Borough Market was one of the most pleasant surprises for me during my visit to London.

Anyone who reads our guides more closely will already know that I’m a huge fan of markets and street food. We actually stumbled upon Borough Market quite by chance. We were walking from Millennium Bridge to Tower Bridge, and my girlfriend wanted to stop by the house where Bridget Jones was filmed.

The colourful stalls, the aroma of food, the hustle and bustle beneath the railway arches and the huge variety of cuisines create a wonderful atmosphere and tempted me to spend much longer here than I’d originally planned.

It’s clear that this is a very touristy spot, and there are long queues at the most famous stalls. Even so, I was really impressed by Borough Market.

Borough Market in a nutshell

• Entry: free, no booking required
• How much time to allow: about 30 to 60 minutes, including a meal
• Best time to visit: weekday mornings or after 3.00 pm
• Prices: most larger meals and sandwiches cost around 10–15 gbp
• Seating: there are few seats; people often eat standing up
• In case of rain: a large part of the market is covered

Opening hours and when to go

Borough Market is open six days a week:

• Monday: closed
• Tuesday to Friday: 10.00–17.00
• Saturday: 9.00 am–5.00 pm
• Sunday: 10.00–16.00

Individual stalls may have shorter opening hours or only be open on certain days.

The biggest crowds come at lunchtime and at the weekends. If you want to have a leisurely stroll around the market, come on a weekday before 12:00 or later in the afternoon.

On Saturdays around midday, expect slow progress between the stalls and long queues at stalls that have become popular on social media.

What to try at Borough Market

Borough Market is more than just a few stalls selling ready-made food. You’ll find bakeries, cheese, charcuterie, fruit, vegetable and fishmongers, small restaurants and street food from all over the world.

Among the best-known establishments are:

• Kappacasein – cheese toasties and raclette; the stall is usually only open from Thursday to Saturday,
• The Black Pig – large ciabatta rolls with slow-roasted pork, cheese and other fillings,
• Bread Ahead – a bakery best known for its filled doughnuts,
• Humble Crumble – warm fruit crumble served with custard, ice cream or caramelised meringue.

Don’t just focus on one viral stall, though. We recommend walking the length and breadth of the market first, comparing what’s on offer, and only then making your choice. It’s discovering the lesser-known stalls that we enjoy most at markets.

Bridget Jones’s flat

Bridget Jones’s flat from the film can be found right on the edge of the market at 8 Bedale Street. In the films, only the exterior of the house above The Globe Tavern was used. The interior of the flat was created in a film studio.

It was actually because of this house that we originally stopped off at Borough Market. It’s just a one- or two-minute walk from the main part of the market.

Borough Market and Harry Potter

A scene from the film *Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban* was filmed on Stoney Street.

The rescue bus brings Harry here to the Leaky Cauldron. The house at 7 Stoney Street, beneath the railway bridge, served as the entrance to the wizarding pub. The location is on an ordinary street and, without knowing the exact address, it’s easy to miss.

On foot from Millennium Bridge to Tower Bridge

Borough Market lies on one of the most beautiful walking routes along the Thames. It takes about 15 minutes to walk there from the southern end of the Millennium Bridge.

After your visit, you can continue past The Shard and along the riverfront to Tower Bridge. You therefore don’t need to plan a separate trip to the market.

Where to stay near Borough Market

Of the more reasonably priced hotels in this part of the city centre, we recommend the ibis Styles London Southwark – near Borough Market.

It’s about a 5-minute walk from the market and is also a good base for walking trips to the Tate Modern, The Shard or Tower Bridge.

We compare other cheaper and better-located options in the section ‘Where to stay in London’.

How to get to Borough Market

The nearest transport hub is London Bridge, which is right next to the market.

• Underground: London Bridge – Jubilee and Northern lines
• Train: London Bridge – both commuter and long-distance trains
• Bus: routes 17, 21, 35, 47, 133, 343 and 381 stop within a 5-minute walk of the market

For more information on fares and payment, see the section on Transport in London.

Official website and up-to-date list of stallholders: boroughmarket.org.uk.

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