Borough Market is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places in London. London is a city known for its markets, and I’d highly recommend visiting at least one of them on your trip. If you’re short on time, but want to continue sightseeing while enjoying delicious food, Borough Market is worthy of a visit.

Located in Southwark, the market is only a few minutes away from the south bank of the River Thames, making it a convenient stop if you’re by the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Shard or the Tower Bridge.

If it’s your first time visiting London, and you’re in need of trip planning inspiration, check out my recommendations for 10 things to do on your first visit. 

The market is London’s biggest and oldest fruit and vegetable market, having been in operation for more than 100 years. Now, the market is home to a huge variety of vendors, selling produce, meat, cheese, bread, sweet, cider and international cuisine.

Not hungry or thirsty? Some vendors sell non-food goods, but the market itself is still worth a visit- it’s an experience for all the senses.

Favorite places in the market

• Before you enter the market, grab an espresso from Monmouth (just outside the main gates). If there’s a line, don’t worry-  it’ll move fast
• Produce Stalls are abundant throughout the market, but these three are my favs-
  • Turnips is a local favorite, selling a mix of British and exotic produce. They also sell pressed fruit juices in a ton of different combinations- I love the apple one and mango orange variation
  • Chegworth Valley is a must-stop if you’re into apples- try one of their juices, so good (I’m a big fan of the apple rhubarb)
  • Ted’s Veg has great seasonal produce
• Bread Ahead Bakery: When the New York Times calls your doughnuts the best in the world, you know you’re doing something right. The doughnuts are light in taste, but heavy in weight (they’re packed with filling). The geniuses here are also the ones responsible for the olive and cheese sticks you’ll see people walking around with. These sticks are not to be missed- they’re filled with bits of crunchy baked cheese and salty olives, basically bread perfection
• Mons Cheesemongers: They specialize in French and Swiss cheese and routinely hand out samples
• Bath Soft Cheese Company: Their Blue Bath cheese is award winning for a reason
• Furness Fish & Game: If you’re looking for fresh, sustainably caught fish or game meats (rabbit, partridge and so on), you’ll want to stop here
• Lu Marche du Quartier: I don’t eat duck, but a friend I visited the market with swore the duck confit sandwich here was incredible
• Roast Hog: As with the above, I can’t personally attest to the deliciousness of Roast Hog, but friends I’ve visited with say the pork sandwiches are killer
• Kappacesin: Their grilled cheese (or cheese toastie as the British say) is really good, but the crowds line up for raclette (melted cheese over potatoes)
• Backhaus Bakery: Handmade German cakes get two thumbs up
• English Preserves cart: Tasty homemade jams
• Paella: I wish I knew the name of this stall, but you’ll definitely see the big vats of paella if you stroll through the market- love the seafood one
• Whirld: The fudge here rules, my personal favorite is the sea salt caramel fudge
• Free-Form Bakehouse: Gluten free cakes and biscuits. Dig the jalapeno pepper and sweet corn muffin
• Comptoir Gourmand: Don’t miss the Earl Grey macarons
• Sweet Roots: This may be my favorite stall in the entire market, but as a licorice fan, I’m a bit biased. This place specializes in everything made from licorice- brownies, jams and licorice candies from around the world. I’m partial to the banana licorice candies that look like monkey heads, so cute and yummy
• New Forest Cider: Need a drink while wandering the market? This cider bar ranks its varieties on a scale from dry to sweet- there’s something for everyone!

Extra Know Before You Go Info

Getting There: Take the tube to London Bridge station, the market is a ~5 minute walk from the station. You’ll see signs / other people heading to the market, it’s easy to find.

When to Visit: The full market takes place from Thursday to Saturday. I’d recommend coming early on a Saturday morning so you can get the most out of the market before the crowds arrive at ~11 am.

Money: Bring pounds, many of the vendors are cash only. Things aren’t cheap at the market, but they are high quality. If you share things with a friend, spending less than 20 pounds is doable.