Old Spitalfields Market is a historic market in London, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. Established in the 17th century, it features a mix of boutique shops, food stalls, and artisanal vendors. The market hosts an array of events, including seasonal fairs and live performances, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Its location in the East End allows visitors to explore the surrounding area filled with cultural landmarks, enhancing the overall experience of shopping and dining. The market beautifully blends history with modern retail, creating an appealing ambiance.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.6 9,455
- Viator 4.9 3,673
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Situated close to Liverpool Street Station, the market is easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists.
- Covered Market The market is housed under a roof, providing shelter from the elements and ensuring a pleasant experience even on rainy days.
- Diverse Food Selection Old Spitalfields Market boasts a wide array of food stalls offering various cuisines, making it a great spot for foodies to explore different flavors.
- Unique Shopping Experience Beyond food, the market features numerous stalls selling artisan gifts, vintage clothing, handcrafted jewelry and unique items, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
- Vibrant Atmosphere The market has a lively and bustling atmosphere, blending old-world charm with contemporary flair, creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Criticised
- Crowded Conditions Especially during peak hours and weekends, the market can get very crowded, making it challenging to navigate and find seating.
- Limited Seating Seating can be scarce, especially in the food court areas, requiring some effort to find a place to sit and enjoy your meal.
- Picture Taking Restrictions Some shopkeepers may not allow photos, due to tourists taking pictures without buying.
- Potential for Tourist Traps Some items, particularly jewelry, may be overpriced or of lower quality compared to online retailers.
- Toilet Availability The toilets may be too small for such a popular attraction.
The longer read
Old Spitalfields Market is a vibrant and historic covered market open seven days a week, offering a mix of permanent and unique stalls. Several reviewers highlight its diverse selection of food, artisan products, and vintage items, making it a place where you can easily spend hours exploring. Many reviewers recommend visiting, noting its unique vibe and atmosphere.
Compared to other London markets like Borough and Camden, Old Spitalfields Market is often described as less crowded and easier to navigate. Several reviewers appreciate the variety of stalls, which include clothing, jewelry, home decor, and art, alongside a wide array of food vendors. The market is particularly known for its artisan gifts and unique finds, making it a good place to find gifts.
The food options are a major draw, with reviewers praising the variety of cuisines available. Humble Crumble is frequently mentioned as a must-try. Many reviewers recommend trying the diverse food stalls. However, some reviewers note that seating can be limited, especially during peak hours. It's suggested to secure a table before ordering food, particularly on weekends when the market is more crowded.
The market's location near Liverpool Street Station makes it easily accessible. Several reviewers note the market's accessibility, cleanliness, and welcoming atmosphere. The market blends old-world charm with modern offerings.
While most reviewers praise the overall experience, a few mention potential drawbacks. One reviewer advises caution regarding jewelry purchases, noting that some earrings may cause irritation. Another reviewer mentions that some shopkeepers may not appreciate having their photos taken, possibly due to tourists taking pictures without making purchases. However, these points don't detract from the overall positive sentiment expressed by most reviewers.
Different days of the week offer different themes, such as antiques on Thursdays, silk series on Wednesdays. The market provides a unique shopping experience with friendly traders.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7375 2963
- Website
- oldspitalfieldsmarket.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 20:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 20:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.6 across the 29 venues we hold for Spitalfields, where the most-reviewed is Spitalfields Market.
Still deciding?
- What is Old Spitalfields Market best known for and what makes it unique compared to other London markets?
- When is the best time or day to visit Old Spitalfields Market for the full experience?
- What kinds of vendors and stalls can visitors expect to find at Old Spitalfields Market?
- What are some local food or dining options available inside Old Spitalfields Market?
- What is the historical significance of Old Spitalfields Market in London?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.