If you’re going on a hen do in London, there’s no better way of experiencing the city’s creativity and culture than by visiting one of its famous markets. London has over 350 markets selling everything from antique jewellery and vintage pieces to clothing by small designers and delicious street food. So ignore that morning hangover from the hen night and make your way to one of London’s best weekend markets. Don't know where to start? Take a look at our picks of the city’s most iconic markets, from the quirky backstreets and railway arches of Maltby Street Market to the grand old Victorian Hall at Spitalfields.
Borough Market
For a foodie paradise, head to Borough Market where you’ll be overwhelmed by gourmet goodies. Farmers, butchers, chocolatiers, bakers and traders from all around the world visit London’s oldest food market to sell their wares. Have a wander, picking up free samples as you go, with everything from freshly-baked bread and cheese to top-quality meat and fish.
Nearest station: London Bridge or Borough
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Broadway Market
For fresh, artisanal produce, Broadway Market is a gem in the heart of Hackney. It’s a place where local farmers, artists and creatives come together to show off their wares. You’ll find everything from vintage clothes and knick-knacks to books and records, but it’s the delicious, locally-sourced ingredients and street food options that really draw the crowds.
Nearest station: Cambridge Heath or London Fields
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Camden Market
With millions of visitors each year, Camden Market is a popular spot to find all things quirky. Stretching across several markets, it’s home to vintage fashion, fascinating artwork, handmade jewellery, artsy craft stalls and more. It even still has its original alternative atmosphere where you can pick up band T-shirts and futuristic clubwear. Be sure to stop for a bite; the delicious street food is some of the best in London.
Nearest stations: Camden Town and Chalk Farm
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Columbia Road Flower Market
Visit the East-End on a Sunday, and you’ll be met with an explosion of colour, fragrance and life as the flower market is in full bloom. Just off Shoreditch, this picturesque cobbled street is filled with vibrant displays of flowers, potted plants, cacti, bulbs and seeds. Surrounding the stalls are tons of independent cafes and shops including places to pick up gardening tools and accessories.
Nearest station: Hoxton
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Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market is an iconic London landmark known for its fun street performers and surrounding designer stores. The Apple Market is filled with crafts and lovingly handmade jewellery, prints and watercolours. Over in the East Colonnade Market, there are fragrant artisan soaps, jewellery, handbags and sweet treats. For gifts and trinkets, try the Jubilee Market across the piazza.
Nearest station: Covent Garden
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Maltby Street Market
The lesser-known Maltby Street Market may be small, but it sure packs a big punch. Open every weekend under railway arches in Bermondsey; you’ll find an amazing range of street food sellers and cute cafes dedicated to delicious tasting food. Try Little Bird’s gin cocktails, Sub Cult’s New York-style sandwiches or pop into Comptoir Gourmand’s for a pastry. We especially love it as it’s also the home of Chillisauce HQ.
Nearest station: London Bridge or Bermondsey
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Spitalfields Market
Open every day, Spitalfields Market is a lively Victorian-style market hall with tons of stalls. Experience the creative spirit of East London with fashion from up-and-coming designers, beautiful antiques and amazing handmade creations. There’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat from high-quality fresh food market stalls and creative street food trucks to the well-known chain restaurants.
Nearest station: Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street
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Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market is a huge eclectic collection of street food, bric-a-brac, collectables, vintage clothing, fresh produce and much more. Made one of the world’s most famous markets by the film Notting Hill, it’s the largest antiques market, and on Saturdays when the market’s at its biggest, it’s home to more than 1,000 stalls. There’s nothing quite like browsing fascinating antiques on a warm summer’s day.
Nearest station: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove
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Southbank Centre Market
If you’ve ever visited the Southbank from Friday to Sunday, you’ll have smelt the incredible scents of the street food vendors. Be sure to drop by with an empty stomach, ready to experience a creative and vibrant feast with flavours from all around the world. Try Sicilian cuisine, veggie treats from India, Korean BBQ, Polish pierogi dumplings or Dough Bro’s pizza. You can also grab quality beers, wines and cocktails.
Nearest station: Waterloo
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Sunday UpMarket
East London’s creative community really shine at this Sunday market. Housed within the red-brick Old Truman Brewery, it’s a showcase of artists and designers; there’s everything from alternative and high fashion to handmade jewellery, accessories and food. It’s a great place to pick up exclusive, bespoke items and connect directly with the designers.
Nearest station: Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street
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Want more ideas? Check out more London hen do ideas and our guides to shopping in London and London's department stores.
