Kingdom come together with their finest fare for London’s Borough Market. You can find anything your heart, or stomach, could wish for. The market holds up to 70 stands and vendors with good ranging from cheeses to meats and patisseries. It is an artisanal experience frequented by chefs, restaurateurs and foodies alike. This market is for those of us who do actually care about the quality of their food. It is a full on immersive and delicious culinary experience.
Open Wednesday-Sunday
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane can best be described as London’s alternative and creative hub. Their market largely reflects this with vibrant people flaunting their talents in street performances and fashion statements. It really is quite the scene and has a colorful ambiance contrasted with the often grey London. The market mainly consists of goods like second-hand wares and kitsch collectibles. Brick Lane is also saturated with uniquely amazing restaurants and stores for what all-together can create the perfect Sunday outing.
Open on Sundays
20 Brick Ln,
London E1 6RF
Old Spitafields Market
Old Spitafields is one of London’s most established and esteemed markets. This means it brings in the best of the best of everything they offer. Each day Thursday to Sunday the market converts into something new for shoppers to enjoy. Thursday features an antiques market with vintage and antique treasures. Friday you will find is favorable for fashion and art lovers to explore new tastes. Saturday’s theme changes every week offering new and exciting vendors to showcase their treats and Sunday is a little bit of everything.
Open daily featuring different themes.
16 Horner Square,
Spitalfields, London E1 6EW
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Market is a must for Londoners and tourists alike. It is now world famous for its variety of vendors and eccentric scene. It is located in London’s trendy Notting Hill neighborhood and spans 2 miles along Portobello Road and around it. Here you can find anything from a vintage camera to a fur coat and finish with a falafel. All will be reasonably price and inimitable. The variety in vendors translates into the people you will find there. It is a diverse crowd of people from all walks of life there to enjoy a collection of the amazing things London has to offer. Aside from the market, Portobello Road is an incredibly charming location. The houses that line it come in all different colors and it is home to shops that are iconic to London. You simply must go.
Open Saturdays
125 Portobello Rd,
London W11 2DY
Camden Lock Market
Camden is one of the most distinctly different areas of London. Here you will find influences from Rock n Roll culture everywhere you go. The streets are crowded with tight leather pants and Mohawk hairstyles. Within this alternative area, you’ll find the diverse Camden Lock Market. It perhaps has the most eccentric and niche specific options. You can expect to find things like board games, juggling equipment, books, fabrics, paintings, jewelry and of course food. We couldn’t list it all if we tried. It is definitely a different scene worth dipping your toes into, especially with such an incredible market.
Open every day, Saturdays are recommended.
Chalk Farm Road,
London NW1 8AB