While Borough Market is predominantly a world-renowned food destination with over 100 stalls, shops, and restaurants, it is not only food. Beyond fresh produce and street food, the area features specialized traders, coffee roasters, bars, and surrounding retail shops, including skincare options.
Borough Market is not just a place to shop for food—it's an experience that celebrates London's rich culinary heritage and diverse food culture. Whether you're looking for high-quality ingredients, delicious street food, or just want to soak up the lively atmosphere, the market has something for everyone.
Borough Market consists of three main areas: Three Crown Square (larger producers and merchants), Green Market (small, specialist produce traders) and Borough Market Kitchen (street food traders). Surrounding the Market, you'll find a complementary blend of restaurants, bars and shops.
Borough Market is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse food offerings, making it a must-visit for food lovers. Many travelers find it easily accessible via London Bridge station, though peak times can lead to overwhelming crowds and long waits.
We Ate (Almost) Everything at London’s Borough Market with a Pro Chef
What is the best time to see the crown jewels?
This is also a good idea if you want to see the crown jewels, as you'll have to line up again for them once you're inside. Although it's impossible to say for sure, on average the quickest times are mid-week mornings, when you may only have to queue for a few minutes.
The poorest parts of London are concentrated in boroughs like Tower Hamlets, Hackney, and Newham, especially regarding income deprivation for children and older people, with pockets of poverty also in Brent, Barking & Dagenham, and parts of Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea. These areas face high rates of poverty, with some wards like Northumberland Park (Haringey) and Stonebridge (Brent) being among the most deprived.
“BOROUGH MARKET SHOULD PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS TO BUY THE FRESH INGREDIENTS AND MINIMALLY PROCESSED PRODUCTS THAT UNDERPIN A HEALTHY DIET.” — Traders should be able to display good knowledge of where their food came from, how it was produced, who produced it, and how best to use it.
The best day of the week to get the best selection is Wednesday, specifically during the afternoons. By then, Tuesday night's deliveries should be fully restocked on shelves, so you'll have dibs on the freshest goods before the hungry after-work crowd arrives.
London outlets often charge £0.30–£0.60 more per item than regional branches. Manchester and Birmingham prices are typically aligned with national averages. Scottish locations may offer slightly lower meal prices due to different franchise cost structures.
What is the best time to visit Borough Market? Visiting in the mornings during the week (ideally soon after it opens) is best if you want to explore Borough Market at your leisure without the bustling crowds. Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be quieter than Thursdays and Fridays.
Yes, £1000 can be enough for a week in London for one person if your accommodation is already paid, allowing for roughly £100-£150 per day for food, transport, and activities, but it will be tight if you plan on many expensive attractions or fancy dining; you'll need to focus on free museums, pub meals, and public transport. A more comfortable budget, especially with paid attractions like West End shows, would be closer to £1500-£2000 for the week, but £1000 is feasible for a budget-conscious traveler.
London blends safe and risky zones. Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Croydon top the danger list. East and South London face more crime, and tourist hubs like Westminster add risk too. Stay sharp and use safety tips to stay secure.
The least happy borough in London, according to Rightmove's data, was Barking and Dagenham. Coming in dead-last place out of the capital's 33 boroughs, the east London area ranked 220th nationally.
January and February are generally quieter times of year to visit and, apart from the February half-term week, you can often find cheaper deals on accommodation, attractions and restaurants.
Photography is prohibited in the Jewel House to prevent potential criminals from using images to identify security weaknesses surrounding the royal gems.
