Photo: Borough Market
Borough Market
Borough Market is London's most famous food market, a covered warren of stalls under the railway arches by London Bridge in Southwark. Trading on the site dates back centuries and today around a hundred traders sell cheese, bread, charcuterie, fresh produce, spices, cakes and hot street food from around the world. It is as much a place to eat as to shop: you can graze your way around toasties, paella, salt beef and doughnuts, or buy ingredients to take home. It gets very busy at weekend lunchtimes, so a weekday morning is the calmer visit. Entry is free; you pay only for what you eat and buy.
Opening times
The full market runs Tuesday to Saturday, with a quieter offering on Sundays and Mondays. Core hours are Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm, with some traders on limited days at the start of the week. Weekday mornings are the calmest; Saturday lunchtime is the busiest stretch of the week, so arrive early if you want room to browse.
What to eat and buy
Around a hundred traders cover artisan cheese, sourdough and pastries, charcuterie, seasonal fruit and veg, fish, spices and street food from grilled cheese and salt-beef bagels to paella, curries and fresh doughnuts. Many stalls offer tasters. Come hungry to graze, or bring a bag to shop for ingredients; most traders take cash and card.
Getting there
Borough Market sits beside Southwark Cathedral, a two-minute walk from London Bridge station (Northern and Jubilee lines, plus National Rail). It pairs easily with a riverside walk along the Thames, the Tate Modern or a pint in one of the historic pubs nearby, making it an easy half-day out in central London.
Common questions
- What are Borough Market's opening times?
- The full market runs Tuesday to Saturday: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm, with limited traders on Mondays.
- Is Borough Market free to visit?
- Yes, entry is free. You only pay for the food, drink and ingredients you choose to buy from the traders.
- What is the best day to visit Borough Market?
- A weekday morning is the calmest time with the full market open. Saturday lunchtime is the busiest, so go early if you want space to browse.
- Where is Borough Market?
- At 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1TL, next to Southwark Cathedral and a two-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Other markets nearby
- Leadenhall Market City of London
- Bermondsey Antique Market Bermondsey, Southwark
- Bermondsey Farmers' Market Bermondsey, Southwark
- Petticoat Lane Market Aldgate, City of London / Tower Hamlets
- Smithfield Poultry Market Smithfield, City of London
- East Street Market Walworth, Southwark