Leicester Market: A Historic Hub of Freshness and Culture
Europe’s largest outdoor covered market, blending 700 years of history with vibrant multicultural produce and lively community spirit.
Leicester Market, located at 2 Market Place in Leicester, England, is Europe’s largest outdoor covered market with over 700 years of history. Open Monday to Saturday, it offers a vibrant array of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and specialty goods from diverse cultures, alongside permanent units selling clothes, cosmetics, and more. The market is a lively cultural and culinary destination, featuring a weatherproof canopy and undergoing refurbishment to enhance its facilities.
A brief summary to Leicester Market
- 2 Market Pl, Leicester, LE1 5GF, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit weekday mornings for the freshest produce and fewer crowds.
- Explore the diverse food stalls offering global street food flavors.
- Check out the nearby Leicester Corn Exchange for dining and historic ambiance.
- During refurbishment, visit the temporary market on Green Dragon Square to continue enjoying local produce.
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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Bus
Multiple city bus routes serve Leicester Market with frequent stops nearby; travel times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on starting location. Buses run regularly Monday to Saturday with fares typically under £3.
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Car
Driving to Leicester Market is possible with several public car parks within a 5-10 minute walk. Parking fees range from £1.50 to £3 per hour. Note that parking availability can be limited during peak market hours, especially weekends.
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Walking
If staying within Leicester city center, the market is accessible on foot within 10-20 minutes over flat, paved streets. The area is pedestrian-friendly and suitable for all mobility levels.
Leicester 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 Leicester Market
Centuries of Market Tradition in the Heart of Leicester
Leicester Market boasts a remarkable history spanning over 700 years, making it one of the oldest continuously operating markets in Europe. Originally established around the 13th century and protected by a Royal Charter, the market was relocated to its current site approximately 700 years ago. This charter historically restricted other markets from operating within a 6⅔-mile radius, underscoring Leicester Market’s longstanding significance to the city’s commerce and community.A Diverse Marketplace Under One Canopy
Today, Leicester Market is the largest outdoor covered market in Europe, featuring around 48 stalls and 10 container units beneath a weatherproof canopy. This setup ensures year-round trading regardless of weather, offering a diverse selection of goods. Visitors can find fresh fruits and vegetables, quality meats and poultry, artisan cheeses, and a wide range of fish and seafood, including king prawns, scallops, salmon, and even lobster. Specialty stalls provide exotic produce reflecting Leicester’s multicultural population, with African, Caribbean, and Indian vegetables among the offerings.Permanent Units and Culinary Delights
Alongside the outdoor stalls, permanent market units sell clothing, cosmetics, fabrics, greetings cards, pet products, and household goods such as carpets and bedding. The market also features a café and several food vendors offering global street food flavors, making it a vibrant culinary destination. The nearby Leicester Corn Exchange, dating from 1850, adds historical charm and now serves as a bar and restaurant, enriching the market’s social atmosphere.Ongoing Renewal and Community Focus
Leicester Market is currently undergoing major refurbishment to modernize and improve facilities, with work expected to complete by Christmas 2024. During this period, a temporary market operates on Green Dragon Square, maintaining the market’s essential role in the community. The City Council manages the market, balancing its historic legacy with contemporary needs, including hosting seasonal events like Christmas markets and a monthly Farmers’ Market nearby.Experience and Atmosphere
The market pulses with the energy of Leicester’s multicultural community, offering a sensory feast of colors, aromas, and sounds. From the vibrant displays of fresh produce to the enticing aromas of street food, visitors experience a lively, welcoming environment. The market is a hub for locals and visitors alike to shop affordably, discover unique goods, and immerse themselves in Leicester’s rich cultural tapestry.Accessibility and Visitor Information
Open Monday to Saturday, typically from 8 or 9 AM to 5 or 6 PM, Leicester Market is centrally located and accessible by numerous bus routes. While parking is available nearby, it can be limited during busy periods. Entry is free, with visitors paying only for purchases. The market welcomes all ages and backgrounds, making it a family-friendly and inclusive destination in Leicester’s city center.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Welford Place
0.3 km
Explore the historic John Biggs statue at Welford Place, a Victorian landmark celebrating Leicester’s reformist legacy and civic pride.
23 St.Nicholas Pl
0.4 km
Leicester's oldest place of worship, where Roman foundations meet medieval splendour and 1,100 years of history.
