Visiting Borough Market: Everything You Need To Know (2025)

Situated smack bang in the middle of Central London on the south bank of the River Thames, Borough Market is one of London’s most famous food markets. This covered market features more than 100 stalls across 4.5 acres with traders showcasing a delicious range of traditional and specialty foods.

For foodies visiting London for the first time, Carpe Diem Tours offers a fun, filling and exceptionally reasonably-priced London Food Tour that takes you to the places the locals keep to themselves.

If you’re planning on visiting Borough Market then first: good choice, and second: here’s everything you need to know!

Where is Borough Market

Borough Market is situated in Southwark (pronounced SUTH-erk), a district in Central London on the south bank of the River Thames. Its exact address is 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL, which you can find on the Google Map below:

The market itself is divided into three main areas. Borough Market Kitchen is a haven for street food enthusiasts; Three Crown Square is where larger merchants and producers trade; and the Green Market spotlights specialized food traders. 

Borough Market Opening Times

Borough Market is open six days a week from Tuesday to Sunday. From Monday to Friday, the market is open from 10 am - 5 pm. On Saturdays it is open 9 am - 5 pm and on Sundays from 10 am - 4 pm.

How to get to Borough Market?

If you’re taking the London Underground (by far the fastest way to get around London), the closest stop to Borough Market is London Bridge station on the Jubilee and Northern lines.

For cyclists, there are plenty of bike racks inside the market as well as bikes-to-rent on Southwark Street and Park Street. You’ll also find bike racks at the Green Market and on Stoney Street near the Black & Blue restaurant. 

Bus commuters will find easily accessible stops on Southwark Street, Borough High Street, and near the London Bridge station.

Despite its historic layout and paved or cobbled pathways, the market's public spaces are ground-level so there’s no need to take lifts or elevators. Some restaurants, however, are spread over multiple levels.

Getting around London: Your Essential Guide

Getting around London might seem daunting, especially for first-timers. But bookmark this guide and you'll find exploring the capital easy peasy 

What are Borough Market's opening hours?

Borough Market is open every day except Monday. The market opens every day in December, they’re open every day to accommodate festive shopping needs. Bear in mind that not all traders are available, yet there's a vast selection available throughout the week. Here's the complete schedule of Borough Market opening hours:

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. Saturday afternoons are the peak times with heavy foot traffic, so if you're not a fan of crowds, it's best to avoid these times.

For the holiday season, Borough Market gets decorated and has a festive ambience around holidays, especially during the Christmas season. Visiting in December offers a festive experience, but it's also one of the busiest times. If you're visiting for festive shopping, going early in the day will help avoid the thickest crowds.

What’s inside Borough Market?

At the heart of Borough Market are our traders, infusing life and vibrancy across its expanse. With over 100 unique stalls, eateries, bars, and stores, the market is a trove of quality food, drink, and character.

Click here for the full shop directory.

Indian vegetarian street food at Horn Ok Please

Don’t visit Borough Marke without trying out Horn Ok Please

Each vendor, from stalls to eateries, brings their distinct flair to the market. They offer a vast array of British and international delicacies. Despite their differences, all our traders share a passion for their craft, a dedication to quality, and a commitment to offering the best products they can procure or create.

"Enough Talk, I'm Hungry"

Well it's a good job you're on this page. Carpe Diem Tours ran a fantastic London Food Tour of Soho & Chinatown that introduces you to the best of British cuisine. From tastiest pie and mash to bao burgers, British beer, Indian food fusion and more, this is a must for any foodies looking for a real taste of the UK.

Book your London Food Tour here.

Enjoying our Borough Market Food tour

Trying traditional fish and chips

Carpe Diem also offers walking tours, some of which include the market as a key stop. These tours provide a broader perspective on the surrounding neighborhood, its history, and how the market fits into the larger context of London.

Are you looking for a fantastic night out in London with fun international travellers? Our Tipsy Tour of London is the perfect experience for you. As well as getting to try a range of traditional British drinks, you’ll also learn about London’s more lurid, scandalous history throughout the years.

Book your London Tipsy Tour!

FAQs

Are pets allowed inside the Borough Market?

Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed or held at all times. It's advisable to steer clear during peak hours and ensure pets are never left alone. Please note that some establishments within the market might have restrictions on pets. 

What is there to do near Borough Market??

Borough Market is located in a culturally vibrant area of Britain's capital, making it a great starting point to explore numerous attractions nearby. 

Here are some of the nearby attractions and places:

• The Shard: This iconic skyscraper is one of the tallest in Western Europe, offering a panoramic view of London from its viewing platform, The View from The Shard. The Shard is literally right next to Borough Market. It's a very short walk of approximately 2-3 minutes. Visit its viewing gallery for a stunning panoramic of London.
• Southwark Cathedral: A beautiful and historic place of worship, the Southwark Cathedral stands as a testament to Gothic architecture. This cathedral is adjacent to Borough Market. From most entrances of the market, you can reach the cathedral in about 1-2 minutes.
• London Bridge: Not to be confused with Tower Bridge (where you certainly didn’t want to end up in the Middle Ages), London Bridge has its own storied history and is a vital crossing point over the River Thames. Depending on where you start on the bridge (it's a sizable structure), it can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes to walk to Borough Market.
• Tower Bridge: This iconic drawbridge offers a view of the River Thames and has a glass-floored walkway for a unique experience. On a typical day without heavy traffic, the drive might only take about 5-10 minutes.

How old is Borough Market?

The market’s history stretches back more than a thousand years, to the 11th century, when it was a central spot for traders dealing in food essentials like grain, fish, vegetables, and livestock. 

For centuries, its strategic venue drew traders, especially those outside the City of London. But by 1754, its bustling activity led to logistical issues, prompting Parliament to consider shutting it down. This did not come to pass thanks to the intervention of the community in 1756 which led to the market’s relocation to where it stands today.

Borough Market circa 1860

The market evolved further in the 19th century, particularly with the construction of the 1862 railway viaduct, amplifying its role in the fruit and vegetable business. 

The next century brought Borough Market both fame—through endorsements like Charlie Chaplin's in the 1930s—and challenges with the rise of supermarkets. But the 21st century saw the market's revival as it transitioned to speciality foods and retail. Borough Market has also come into its own right as an iconic movie set, and eagle-eyed viewers might recognize it from films like Bridget Jones’ Diary and the TV series Spooks.

Now, Borough Market isn't just a food hub but a symbol of London's food culture, balancing architecture and cuisine with sustainability initiatives.