Borough Market, London

Borough Market, London (must see)

Borough Market is London鈥檚 oldest and most atmospheric food market, boasting a history that spans over 1,000 years. Its origins trace back to the 11th century 鈥� and possibly earlier 鈥� when farmers would bring fresh produce to London Bridge, then the only southern entrance into the city. By the 18th century, the market had become so chaotic that Parliament decided to shut it down in 1756, though local volunteers soon revived it nearby. The structures seen today, with ornate Victorian ironwork and soaring arcades, were developed largely in the 19th century.

Today, with a railway rumbling overhead, this historic market hums below as a vibrant maze of culinary treasures. Visitors can explore an impressive range of artisan stalls offering cheeses, fresh bread, meats, seafood, organic produce, spices, handmade sweets, and gourmet street food. While British classics like meat pies and sausages are readily available, the real appeal lies in the diversity 鈥� from Ethiopian stews and Indian curries to Spanish paella and Middle Eastern falafel.

Navigating the market is part of the fun. Begin your adventure through the central labyrinth of food stalls until you reach Stoney Street on the western edge. From there, stroll along Park Street 鈥� a film location favorite 鈥� where you鈥檒l find a lively pub and the famous Neal鈥檚 Yard Dairy cheese shop. Across the way, the Ginger Pig draws crowds for its traditional English bacon and sausages. For a local favorite, stop by Maria鈥檚 Market Caf茅, a classic haunt for longtime market workers. Around every corner, more delights await, including covered terraces with extra seating for diners.

Rain or shine, Borough Market delivers. The partial roof makes it an all-weather destination, and beyond eating and shopping, visitors can enjoy food tastings, seasonal festivals, cooking demos, and culinary workshops. The market thrives on community and celebration, drawing food lovers from around the world.

Conveniently located near landmarks like Southwark Cathedral, The Shard, and Shakespeare鈥檚 Globe Theatre, it鈥檚 a perfect stop during a day exploring London鈥檚 South Bank.

Tip:
Before committing to a meal, take your time wandering. Getting a bit lost is part of the charm 鈥� and often leads to the tastiest surprises.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Borough Market
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

South Bank Walking Tour

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