Leicester Roman West Gate site
0.6 km
Explore Leicester’s monumental Roman baths and the iconic Jewry Wall, a testament to ancient urban life and architecture.
Museum Development East Midlands
4.4 km
Supporting East Midlands museums with expert guidance, grants, and training from County Hall, Leicester.
King Lear
5.3 km
Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.
Earl Shilton Castle
13.3 km
Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.
Memorial Clock Tower
19.2 km
A towering Gothic-revival memorial in Coalville honoring 354 fallen WWI soldiers with a commanding clock and rich community history.
Westmorland Drive
27.7 km
Experience seamless travel in Nuneaton at the Westmorland Drive bus stop, your gateway to local attractions and vibrant community life.
Bedworth Water Tower
29.3 km
A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.
Rushton Triangular Lodge
32.3 km
Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.
Old Trent Bridge
33.6 km
A historic river crossing in Nottingham blending medieval origins with Victorian engineering and enduring local heritage.
Lamport Hall
34.5 km
Explore Lamport Hall, a stunning historical landmark in Northamptonshire, where rich heritage and breathtaking gardens await every traveler.
Wollaton Park Lake
34.7 km
Discover the tranquility of Wollaton Park Lake in Nottingham, an ideal retreat for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Public Art - The Sneinton Dragon
34.9 km
Discover the enchanting Sneinton Dragon, a striking public art sculpture in Nottingham, embodying local heritage and artistic expression.
Mortimer’s hole
35.0 km
Explore Mortimer's Hole in Nottingham - a captivating historical landmark steeped in legend and medieval intrigue.
Unmissable attractions to see
Town Hall Square Fountain
0.1 km
Historic Victorian fountain in Leicester’s Town Hall Square, a symbol of civic pride and architectural elegance.
The Clock Tower
0.2 km
Discover the historic Clock Tower in Leicester, a stunning landmark that encapsulates the city's rich heritage and vibrant local culture.
Veeno
0.2 km
Experience authentic Sicilian wines and Italian small plates in Leicester’s vibrant St Martins Square at Veeno.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
0.2 km
Discover the incredible story of King Richard III’s life, death, and rediscovery at the site where history was unearthed beneath a Leicester car park.
Highcross
0.2 km
Leicester’s vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with over 120 stores, diverse dining, and a luxury cinema experience.
Leicester Cathedral
0.3 km
Discover the historic Leicester Cathedral, home to King Richard III’s tomb and centuries of Gothic splendor in the heart of Leicester.
The Guildhall Museum
0.3 km
Explore 600 years of Leicester’s history in a beautifully preserved medieval timber-framed Guildhall, from Shakespearean theatre to Victorian police cells.
The Newarke Houses Museum
0.5 km
Explore Leicester’s Tudor heritage, immersive WWI trench, and vibrant Victorian shops amid tranquil historic gardens.
Jewry Wall & Roman Baths
0.5 km
Explore one of Britain’s largest Roman masonry structures and immerse yourself in Leicester’s ancient Roman baths and heritage museum.
Leicester Castle
0.6 km
Explore Leicester Castle’s medieval heritage and royal connections in the heart of the city, where history and architecture intertwine.
Leicester Museum and Art Gallery
0.7 km
Discover Leicester’s rich heritage through captivating art, natural history, and interactive family galleries on historic New Walk.
Abbey Park
1.3 km
Discover Abbey Park, Leicester’s historic riverside haven blending tranquil gardens, medieval ruins, and family-friendly fun just north of the city centre.
Leicester Abbey
1.6 km
Explore the evocative 12th-century Leicester Abbey ruins amid tranquil riverside gardens and family-friendly attractions in historic Abbey Park.
The Blackbird
1.7 km
A welcoming Leicester grill pub serving hearty sizzling dishes and classic pub fare in a lively community atmosphere.
National Space Centre
2.1 km
Explore the UK’s largest planetarium and iconic rocket tower at Leicester’s National Space Centre, a hub of space discovery and interactive science fun.
Essential places to dine
The Frame
0.1 km
A vibrant Mediterranean restaurant and bar in Leicester’s St Martins Square, blending refined flavours with stylish, inviting surroundings.
Merchant of Venice
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and Renaissance-inspired charm in Leicester’s Merchant of Venice, a unique dining destination blending culture and cuisine.
