Old Spitalfields Market Tours and Activities

Old Spitalfields Market featuring markets and shopping as well as a small group of people
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market
Old Spitalfields Market which includes fashion, markets and signage


Relish the bohemian vibe in this niche indoor market, which features an assortment of stalls and restaurants.

Old Spitalfields Market is a covered bazaar with Victorian architecture in east London. One of the largest indoor markets in the city, it is spread across an expansive square marketplace and has sections for fashion, arts and crafts and food. Haggle with stall owners for well-priced clothes, souvenirs and culinary treats.

Enter the market through the large arch on its red-brick frontage. The building was constructed in 1876 in typical Victorian design. Each day, the market welcomes a different mix of stalls with their own particular bargains and deals. Purchase jewelry, vintage clothes, hats, children’s items and many other types of products from the vendors here.

While the core of the market is covered with temporary stalls, the perimeter is lined with permanent shops. Peruse the beauty boutiques elegantly built into the market building to buy cosmetics and hair products. Look at the clothes for sale in the fashion shops and search for furniture in the interior stores. The market even holds a dry cleaners.

Dine at one of the restaurants in the market. In keeping with the multicultural environment of the surrounding community, the market includes such international restaurants as the Real Greek, Las Iguanas and Café Caribbean.

Take a tour of the area to learn about the history of this site, on which a market has existed since 1638. King Charles I licensed the sale of meat and vegetables in what was then a rural area on the edge of London. It adopted the prefix of “Old” in 1991, when the fruit and vegetable section moved to New Spitalfields Market in Leyton.

The market is free to enter. The shops and restaurants are open daily, though the main market days are between Thursday and Sunday. It is particularly busy on weekends. Attend special events, such as pop-up vintage fairs, old record sales and African markets.

Ride the railway or London Underground to Liverpool Street station to reach the market, which is just to the east of the City of London. The site is located in the Tower Hamlets borough and is just a short walk south from the hip bars of Shoreditch.

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Top Old Spitalfields Market Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street

Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street

3.5 out of 5
13-15 Folgate Street, London, England
Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street
Hyatt Place London City East

Hyatt Place London City East

4 out of 5
Black Lion House, 45 Whitechapel Road, London, England
Hyatt Place London City East
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London

4 out of 5
8-14 Cooper's Row, London, England
Leonardo Royal Hotel London City - Tower of London
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge

4 out of 5
45 Prescot Street, London, England
Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge
citizenM Tower of London

citizenM Tower of London

4 out of 5
40 Trinity Square, London, England
citizenM Tower of London
Apex City of London Hotel

Apex City of London Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Seething Lane, London, England
Apex City of London Hotel
Hotel Saint

Hotel Saint

4 out of 5
9 Aldgate High Street, London, England
Hotel Saint
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market is a vibrant hub in London, perfect for exploring a mix of art, theatre, and shopping. Wander through the market to discover unique stalls offering everything from vintage fashion to gourmet street food. Don't miss out on nearby attractions and local activities that showcase the lively atmosphere of the area, making it a must-visit destination for a memorable experience.

Shopping

At Old Spitalfields Market, you'll discover unique gifts and souvenirs amidst a vibrant atmosphere. Nearby, Borough Market offers a bustling food scene, while Leadenhall Market showcases stunning architecture. If you're keen to explore further, Brunswick Centre is a family-friendly shopping destination 3.2km away.

Recreation

At Old Spitalfields Market, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of O2 Arena, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a musical escape, visit the ABBA Arena, offering lively entertainment. Alternatively, unwind at Hampstead Heath, a serene recreational area ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation away from the city hustle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car gondola, offering stunning views 6.4km from Old Spitalfields Market. For climbing enthusiasts, The Castle Climbing Centre, located 4.8km away, provides an exciting outdoor adventure. Don't miss the adrenaline rush at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, also 6.4km away!

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Old Spitalfields Market. Enjoy thrilling views on the London Eye, just 3.2km away. For a cultural evening, catch a show at the Barbican Arts Centre or Globe Theatre, both within a short stroll, perfect for family and romance vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market offers a vibrant mix of culture and family-friendly experiences, making it a must-visit for tourists. Explore nearby attractions such as charming streets, historic churches, and urban parks. With an array of London venues and tourist sites, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and unique character of the area. Don't miss the chance to savour the delights of Spitalfields Market while taking in the local culture.

  • Tower Bridge: This iconic historic bridge, located 1.6km from Old Spitalfields Market, offers stunning views and a glimpse into London's engineering marvels. Experience the Victorian architecture and enjoy the vibrant cultural atmosphere surrounding the bridge.
  • Tower of London: Situated 1.3km away, this historic castle boasts a rich history filled with tales of royalty and intrigue. Explore its ancient walls and the Crown Jewels, all while soaking up the romantic vibes of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • London Bridge: Just 1.6km from the market, this modern bridge exemplifies the bustling city vibes of London. Take a leisurely stroll across and admire the stunning skyline, as well as the lively atmosphere of the area.

Best time to go to Old Spitalfields Market

The best time to visit Old Spitalfields Market can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Old Spitalfields Market falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Old Spitalfields Market falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Old Spitalfields Market

To save money on your trip to Old Spitalfields Market, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking a hotel about a month in advance often yields the best rates, but keep an eye out for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Sundays are typically the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's tools to filter options by budget and location, and consider bundling flights and activities with your hotel for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to stretch your budget further!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Old Spitalfields Market are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Old Spitalfields Market is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Old Spitalfields Market is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Old Spitalfields Market is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Old Spitalfields Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.