Open seven days a week, Old Spitalfields Market is one of east London’s busiest shopping hubs. Built in the 1800s, the structure was refurbished and rejuvenated in the early 2000s and is now one of the capital’s most unique shopping, eating and drinking destinations.
Circling the giant roofed market are numerous permanent boutiques, eateries and salons, from many big brands such as Deciem, & Other Stories, Dr Martens and Diptyque, but it’s the heart of the market that’s the most exciting. You’ll find traders selling arts, crafts, clothing and sustainable homewares in the two central concourses. On Thursdays you’ll also encounter the weekly antiques market, with around 80 stalls selling vintage maps, books, furniture, fashion and collectables.
These days no London market is complete without food and Old Spitalfields Market has more than its fair share of restaurants and street food vendors. Grab a gloriously succulent burger to go from Bleecker , soup dumplings from Dumpling Shack, or London's best seafood buns at Shrimpy. Want to dine in? Enjoy and Italian menu and wine at Bottles or try cocktails and rotisserie chicken at Coqbull.
Top tip: Music fans should visit on the first and third Friday of each month for the vinyl market, where you can flick through old, new and collectable records. Alim Kheraj
Recommended: London’s best markets