London’s best markets to visit this summer
Summer is one of the best times to explore London on foot, and the city’s markets reward anyone willing to wander. Some are known for street food and fresh produce, others for vintage finds and independent makers, and many have a mix of all three. Build a day around one area, arrive a little earlier if you can and leave room in your bag for a few unexpected finds.
Summer favourites
Some of London’s best market plans are seasonal. The longer days bring pop-ups, extended opening hours and special editions that are best experienced in summer.
King’s Cross
Best day to go: Check what’s on before you go
King’s Cross is a great summer stop for markets and creative pop-ups around Coal Drops Yard and Granary Square, with events including the Open Art Market and the Illustrators’ Fair.
Alongside the markets, you’ll also find summer programming like Everyman on the Canal outdoor cinema and family-friendly activities, so it’s worth checking the calendar before you visit.
Southbank Centre Food Market
Best day to go: Friday or Saturday evenings
While open year-round, the late opening hours and long summer nights make the Southbank Centre Food Market a perfect spot for this time of year.
With a wide selection of food and drinks across the lineup, it works equally well for a casual bite, sharing dishes with friends or picking up something sweet to take on a riverside walk.
East and northeast London
Columbia Road Flower Market
Best day to go: Sunday
What could be better than strolling through East London under the sun at a truly wonderful flower market? Columbia Road Flower Market is a pillar of the community, and people from all over London flock to it every Sunday.
It’s best to arrive early to have the best choice of flowers and plants, as many stalls sell out.
Brick Lane Market
Best day to go: Sunday
Brick Lane Market is busy and electric in the best way possible. While the best day to visit is Sunday, the shops and restaurants are open every day. On Sundays, the streets are lined with people selling their second-hand wares, with some good bargains to be had if you search hard enough.
The joy of this market is that you never know what you’ll find. It could be anything from cheap leather clothes, old magazines and kitsch collectables to vintage film cameras, stunning silks and Art Deco furniture.
Spitalfields Market
Best day to go: Sunday
One of London’s oldest markets, Spitalfields Market is a destination seven days a week. At its heart is the Traders’ Market, an incredible array of independent stallholders showcasing hand-crafted and hard-to-find pieces that make every trip special and memorable.
Traders sell cutting-edge fashion, unique interiors, original artworks and everything in between. It’s a wonderful place to discover emerging designers and pick up pieces you won’t see anywhere else.
Broadway Market
Best day to go: Saturday
For over 140 years, Broadway Market’s been the street best known for its bustling market.
There are over 150 stalls each weekend and it was awarded Best Food Market in 2024. In addition to its street food appeal, it is also a haven for artisanal foods. You’ll find everything from bakery staples and small-batch pantry goods to treats that are best enjoyed as you wander.
Victoria Park Market
Best day to go: Sunday
For a relaxed Sunday in one of London’s best parks, visit Victoria Park Market. It’s jam-packed with delicious seasonal produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, drinks and street food.
After you’ve browsed the stalls, pick up something to eat and enjoy it in the park. It’s a great way to turn a market visit into a full afternoon out.
South and southeast London
Borough Market
Best day to go: Weekdays
It’s one of London’s most famous food markets, and for good reason. For over 1,000 years, Borough Market has served the community by providing fresh produce to shops and restaurants. Although it still operates nowadays as a wholesale market in the early hours, it’s best known as a destination for Londoners and tourists to taste their way through food and drink.
With more than 100 stalls, stands, restaurants, bars and shops, there’s a lot of exceptional food packed into the historical space. The hardest choice you’ll have is what to buy.
Maltby Street Market
Best day to go: Saturday
Tucked underneath Bermondsey’s railway arches, Maltby Street Market is a foodie favourite known for fresh produce, baked goods and incredible street food.
It’s smaller than some of London’s headline markets, which makes it ideal if you prefer a more relaxed wander with plenty of quality options in a compact space.
Pair this with a Borough Market visit, and you’ve got the makings of a fun and food-filled day.
Greenwich Market
Best day to go: Saturday
Spread across two sites, Greenwich Market has over 120 shops and stalls to discover. In the Main Market Hall, you’ll find stalls selling artwork, hand-crafted goods, clothing, plants and more, plus a mouth-watering array of street food. Or nearby at Cutty Sark Street Food Market, you can snack away while enjoying views of the Thames and Canary Wharf.
West London
Portobello Road Market
Best day to go: Saturday
Portobello Road Market is a Notting Hill classic. You’ll find everything from antiques and vintage finds to fashion and food stalls.
While this market can get very busy, especially on weekends during summer, it’s still well worth the visit out to West London. Aim to visit on weekdays and avoid major event weekends, and you’ll be able to take your time and see every stall with ease.
If you’re planning a market-filled summer around the capital, book a stay at art’otel to make exploring London easy.
art’otel London Hoxton is perfect for spending the day at East London favourites including Columbia Road, Brick Lane and Spitalfields. Or stay at art’otel London Battersea Power Station to combine markets with gallery time and standout dining. Whichever you choose, you’ll have a stylish base to retreat to each day and plan your next London find.