Borough Market
7.6Friend Score / 10#7 of 9 Markets & Food Halls in London
Known forborough marketfood marketstreet foodgrilled cheese
London's oldest and greatest food market, trading by London Bridge for around 1,000 years — dozens of produce stalls, cheesemongers, bakers and world-class street food under Victorian ironwork. Closed Mondays. A friend sends you hungry, early, and midweek: Saturday lunchtime is a shuffle-speed crush and prices are premium, not bargain.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Fri 10:00–17:00 Sat–Sat 09:00–17:00 Sun–Sun 10:00–16:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | London Bridge (Northern/Jubilee lines and National Rail), 2-minute walk |
| Time needed | 1.5-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Tuesday-Thursday before noon; Saturdays are the full-capacity crush |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.6/10- Value7.0
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level3.5
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- What days is Borough Market open?
- Tuesday to Sunday — closed Mondays outside of December. Hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday to Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday, and 10am-4pm Sunday, with fewer traders on quieter days.
- Is Borough Market expensive?
- It's premium: street food mains typically £8-15 and the produce is quality-first rather than bargain-priced. You're paying for some of the best traders in Britain — treat it as lunch plus grazing, not weekly shopping.
- What should I eat at Borough Market?
- Classics include the cheese toastie at Kappacasein, Bread Ahead doughnuts, oysters at Richard Haward's, and whatever the seasonal produce stalls are pushing. Do a full lap before committing — the best strategy is one main and two or three shared snacks.
- How do I get to Borough Market?
- London Bridge station is a two-minute walk — take the Borough High Street exit. Jubilee and Northern lines plus National Rail all stop there, making it one of the easiest food destinations in London.
- Where can I sit and eat at Borough Market?
- Seating is scarce — there are some benches, ledges and a green by Southwark Cathedral next door. Many people eat standing; if you need a proper table, the market's surrounding restaurants and pubs like the Market Porter fill the gap.
- How old is Borough Market?
- A market has existed around the southern end of London Bridge for roughly 1,000 years, and Borough has occupied its current site since the 1750s. The wrought-iron market halls are Victorian and Grade II listed.
- Is Borough Market free to enter?
- Yes, entry is free — you pay only for what you eat and buy. Free samples are common at cheese, oil and preserve stalls, but be a decent human and buy something if you graze.
- When is the best time to visit Borough Market?
- Tuesday to Thursday morning, arriving by 11am. Saturday is the full experience but also the full crowd — expect shoulder-to-shoulder shuffling from noon onward.
Nearby in Ask London
- Tate ModernMuseum0.63 km · 8 min walk
- St Dunstan in the East Church GardenAttraction0.75 km · 9 min walk
- Sky GardenRestaurant0.82 km · 10 min walk
- Host CaféCafé0.84 km · 10 min walk
- St Paul's CathedralAttraction1.06 km · 13 min walk
Where to stay near Borough Market
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