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Borough Market

  • London, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 20 February, 2024

A food market has stood beside London Bridge since at least the 12th century, and the current model – with Victorian architecture and railway arches covering many of the food outlets – has had a huge revival in recent years as London has become one of Europe’s biggest foodie hubs.

Stalls range from traditional fruit and veg to artisan bakers, charcuterie, cheese counters and chocolatiers, with some of the capital’s best restaurants in the historic streets that wind out from the main marketplace. Unquestionably London’s biggest culinary draw with over 100 stalls, it’s phenomenally popular with tourists, but local foodies also flock here for the fantastic street food, which ranges from artisan chorizo sandwiches to Egyptian curries, fresh pasta and Indian dosas, eaten on the go as trains rumble overhead.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The nearest underground station is London Bridge. The market lies underneath the railway line and the Bridge itself, next to Southwark Cathedral.

When to do it

The market is open Monday to Saturday, although there are less stallholders on Mondays and Tuesdays. Go on Thursday or Friday to avoid the Saturday crush. If you’re planning to shop, arrive before lunchtime, when the market packs out with lunching workers.

Allow half an hour or so to explore the market, and possibly have a meal – as well as the traditional stalls selling everything from bread to truffle products and fruit juices, and take-away vendors, the market is trimmed with brilliant, locally-acclaimed restaurants.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • London

Whether you’re travelling to London, planning an event or looking for a unique gift idea, Chubby Fellow is at your service. Choose from one of our tried and tested Ready-Made Food Experiences hosted by a born and bred Londoner and full time foodie: - Food tour around the heart of Soho and the famous Chinatown. - Best of British food tour around London Bridge and Borough Market. - East End food tour around Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. - Camden food tour around its famous markets. - Ultimate CHEESE experience around London Bridge and Borough Market. - GIN extravaganza around Mayfair and the West End. All experiences are Private ensuring you have the most intimate, special and tipity top experience possible!

Price £199

Min age 18

Rating 4.96 / 5 [240 ratings]

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  • London

Your guides are real foodies, and they have made it their goal to introduce visitors to the ‘excellence of British’ traditional food. The guides will be sharing with you their local knowledge of the dining culture and latest gastronomy trends. The local guides will take you to food shops, beloved by the area’s locals, and we are sure that you’ll fall in love with them too. As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience. No need to shout over other tourists, you will have every question answered, and leave feeling like a native yourself!

Price £335

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [181 ratings]

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  • London

While Borough Market is firmly on the tourist trail I will show you the hidden, quirky history that only the locals know. Starting from the famous market we will discover the heroes and villains that makes this corner of London such an amazing place. Guaranteed only small groups away from the crowds in the quiet backstreets. This is a family friendly tour, with a personal touch. Behind the waterfront there is a maze of streets, with 2,000 years of history to uncover. We will hear about Shakespeare and his rivals, who inspired Dickens and the area's dark side! Friendly, fun and informative tours with a fully qualified tour guided. An excellent safe way to reintroduce you and your friends back to London! Or if you are a local a great way to find about your city's secrets and quiz a real London expert. Message me if you would like a private group or corporate tour. This could be an ideal present for the history buff in your life! Find out about my other tours via @stevedoestours

Price £15

Min age 8

Rating 4.96 / 5 [55 ratings]

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  • London

Enjoy a private and authentic cooking class and local market tour with your host Simon. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. On your market tour, you will visit the Borough market which is Britain’s most renowned and oldest food market. It is an absolute treat for any food lover visiting London! Simon thoroughly enjoys all aspects of the cooking process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to cutting vegetables the right way to using the appropriate temperature and cooking techniques. He believes that only if the entire process is carefully curated is a meal enjoyable and memorable. Given his vast professional experience Simon can cook anything but prefers to follow seasonality, and is a loyal supporter of organic ingredients with a preference for the finest and freshest ingredients. Join Simon for this truly authentic local experience in his kitchen.

Price $442

Min age 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [24 ratings]

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