Brick Lane Market is a vibrant Sunday destination in East London (best around 11 AM) famous for vintage fashion, eclectic street food, and street art. Key sights include the massive Vintage Market, Backyard Market, Upmarket, and curry houses like Aladin. Key vintage spots are Beyond Retro, Rokit, and Atika.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market is composed of more than 60 small businesses owned by British and European vintage specialists offering clothing and accessories ranging from 1920s haute couture to 1990s sportswear. Also on offer are vinyl record, upcycled fashion and an array of unique, vintage trinkets.
What is the best day to go to the Brick Lane Market?
Brick Lane is one of the most popular spots to visit on a Sunday, but you can visit any day of the week. There are tons of things to do in London during weekends, and Brick Lane is one of the more popular and lively places to go on Saturday or Sunday.
Brick Lane is famous for its vibrant mix of cultures, especially its renowned Bangladeshi curry houses (the "Curry Capital"), legendary 24/7 bagel shops, incredible street art (including famous graffiti), trendy vintage markets (especially Sundays), and unique shops, all set within a historically diverse East London neighborhood that has welcomed immigrants from Huguenots to Jewish communities to Bangladeshis.
Recommended visiting time is around two to three hours if you're visiting during the week. If you plan on shopping at Brick Lane's many weekend markets, however, then be prepared to spend the majority of your day there.
As well as its history and infectious energy, Camden Market is great for bagging a bargain – making it favourable over Borough Market for many. You could spend a few hours to an entire day haggling prices and exploring what's on offer.
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.
You can often score vintage clothing for less than the cost of current trends, but if you do find an expensive piece, the good thing is that you know it's worth investing in.
The closest tube/Overground stations to Brick Lane are Shoreditch High Street (Overground), about an 8-minute walk, and Aldgate East (District & Hammersmith & City lines), around an 11-13 minute walk, with Liverpool Street (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines) also nearby, roughly a 12-13 minute walk, offering several good options depending on your starting point.
The market is famous for its antique and bric-a-brac stalls and shops but it also features a superb selection of fashion, food, crafts, books and music. Hundreds of traders sell all sorts of everything, old and new, and there's plenty of delicious street food from all around the world.
Clothes, chocolates, biscuits, and some branded cosmetics often come cheaper. Tea and whisky can also be cheaper, especially if you hit supermarkets or duty-free spots rather than tourist traps.
When is the cheapest time to visit London? Usually, the period between January and March is the cheapest time to visit London, due to the cool temperatures, occasional rainfall, and lack of public holidays and events.