London markets are ideal shopping destinations, selling everything from clothes to flowers, food, modern art to antiques.
There isn’t a more colourful way to shop in this wonderful city and they are the perfect choice if you wish to spend a day wandering about and looking for a new bargain.
Here, we have rounded up five of the best markets in the capital.
Borough Market
Image credit: Jonas Bengtsson
This dazzling market is considered by foodies “heaven on earth”, as it offers a vast array of artisan food and difficult-to-find ingredients. Producers from all over the country bring a range of fresh products to the market, including fish, meats, vegetables, cheeses, breads, ciders, coffees, cakes and patisseries.
If the sight of all those delicacies makes you feel peckish, then head to Brindisa for some delicious Spanish food and their legendary chorizo roll or, for a sit down option, go for oysters and a pint of prawns at Wright Brothers.
The market is open from Monday to Saturday. The full market operates from Wednesday to Saturday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, shoppers can find hot food traders, and fruit and vegetable stalls.
Nearest tube station: Southwark, on the Jubilee line (32 minute tube ride from the Danubius Hotel Regents Park)
Feel free to ask our Concierge for directions.
Camden Lock Market
Image credit: Herry Lawford
Located just a 15 minute bus ride from the hotel, Camden Lock is at the heart of Camden Town’s thriving market area.
A former timber yard for ship builders TE Dingwalls, Camden Lock was opened in the 1970s as Camden’s original arts and crafts market.
The market comprises stalls and shops selling vintage clothing, hand-made jewelry, artwork, gifts, music and more. There are also food stalls offering a large variety of cuisines.
Open 7 days a week, from 10am to 8:30pm.
Nearest tube station: Camden Town (Northern Line)
From The Danubius Hotel Regents Park, take the 274 bus on our door step towards Islington Angel (15-20 minutes).
Covent Garden Market
Image credit: Garry Knight
Covent Garden Market is a London institution.
Although it may appear too commercial and crowded, there are many independent stalls still holding their ground such as Eric Snook’s Toyshop and the specialist tobacconist and cigar shop Segar & Snuff Parlour.
In the East Colonnade market you will find a variety of stalls selling products such as home made soap, jewelery, handbags, hand-knitted children’s clothing, a magician’s stall, sweets, artwork and home-ware, whilst in the South Piazza, the Jubilee Market changes its wares everyday.
Watch out for the entertaining performances by the street artists in the Piazza!
Open every day from 10am to 6pm.
Nearest underground station: Covent Garden on the Piccadilly Line (25 minute journey from The Danubius Hotel Regents Park).
Brick Lane Market
Image credit: Ashton
Originally just a trail of fruit stalls and bric-a-brac, Brick Lane Market now offers vintage clothes, retro furniture and ethnic food.
Whilst the vibrant shops of Brick Lane are open every day of the week, Sunday sees the streets lined with a flea market selling clothes, accessories, and home-wares. Don’t forget to sample one of the famous Brick Lane bagels while you are wandering about!
Don’t miss the quirky shops neighbouring the market. Rough Trade East on Dray Walk is probably London’s best independent music shop, hosting impressive in-store gigs.
Nearest tube station: Liverpool Street, on the Metropolitan Line (10 minutes tube ride from Baker Street station).
Portobello Road Market
Image credit: Garry Knight
Made famous by Hugh Grant’s role in Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market is open from Monday to Saturday with different specialties each day such as fruit and veg, emerging designers and vintage clothes, new and second hand goods and old records. Saturday, however, is the main day, as the famous antiques market takes over the busy streets.
Open from Monday to Saturday.
Nearest tube station: Ladbroke Grove, on Circle or Hammersmith and City Line (10 minutes tube ride from Baker Street station).
