Old Spitalfields Market

What to expect

Spitalfields has had a market since 1638, when Charles I granted a licence to sell meat, poultry and produce on what were then fields at the edge of London. The present buildings date from 1885 to 1893. The wholesale fruit and vegetable trade moved out in 1991, and the old market halls were restored and turned into the market you can visit now.

Under the iron-and-glass roof you find independent stalls selling arts and crafts, fashion, vintage and street food, plus restaurants and small shops around the edges. Different markets run on different days, such as a vintage market on Thursdays. It is a covered market, so rain does not matter, and it is a comfortable place to graze on street food. Most visitors stay about an hour.

Don't miss

• The restored Victorian market hall
• Independent craft and design stalls
• Street-food stalls
• Hawksmoor's Christ Church across the road

Tips for your visit

• Go mid-morning on a weekday for room to browse; weekends are lively and crowded.
• Liverpool Street station is the closest.
• Check which market runs on the day you visit, as the mix of stalls changes through the week.