A guide to London’s top markets

You’ll find Borough Market , a patchwork of street food hawkers, upscale cheesemongers and local vegetable sellers, all under a photogenic sage green and glass roof by London Bridge. Prices sit on the higher end of the scale here, but the quality is worth it: think authentic Jamaican sauces, Northern Italian cheeses and small-batch liquors made in London. It's also home to some of London’s busiest cafes and restaurants, so if you’re not in a hurry, join the winding lines at Padella, where everyone orders the cacio e pepe, or grab a flat white at Monmouth Coffee.

Each Sunday, Columbia Road erupts into an explosion of rainbow blooms and curious foliage as its flower market takes over. East Londoners know and love the market well, though people from all over the capital flock to its tents nowadays, making it a tight squeeze if you go later in the day. It's a truly sensorial experience, from the smells of freshly baked bread and florals, to talented buskers and cockney florists hawking their wares for all to hear. Once you’ve conquered the main drag, nip into nearby antique stores and cafes to regroup and refuel.

Join the Shoreditch hipsters at Brick Lane on the weekends, where you’ll find the city’s best-dressed rifling through clothes racks. The main lane is lined with shops touting bold local designs and artisanal coffee, but dip down a discreet staircase to find The Vintage Market: a treasure trove of stalls selling everything from old-school French painters’ shirts to retro miniskirts. Other great spots for vintage digging include Hunky Dory, Rokit, Beyond Retro and Atika’s gigantic warehouse nearby. Grabbing a salt beef bagel from Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is practically obligatory – just mind your head as you step into the white-and-red bakery. If you happen to be on Brick Lane on a Sunday, head to Sunday Upmarket for some delicious street food and Instagrammable sweet treats.

It takes about half an hour to get to Greenwich from central London, but you’ll be instantly charmed once you step into its environs. Skirt past the towering sails of the Cutty Sark clipper ship and the terraced houses until you reach Greenwich Market , a covered hub of antiques, handicrafts and street food which has been running since 1737. Unlike other markets on this list, it’s open all week with a rotation of stalls – meaning no two visits will be the same. Grab some food to go and make a beeline for Greenwich’s stunning park, which encompasses sweeping lawns, ponds and museums. Those who climb the hill to the Royal Observatory will be richly rewarded with unforgettable views of the city and the winding River Thames.

As one of the newer kids on the block, Kerb is shaking up the street food scene with its buzzing markets in several locations across London. You’ll find the city’s most exciting traders among its diverse roster; the biggest challenge is figuring out what to eat as you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s everything from BBQ Dreams’ Filipino-style pork belly to the gooey toasties from The Cheese Truck, which are ideal for an Instagram-worthy cheese pull. There’s a real sense of camaraderie and passion at these trader pop-ups, which also serve as incubators for up-and-coming names on the food scene.

Once renowned for its grungy punk scene, Camden Market has changed over the years as it's ballooned to span courtyards, buildings and even smaller mini markets. There are more than a thousand stalls selling everything from local gothic fashion to vintage cameras, meaning the one thing you can expect here is the unexpected. It’s easy to spend hours getting lost in Camden Town’s winding streets, but there are a few landmarks you’ll want to stop at. Pay your respects at the late singer Amy Winehouse’s statue, watch the barges go by on Regent’s Canal, or brave Cyberdog: a store for ravers open only to those 18 years old and over.

Head to West London and follow the crowds to Portobello Road Market, a throng of eclectic stalls which change depending on the day of the week . Friday and Saturday are the best days to go, as the street fills with antiques, vintage clothing and fruit and vegetable stalls, though the market operates from Monday to Thursday as well – albeit at a lower capacity. Stop for a quick picture outside 142 Portobello Road, the bookshop from classic romcom Notting Hill, or pose in front of the pastel-coloured terraced houses lining neighbouring streets.

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