Columbia Road Flower Market, London
Discover a vibrant Sunday floral haven in East London, where history, community, and colorful blooms create an unforgettable market experience.
Columbia Road Flower Market is a vibrant and historic Sunday market in East London, renowned for its stunning array of flowers, plants, and gardening essentials. Open from 8am to 3pm, it transforms a narrow Victorian street into a bustling floral paradise, surrounded by over 60 independent shops offering unique goods and eateries. A must-visit for flower lovers and those seeking a lively community atmosphere in Shoreditch’s creative heart.
A brief summary to Columbia Road Flower Market
- Columbia Rd, London, E2 7RG, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Sunday 8 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early at 8am to avoid crowds and enjoy the best selection of flowers and plants.
- Bring cash to negotiate better deals, especially later in the day when vendors reduce prices.
- Explore the many independent shops and cafés along Columbia Road for unique gifts and refreshments.
- Visit on Christmas Wednesdays for festive shopping with late-night openings and seasonal cheer.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Overground to Hoxton or Shoreditch High Street stations, both about a 10-minute walk from the market. Alternatively, use the Northern Line to Old Street station, approximately 20 minutes on foot. Frequent bus routes 26, 55, and 8 also serve nearby stops. Expect travel times from central London between 15 to 30 minutes, with standard Transport for London fares applying.
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Walking
If staying in nearby Shoreditch or Bethnal Green, a stroll to Columbia Road Flower Market offers a pleasant urban walk of 15 to 30 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The market street is cobbled and can be crowded, so allow extra time and consider mobility needs.
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Driving
Driving is not recommended due to limited parking and road closures on Sundays when the market operates. If necessary, secure parking in nearby public car parks well in advance, and expect fees ranging from £10 to £25 for a half-day stay.
Columbia Road Flower Market location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Columbia Road Flower Market
A Blossoming History Rooted in Community
Columbia Road Flower Market has a rich heritage dating back to 1869. Originally a food hall, it evolved into a Saturday market before switching to Sundays to accommodate local Jewish traders and the growing East End community. Over time, it blossomed into a dedicated flower market, supplying greenery and blooms to beautify the small gardens of surrounding flats. This deep connection to the local community remains central to its identity, with traders often growing their own plants or sourcing them sustainably from nearby areas.A Floral Feast for the Senses
Every Sunday morning from 8am to around 3pm, Columbia Road bursts into life with vibrant colors and intoxicating scents. Stalls brim with an impressive variety of flowers—from bright roses and hydrangeas to exotic houseplants, bulbs, and herbs. The narrow cobbled street creates an intimate atmosphere where the calls of flower sellers mingle with the chatter of visitors. The market’s layout encourages exploration, with each stall offering unique floral treasures and gardening essentials.Beyond the Blooms: A Creative Hub
The market is just one part of Columbia Road’s charm. Alongside the flower stalls, more than 60 independent shops line the street, selling everything from vintage clothes and antiques to art, jewelry, and delicious baked goods. Quaint cafés and pubs provide perfect spots to pause and soak in the lively ambiance. Seasonal events, such as Christmas Wednesdays with late-night shopping and festive cheer, add to the year-round appeal.Tips for Visiting and Navigating the Market
To enjoy the best experience, arrive early when the market opens at 8am to avoid crowds and secure the freshest selection. The busiest period is typically between 10am and 1pm, when the market is at its liveliest. For bargain hunters, visiting late in the afternoon can yield discounted flowers as traders reduce prices to clear stock. While most vendors accept card payments, cash is often preferred and can help you negotiate better deals. The cobbled street and crowds may present challenges for those with mobility issues, so plan accordingly.Getting There and Local Surroundings
Located in Bethnal Green near Shoreditch and Brick Lane, Columbia Road Flower Market is easily accessible by public transport. The closest stations include Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street (Overground) and Old Street (Northern Line), all within a 10-20 minute walk. Due to limited parking and road closures on market days, public transport is recommended. The surrounding area is a vibrant cultural hotspot, perfect for extending your visit with nearby galleries, vintage shops, and eateries.A Living Tradition and Sustainable Future
Despite its popularity, the market remains committed to sustainability and community engagement. Traders invest in eco-friendly practices, and the market supports local growers and artisans. Its enduring appeal lies in the blend of tradition, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites visitors to connect with East London’s unique spirit.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arnold Circus
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Shoreditch Church
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Stairway to Heaven, Bethnal Green Memorial
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Northumbria University - London
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St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
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Historic site of St Mary’s Whitechapel, the iconic White Chapel that shaped East London’s identity and now commemorated as Altab Ali Park.
Finsbury Square
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Discover Finsbury Square, London's tranquil urban park featuring lush greenery, rich history, and a lively atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration.
St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
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Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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182 Bishopsgate
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Devonshire Square
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Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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Liverpool Street
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Explore the vibrant heart of London at Liverpool Street Station, a historic transport hub with modern amenities and access to iconic attractions.
Bevis Marks Synagogue
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30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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A striking, sustainable skyscraper in London’s financial heart, blending innovative design with panoramic city views and historic roots.
30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Discover The Gherkin, London’s pioneering eco-friendly skyscraper with its iconic spiraling glass façade and panoramic city views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Hackney City Farm
0.4 km
Discover a vibrant urban farm in East London where city life meets sustainable farming, friendly animals, and community spirit.
BrewDog Shoreditch
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Discover BrewDog Shoreditch: A vibrant bar and restaurant offering craft beers, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere in the heart of East London.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
0.7 km
Discover The Cocktail Club in Shoreditch, a trendy cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable night in London.