Bistrot Pierre - Leicester
0.2 km
Experience authentic French bistro dining in Leicester’s city centre with classic dishes, seasonal specials, and a warm Parisian atmosphere.
Casa Romana Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and cozy charm at Casa Romana, Leicester’s cherished seafood and pasta haven.
Varanasi Boutique Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience exquisite Indian fine dining in Leicester’s majestic Varanasi Boutique, where culinary artistry meets opulent ambiance.
Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
Historic 15th-century timber-framed house in Leicester’s Old Town serving classic English pub fare and real ales in a vibrant, heritage-rich setting.
The White Peacock
0.4 km
Elegant modern European dining with innovative tasting menus and warm service in Leicester’s vibrant city centre.
Cosy Club
0.4 km
Stylish British dining and vibrant bar in Leicester’s heart, blending timeless glamour with all-day menus and festive event spaces.
Restaurant263
0.4 km
Experience innovative modern British fine dining with personal chef touches and vibrant vegan options in Leicester’s stylish city centre venue.
Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant
0.7 km
Savor fresh seafood and American-inspired dishes in a lively, casual setting at Leicester’s vibrant Sapphire Seafood Kitchen.
Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto
1.1 km
Authentic Romanian flavors and generous portions await you at Grande Gusto, Leicester’s cozy hub for traditional Eastern European cuisine.
OGGI Italian Restaurant
1.2 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality at OGGI Italian Restaurant in Leicester’s vibrant London Road.
Black Iron
3.2 km
Modern British steakhouse in a historic Georgian mansion, offering charcoal-roasted meats and a refined dining experience in leafy Leicester parkland.
Sapori Restaurant & Bar
5.7 km
Family-run Italian dining in a stylish Victorian setting, blending Neapolitan tradition with modern elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Dom restaurant and bar
10.1 km
A celebrated small plates restaurant in Thurlaston offering refined flavors and a warm, intimate dining experience in a charming village setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Urban Outfitters
0.1 km
Discover Urban Outfitters Leicester: a stylish blend of fashion, accessories, and homewares in the vibrant heart of the city.
Just Fair Trade
0.2 km
Discover Leicester’s ethical gem offering fair trade gifts and sustainable clothing with a heart for global artisans.
The Wardrobe
0.2 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Leicester’s longest-running vintage clothing shop in the historic Royal Arcade.
The Pot Pourri Shop Leicester
0.2 km
Discover Leicester’s hidden gem for natural aromatherapy and handcrafted gifts on Free Lane, blending quality, charm, and personalized service.
Very Bazaar Leicester
0.2 km
Discover Leicester’s vibrant Very Bazaar, a colourful haven of crystals, unique gifts, and mystical charm in the city centre.
Arciide
0.2 km
Leicester's premier vintage and Y2K streetwear destination for curated pre-loved fashion and authentic brand collections.
Niche Store
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and thoughtful treasures in Leicester’s charming Niche Store, where quality meets personal service.
Set
0.2 km
Award-winning gifts, jewellery, and cards in a historic High Street gem with royal connections.
Nim's Boutique ltd
0.2 km
Discover timeless Indian and Asian women's fashion with inclusive sizing and exquisite bridal wear at Nim's Boutique Ltd in Leicester.
Haymarket Shopping Centre
0.3 km
Leicester's pioneering indoor shopping centre with 60+ stores, dining, and award-winning facilities.
Menkind
0.3 km
Discover unique gadgets, quirky gifts, and exclusive toys at Menkind Leicester in the vibrant Highcross shopping district.
The Source
0.4 km
Discover unique, high-quality gifts with expert service at The Source, Leicester’s cherished family-owned gift shop on Church Gate.
St George's Shopping Park
0.9 km
A vibrant open-air retail park in Leicester offering diverse shops, extended hours, and convenient amenities for a comprehensive shopping experience.
The Range, Leicester
1.5 km
Inspiring homes and creative lives—where furniture, décor, and imagination meet under one expansive roof.
Prettiez
2.1 km
Discover unique gifts and boutique treasures in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant Clarendon Park at Prettiez.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Inside No 9
0.1 km
A stylish Leicester cocktail bar blending expert gin craft, live music, and intimate private events in a historic city centre setting.
Tønne Bar
0.1 km
A stylish craft beer and cocktail bar in Leicester’s heart, perfect for late nights and diverse drink lovers.
