Ah Borough Market in London. One of my favourites for food and early Saturday morning stumbles. The setting for many dates (some good, some not so much) and one of the first places I take friends if they are visiting London.
Located just by London Bridge station, Borough Market is a covered food market that sells just about everything you could ever want to eat. It has a slightly old-world feel with iron beams and brick arches, but at the same time it feels very lively and modern thanks to the crowds and the incredible variety of food stalls.
Borough Market is one of the most famous food markets in London and sits right beside London Bridge station.
If you enjoy wandering around markets and discovering new things to try, Borough Market is one of the best places in London to spend a morning.
What is Borough Market?
Borough Market is one of the oldest and most famous food markets in London. It has existed in some form for hundreds of years and today it brings together street food vendors, artisan producers and independent food shops.
You’ll find everything from freshly baked pastries and handmade chocolates to sizzling street food cooked right in front of you. It’s the kind of place where you can arrive with no real plan and simply follow whatever smells the best.
The market is partly covered, which makes it a good place to visit even when the London weather isn’t cooperating.
What to eat at Borough Market
One of the best things about Borough Market is simply walking around and seeing what catches your eye. The smells alone can convince you to try something you weren’t planning to eat.
Some of the most popular foods you’ll find include:
Grilled cheese sandwiches – Rich, buttery and usually with a queue of people waiting patiently nearby.
Fresh pastries and baked goods – Perfect if you visit early in the morning.
Street food stalls – From paella to curries and noodles, there are always plenty of hot food options.
Smoothies and fresh juices – If you want something lighter after wandering around the market.
There are also plenty of stalls selling high-quality ingredients such as cheeses, olives, spices and breads if you’d rather take something home instead.
Many stalls specialise in international street food, so you can easily find everything from Ethiopian dishes to fresh pasta or loaded sandwiches depending on what vendors are trading that day.
Best stalls to check out
Part of the fun of Borough Market is discovering new stalls, but there are a few favourites that many people gravitate towards.
Kappacasein Dairy
One of the most famous stalls in the market, known for its grilled cheese sandwiches and raclette. The queue can get quite long, but the smell of melting cheese tends to convince most people it’s worth it.
Bread Ahead
A popular bakery known for its doughnuts and freshly baked breads. If you visit early you’ll have the best chance of seeing everything fully stocked.
Brindisa Kitchen
A Spanish food stall serving things like chorizo rolls and other tapas-style street food.
The Fresh Juice Stalls
You’ll usually find several stalls blending fruit smoothies and juices to order, which are surprisingly refreshing after walking around the busy market.
Even if you don’t stop at these specific stalls, you’ll almost certainly find something else that looks irresistible.
When is the best time to visit Borough Market?
Borough Market is open Monday to Saturday, but the atmosphere changes depending on the day.
Saturday is by far the busiest time to visit. The market is absolutely packed with people and the queues for food can get quite long. That said, the atmosphere is lively and it feels like a real London experience.
If you prefer a calmer visit, try going earlier in the morning or during the week. Many local workers pop by for lunch, but it’s still usually much easier to wander around compared to a Saturday afternoon.
How to get to Borough Market
Borough Market is located just south of the River Thames in the London borough of Southwark.
The easiest way to get there is via London Bridge station, which is served by:
- the Northern Line
- the Jubilee Line
- several national rail services
Once you exit the station it’s only a short walk to the market.
There are also several bus routes that stop nearby, including the 21, 35 and 47.
What to do near Borough Market
One of the best things about visiting Borough Market is that it sits in a part of London with plenty to explore nearby.
The Shard
Just around the corner from the market is the Shard, one of London’s most recognisable buildings. You can visit the viewing platform or simply enjoy the view from the surrounding streets.
The Thames riverside walk
From London Bridge you can walk along the Thames for some lovely views of the city.
Tate Modern
If you head west along the river you’ll reach the Tate Modern, one of London’s most famous art galleries.
Maltby Street Market
If you’re still in the mood for food, you can continue east towards Bermondsey where you’ll find Maltby Street Market. It’s smaller than Borough Market but equally enjoyable to explore.
You can read my Guide to Maltby Street Market here.
Bermondsey Beer Mile
If you enjoy your craft beer, I highly recommend doing the Bermondsey Beer Mile which is a ~15 minute walk away. You can read my Bermondsey Beer Mile Guide here.
Is Borough Market worth visiting?
Even though it can be extremely busy, Borough Market is still one of my favourite places to take visitors in London. The mix of smells, food stalls and historic surroundings makes it feel like a real part of the city rather than a typical tourist attraction.
Yes, it can be chaotic, and yes you might have to queue for some of the most popular stalls, but wandering around with something delicious to eat while soaking up the atmosphere is part of the experience.
If you enjoy food markets, Borough Market is definitely worth adding to your list when exploring London.
Have you ever visited Borough Market in London before?
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