London is known for being one of the world’s most hip and exciting cities. It’s full of art and creativity and is a mixing pot for diverse cultures from around the globe, the perfect recipe for the kind of lively vintage market scene that exists there.
Part of the fun of visiting vintage markets is rummaging and digging and discovering hidden gems. The same goes for finding the markets themselves – but to get you started, here are our top 17 picks for the best vintage markets in London.
Best Vintage and Antique Market in London
The Jubilee Market
The Jubilee Market is a covered market in London’s Covent Garden, and it hosts a range of market stalls selling rotating wares throughout the week.
For the vintage market, go there on a Monday between 5am and 5pm to visit the Antiques & Collectables Market to find items on sale from every era and style.
There are also stalls selling fine jewellery, china and sterling silver along with antiquarian and second-hand books.
The market is bustling, and the setting is pretty too. It’s a great place just to wander about and browse, and there’s every chance you’ll uncover a bargain, making it a market that’s well worth a visit.
- Address: 1 Tavistock St, London WC2E 8BD
Portobello Market
The Portobello Market is a classic vintage market and is one of London’s best. It has a wide range of stalls selling all manner of vintage collectors’ items, from old toys to antique cameras and second-hand books.
Along with the stalls selling antiques, there are also others selling quirky gifts and London souvenirs while others sell food like vegetables, cakes and artisanal bread.
The market can get busy at peak times, but the loud and bustling atmosphere only adds to the experience. There are also plenty of food stalls nearby if you start feeling peckish, making this a fun place to check out whether you intend to buy something or not.
- Address: 73 Lewisham High St, London SE13 5JX
Vinegar Yard
Vinegar Yard is primarily an outdoor eatery, but at weekends, there is also a small market, vintage market and makers market along with several stalls selling artwork.
This means that as well as going for a bite to eat, you also can check out some of the intriguing items on sale while you’re there – and a little digging will uncover quirky goods such as vintage fashion, antiques, vinyls, books and jewellery.
The markets are open on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5pm – just before the food stalls start to get busy – so it’s perfect for spending an hour or two rummaging through the market stalls and then nabbing a table for a meal before they all fill up.
- Address: 72-82 St Thomas St, London SE1 3QX
Alfies Antique Market
The renowned Alfies Antique Market is a large indoor market with over 75 dealers selling just about every type of antique and collectors’ item you can imagine.
Alfies has been open for over 40 years, and if you’re serious about antiques – or are even just a dabbler – it’s the kind of labyrinthine market that rewards in-depth exploration.
You never know just quite what you’re going to find, but items sold there include silver, furniture, jewellery, paintings, ceramics, glass, vintage clothing and much more. One notable section is also particularly famous for Middle Eastern art and antiquities.
There are also several places selling drinks and tasty light meals, so it’s the kind of market where you can easily spend a good few hours.
- Address: 13 – 25 Church St, London NW8 8DT
Camden Passage, Islington
Camden Passage is a collection of eclectic shops and stalls along a pedestrianised street selling a range of antique and vintage items of all kinds – including jewellery, porcelain, silverware, classic clothing and other assorted bric-a-brac.
There are also several places selling specialist foods, and you’ll also find a number of cafés that you can duck into when in need of refreshments.
This market has a lively vibe and is a fun place to while away an hour perusing the assorted items on sale to see what hidden gems you can uncover.
- Address: 1 Camden Psge, London N1 8EA
The Greenwich Vintage Market
Although this market is called the Greenwich Vintage Market, there’s a lot more than just vintage and collectors’ items on sale.
You’ll also find modern goods and handmade crafts along with all manner of delicious artisanal foods.
That’s not to say there are no antiques or old stuff though, and if that’s what you’re after, you’re in for a treat since there’s a great selection of stalls selling old jewellery, silverware and antique cutlery – and much more besides.
And when you need to give your weary legs a rest, there’s no shortage of places to stop for a cake and a cuppa or a quick pint before you continue on your way.
- Address: 2 Greenwich Church St, London SE10 9BQ
Spitalfields Market
A varied market that focuses on different types of goods throughout the week – such as artisanal foods, unique artwork, handmade goods and contemporary fashion to name a few – the Spitalfields Market is always lively and worth a visit.
If you’re interested in vintage and antique items, Thursday is the day to go, when you’ll be able to check out the impressive array of collectables.
Even without the vintage market, this location is worth the trip just for the food trucks and gourmet food stalls, so it’s a place that will appeal to all dedicated foodies too.
- Address: 56 Brushfield St, London E1 6AA
Bermondsey Antique Market
A historic outdoor market that sells a range of collectors’ items such as cutlery, tea sets, glassware, old furniture and assorted bric-a-brac, any lover of classic and vintage goods will highly appreciate this location.
The quality of what’s sold there can vary, but that’s half the fun – because you never know what bargains or beautiful pieces you’re going to discover.