Nomadic community
0.7 km
A hidden creative sanctuary off Brick Lane, blending street art, community spirit, and sustainable urban gardening in East London.
Shoreditch Balls
0.8 km
Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and miniature golf at Shoreditch Balls, a vibrant hotspot in London's eclectic Shoreditch district.
Callooh Callay
0.8 km
Discover Callooh Callay, an enchanting cocktail bar in London, where innovative drinks meet a whimsical atmosphere.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
0.8 km
A whimsical monster-themed gift shop in London supporting creative writing charity for kids with quirky treats and curious curiosities.
Trafik
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Discover Trafik, a lively club and bar in London's Old Street, offering a vibrant nightlife experience with eclectic music and delicious cocktails.
Hoxton Square
0.8 km
Historic Hoxton Square is a vibrant garden oasis at the core of East London's creative and nightlife scene.
Sunset Bar
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at Sunset Bar, where expertly crafted cocktails meet a lively atmosphere in a stylish setting.
Spitalfields City Farm
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A free-entry city farm in East London where rare-breed animals, organic gardens and a community tea hut create a peaceful rural escape in the heart of the city.
Brick Ln
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Discover Brick Lane: London's vibrant street filled with rich history, eclectic shops, and tantalizing food from around the world.
The Hoxton Pony
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Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Hoxton Pony in Shoreditch, where creative cocktails and a lively atmosphere make for an unforgettable evening.
Village Underground
0.9 km
A vibrant East London cultural hotspot blending live music, street art, and creative community in a historic warehouse setting.
Shoreditch
0.9 km
East London's creative playground where street art, markets, and nightlife collide in authentic, ever-evolving style.
Essential places to dine
Brawn
0.0 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
The Clove Club
0.7 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
0.7 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Lyle's
0.8 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.0 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
1.4 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Behind Restaurant
1.4 km
An intimate Michelin-starred fish tasting restaurant in London Fields offering immersive chef-served seasonal menus in an open kitchen setting.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
1.6 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
1.6 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
14 Hills
2.0 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
2.2 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Hackney Church Brew Co.
2.4 km
A vibrant brewery and taproom in Hackney Central blending craft beers, open-flame cooking, and a welcoming community spirit.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
St. John
2.4 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Madison
2.5 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Luna & Curious
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Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
0.8 km
Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
DPUS Designer Outlet
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Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
69b Boutique Sustainable Style
1.1 km
London’s first boutique dedicated to stylish, sustainable fashion with a focus on ethical brands and eco-friendly materials.
Petticoat Lane Market
1.5 km
London's historic street market where 370 years of commerce, migration, and East End character converge.
Middlesex Textiles
1.5 km
Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Barbican Shop
1.9 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
The Royal Exchange
2.1 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Unique Gifts
2.2 km
A compact London gift shop filled with original, handpicked presents and quirky souvenirs for those who love something different.
Pop Up Luxury Shop
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Exclusive, curated luxury shopping in a stylish London pop-up setting blending fashion innovation with boutique charm.
1 Poultry
2.3 km
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Traders Gate
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A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Tower of London Shop
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Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Smithfield Market
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London’s oldest wholesale meat market, where history and commerce meet in the heart of the city.
Camden Passage, Islington
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two
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Step inside Alcotraz London for a one-of-a-kind immersive prison cocktail bar adventure with live actors and bespoke drinks.
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
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Inventive cocktails and retro charm blend seamlessly in Shoreditch’s cozy and quirky Cocktail Trading Co.
TT
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Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
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Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for its bottomless brunch, drag shows, and nostalgic party vibes in a colorful, tropical-inspired setting.
Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
0.8 km
Lively Shoreditch cocktail bar famed for pink neon vibes, creative drinks, and unforgettable themed brunches.
The Sun Tavern
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Historic East End corner bar blending a vast Irish whiskey collection with lively live music and expertly crafted cocktails.
Ballie Ballerson London
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Dive into London's most playful cocktail bar with glowing ball pits, inventive drinks, and unforgettable nights in Shoreditch.
Happiness Forgets
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Discover expertly crafted cocktails in a cozy, candlelit basement bar with a welcoming no-standing policy in the heart of Hoxton Square.
Satan's Whiskers
0.9 km
Discover East London's beloved cocktail bar where classic drinks meet hip-hop vibes and a quirky, intimate atmosphere.
Simmons Bar | Old Street
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A retro-inspired cocktail bar in Shoreditch offering creative drinks and a lively, youthful nightlife atmosphere.
Nightjar Shoreditch
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Step into Nightjar Shoreditch, a hidden gem where Prohibition-era cocktails meet live jazz in an intimate, vintage-inspired setting.
The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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Old Fountain
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Historic family-run freehouse in Old Street, London, famed for award-winning ales, hearty British food, and a stylish rooftop terrace.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
Aviary
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Elegant rooftop dining with botanical cocktails and panoramic London skyline views in the heart of Finsbury Square.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
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E1
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London Best Night Clubs
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The Steel Yard
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Carwash Nightclub
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Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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Proud Late
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Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Egg London Nightclub
4.0 km
Experience marathon electronic music sessions in a converted Victorian warehouse with vibrant terraces and world-class DJs at Egg London Nightclub.
Ministry of Sound
4.1 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Roxy
4.2 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
4.2 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Cirque Du Soul
4.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
4.4 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
4.4 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
The Ivy Club
4.4 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
