Shopping in one of London’s many markets can be the best way to get some real fashion bargains, as well as providing a great opportunity for a day out to soak up the individual character of London’s different districts, indulge in a spot of people watching and taste-test street food from around the world. Whether your style is vintage or modern, conservative or eclectic, you’re sure to find some pieces that please both the eye and the wallet.
1. Camden Lock Market
Camden market is open 7 days a week and sells a huge variety of fashion and accessories from independent designers with an emphasis on more creative looks. Camden Lock makes for a great day out in a picturesque location and is a great spot for people watching. When you’re tired of shopping, there are plenty of food options to keep you going, whether you prefer Japanese or Mexican.
2. Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market in London’s East End is a great place for finding bargains. You’ll find vintage and indie clothing and accessories alongside bric-a-brac, homewares and fruit and veg. Brick Lane also offers some of the best Indian restaurants in London so take the opportunity to stop for a lunchtime curry.
3. Portobello Road Market
The Portobello Road Market in west London has been around since the 1800s. Here you can find designer and vintage clothing, along with a range of antiques and other miscellaneous items. Head out early on a Saturday for the best selection.
4. Old Spitalfields Market
This covered market in Spitalfields is open 7 days a week and offers enough shops and stalls to keep you busy all day. Old Spitalfields Market is known for its wide range of fashion from both independent designers and well-known fashion labels and runs a themed vintage market every Saturday.
5. Sunday (Up)Market
You can find the Sunday (Up)Market on Brick Lane, within The Old Truman Brewery, on Sundays only. Young fashion designers sell their collections here alongside vintage styles, handmade jewellery and screen-printed T-shirts. Another great reason to visit is the food, with stalls selling everything from Ethiopian curry to Tibetan momos.
6. Alfie’s Antique Market
Alfie’s Antique Market is a large indoor market located in Marylebone. As well as antiques, you’ll find a large selection of vintage clothing and accessories. We’re talking real vintage here, not just charity shop clothing with inflated prices. The market is a great place to find really unique pieces from as far back as 1900.
7. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a popular tourist attraction in London and houses stalls selling crafts, clothes and accessories within an attractive 19th-Century piazza. There are three markets located at Covent Garden: The Apple Market is a great place to find handmade jewellery; the East Colonnade Market sells jewellery, handbags and belts; the Jubilee market offers a general market including clothing from Tuesday to Friday.
8. Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market is the place to find unique handmade fashion and accessories, along with vintage clothing and antique jewellery. Visit on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for more chance of finding unusual items.
9. Cabbages & Frocks
Cabbages & Frocks is held in the grounds of St Marylebone Parish Church every Saturday. As well as designer and vintage clothes, shoes and accessories, you can stock up on cupcakes and artisan ingredients and snacks.
10. Leather Lane
Camden’s Leather Lane is one of London’s oldest markets and has an atmosphere that’s more Albert Square than high fashion. However, if you’re looking for a bargain, you can pick up knock-off copies of high street labels like Topshop, Monsoon and Oasis. There are also several stalls specialising in branded skincare and makeup. Even if you don’t buy anything here, it’s worth a visit for the excellent food stalls.
