13 Best Markets in East London Guide | Fantastic Foods and Vintage Shops
Londoners love their shopping, and the city has no shortage of markets to explore. East London may have been infamous for the Jack the Ripper murders of the 19th century.
However, in the 21st century, this area has seen a complete revival as a vibrant and hip hotspot for both locals and tourist.
Here you’ll find fantastic neighbourhoods buzzing with some of the best food markets in London, amazing street art, and vintage markets.
But, which of these neighbourhoods and trendy shopping spots are worth a visit? Well in this guide I’m sharing with you my favourite markets in East London.
So, if you’re ready for a splash of colourful street art, a dash of amazing flavours and more, read below to find the best markets in the East End.
Where is East London?
East London is an informal area of London, East of Central London, and North of the Thames River. It comprises many popular neighbourhoods that attract both crowds of locals and tourists.
From the Canary Wharf on the Thames riverside to Stratford right by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, there is so much to discover.
There are also a few contemporary and hip neighbourhoods full of fun cafes, bars and stylish hotels. Shoreditch, Spitalfields, and Hackney have some of the area’s trendiest markets for art lovers and foodies alike.
Before stopping at these great food markets in East London, take this street art walking tour to see captivating artwork.
It is a great way to get acquainted with the area and explore this eclectic and vibrant side of the city. You’ll also learn a little about Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Shoreditch’s history.
The Best Markets East London Has to Offer
London is no stranger to the market scene. These East End markets have everything from street food, vintage clothes, and handcrafted art.
Old Spitalfields
Old Spitalfields sits in a historic Victorian building in the heart of East London dating from the 1800s. It has served East London for centuries and started as a wholesale market to the growing population of the surrounding area. Today, this area sells so much more.
Old Spitalfields is open seven days a week and sells antiques, vintage and contemporary clothing, and handcrafted art. The markets also host regular events and specials for their loyal customers.
These include the likes of antique Thursdays for vintage furniture and knick-knacks, or the design market every last Sunday of the month.
You’ll also find contemporary street food served in ‘The Kitchens’. This food court in the centre of Old Spitalfields serves trendy dishes from ten fully kitted kitchens.
Here you’ll find foods from all corners of the world, from Kenyan, Indian samosas to Hawaiian poke bowls.
The market also has some great dessert places in East London, like Crêpeaffaire, which serves both sweet and savoury crepes. If you’re on a restrictive diet, Old Spitalfields has a few stalls that serve vegan and gluten-free options.
Details: Monday to Wednesday & Friday 10:00-18:00, Thursday 08:00-18:00, Saturday 10:00-18:00, Sunday 10:00-17:00
Address: 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW
Broadway Market
The Broadway Market in Hackney is a Saturday market that operates all 52 weeks of the year. This outdoor market is between London Fields and Regent’s Canal and sells anything from crafts to hair and beauty products, but the real draw is the food.
This spot is a foodie central and sells an assortment of foods such as high-quality street food, fresh loaves of bread, or the catch of the day.
You’re spoiled for choice between both sweet and savoury treats from the confectionery delights, like Bad Brownies’ delicious delicacies, to the German Deli’s cured meats.
If you miss the market on Saturdays, don’t worry. During the week, over 70 cafes, restaurants and coffee shops open up along the road.
One must-taste brew is from Climpson & Sons and is a favourite coffee shop in East London among many.
Details: Saturdays 09:00-17:00
Address: 35 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH
Westgate Street Market
New on the block is Westgate St Market in London Fields is under the radar compared to its next-door neighbour Boardway Market.
If you are looking for somewhere to grab a cup of coffee or some tasty camalari without fighting through crowds of people, then this market is for you.
Details: Saturdays, 9 am – 5pm
Address: London Fields Primary School, Westgate Street, London, E8 3RL
Billingsgate Market
Billingsgate Market is in Poplar, near Canary Wharf, which is just off the side of the Thames River. Therefore, it’s only fitting that they sell fresh fish and seafood. If you’re hoping to get the catch of the day, you’re going to have to get an early start to the day– but it will be well worth it.
This wholesale market spans over an area of 13 acres of the freshest seafood and fish. There are about one hundred stalls, 30 shops, and two cafes. While most of the fish sold at the market is locally caught, about 40% is imported, so you will have a bigger pool to choose from.
While you’re in the area, check out some nearby Canary Wharf coffee shops for a hot beverage. One of these will certainly take care of all of your caffeine needs.
