Without fail, one place I visit on every trip to London is Borough Market. It is one of the 10 best markets in London. If you’re a food lover visiting London, Borough Market is a must-see (and must-taste!) destination. Come hungry—you’ll want to eat your way through every delicious corner!

Nestled near London Bridge, this historic market is a paradise of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and international flavors. Wandering through Borough Market feels like stepping into a foodie wonderland. You’ll find award-winning traders, famous street eats, and hidden gems tucked within its maze of stalls and passageways. 

Whether you’re craving gourmet cheese, sizzling street food, or handcrafted pastries, Borough Market offers a feast for the senses. 

Its bustling atmosphere, always full of locals and travelers alike. Because it will inevitably be crowded, you want to make a plan of attack on where to eat & what to see before you head to the market. Want to know where to get the best bites, how to navigate the market like a pro, and which stalls are worth the hype? This guide has you covered. From savory snacks to sweet treats, here’s everything you need to know about Borough Market before you dig in!

Everything You Need to Know About London’s Borough Market

History of Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London's oldest and most famous food markets, with a history dating back to at least 1014, though some records suggest it may have existed even earlier. Officially established in 1756 at its current location near London Bridge, the market has been a central hub for trade, supplying fresh produce, meats, and fish to the city for centuries. During the Victorian era, the market underwent major renovations, with its distinctive iron and glass structures being constructed in the mid-19th century, giving it the architectural character it still retains today. 

As London modernized, Borough Market faced periods of decline, but in the 1990s, it was revitalized as a destination for high-quality, artisanal food, attracting both locals and tourists. Today, it stands as a symbol of London’s culinary diversity, offering everything from gourmet cheeses and fresh seafood to international street food.

Despite its vibrant atmosphere, Borough Market was the site of a tragic event on June 3, 2017, when a terrorist drove a van into pedestrians on London Bridge and in Borough market. The attack resulted in eight deaths and dozens of injuries; but the resilience of the community was evident when the market quickly reopened. Borough Market remains a thriving landmark, not only as a center for incredible food but also as a place of history, resilience, and community.

Things to Know Before Going to Borough Market

Opening Hours

Borough Market is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. On Saturday, it opens slightly earlier at 9AM, and on Sunday it closes slightly earlier at 4:00PM. Be aware, the market is closed entirely on Mondays. 

How to Get There

📍Address: 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL, United Kingdom

If you are travelling by tube, the nearest station is London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines). There are also longer distance trains that stop at the London Bridge station. By bus, Borough Market is on routes 43, 141, 149 and 388. 

Best Times to Visit

Most people spend at least a couple of hours snacking and wandering in the market, so I would recommend budgeting a minimum of 90 minutes to visit. 2 or 3 hours would be even better. 

Because of how popular Borough Market is, the market can get VERY busy. I would recommend planning your visit strategically to give yourself an optimal experience with as few crowds as possible. The least visited days are Wednesday & Thursday, especially during the afternoon after the lunch rush. If you have to go on a weekend, I recommend going as soon as it opens on Saturday. 

General Suggestions for Visitors

• Dogs are allowed in Borough Market as long as they are on a leash or are carried at all times.
• The market is family friendly, but it can be quite crowded and strollers are not always practical for navigating the market.
• Smoking is also not allowed anywhere in the market.
• Toilet facilities are available during market hours. 
• This area is prone to pick-pockets (one of my tour guests had their phone stolen) so bring a zipped purse or bag that can be kept close to your body. 
• Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes for your visit, and it may not be a bad idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella with you as well, just in case it rains.

Guided Tours of Borough Market

If you really want to dive deep into the delicious food at Borough Market, consider taking a guided tour of the market. Borough Market hosts official guided tours of the market, or you could opt for a tour with one of London’s many food tour companies. I’ve heard good things about the London Bites Tour. Doing a food tour ensures you try the best stands in the market. Plus you’ll get to skip the queues and come away with knowledge and special insights about Borough Market. 

Where to Go in Borough Market

Because the market has slowly spread out and expanded over time, Borough Market’s layout is a maze of narrow passageways and hidden corners. I think this is part of its charm, but it is easy to get turned around inside the market. I’ve included a cute artistic map of Borough Market by UK-based artist Amber Amberson below, which features many of the places mentioned in this blog post. 

