London, United Kingdom

Best places to shop in London

5 markets, malls and shopping districts in London — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Last updated 2026-08-08

1. Borough Market

The Southwark food market trading since the 12th century — British cheese, charcuterie, bread, produce and cooked stalls under the railway arches.

Where: Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–17:00; full market Wednesday onwards
Cost: Mid-range
Tip: Go on a weekday morning. Saturday is close to impassable and the traders have less time to talk.

2. Portobello Road Market

The Notting Hill market — antiques and silver at the southern end on Saturdays, fruit and veg in the middle, vintage and street food under the Westway.

Where: Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Saturday 09:00–19:00 for antiques; other days smaller
Cost: Mid–Luxury

Watch outSilver and antique prices here assume a tourist who has not checked. Hallmarks are legible with a loupe and tell you the metal, the maker and the year — ask to see them, and check a dealer's price against an online auction result before buying.

3. Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street

The West End retail spine — department stores and chains on Oxford Street, flagships on Regent Street, and international luxury on Bond Street.

Where: Luxury
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–21:00; Sunday 12:00–18:00
Cost: Mid–Luxury
Tip: Liberty, just off Regent Street, is worth entering for the Tudor-revival building even if you buy nothing.

4. Camden Market

The canal-side market complex — vintage clothing, records, jewellery, street food and the Stables Market's converted horse hospital.

Where: Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–18:00, busiest at weekends
Cost: Budget–Mid

5. Spitalfields, Brick Lane and Columbia Road

The East End markets — design and vintage at Spitalfields, vintage and curry houses on Brick Lane, and the Sunday flower market on Columbia Road.

Where: Flea Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Spitalfields daily; Brick Lane Sunday; Columbia Road Sunday 08:00–15:00
Cost: Budget–Mid
Tip: Columbia Road flower sellers cut prices dramatically in the last hour before closing.