If you need a quick pick-me-up, Cafe Samba on the South Quay Walk or 640 East at the Canary Wharf Station are great stops to pick up a strong cuppa joe on your way to your next market.
Details: Tuesday to Thursday 04:00-08:30
Address: Trafalgar Way, London E14 5ST, United Kingdom
Victoria Park Market
This farmers market in East London is in the beautiful Tower Hamlets Borough. It is situated in Victoria Park, which is the borough’s oldest and biggest park. Much like the park, this market gets thousands of visitors excited to find the best snacks and fresh produce every week.
Victoria Park Market doesn’t only sell fruits and vegetables, as well as fresh meats. Buy the best cuts from organic farm butchers or pick up fresh fish from one of these stalls. You can also pick up raw honey, jams or vegan cheeses for a charcuterie board for your next soiree or buy a farm made pie.
Chill out with a few drinks from the kombucha bar, juice bar or with a single-origin coffee in hand while a live band plays in the background. The market also has a few international finds like Korean kimchi and South African biltong.
To try more delicious international street foods, be sure to include the Sri Lankan seafood kottu roti or some plant-based Japanese-inspired street foods.
Details: Sundays 10:00-16:00
Address: Between Bonner Gate and Gore Gate in Victoria Park, London E2 9JW
Columbia Road Flower Market
If you love your plant babies, you’ll love this flora market in Tower Hamlets. It was initially established in 1869 as a covered food market.
While the building was demolished and replaced, the market saw a revival over the years, and many traders today are second and third generation sellers.
The Columbia Road Flower Market sells, well, as you can guess, flowers. The stalls are lined with colourful bunches of roses, hydrangeas, sunflowers and more. Besides flowers, they also sell all types of plants, from shrubs and succulents to bulbs.
The market has stalls with garden accessories, antiques, soaps, and candles. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, there are also a few street food stalls selling international treats.
While Sundays are a great time to visit Columbia Road, there is still plenty to enjoy during the week. This small neighbourhood has a string of quaint cafes, delis, shops, and art galleries to catch your eye from Monday to Saturday.
Details: Sundays 08:00-14:00
Address: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG
Roman Road Market
Roman Road is in Bethnal Green and Bow and stretches for more than 1.6 km (1 mile). It is on this winding road that you’ll find the Roman Road Market.
This mile end market has been running for over 150 years and is one of the East End’s oldest street markets.
The Roman Road market stalls are rich in variety, selling clothes, fabrics, homeware, and of course, street food. Here you can find the best fashion finds at either the fabric stalls or the French Connection outlet stall. It has the best bargains on material and big fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren and Top Shop.
If you want to satisfy your stomach, visiting their food is a must. Roman Road is lined with dozens of dishes from all over the world. Dog watchers and owners don’t have to shy away either. While there, be sure to pick up some treats for your doggos from Steve’s Pets at Roam.
Details: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 to 15:30, Saturdays 09:00-16:00
Address:Roman Road LDN, Social Streets C.I.C, First Floor, Abbotts Flooring, 470-480 Roman Road
Walthamstow Market
Walthamstow Market is located in Walthamstow Forest. It is Europe’s longest open-air street market, but not the largest. That award goes to The Hague Market. The Walthamstow Market dates back to the 1880s and spans about a kilometre along High Street.
From Tuesdays to Saturdays, you can buy snacks, food, clothes and household goods. Some of the cuisine highlights include Caribbean curry and traditional cockney pie and mash. If you’re feeling brave, you can even try out a jellied eel or two.
On Sundays, there is a social market in the area called the Walthamstow Sunday Social Market. This market is fairly new and only started in 2018. There are over 30 sellers who are independent or emerging vendors.
Be sure to sample fun food experiments at these stalls, like deep-fried ice cream, or simply keep it safe with their authentic Paella.
There is also live music and entertainment throughout the day. Arrive early to both markets to avoid missing exciting items and hidden food gems on display.
Details: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 to 15:30, Saturdays 09:00-16:00; Walthamstow Sunday Social Market Sunday 10:00-16:00
Address: 116 High St, London E17 7JX
Netil Market
Netil Market in Hackney is a trendy market lined with shacks instead of stalls. The market is part of a larger community called Netil, which has a few side projects, such as an independent radio station, a rooftop bar and various creative workspaces.
The whole space is a collection of craftspeople displaying their art through pop-up stalls, live music or street food.
