Old Spitalfields Market

The Basics

The Victorian covered market—which has undergone extensive renovations and is now surrounded by trendy, upscale brick-and-mortar shops—is a lively shopping and dining venue. Its more than 70 stalls, shops, and restaurants include regular and rotating vendors selling everything from hand-thrown ceramics to leather goods, bespoke prescription glasses, and vintage fashion.

Old Spitalfields Market and the surrounding areas have quite a storied past, and are included on a number of informative walking and culinary tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Old Spitalfields Market is a must for shopaholics and visitors looking for fun trinkets or souvenirs to take home.

• Although there is a large covered market, Spitalfields can also refer to the wider area including a range of high-end shops and restaurants.

• There are seasonal events and pop-up shops throughout the year.

• There is an antiques-focused market on Thursdays.

How to Get There

Old Spitalfields Market, located in East London, is easily reachable by bus or tube. Several bus routes end at Spitalfields Market on Brushfield Street; the nearest Underground station is Liverpool Street, which is served by the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

When to Get There

The market stalls are open daily with varying hours and a range of weekly and monthly themed days and events. Check the website and individual shops for current information.

The Kitchens

The culinary options at Old Spitalfields Market are vast, making it a dining destination in its own right. The options are endless—high-street chains like Wagamama, cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices, Japanese sushi bowls, dumplings, burgers, falafel, high-end cheese and wine, expertly pulled espresso—and the variety showcases East London’s colorful cultural mix and gourmet foodie scene.

Ways to explore

The Victorian covered market has undergone extensive renovations and is now surrounded by trendy, upscale brick-and-mortar shops. It hosts up to 110 stalls on its busiest days, selling everything from hand-thrown ceramics to leather goods, bespoke prescription glasses, and vintage fashion.

Old Spitalfields Market and surrounding areas have a storied past and often feature on East London walking tours that cover street art, Jack the Ripper, and diverse culinary delights. London black cab tours also tend to swing by Spitalfields.

Accessibility

The market is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, but individual stores may not be accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Tote bag, refillable water bottle

What to wear

The cobbles around Old Spitalfields Market are tough to navigate in heels, so opt for flat, comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

Pets off leash, smoking

Amenities

Wi-Fi, restrooms, restaurants, bars, shops

Address

Old Spitalfields Market is in East London, close to Liverpool Street station and Brick Lane. When you type Old Spitalfields Market into your maps app, make sure you don’t confuse it with New Spitalfields Market—a wholesale market that’s much further away in Leyton.

Driving

If you can, leave the car at home: the market is within the Congestion Charge zone, traffic is always busy in the area, and parking is limited. If you must drive, the nearest parking lots are Truman Brewery–Hanbury Street and Truman Brewery–Brick Lane.

Public transportation

Liverpool Street is a 5-minute walk away, served by the Central, Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan tube lines, the Weaver overground line, and mainline train lines. Many buses stop locally, including the 8, 26, 35, 42, 47, 48, 67, 78, 135, 149, 205, 242, and 388.

Best times to visit

For fewer crowds, visit Old Spitalfields Market before or after the lunchtime rush hour: 8am to 12pm, or after 3pm.

Best days to visit

You’ll find the most stalls at Spitalfields during its Saturday Market, when almost 90 independent designers showcase their products.

Best months to visit

As Old Spitalfields Market is partially open-air, visit during the warmer seasons, as it can get cold in winter.

Special events

At the beginning of every month, Old Spitalfields Market hosts the Arts Market, showcasing the work of up-and-coming artists.