The guide to London's best markets

Whether you want great ingredients for your cooking or you fancy some tasty street food, London's variety of food markets is sure to tempt your tastebuds. Borough Market is arguably the city's most popular food market but there are lots of other options all around the capital. Check out our guide to food markets around the city to find great places to shop and eat.

Every Saturday, this trendy market in Hackney, that's been around since the Victorian era, brings together the local community with over 150 eclectic stalls. From street food, fruit and veg, beauty, vinyl records, vintage clothes, and much more, it's easy to spend an entire day here just wandering around all of the many different stalls.

You can't miss Billingsgate Market if you're into fish and seafood - it's the largest inland fish market in the country and anyone can shop here. A large number of traders come together here to offer the finest fish and seafood from British waters and elsewhere. Whatever fish dish you want to create, you're sure to find the main ingredient here.

Pick up all sorts of knick-knacks at this quaint market within walking distance of some of Greenwich's most famous sights (the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum, and the Royal Observatory, to name a few). Pick up decadent street food, antiques, handmade jewellery and more before grabbing a coffee for a stroll around the neighbouring Greenwich Park.

From handmade crafts and jewellery to legendary fruit stalls and one-off collectables, Covent Garden Market has been lovingly serving the local community since 1845. The market is divided into different sections and different traders tend to be there on specific days depending on what day of the week it is, so make sure to do a quick search before you leave the house if there's something particular that you're hoping to pick up.

Borough Market is one of the most famous food markets in the whole of London, which is probably unsurprising given that it's said to have been around for over 1,000 years. It's a celebration of London's food and drink scene and puts a real emphasis on bringing together the community and local traders.

Camden Market is a top shopping destination in the area. There's a picturesque canalside street food section that showcases cuisines from around the world. Next to this is the warren-like Stables section of the market where you'll find a vast range of independent retailers, shops, and bars and restaurants. Shop here for jewellery, homeware and gifts, alternative fashion, and art.

Bustling Chapel Market is a big part of the community in Angel. This market has been running since the 19th century and is open every day. A varied range of traders are present in this lively street market retailing fresh fruit and veg, accessories like handbags, gifts, toys, and homewares. You'll see a few food vendors here as well and the market is lined by businesses on both sides of the street.

Nestled beneath the railway arches in Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is a weekend hotspot of rotating traders that brings people flocking from all over the city. Line your stomach with steamy dumplings from Gyoza Guys, or a rainbow arepa from La Pepia, before embarking on the borough's infamous Bermondsey Beer Mile (if you dare).

The colourful Pop Brixton is a community hub with businesses trading out of funky reused shipping containers. There's plenty of food to choose from, such as Lebanese, juicy vegan burgers and sugary churros, as well as a fun open-air space to enjoy them in. During the weekend, the resident drinks purveyors always make sure the party continues into the night.

The black and white striped Boxpark in Shoreditch has been a big part of East London life for over ten years and the experience is now also available in Wembley and Croydon. The shipping containers these markets inhabit are made up of different curated fashion shops, independent retailers and contemporary street food and drinks. There are also regular entertainment and events taking place at Boxpark, from axe-throwing to live gigs.

This Victorian market hall serves everything from antique maps to artisan chocolate via pop-up stalls and shops lining the courtyard. The street food features some of London’s favourite vendors, selling everything from fluffy Taiwanese pancakes and creamy cups of chai, to handmade steamed buns and cream-filled bubble waffles.

The famous Portobello Road Market consists of stalls stretching for more than a mile on Fridays and Saturdays, the market's busiest days. The traders are constantly changing, so you're certain to find new treasures every time you visit, from restored antiques and rare collectables to one-off vintage pieces. The market also has food stalls from all around the world, from paella and fish 'n' chips to arepas and churros.

Alfies Antiques Market is four floors of vintage treasures right in the heart of Marylebone. Peruse the eclectic collections of vintage clothing, antiques, jewellery, ceramics, silverware, restored furniture, and much more, before grabbing a bite to eat at the rooftop eatery.

Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday is pretty much a London rite. The streets come to life with effervescent blooms and foliage from all around the country, buskers fill the air with sounds of live music, and people come and go from the sixty different independent businesses that line the street on either side.

