Old Spitalfields Market is one of my favourite markets in London. It sits between Bishopsgate and Commercial Street, right on the edge of the City and only a short walk from Shoreditch and Brick Lane.
Because of its location, the market attracts a real mix of people. During the week you’ll often see City workers stopping by for lunch, while weekends tend to bring a more relaxed crowd browsing the stalls and shops.
Unlike some of London’s larger markets, Spitalfields feels quite manageable. Everything is centred around the large covered market hall, with shops, food stalls and small independent traders all gathered in one place. It’s busy, but never overwhelming.
Spitalfields Market is a covered market surrounded by permanent shops and restaurants. Inside the main hall you’ll usually find a mix of independent stalls selling things like:
Many of the traders change, so there’s often something new to discover even if you visit regularly.
Around the outside of the market you’ll find a mix of well-known high street brands and smaller independent retailers. Shops like Benefit Cosmetics and MAC Cosmetics sit alongside boutiques and design stores.
The market itself is covered, which makes it a good place to visit even when London weather isn’t cooperating.
The market is open every day, but the atmosphere changes slightly depending on when you go.
Weekdays
At lunchtime the area becomes very busy with office workers looking for something quick to eat. The food stalls and street food vendors are especially popular at this time.
Weekends
Weekends are when Spitalfields really feels like a traditional market. Sundays in particular are known for having more stalls and a livelier atmosphere.
If you prefer browsing without crowds, mornings during the week are usually quieter.
Spitalfields is generally open from 10am – 6pm daily, and the restaurants / bars surrounding it are open until later. This keeps the area quite lively even when the stalls have packed up for the day.
One of the best reasons to visit Old Spitalfields Market is the food. The market has evolved into something of a mini food hub, with a mix of street food vendors, cafés and casual restaurants.
Inside the market and around the surrounding streets you’ll find a wide range of options, from quick lunches to more relaxed sit-down meals. Many of the stalls change over time, so there’s usually something new to try.
Some of the current food traders around the market include burger stalls, taco vendors, noodle bars and coffee spots, alongside bakeries and dessert stands. Vendors such as Bleecker Burger, Chai Guys, and bakeries like GAIL’s Bakery are examples of the mix of food you can find around the market area.
Street food stalls also line the edges of the market, offering everything from Thai dishes to tacos and Nigerian food. It’s a great place to grab something quick and wander around while you eat.
Because Spitalfields sits between the City and Shoreditch, you’re also surrounded by restaurants just a few minutes’ walk away. If you want something more substantial after browsing the stalls, it’s easy to continue towards Brick Lane or Shoreditch where there are dozens of other options.
Spitalfields Market is very easy to reach on public transport.
The closest stations are:
From Liverpool Street, walk down Bishopsgate and turn right towards the market. From Shoreditch High Street, head down Shoreditch High Street towards Commercial Street.
Even if you’re not planning to shop, there are plenty of things to do while visiting Spitalfields Market.
Most visitors spend time wandering through the covered market hall, browsing the independent stalls that sell jewellery, clothing, prints and handmade accessories.
The market is also a good place for people-watching. Because it sits between the City and Shoreditch, you’ll often see a mix of office workers, tourists and locals passing through.
Another simple way to enjoy the market is to pick up something from one of the food stalls and sit in the communal seating area while watching the bustle of the market around you.
One of the highlights of visiting Spitalfields Market is browsing the independent traders inside the market hall.
The stalls change regularly, but you’ll usually find a mix of:
Because many of the traders are independent designers and makers, the market is a good place to pick up something a little different from the usual high street shops.
Spitalfields Market is also a great starting point for exploring East London.
Just a few minutes’ walk away you’ll find Brick Lane, famous for its street art, vintage shops and curry restaurants.
The creative neighbourhood of Shoreditch is also nearby, with independent cafés, galleries and bars.
If you enjoy exploring on foot, you can easily combine a visit to the market with a walk through these surrounding areas.
I recommend having a look at the street art in the area too. Shoreditch and Brick Lane are full of it and it’s so vibrant and interesting. You can take a look at some of the posts I published featuring Shoreditch Street Art here.
If you enjoy markets that mix shopping, food and people-watching, Spitalfields is definitely worth a visit.
It’s smaller and more contained than some of London’s bigger markets, but that’s part of its appeal. You can easily wander through the stalls, grab something to eat and explore the surrounding neighbourhood without it turning into a full-day expedition.
It’s also ideally placed if you’re planning to explore nearby areas like Brick Lane or Shoreditch afterwards.
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