The best Saturday markets in London

10am-6pm
Good for: furniture, antiques

Alfies is packed to the rafters with heart-flutteringly handsome twentieth-century home decor. This market hosts more than 100 dealers in vintage furniture and fashion, art, accessories, books, maps and more. We especially like Dodo Posters, who sell 1920s and ’30s ads.

8am-5pm
Good for: food

The famous Borough Market is London’s oldest – dating back to the 13th century. Now, it's also the busiest and most popular for gourmet goodies. Here, traders satisfy the city’s insatiable appetite for beautifully displayed organic fruit and veg, cakes, bread, olive oil, fish, meat and booze. They say "don't go shopping on an empty stomach", but there's a lot to nibble on at Borough Market, and it'd be rude to say no.

8am-11:30pm
Good for: food, cafés, textiles

Compared to the culinary homogeneity of Borough market et al, Brixton is a sensory fiesta. The air is thick with the sizzle of jerk chicken stalls, your ears are serenaded by tinny reggae riddims and you can't help but overhear yam-based price disputes. You better rock down to electric avenue (but also plan your trip because not all of the market is open late).

9am-5pm
Good for: food

If it’s Saturday, then it must be Hackney’s Broadway Market. Well, at least as far as east London’s foodie-fashionistas are concerned. Relaunched in 2004, Broadway market is beaut for indulging in top-notch snacking options from an array of hot food stalls. Expect to find locals congregating at the market, picking up well-priced fresh fruit and veg, artisan cheeses, rare-breed meat, and luscious cakes.

10am-late
Good for: clothes, accessories, souvenirs

There are several markets under what you might call the Camden Market umbrella. Once you're in Camden they're all pretty easy to spot - a sprawling collection that offers a real smörgåsbord of street culture. Saturdays are not for the faint-hearted - you'll see endless crowds swarming over lava lamps, skull rings, fashion, interiors, music and vintage items, too. There's a lot to see, do and eat here, so we recommend making a day of it. 

10am-7pm
Good for: antiques, gifts

This London institution may appear too commercial and crowded to provide a characterful retail experience, but some quirky gems lift the experience. The collonaded nineteenth-century Piazza building houses Apple Market, where tourist-friendly crafts are the staple, as well as cutesy chain stores – although it’s worth keeping a lookout for independents still holding their ground such as Eric Snook’s Toyshop and the specialist tobacconist/cigar shop Segar & Snuff Parlour. Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for arty knick-knacks and crafts largely geared toward tourists.

Around 11am-10pm - check individual traders for exact times
Good for: food, arty homewares

Most of Deptford Market is your standard south/east London fare: three-pack pants, timber wolf fleeces, Duracells and lighters. Head towards Deptford Market Yard, however, and you'll be greeted by a new collection of stores that are a bit more arty. Don't miss: Mama's Jerk - a totally tasty Carribean Street food joint.

10am-5:30pm
Good for: antiques, collectables

Situated in historic Greenwich, this market is well-worth a look. There are plenty of stalls here that sell everything from bric-a-brac, second-hand clothes and ethnic ornaments to CDs crafts and jewellery. Tip: there's no need to set an alarm for this market - just wander on down when you're dressed.

10am-5pm
Good for: fruit and veg

A street market since Victorian times, there’s some quality veg, women’s clothes, decent jewellery and vintage shops here. Alongside the market, you'll see some fascinating independent shops too.