London Markets: A Guide to Camden, Portobello, and Borough

The markets of London: A Guide to Camden, Portobello, and Borough Market

London is a city of markets. Every neighborhood has its own, with a unique personality: some for food, some for antiques, some for alternative fashion or crafts. Three markets stand out for their fame and atmosphere:Camden Market(alternative and rock),Portobello Road Market(vintage and antiques) andBorough Market(food and gastronomy). In this guide, you will find everything you need to visit them: hours, what to buy, how to get there, and tips to avoid the crowds.

Camden Market: The Temple of the Alternative

Camden Market is not a single market, but a collection of markets and shopping areas that stretch along the Regent's Canal, north of London. It is famous for its punk, goth, and alternative atmosphere, dark clothing shops, street food stalls, and live music.

The different markets of Camden

1. Camden Lock Market

The historic heart, around the canal. Stalls of crafts, handmade jewelry, alternative clothing, and plenty of street food. The canal with the refurbished boats is very picturesque.

2. Stables Market

The largest, converted from the old horse stables. Here you can find vintage furniture shops, clothing, shoes, vinyl records, and design items. The industrial architecture is striking.

3. Buck Street Market

The "eco-friendly" market, with colorful containers and sustainable shops. Less crowded than the others.

4. Inverness Street Market

Smaller, with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, and street food.

What to buy in Camden

• Alternative clothing:Bags, t-shirts, jewelry, corsets, gothic and punk outfits.

• Vinyls and records:Shops specializing in rock, metal, indie.

• Street food:Cuisine from around the world: Mexican, Thai, Japanese, Italian, vegan.

• Crafts:Candles, soaps, handmade jewelry, art prints.

Must-try street food

• Mac & cheese:Pasta with melted cheese.

• Falafel and hummus:At Middle Eastern stalls.

• Bao buns (steamed Chinese buns):Stuffed with pork, chicken, or tofu.

• Churros:Fried Spanish sweet with chocolate.

• Craft beer:English craft beers.

When to go

• Hours:Every day 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (many shops open at 11:00 AM and close at 7:00 PM on weekends).

• Best days:Saturday and Sunday are busier but more lively. Monday-Tuesday are quieter.

• Avoid:Peak hours (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) on weekends.

How to get there

• Subway:Camden Town (Northern Line). Exit and you're in the heart of the market.

• Note:Camden Town is very crowded on weekends. Alternatively, get off at Chalk Farm (Northern Line) and walk 5 minutes.

Curiosities

• Camden was the cradle of the punk movement in the 1970s. Amy Winehouse was a regular.

• The market attracts over 30 million visitors a year (more than Buckingham Palace).

Portobello Road Market: Vintage and Antiques

Portobello Road, in the Notting Hill neighborhood, is the most famous market for antiques, vintage clothing, and the colorful houses that served as the backdrop for the film "Notting Hill" (1999). It is about 2 km long and runs from north to south.

The different sections

1. Antiques section (to the north, near Chepstow Villas)

The most famous part, especially active on Saturdays. Here you can find silver, antique jewelry, porcelain, vintage furniture, coins, and stamps. It is a collector's paradise.

2. Fashion and accessories section (central, near the subway station)

Vintage clothing (from the '60s, '70s, '80s), bags, shoes, glasses, hats. Many shops are permanent, not just stalls.

3. Food and fruit section (to the south, near Westway)

Fruits, vegetables, fish, cheeses, bread, street food. More authentic and less touristy.

What to buy at Portobello

• Antique items:Watches, coins, maps, antique jewelry, brooches.

• Vintage clothing:Leather jackets, '60s dresses, Hawaiian shirts, vintage jeans.

• Vinyl records and discs:Specialty shops (e.g. "Portobello Gold").

• Street food:Spanish paella, Venezuelan arepas, artisanal coffee.

When to go

• Hours:Stalls and shops open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (some close earlier on Sundays).

• Best day: Saturday(only on Saturdays is there a complete antiques section). From Monday to Friday, there are fewer stalls.

• Avoid:The busiest hours (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM on Saturday). Arrive by 9:00 AM.

How to get there

• Subway:Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle, District). Exit and walk 5 minutes west.

• Bus:Lines 7, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328.

What to see nearby

• The colorful houses of Notting Hill(Landsdowne Road, Colville Terrace).

• The blue door from the movie "Notting Hill"(280 Westbourne Park Road, but the door has changed).

• Electric Cinema:A historic and luxurious cinema (worth it just for the exterior).

Curiosities

• Portobello Road was a country road until the mid-19th century. The name comes from a farm called "Portobello Farm."

• The market was mentioned in the song "Portobello Road" from the movie "Mary Poppins" (1964).