Whether it's a vibey space to enjoy after-work drinks or just somewhere to grab a bite to eat, Seven Dials Market is where it's at. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, this vibrant food hall is fairly new compared to many of its Victorian-era competitors. It's also owned and operated by legendary street-food group Kerb, so you know it's going to be good.

Every Sunday, the lush Victoria Park in East London transforms into a thriving market, selling everything from flowers and street food to natural wines and desserts. Stock up for the week ahead with the sound of live music in the background before grabbing lunch to-go and perching on one of the benches right next to the pretty lake.

This weekly flea market in the heart of London Bridge brings together a variety of stalls selling all sorts, from gorgeous vintage clothing, rare collectables, books, art, jewellery, and much more. Once you're finished browsing all of the little knick-knacks here, get something to eat at the adjoined street food market (Baba G's Bhangra burger is a firm favourite).

You'll find the quaint Eccleston Yards Market a short 5-minute stroll from Victoria Station. Here you can pick up all sorts of artisanal souvenirs, like ceramics, handmade jewellery, homewares, and much more. Once you're done shopping around, dine al fresco in the sun at one of the restaurants that line the courtyard, or enjoy a cold glass of wine to the sound of a live band.

This market in the heart of Bow has been around for over 150 years and offers an authentic glimpse into East End life. You’ll find all sorts here, from worldwide street food to high-end clothes for a fraction of the price. While you're here, make sure you grab pie and mash from local hot spot G Kelly, they've been serving up pie, mash and liquor to locals for over 80 years.

Southbank Centre Food Market is a real treat for the tastebuds, featuring delicacies to enjoy from all over the world. Think hot dogs, truffle burgers, duck confit, Caribbean curry, and frozen yoghurt, to name a few. With the River Thames right next door, a London riverside picnic here is compulsory.

Mercato Metropolitano is London's first-ever sustainable community market, where everything sold is done so based on ethical reasons, quality, and sustainability. There are multiple branches but the one in Mayfair is pretty special, it's located inside a beautiful old church with multicoloured stained glass windows, and a roof terrace which is particularly blissful in the summertime.

Based in Camden High Street in colourful converted shipping containers, Camden Market Buck Street is a destination for conscious shoppers. There's a varied choice of street food vendors, many of them focusing on veggie and vegan dishes, as well as retailers including vintage clothing, organic skincare, and unique jewellery and home decor items.

Near London Fields, Netil Market thrives as a vibrant side alley haven for street food vendors, independent shops, and service providers. You can enjoy your food and drinks at the communal outdoor tables, hanging out and relaxing in the youthful, creative ambiance, or browse the quality artisan products on offer in the shops.

Recognised as a leader for vintage fashion, Brick Lane Vintage Market brings together a wide range of traders from all over Europe. The market is open every day and sells clothing for men and women dating from the 1920s to the 1990s. As well as getting yourself a unique outfit, you can also shop for vintage records here.

Head to Hackney for shopping and street food at Bohemia Place Market. This bustling market is decorated with string lights and is home to local artisan makers and food vendors. Traders here focus on sustainability. Night markets and themed markets, like a monthly market dedicated to Black-owned businesses, take place throughout the year.

You don't have to always shop in the supermarket - London is home to numerous local farmers' markets that usually open at weekends. At these markets you can shop for delicious produce and cooking ingredients to enhance your meals at home. Take a look at our guide to find the most popular farmers' markets around the city, loaded with tempting wares.

In the heart of Covent Garden, Jubilee Market has been running since 1908. Most days of the week it's a general market but on some days the focus is on antiques or arts and crafts. Whichever day you visit, you'll find affordable goods from an eclectic mix of traders, including fashion, souvenirs, and toys. Food vendors and live performers are there too.

Housed in a converted cinema in Walthamstow, Wood Street Indoor Market is home to 30 eclectic traders offering a wide range of affordable goods. Visit this peaceful market to browse antiques and vintage furniture, CDs and records, secondhand items, gifts, toys, plants, and more. Food vendors are also on-site if you need a pick-me-up.