A couple of areas in Borough Market to note:

• Three Crown Square: Market’s largest trading area. It is the best spot for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and seafood. 
• Borough High Street: originally designed as a greenhouse but now a venue for food demonstrations, tastings, and workshops.
• Southwark Cathedral: most outdoor section of the market. Showcases artisan foods, gourmet chocolates, and international cuisines from Ethiopia, the Balkans, and beyond
• Green Market: street food vendors pop up here, and you’ll find most of the cooked food stands in this area. 

What to Eat in Borough Market

Finally, we get to talk about the food in Borough Market! That’s probably the whole reason you landed on this blog post in the first place. There are a myriad of 100+ amazing food stalls in Borough Market, selling everything from fresh produce & cheese to tacos & pasta. Basically anything you could ever want! 

This list is by no means comprehensive. This is my personally curated list of favorite spots that I’ve tried and enjoyed from my various 5 trips to London in the last few years. I recommend taknig a lap around before buying anything, and then follow your nose. When something smells good, it usually tastes good too.

I have sorted my borough market recommendations by category:

Coffee: Monmouth

This trusted name on London’s coffee scene sources their beans directly, specializing in filtered and brewed coffee. The cold brew is especially impressive with a smooth mouth feel and rich taste. The staff are meticulously trained in the different tasting notes of the beans, so they can help you find your perfect cup of coffee. 

Bakery: Bread Ahead

The mega-viral Crème Brûlée donut makes Bread Ahead one of the most hyped bakeries in London. At the Borough Market location, you can watch them make the Crème Brûlée donut, a process that involves a special blown torch and piles of brown sugar. The donuts are generously filled with cream but it's not overly sweet. Bruleed sugar was definitely the best part.

Dessert: Turnips

The chocolate-covered strawberries at Turnips have become a viral sensation. They even have a special queue for them! This treat features plump, juicy strawberries generously coated in rich, velvety chocolate. I find this place a little too hyped, and you need to eat them quickly before the chocolate hardens. 

Dessert: Humble Crumble

I love the concept of this dessert shop – the essence of a crumble served hot in a cup! It is really simple and super nostalgic. Their crumble cups are fully customizable. Basically, you choose the fruit mixture, such as apple or berry, then add your crumble (ie. shortbread, granola) and toppings (ie. custard, whipped cream).  Delicious, artisan crumbles that taste as good as they look!

Sandwiches: The Black Pig

Renowned for its indulgent ciabatta sandwiches, The Black Pig serves tender, slow-roasted pork shoulder paired with apple and fennel slaw, creamy aioli, and herby salsa verde. This combination creates a mouthwatering experience that has earned rave reviews from visitors.

Sandwiches: Kappacasein

Growing up in Wisconsin, I am a real cheese girlie. So let me just say, the cheese toastie at Kappacasein—raclette, comté, and creamy leeks sandwiched between sourdough—is a thing of beauty. This Alpine-style cheesemaker is open Thursday to Saturday, and there’ll be a line at all times, but it moves fast.

Fresh Pasta: Padella

This is a long-standing busy outpost for delightful fresh pasta. The heart felt home cooking emerging from this kitchen will give you an immediate serotonin boost. They don’t accept reservations, so to avoid a wait, go at odd hours such as a late lunch or early dinner. Service is fast, so don’t worry if you find a line. Take the cacio e pepe as an example. Thick cut fresh spaghetti is tossed in a generous serving of cheesy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper.

Seafood: Furness Fish & Game

A seafood lover's paradise, Furness Fish & Game offers fresh oysters shucked to order. Enjoy them with a squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce for a simple yet delightful treat.

Middle Eastern: Juma Kitchen

Bringing the flavors of Iraq to London, Juma Kitchen specializes in dishes like kubba halab—crispy rice balls filled with spiced beef. Their authentic offerings provide a unique taste of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Sausage Rolls: Brindisa 

A staple at Borough Market, Brindisa serves up their famous chorizo rolls. Grilled chorizo is paired with roasted red peppers and rocket, all nestled in a freshly baked roll—a simple yet irresistible combination.

Spanish Food: Furness Food Hut 

You’ll smell the renowned Bomba Paella before you see it. The massive paella pans here are iconic, and there is usually a line of people watching the action. You’ll get to watch perfectly cooked Bomba rice simmered in a rich seafood stock, adorned with a medley of chicken, seafood, and vibrant vegetables. 

Have thoughts or questions about visiting Borough Market in London? Tell me in the comments below!