Alongside the antiques, there’s also a good selection of food items to buy, all of which makes this another vintage market to add to your list.
- Address: 11 Bermondsey Sq, London SE1 3UN
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
The Brick Lane Vintage Market is part of the larger Brick Lane Market and specialises in UK and European vintage clothing and accessories, going right back to the 1920s. It’s also a great place to pick up vintage and rare vinyl records.
The market is quite a maze, but if you’re willing to spend a little time exploring, you’re almost certain to uncover some unexpected treasures.
There are also several places to grab a bite to eat and the vibe is fun too, so if you’re a fan of vintage clothing or records, this is the kind of place you’re going to want to return to again and again.
- Address: 85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
Upmarket
Upmarket is another part of the Brick Lane Market, and it also specialises in vintage clothes. In addition, it also has an amazing array of street food and snacks from around the world for visitors to enjoy – it’s reputedly the biggest street food hall in East London.
The place is huge, so there’s plenty of scope for shopping, and the food alone is worth coming for. And since it’s so close to the Brick Lane Vintage Market, it’s easy and convenient to visit both markets on the same day.
- Address: 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL
Haynes Lane Market
Haynes Lane Market is the kind of place that sells just about everything, from fruit and veg and artisanal food to idiosyncratic curios and second-hand toys – along with some genuine collectable vintage items and antiques.
It’s somewhere that those who love digging through discarded and unwanted jumble in the hopes of turning up something valuable will love – and with luck, there’s a real chance of it happening.
The place also has a fun and welcoming atmosphere, which makes it another market to add to those you plan to see.
- Address: Haynes Ln, London SE19 3AN
Vintage Market Shoreditch
Shoreditch is a famously edgy and exciting part of town, so it’s only right that it’s also home to a suitably vibrant vintage market.
It focuses mainly on fashion, so if you’re into vintage styles, you’ll feel right at home. The market is chaotic, but as ever with this kind of place, half the fun is in sifting through what’s on sale to find the kind of items you’re looking for.
There’s also an excellent food market with international street food-style dishes and artisanal creations – so after an hour or two here, you’re likely to find yourself going home both well-dressed and with a full belly.
- Address: 101 Sclater St, London E1 6HR
Wood Street Indoor Market
Located inside a disused cinema, this indoor market is a veritable treasure trove of all things vintage. You can expect to find an excellent selection of vintage clothes alongside items such as vinyl records, old CDs, antique and used furniture, assorted curios and much more.
This rabbit warren of shops is also home to some wonderful places to grab some food. Every time you come back, you’re likely to uncover businesses you’d never noticed before – making it the kind of place that warrants at least a couple of visits.
- Address: 98-100 Wood St, London E17 3HX
Portobello & Golborne Market
Part indoors and part out, the Portobello & Golborne Market is the kind of place where you’ll be able to pick up everything from London souvenirs and memorabilia to jewellery, rugs – and of course, a whole assortment of antiques, bric-a-brac and vintage collectors’ items.
The whole area is alive with shoppers – locals and tourists alike – thronging the many stalls and shops. Like all the best markets in London, there are plenty of places selling food or liquid refreshment too, so plan to spend at least an hour or two taking it all in.
- Address: RBKC Street Trading Office, 72 Tavistock Rd, London W11 1AN
Northcote Road Antiques Market
Another of London’s most exciting vintage markets, the large Northcote Road Antiques Market is the place to go in search of all kinds of antiques, vintage and retro items and other types of collectables.
The market is located inside an old art deco building that houses over 30 stalls selling an impressive range of goods – it’s a great option if you’re looking for antique furniture, decorative items for your home or original gift ideas for someone who adores old stuff.
- Address: 155a Northcote Rd, London SW11 6QB
Hackney Flea Market
A typical London flea market where you can enjoy a good rummage through the bric-a-brac and second-hand items on display in the hopes of getting lucky and uncovering something valuable – or at least something that takes your fancy.
A lot of what’s on sale is little more than tat – but there are also a few interesting pieces in there – and that’s the appeal of flea markets like this, so why not head over and see what you can find?
- Address: 73a Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0AS
Deptford Market Yard
The Deptford Market Yard is everything a London vintage market should be – it’s cool, trendy, a bit indie and has a wealth of unexpected treasures just waiting to be discovered.
Vintage items on sale include things like records, books, furniture and clothes – along with used bicycles, tools and more.
There are also stalls and shops selling artisanal food as well as places where you can grab a pint of craft beer or a glass of wine – so in short, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger once there.
- Address: Deptford Market Yard, London SE8 4BX
Read More:
So Many Places to Choose From
As we have seen, when it comes to vintage markets in London, you’re spoilt for choice.
Whether you are looking for old records, second-hand books, vintage clothes or retro collectables, you’ll be well catered for in London – and perhaps the hardest part will be deciding which market to visit first.