Photo: eGuide Travel
Brick Lane Market
Brick Lane Market is the collective name for a cluster of street and indoor markets running the length of Brick Lane in east London. What began in the 17th century as a Sunday farmers' market, shaped over the years first by the area's Jewish community and later by Bangladeshi immigrants, has grown into one of the capital's most characterful weekend destinations. Today it draws art students, bargain hunters and food lovers to a sprawl of stalls selling vintage fashion, antiques, handmade crafts and street food from around the world, with the Old Truman Brewery sites at its heart.
Opening times
The main market action happens at the weekend, with Saturday running roughly 11am to 6pm and Sunday, the historic trading day, from around 10am to 6pm. Sunday is the busiest and most complete day, when the surrounding street stalls, indoor halls and food markets all run together. The Brick Lane Vintage Market also opens on weekdays from about 11am, so vintage hunters can browse Monday to Friday too. Arrive mid-morning on a Sunday to beat the heaviest crowds.
What's on the stalls
Expect a huge mix: vintage clothing spanning the 1920s to 1990s, antiques, second-hand books, records, collectibles and independent designer goods. Several indoor halls in the Old Truman Brewery, including the Sunday Upmarket and Backyard Market, showcase emerging makers and artists. Street food is a major draw, with traders serving cuisine from every corner of the globe alongside fresh produce and baked goods.
Around the market / getting there
Brick Lane sits in Tower Hamlets between Shoreditch and Spitalfields. The nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street (Overground) and Aldgate East (Underground), both a short walk away, with Liverpool Street mainline close by. Pair a visit with the famous curry houses and bagel shops on Brick Lane itself, the street art of Shoreditch, or nearby Old Spitalfields Market for a full day out in east London.
Common questions
- What are Brick Lane Market opening times?
- The main markets run at weekends, with Saturday around 11am to 6pm and Sunday, the busiest day, from about 10am to 6pm. The Brick Lane Vintage Market also opens on weekdays from around 11am.
- Is Brick Lane Market free?
- Yes, entry to Brick Lane Market is free. You only pay for the food, vintage clothing, crafts and other goods you choose to buy.
- What is the best time to visit Brick Lane Market?
- Sunday is the best day, when all the street stalls, indoor halls and food markets run together. Arrive mid-morning to enjoy the full market before the heaviest afternoon crowds.
- Where is Brick Lane Market?
- Brick Lane Market is on Brick Lane in Tower Hamlets, east London, between Shoreditch and Spitalfields. The nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street and Aldgate East.
Other markets nearby
- Backyard Market Brick Lane, Shoreditch (Tower Hamlets)
- Sunday Upmarket Brick Lane, Spitalfields
- The Truman Brewery Markets Brick Lane, Shoreditch
- Old Spitalfields Market Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets
- Petticoat Lane Market Aldgate, City of London / Tower Hamlets
- Whitechapel Market Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets