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Borough is one of London’s oldest and most flavoursome quarters, a slice of Southwark just across the river from the City where a great food market, a medieval cathedral and centuries of history crowd together. For anyone who loves to eat, it is essential ground.
Where is Borough and how to get there
Borough sits on the south bank of the Thames beside London Bridge. London Bridge and Borough stations both serve it, and it is a short walk across the river from the City and along the river from the South Bank.
Borough Market and the sights
The star is Borough Market, the city’s most famous food market, a covered warren of producers, traders and street food beneath the railway arches. Beside it stands Southwark Cathedral, a beautiful and often-overlooked Gothic church, and the galleried George Inn, the last of London’s coaching inns, cared for by the National Trust. The Shard rises overhead, and the river walk leads quickly to the South Bank.
Eating and drinking
Borough is a feast: market stalls and permanent traders sell everything from cheese and charcuterie to hot street food, and the surrounding streets are thick with restaurants and historic pubs. Our guides to the best food markets and best pubs in London both feature the area.
Good to know
When is Borough Market open?
Borough Market’s full market trades from Tuesday to Saturday, with the busiest and most complete days towards the end of the week; a smaller offer runs on some other days. Go early on a weekday to browse in relative calm, or embrace the buzz at the weekend.
Where to go next
Walk to London Bridge, Bermondsey or the South Bank, or browse all our London neighbourhood guides.
