Leadenhall Market, covered Victorian arcade in the City of London

Photo: Duncan H (duncanh1), Flickr

Leadenhall Market

covered markethistoricshops & diningCity of London

Gracechurch Street, City of London · EC3V 1LT · Mo-Su 00:00-24:00 (public areas; individual shop hours vary)

Leadenhall Market is one of London's most striking covered markets, tucked into the heart of the City of London near Bank and Monument. There has been a market on this site since the 14th century, but the building you see today is the ornate Victorian arcade designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881, all painted green and burgundy ironwork, cobbled lanes and a glazed roof that floods the walkways with light. Rather than rows of stalls, Leadenhall today is a covered parade of independent shops, pubs, wine bars, cafes and restaurants. Its film-set good looks earned it a turn as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films, and it remains one of the most photographed corners of the Square Mile.

Opening times

The market's public walkways are open and free to wander 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can admire the architecture any time. The shops, bars and restaurants keep their own hours and are busiest on weekday lunchtimes and after work, roughly Monday to Friday from late morning into the evening. Many traders are quieter or closed at weekends, when the surrounding financial district empties out. For a lively atmosphere come on a weekday; for empty photo-friendly lanes, visit early morning or on a Sunday.

What's on the stalls

Leadenhall is less a stalls market and more a covered arcade of independent businesses. You will find traditional pubs and wine bars, cheesemongers and food shops, cafes and sit-down restaurants, plus florists, a barber and assorted boutiques. It is a popular spot for City workers to eat, drink and shop, and a handful of food traders cater to the lunchtime crowd. Prices reflect the central City location, but browsing and admiring the building cost nothing.

Around the market / getting there

Leadenhall Market sits off Gracechurch Street in the City of London, postcode EC3V 1LT. The nearest Underground stations are Monument, about a four minute walk, and Bank, about six minutes; Liverpool Street and Aldgate are also within easy reach. It pairs well with a wider walk around the Square Mile, taking in the Leadenhall Building, the Lloyd's of London building, the Monument and the riverside at London Bridge.

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Common questions

What are Leadenhall Market opening times?
The covered public walkways are open and free 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individual shops, bars and restaurants set their own hours and are busiest on weekdays, roughly late morning through the evening, with many quieter or closed at weekends.
Is Leadenhall Market free?
Yes. Entry to Leadenhall Market is completely free and you can wander the historic covered arcade any time. You only pay if you choose to shop, eat or drink at the traders inside.
What is the best time to visit Leadenhall Market?
For atmosphere and open traders, come on a weekday lunchtime or after work when the City is busy. For quiet, photo-friendly lanes, visit early in the morning or at the weekend when the financial district is calmer.
Where is Leadenhall Market?
Leadenhall Market is off Gracechurch Street in the City of London, EC3V 1LT. The closest Underground stations are Monument (about four minutes' walk) and Bank (about six minutes).

Other markets nearby