The outside area has a sun terrace and shared tables to allow for a sense of community. There are a few food stalls at Netil market which explore flavours from all around the world.
Top spots to try out are the Taiwanese restaurant Bao which serves steamed buns filled with pork, kimchi and Sichuan mayo. There is also a dessert bao (or bun) filled with ice cream.
Another worthy food stall is Lemlem Kitchen’s African tacos with Eritrean flavours. These tacos have a soft layer of injera bread on top and combine all the best parts of both Africa and Mexico in one. The stall also has wings and fries that are topped with chickpea stew.
Details: Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00 Saturday to Sunday 11:00-18:00
Address: Market, 13 – 23 Westgate St, London E8 3R
Petticoat Lane Market
Calling all fashion-lovers and bargain-hunters. You’re sure to find a fashion steal at Petticoat Lane Market.
The market is only a stone’s throw from Brick Lane Market. While the name of the street was renamed Middlesex Street, it is still known as Petticoat Lane Market today. It began in the 1700s by the French Huguenots, who first sold lace and petticoats here.
Today, the market splits into two during the week. On weekdays, the Wentworth Street Market spans mainly around Wentworth Street, Bell Lane, and Goulston Street.
On Sundays, the area expands to more surrounding streets and becomes the Middlesex Street Market.
Even though it splits into two, you can still find all kinds of textiles, garments, leather goods, and anything under the sun at hundreds of stalls. If you walk down the road narrowed by stalls and clothing racks, you’re bound to find a hidden discount gem or two.
Details:Wentworth Street Market- Mondays to Saturdays 08:00-16:00, Middlesex Street Market- Sundays 09:00-14:00
Address: 119-121 Middlesex St, London E1 7JF
Ridley Road Market
The Ridley Road Market, sometimes referred to as “Dalston Market”, is in the heart of Dalston. It is easily reachable and opposite Dalston Kingsland train station. The market started off small in 1880 with only 20 stalls but has now grown to over 150 stalls over the decades.
Ridley Road Market is next to a bustling main road which adds to all the buzzing activity it has to offer.
The market has been instrumental in Hackney’s culture and history. It is a combination of national and international flavours, and all of the cultures and sounds encapsulate the city’s diversity.
Upon entering, you’re serenaded by lively Reggae music whilst shopping through the stalls that sell both international and local goods.
You can even top up on some Asian, Afro-Caribbean, and European ingredients and spices that might be difficult to find elsewhere in London while you’re here.
Details: Monday to Saturday 09:30 -16:00
Address:Ridley Rd, London E8 2NP
Brick Lane Markets & Old Truman Brewery Market
The Brick Lane Markets are at the Old Truman Brewery Market, which you can find in Tower Hamlets in Brick Lane. The Old Truman Brewery has a cluster of hundreds of market stalls and shops you can spend hours rummaging through for treasures.
This market sells everything you might want from an East London market, whether you’re hunting for antiques, clothes, or original artwork.
One market to check out is Brick Lane Vintage Market. This vintage shop in Brick Lane is a great place to fluff up your wardrobe with eclectic pieces sometimes dating back to the 1920s. The shop also sells a few vintage items like vinyl records and vintage jewellery pieces.
If you want to treat yourself to some yummy street food this weekend, then Upmarket is the place to do just that.
This market has freshly made street food from all over the world, under one roof. To add to that, they also have fresh produce and innovative desserts.
Another market with delicious dessert options is The Tea Rooms. This quirky little shop serves tasty teas and desserts all in an (almost) hidden hole in the wall. You can buy various antiques, plants, books, maps, and typewriters here.
Details: Brick Lane Vintage Market– Monday to Saturday 11:00 – 18:00, Sunday 10:00 – 18:00; Upmarket Saturday 11:00 – 17:30, Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
The Tea Rooms Saturday 11:00 – 18:00, Sunday 10:00 – 17:00
Address: Brick Ln, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom
Ready to Shop at the London East End Markets?
East London is a great place to stop by for an afternoon of fun. It has an abundance of interesting neighbourhoods. Throw in a few markets in some of those neighbourhoods, and you’ve got a full-time job of exploring to do.
Shopping at these East End markets is a great way to expand your palate and wardrobe. Here you can find a few innovative treats or just stock up on fresh produce and international spices. It is also a great way to pick up some original artworks or vintage clothing to help express yourself.
Whether you’re looking for a treat to eat or wear, these East End neighbourhoods and accompanying markets offer you two for the price of one. The pick is all up to you.