Knight & Garter
0.1 km
A stylish Italian-inspired steakhouse and vibrant bar in Leicester, offering expertly cooked local beef, boutique drinks, and a lively weekend atmosphere.
The Bottle Garden Leicester
0.2 km
An urban garden oasis in Leicester serving creative cocktails and live jazz in a stylish, relaxed setting.
The Globe - Pub & Kitchen
0.2 km
A traditional Leicester pub blending classic Everards ales, hearty local fare, and warm community spirit in a cozy historic setting.
Firebug
0.2 km
Leicester’s energetic pub and live music venue blending cocktails, comedy, and culture in a vibrant city centre setting.
The Gadabout
0.2 km
A stylish, quirky cocktail bar in Leicester offering a vast selection of drinks in an intimate, character-filled setting.
The Blue Boar
0.2 km
A historic Leicester micropub blending traditional real ales with a fresh, sociable atmosphere and classic British pub fare.
Fat Cat Cocktail Bar & Lounge
0.2 km
A vibrant Leicester hotspot blending creative cocktails, lively entertainment, and a stylish atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Duffy's Bar
0.2 km
A vibrant, affordable city-centre pub in Leicester known for its welcoming atmosphere and lively social scene.
The Distillery
0.3 km
Lively city-centre pub offering craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, stacked burgers, and a vibrant atmosphere for dining and socializing in Leicester.
The Rutland & Derby Arms
0.3 km
A lively Leicester pub with top-notch wings, a stunning beer garden, and friendly service in the heart of the city.
Queen of Bradgate
0.3 km
A lively Leicester gastro pub blending artisan British fare, craft drinks, and vintage charm on the historic High Street.
Tree, Leicester
0.3 km
A vibrant craft beer pub in Leicester city centre with a glorious beer garden, fresh food, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
The Exchange Bar
0.4 km
Historic charm meets vibrant culture in Leicester’s iconic Exchange Bar, a lively hub for drinks, music, and community spirit.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Waikiki Nightclub
0.1 km
Experience Leicester’s electric nightlife with futuristic vibes, trendy cocktails, and top RnB beats at Waikiki Nightclub every weekend.
TRUTH Leicester
0.3 km
Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at TRUTH, a dynamic nightclub pulsing with music and energy in the city centre’s entertainment heart.
The Basement
0.4 km
Leicester’s underground hotspot for late-night dancing, eclectic music, and unforgettable private events in a vintage-inspired setting.
Helsinki
0.4 km
Leicester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ nightclub with electrifying drag shows, diverse music, and late-night celebrations in the heart of the city.
Mosh
0.4 km
Leicester’s vibrant three-floor alternative nightclub, buzzing with indie, emo, and metal beats and budget-friendly drinks.
Club Republic
0.5 km
Experience Leicester’s ultimate clubbing hotspot with immersive audiovisuals, live gigs, and a vibrant student-friendly atmosphere.
Motto Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Leicester’s vibrant nightlife at Motto Nightclub, a dynamic venue where music, dancing, and late-night energy come alive.
The Fan Club
0.5 km
Leicester’s vibrant weekend nightclub with four rooms, diverse music, and a welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Corah Works
0.7 km
Experience Leicester’s rich textile heritage transformed into a vibrant nightlife hotspot at Corah Works on St John Street.
The 2Funky Lounge
0.8 km
Leicester’s energetic two-floor nightclub with live music, private parties, and a rooftop terrace for unforgettable nights out.
Echo's Night Club
16.1 km
Loughborough’s energetic nightclub with dual rooms, affordable drinks, and a lively student-friendly atmosphere on Biggin Street.
The Emporium
19.0 km
Experience Coalville’s vibrant nightlife at The Emporium, where legendary DJs and electric atmospheres create unforgettable weekends.
Tubes
22.1 km
Energetic nightlife and affordable drinks come alive at Tubes, Melton Mowbray’s go-to nightclub and bar for fun and dancing.
Ciros Nightclub
25.9 km
Energetic nightlife hotspot in Ashby-de-la-Zouch offering music, dancing, and a vibrant social scene in a central market town setting.
Ocean Nightclub
35.0 km
Unpretentious beats and dazzling lights fuel all-night dances at Nottingham's go-to multi-room nightclub on Greyfriar Gate.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly