A food market operating on this site in some form since at least the 13th century, now specialising in produce, cheese, meat, and street food stalls from vendors across the UK and beyond. It sits beneath the railway arches near London Bridge station, with narrow lanes that fill with market-goers around lunchtime.
Borough Market occupies a site near London Bridge in Southwark that has hosted food trading for over a thousand years, making it one of London's oldest markets. The current wrought-iron and glass market hall dates largely from the Victorian era, sheltering rows of stalls beneath the railway viaduct that carries trains into London Bridge station. Traders sell artisan cheeses, charcuterie, fresh produce, baked goods and street food from around the world, drawing both Londoners doing their weekly shop and visitors grazing their way through the aisles. Southwark Cathedral sits immediately adjacent, and the market has expanded informally into the surrounding streets and the nearby Maltby Street Market. A visit usually takes one to two hours, most of it spent browsing stalls and sampling food rather than moving through in a fixed route. The market is busiest on Friday lunchtimes with office workers and on Saturdays, its main trading day, while Monday to Wednesday mornings are noticeably calmer for browsing without crowds. Many stalls, particularly smaller producers, deal in cash, so it is worth carrying some alongside a card.
| Admission | Free to enter |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon–Thu 10:00–17:00; Fri 10:00–18:00; Sat 08:00–17:00; Sun 10:00–15:00 |
| Typical visit | 1–2 hours |
| Best time | Saturday morning (08:00–10:00) for the freshest produce and fewest crowds; avoid Friday lunch when office crowds descend |
| Getting there | Tube/Rail: London Bridge (Northern/Jubilee lines); 2-minute walk |
| Address | 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL |
Location
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
51.5055, -0.0910 View on map
Highlights
- Street food stalls representing global cuisines
- Artisan cheese and charcuterie traders
- Historic Victorian wrought-iron and glass market hall
- Adjacent Southwark Cathedral
- Nearby Maltby Street Market extension
Tips for visiting
- Visit Saturday morning early for the freshest produce and thinnest crowds
- Carry some cash as smaller stalls may not accept cards
- Monday to Wednesday mornings are quieter than weekends
- Avoid Friday lunchtime when office workers create the biggest queues
- Budget around £10-15 / approx USD 13-19 for a street food lunch
When to visit
Saturday morning (08:00-10:00) offers the freshest produce and fewest crowds; avoid Friday lunchtime when office crowds descend.
Accessibility
The market sits on flat, mostly cobbled and paved surfaces and is wheelchair accessible, though it can be tightly packed at peak times.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Borough Market take?
Most visitors spend one to two hours browsing stalls and sampling food.
Is Borough Market worth it for kids?
Yes, the casual food-focused atmosphere works well for families, though it can get crowded with a pushchair on Saturdays.
Is photography allowed at Borough Market?
Photography is generally allowed, though some traders prefer not to be photographed closely while working.