Borough Market: The food paradise

Borough Market is the most famous and oldest food market in London. It is located under the railway, near London Bridge, and has been open for over 1,000 years. Today it is a feast of colors, smells, and flavors: cheeses, cured meats, bread, fish, spices, pastries, and high-quality street food.

What to buy at Borough Market

Street food not to miss (prices £5-12 per portion):

• Fish and chips:Perfectly fried, served with tartar sauce.

• Porcini mushroom risotto:From "Risotto Brothers".

• Fried haggis (Scottish):For adventurous palates.

• Valencian paella:From large Spanish pans.

• Doughnuts (filled donuts):From "Bread Ahead" (the most famous in London, long queue).

• Bao buns (Chinese buns):From "Yum Bun".

• Juice (fresh juices) and smoothies.

• Craft beer and cider.

Products to buy and take home:

• English cheeses:Aged cheddar, Stilton (blue cheese), Double Gloucester.

• Salami and hams:Italian, Spanish, and English.

• Bread and focaccia:From "Bread Ahead" and "Floris".

• Spices and tea:Specialty shops.

• Artisan chocolate:From "Rococo Chocolate".

When to go

• Hours:Wednesday-Thursday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday(only some food shops may be open on Monday).

• Best day: Saturday(more lively, more stalls).Wednesday-Thursday(less crowded).

• Avoid:Saturday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM (impossible to move).

How to get there

• Subway:London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern). Exit and walk 2 minutes.

• Boat:London Bridge Pier (Uber Boat).

Visiting tips

1. Go with an appetite:It's a food market, try as many stalls as possible.

2. Bring cash:Many stalls accept cards, but some only accept cash. It's better to have both.

3. Avoid lunchtime (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM):The crowd is insane. Go at 10:00 AM or 3:00 PM.

4. Don't buy at the first stall:Look around, taste, and then decide.

5. Bring a cooler bag if you want to buy cheese or cured meats:To take them home safely.

Curiosities

• Borough Market has existed since 1014 (before the Norman conquest!). The current building is from 1851.

• The market has appeared in numerous films, including "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (the trip on the Knight Bus) and "Bridget Jones's Diary."

Summary table of the three markets

Other must-visit markets in London

Brick Lane Market (East London)

• Specialties:Vintage, street art, bagels (the famous Jewish bagels of Brick Lane), Indian and Bangladeshi food.

• Best day:Sunday.

• Metro:Liverpool Street or Shoreditch High Street.

Broadway Market (Hackney)

• Specialties:Quality food, crafts, hipster and relaxed atmosphere.

• Best day:Saturday.

• Metro:London Fields (Overground).

Greenwich Market

• Specialties:Crafts, jewelry, street food, antiques.

• Best day:Saturday and Sunday.

• Metro/DLR:Cutty Sark (DLR).

Maltby Street Market (Bermondsey)

• Specialties:High-quality street food, less touristy than Borough.

• Best day:Saturday and Sunday.

• Metro:London Bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the most famous market in London?

Camden Marketis the most visited (over 30 million visitors a year), butBorough Marketis the most famous for food andPortobellofor antiques.

Which market to visit in London for food?

Borough Marketwithout a doubt. For a less touristy alternative,Maltby Street MarketorBroadway Market.

Which market to visit for vintage clothing?

Portobello Road(clothing from the '60s to '80s) andBrick Lane(cheaper and more alternative vintage).

What is the best day to visit Portobello Road?

Saturdayis the only day when the entire antiques section is open. From Monday to Friday, there are many fewer stalls.

Is Borough Market open on Sunday?

No, Borough Market is closed on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Open from Wednesday to Saturday.

Can you eat at Camden Market in the evening?

Yes, many street food stalls are open until 7:00-8:00 PM, and the pubs and restaurants nearby are open late.

Which market is cheaper?

Camden Markethas a very varied price range (from cheap to expensive).Borough Marketis more expensive (quality food).Portobellocan be expensive for antiques, but there are also cheap stalls.

Are the markets open at Christmas?

Some close on Christmas Day (December 25) and Boxing Day (December 26). Check the official websites.

Can I pay with card at the markets in London?

More and more stalls accept cards and contactless payments, but it's always advisable to have some cash for small purchases (especially at Portobello and Camden).

Which market is best for children?

Camden Market(colors, street food, quirky shops) andBorough Market(food, tastings, colors). Portobello is less suitable for small children.

Unique sensory experience

The markets in London are a unique sensory experience.Camdenfor the alternative and rock atmosphere,Portobellofor vintage and antiques,Boroughfor amazing food. Each has its own soul, its own smells, and its own sounds. To enjoy them to the fullest, choose the right day (Saturday for Portobello, Wednesday-Saturday for Borough, any day for Camden), arrive early (as soon as they open), and be prepared to walk, taste, and haggle (where possible). Happy market!

For a complete overview, you can rely on our detailed guide:holidays in London.

Review date:April 2026