Borough Market

London's oldest food market operating since the 13th century, now housing 100+ specialist food stalls. Thursday to Saturday brings crowds hunting for £8-15 artisan meals, cheese tastings, and ingredients you can't find in supermarkets. It sits below the headline sights but earns its place on a longer visit to London, especially paired with nearby Tower of London. Entry is free and 1-2 hours gives you a thorough visit.

Priority: Medium - include with 2+ days Time needed: 1-2 hours Best for: working victorian market where londoners actually Skip if: You hate crowds, have severe food allergies, or visit on Wednesday when many stalls are closed Cost: Free

Navigate narrow aisles between Victorian wrought-iron stalls selling 30 types of British cheese, Spanish jamón carved to order, and Ethiopian coffee roasted on-site. Sample Neal's Yard cheese while dodging delivery trolleys and local chefs sourcing weekend ingredients.

Accessibility: Ground level access, but narrow aisles get very crowded weekends

Working Victorian market where Londoners actually shop, not a tourist recreation. It is not the first thing you should see in London, but with two or more days it fills a gap the major sights leave. It pairs naturally with Tower of London and Tate Modern - together they fill a solid half-day. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time. Free entry makes the decision easy - walk in, see if it holds your attention, and leave when you have had enough.

Skip if: You hate crowds, have severe food allergies, or visit on Wednesday when many stalls are closed

• Free samples at cheese and charcuterie stalls before noon.
• Bring cash - many stalls don't take cards.
• Park Street entrance less crowded than Southwark Street.

Insider tip: Kappacasein does grilled cheese sandwiches only Friday-Saturday, queues form by 11am

Great overhead shots from Green Market walkway, colourful produce displays best in morning light