Old Spitalfields Market, covered market in Spitalfields

Photo: Bikeboy / geograph.org.uk

Old Spitalfields Market

covered marketantiquesvintagestreet food

16 Horner Square, Spitalfields · E1 6EW · Mo-We 10:00-20:00; Th 08:00-18:00; Fr 10:00-20:00; Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 10:00-17:00

Old Spitalfields Market is one of London's oldest and most characterful covered markets, trading on the same Spitalfields site for over 350 years. Sheltered under a soaring Victorian glass-and-iron roof just off Commercial Street, it brings together independent designers, vintage and antiques dealers, artisan makers and a deep bench of street food traders. The market changes its mood through the week, with themed days that draw collectors, fashion lovers and weekend browsers in equal measure. Entry is free, so you can wander the aisles for hours and pay only for what you buy.

Opening times

The market is open seven days a week, with general trading roughly 10am to 8pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, an earlier 8am start on Thursday, 10am to 6pm Saturday and 10am to 5pm Sunday. Each day has its own character: Thursday is the famous Antiques and Vinyl day, Fridays lean towards fashion and art with a Vinyl Market on the first and third Friday of the month, and Sunday is the busiest, most family-friendly day. Individual shops and restaurants set their own hours, so check ahead if you are visiting for a specific trader.

What's on the stalls

Expect a rotating mix of vintage clothing, antiques, retro curiosities, records, jewellery, art, prints and handmade homeware from independent makers. Permanent boutiques and restaurants line the edges of the hall while the central aisles fill with changing stalls. Some of London's best-loved street food traders also set up here, so it is as much a place to eat as to shop.

Around the market / getting there

The market sits in Spitalfields in the East End, a short walk from Liverpool Street station and close to Shoreditch High Street and Aldgate East. It is an easy pairing with nearby Brick Lane, the bagel shops and the bars and galleries of Shoreditch. Arrive on foot from Liverpool Street in under ten minutes and make a full afternoon of the area.

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Common questions

What are Old Spitalfields Market opening times?
The market is open seven days a week, broadly 10am to 8pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, from 8am on Thursday for the antiques market, 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Individual shops and restaurants set their own hours.
Is Old Spitalfields Market free?
Yes. Entry to Old Spitalfields Market is free; you only pay for what you buy from the stalls, shops and food traders.
What is the best time to visit Old Spitalfields Market?
Thursday is best for antiques and vinyl, Fridays for fashion and the vinyl market, and Sunday is the busiest, most family-friendly day with the widest range of stalls.
Where is Old Spitalfields Market?
It is at 16 Horner Square in Spitalfields, just off Commercial Street in the E1 area of Tower Hamlets, east London, a short walk from Liverpool Street station.

Other markets nearby