lemiCultures and traditions converge in the United Kingdom. Explore the amalgamation of old and new.
Early Birds Get the Bargains
London
Experience London’s vibrant energy in the thick of the city’s buzzing markets! Walk through stalls of vintage goods, fresh produce, artisan crafts, and other bric-a-brac in these bargain shopping destinations. Visit a bazaar-filled lane in the Shoreditch or a multicultural food haven in Brixton—you never know when you’ll find one-of-a-kind items for your personal treasure trove! Tip: These markets have varying schedules, so plan your visits to make the most out of your time and money!
By far the prettiest market in London, Columbia Road Flower Market allures the senses with colorful floral displays and fragrant blooms. Shop from a wide array of homegrown and exotic plants, including shrubs, bulbs, trees, and cut flowers from long-standing traders who share a great passion for greenery. After bagging your haul of natural decor, tour the independent shops and cafes that flank the area. Note that the flower market is only open on Sundays, so schedule your visit accordingly.
- +44 20 7613 0876
Columbia Road, London, United Kingdom
- http://www.columbiaroad.info
Get delightfully lost in Brick Lane Market’s capricious assortment of deals and steals! The bazaar is a Sunday-only affair, but the surrounding area is dotted with themed covered markets open on different days. Head to Backyard Market for handmade paraphernalia, Brick Lane Food Hall (a.k.a. Boiler House) for global cuisine, The Tea Rooms for antique knick-knacks, Vintage Clothing Market for retro fashion, or Sunday Upmarket for artisan eats. Pop in at the end of the week, and you’ll be greeted by street performers adding a bit of pizzazz to Brick Lane’s bustling atmosphere!
- +44203641717
91 Brick Lane, London, United Kingdom
- http://www.visitbricklane.org/brick-lane-market
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Under the historic roof of Old Spitalfields Market are global brands and small businesses that perfectly fit the creative puzzle of the East End. Make a beeline to the heart of the building where London-made jewelry, vintage eyewear, and homegrown fashion take the spotlight. Discover rare vinyl records every first and second Friday of the month as a vinyl market sets up shop during these days. The establishment also has a handful of booths selling food and beverages, so you can recharge before you continue your shopping spree!
- +44 20 7247 8556
16 Horner Square, London, United Kingdom
- https://oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/
Greenwich Market is set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Maritime Greenwich, which already merits a visit by itself. It doesn’t stop there—the jack-of-all-trades bazaar features traders that supply beautiful artisan-made and ethically conscious industry items. The sprawling space of over 120 stalls draws a massive crowd on the weekends, so plan your trip wisely if you want to avoid the frenzy!
- +44 20 8269 5096
5B Greenwich Market, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.greenwichmarket.london/
What you’ll see in Portobello Market depends on which day you visit. Mondays through Thursdays feature fashion, food, and random bric-a-brac. Fridays get more hectic as more stalls set up, and antiquities enter the fair. Sundays are always in full swing, proving its claim as the world’s largest antique market. Arrive before 11:00AM to get dibs on ultimate steals, and find out the secrets of haggling from the well-versed regulars!
- +44 20 7361 3001
Portobello Road, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market
Borough Market is the city’s oldest food bazaar, having served the Southwark community for over 1,000 years. Housed in a Victorian-style warehouse, this London institution is a gourmet paradise where quality meats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and rare spices are available. It’s primarily a wholesale establishment, but feel free to try the range of taste testers up for grabs. Drop by early, ideally on a Friday or Saturday, to get first dibs on the best products!
- +44 20 7407 1002
8 Southwark Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://boroughmarket.org.uk/
Dodge the horde of West End tourists to explore the borough’s grunge-meets-groovy environment. Camden Market gathers several interconnected bargain fairs, home to an eclectic mix of stalls and shops carrying vintage trinkets, personalized gifts, handcrafted accessories, and even London souvenirs. The neighborhood gets busy on weekends, so come around the middle of the week. Although there are fewer stalls and kiosks open, it makes for a more pleasant value hunt.
- +44 20 3763 9900
Camden Lock Place, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.camdenmarket.com/
Maltby Street Market may be small (we’re talking about the easily cramped Ropewalk), but it’s one of London’s mightiest grub hubs! Scour through the street to uncover award-winning gourmet sandwiches, cocktails made of locally distilled gin, and acclaimed Mozambique-style sauces topped on yummy street food. Come prepared with a loose top, gartered bottoms, and an empty stomach—you’ll want to eat everything in sight!
Ropewalk, London, United Kingdom
- http://www.maltby.st
Saturdays call for a trip to Broadway Market, one of London’s most popular bazaars! Gorge on authentic street food from all over the world, and shop for the freshest produce provided by local purveyors. Have your fill of Middle Eastern fare, gourmet brownies, and gluten-free pastries as you browse through the market’s stalls of retro couture, vegan skincare, and rare books.
- +44 7513 103221
Broadway Market, London, United Kingdom
- https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/
Spot a remarkable collection of heirlooms, collectibles, and designer pieces at Alfies Antique Market! Inside the massive Egyptian-style art deco building in Marylebone, antiquities spread across four impressive floors of old-school finds. Prices are steep, but the quality of items justify the price tags. After you’re satisfied with your purchases, wind down at the rooftop where you’re spoiled with gorgeous views of West London.
- +44 20 7723 6066
13-25 Church Street, London, United Kingdom
- https://www.alfiesantiques.com/
Situated in one of London’s most culturally diverse localities, Brixton Village and Market Row sells a delicious feast of international fare. Feel as if you’ve already traveled the world after sampling Italian, Asian, Mexican, Jamaican, and Caribbean cuisines. The indoor market also has several independent shops vending random goods, ranging from traditional Chinese medicine and homeware to cheese and charcuterie.
Electric Avenue, London, United Kingdom
- https://brixtonmarket.net/
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