free things to see and do in London
London Visitor Travelcard
after visiting a market, why not explore the nearby area by following a self-guided walk
Cultural Walk
From borough market, this walk takes you around the south bank and bankside areas of London, featuring attractions such as the Globe, the Tate Modern and Southwark Cathedral
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Ripper Walk
From Spitalfields market, explore the area made infamous by Jack the Ripper - Whitechapel and the East End of London, including the places where his victims were found
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Nautical Walk
From Greenwich market, explore the town of Greenwich, London's world heritage town and the place from where time is measured around the world
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Wandering around a London market is a fun way to spend a day. And its free.
There are hundreds of markets to choose from, ranging from local street markets that sell everyday household items through to specialist markets and popular tourist markets.
Whether you want to buy or browse, they are great fun to explore.
Tourist Markets
One of London's more popular markets especially for those looking for something a little different. It comprises several different markets, Camden Lock being the most popular.
Open every day from 10am and very busy on Sundays
Nearest underground stations: Camden Town, Chalk Farm
Also comprising several different markets, Portobello Road is probably one of London's biggest. It sells everything from antiques to silverware, fruit and veg and second-hand clothes.
Open: Monday to Wednesday 8am to 6pm, Thursday 9am to 1pm, Friday - Sat 8am to 7pm
Nearest underground stations: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Park
London’s favourite food market, borough offers imported and organic products such as cheese, wines, fish and meat.
Open: Thurs, Fri 12 to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm
Nearest underground station: London Bridge
Housed in a covered Victorian fruit and vegetable market this market sells everything from arts and crafts, clothes, furniture to organic foods.
Open: Wednesday to Friday, Sunday 9am to 5pm
Nearest underground station: Liverpool Street
There are two markets here in addition to a range of shops and cafes: Apple market and Jubilee Market. Both sell antiques, clothing, gifts and jewellery.
Open: Monday to Sunday 10am to 6pm
Nearest underground station: Covent Garden
Set in a beautiful Victorian building, it sells traditional poultry, cheese, game and meat and has many places popular with city workers at lunchtime.
Open: Monday to Friday 7am to 4pm
Nearest underground stations: Bank, Monument
One of London's lesser known markets, it is a great place for lunch and for buying shoes, clothes, fruit and veg and electrical items at good prices.
Open: Monday to Friday 10.30am to 2pm
Nearest underground station: Chancery Lane
Comprising 4 separate markets, this market sells everything from antiques to wooden toys, designer clothes, model ships and second-hand clothes.
Open: Saturday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Nearest stations: Greenwich (BR), Cutty Sark (DLR)