My Guide to London’s Best Markets

The city that never sleeps, no, I’m not talking about New York; I’m talking about London. This city is filled with life, and you really need some time here to even get a taste of what London is about.

After moving to London to pursue my modelling career for the last three months, I feel like I know this city pretty well.  I made it to every market (I think!) and it’s these markets that really made me fall in love with this city.

London took me by surprise with the amount of vintage, food, farmers and antique markets on offer. With each market having its own unique flare, it’s hard to decide which ones to go to. Below are my top picks that are a must when you’re in town. 

Portobello Markets – Notting Hill

If you’re in London on a Saturday, the famous Portobello markets live up to their reputation. Running almost the length of Notting Hill from south to north, these markets offer everything from antiques, fresh fruit and veggies, some of the best street food in London and vintage stalls too. A lot of the photos on my blog where taken on Tommy’s film camera he bought at these markets (Such a find!)

You’ll be able to spend at least half a day here, browsing all the stores and chatting to the stallholders. I’d recommend getting there around 10am to beat the crowd.

Brick Lane Market – East London

If you’re into vegan food, and love your vintage pieces, then this market is for you. Bricklane’s famous market is on a Sunday, the street is full of food stalls with so many vegan options it blew my mind (vegan cheese toasties and vegan gozleme to name a few). I would recommend coming around 12pm for an early lunch to beat the crowd, as in the afternoon these markets get really busy.

If you don’t have a Sunday in London, the Bricklane Vintage Market is open 7 days a week, and is underground in case it’s raining (as it often is). The markets are a little more on the expensive side, but sometimes you can really find a steal.

Camden Market – Camden

The walk up to the market from Camden Town station is all part of the experience. The streets are filled with art, and quirky shops. Make sure you keep walking all the way till you reach the canal, because that’s where the real markets start.

This market has very similar traits to Bricklane, but it’s even bigger. These were the first markets I went to in London, and I remember leaving extremely full because I wanted to try everything. From huge strawberry jam filled vegan donuts, to the best falafel wrap I’ve ever eaten, I can guarantee you’ll find something you’ll have to try. The vintage shops here were great as well, I snatched up a suede coat for 9£!

The Camden markets run seven days a week, but if you can, I highly recommend going on the weekend as all the stores are open and the atmosphere is super uplifting.  

Columbia Flower Market – Bethnal Green

These markets are like no other in London, and if you’re up early on a Sunday morning they are definitely worth a visit. Opening at 8am, this little street is full of stalls selling in-bloom and in season flowers.

I remember looking at the sunflowers in awe, as hundreds stood there perfectly. The street is super narrow and was extremely crowded as I went a little late, so going early is a must. Also, by around 1pm all the flowers are sold out. Its really cute walking the streets after, as almost every second person is walking around with huge bouquets of flowers.