Photo: Tower Hamlets Slice (Roman Road London)
Roman Road Market
Roman Road Market is one of London's oldest surviving street markets, trading on Roman Road in Bow since the 1840s. A proper East End institution, locals still talk about 'going down the Roman' to browse the stalls. Today the market lines a stretch of Roman Road in Tower Hamlets with rails of affordable womenswear, fresh produce, street food and homeware, surrounded by independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Entry is free and you pay only for what you buy.
Opening times
Roman Road Market trades three days a week. It runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3.30pm, then on a busier and bigger Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Saturday is the liveliest day with the most stalls and footfall, so go then for the full experience. Midweek is quieter and easier if you prefer to browse the rails at a calmer pace.
What's on the stalls
The market is best known for affordable women's fashion, with long runs of clothing rails offering high-street and end-of-line pieces at a fraction of usual prices. Alongside the fashion you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, street food from around the world, fabric and haberdashery, household goods and homeware. The surrounding stretch of Roman Road adds independent shops, cafes and restaurants to make a full afternoon of it.
Around the market / getting there
Roman Road Market sits on Roman Road in Bow, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The nearest stations are Mile End (Central, District and Hammersmith & City lines) and Bow Road, both a short walk away, while several bus routes serve Roman Road directly. Pair a visit with nearby Victoria Park or the canals of the Regent's Canal, both within easy walking distance for a classic East End day out.
Common questions
- What are Roman Road Market opening times?
- Roman Road Market runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 3.30pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Saturday is the biggest and busiest day.
- Is Roman Road Market free?
- Yes. Entry to Roman Road Market is free and you only pay for what you buy from the stalls.
- What is the best time to visit Roman Road Market?
- Saturday is the best day, when the market is at its largest and liveliest from 9am to 4pm. Midweek on Tuesday or Thursday is quieter for relaxed browsing.
- Where is Roman Road Market?
- Roman Road Market is on Roman Road in Bow, Tower Hamlets, East London (E3 5ES). The nearest stations are Mile End and Bow Road.
Other markets nearby
- Christmas Tree Market Hackney Wick Hackney Wick, Hackney
- Victoria Park Market Victoria Park, Hackney
- Globe Town Market Square Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets
- Well Street Market Hackney
- Cotall Street Market Poplar, Tower Hamlets
- London Fields Sunday Market London Fields, Hackney