Smithfield Market London
1 / 10

Smithfield Market London

4
·464 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic market in Belfast, now a collection of niche shops offering unique finds and a nostalgic browsing experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier browsing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Smithfield Market London

Smithfield Market London

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic market in Belfast, now a collection of niche shops offering unique finds and a nostalgic browsing experience.

4
(464 reviews)

"A pale shadow of its former self, but still an important part of Belfast with some interesting shops."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Woes

Be aware of potential issues with parking ticket machines; have a backup plan or check functionality first .

📞 Vendor Contact

For specific shop inquiries, try calling the market directly for vendor contact details .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Sewing Box

The Sewing Box

Your go-to for expert clothing alterations and repairs. A reliable stop for tailoring needs.

The Old Toy Box

The Old Toy Box

A treasure trove for collectors, featuring vintage toys, model cars, and Airfix kits.

Browsing Niche Outlets

Browsing Niche Outlets

Explore unique market stalls offering a variety of goods, from historical items to modern collectibles.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Smithfield Market

Smithfield Market in Belfast offers a mix of niche shops and historical charm, though it's a shadow of its former self. Be prepared for potential parking issues, as ticket machines have been reported as non-functional, leading to fines.Reddit It's a good spot for browsing unique items and finding bargains.

Discovering Hidden Gems

While the market has downsized, it still houses interesting outlets like The Sewing Box for alterations and The Old Toy Box for models and collectibles.Reddit The surrounding streets also boast historical shops. Contacting specific vendors, like E. Lauro, might require calling the market directly.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Saturdays
Why
More shops open, lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Stories from Smithfield Market

🚗 Parking Woes

Be aware of potential issues with parking ticket machines; have a backup plan or check functionality first.Reddit

📞 Vendor Contact

For specific shop inquiries, try calling the market directly for vendor contact details.Reddit

reddit.com

E. Lauro, Smithfield Market, Belfast

reddit.com

Hi lads and lasses, bit of a random one but anyone know where I might be able to get a greatsword? Blunted obviously, but not a prop. Thought there might be local metal workers lurking here that maybe made stuff for Got or whatever. Any help appreciated!

🕰️ Nostalgic Charm

Embrace the market's historical feel, even if it's smaller than in the past.Reddit

🛍️ Bargain Hunting

Keep an eye out for potential bargains among the diverse market stalls.Reddit

reddit.com

Tell me what to do

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Woes

Be aware of potential issues with parking ticket machines; have a backup plan or check functionality first.Reddit

📞 Vendor Contact

For specific shop inquiries, try calling the market directly for vendor contact details.Reddit

🕰️ Nostalgic Charm

Embrace the market's historical feel, even if it's smaller than in the past.Reddit

🛍️ Bargain Hunting

Keep an eye out for potential bargains among the diverse market stalls.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4
(464 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Smithfield Market is appreciated for its unique niche shops like The Sewing Box and The Old Toy Box, offering a nostalgic browsing experience. However, many visitors note it's a shadow of its former self, and parking can be problematic due to non-functional ticket machines. Despite its changes, it remains an important part of Belfast's character.

"The Sewing Box is the place to go to when you need your clothes altered."

patrick cullen

"Still a great place for a browse with the possibility of picking up a bargain from the many market niche outlets. The sorounding streets have many old shops too with historical and relevent products. Sadly a shadow of the former market place we had many years ago when I was a child. Still an important part of Belfast. Hopefully it can maintain and grow as this part of Belfast is developed. Beside Castlecourt and between North Street with their many shopping and parking facilities including on street parking."

gerard mclaughlin

"A pale shadow of what the old market was. We tried to park in the adjoining car park but the ticket machines were not working. There were parking rangers issuing fines because cars were parked without tickets but the drivers could not get tickets because the machines were not working."

Robert Quinn

What People Like

Unique niche shops
Historical charm
Potential bargains

What People Dislike

Reduced scale
Parking issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Smithfield Market is centrally located in London. You can reach it via various public transport options. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's within walking distance of several Tube stations, including Farringdon and Barbican. Check Transport for London (TfL) for the most up-to-date route information.

While there is parking available to the rear of the market, visitors have reported issues with non-functioning ticket machines, leading to potential fines.Reddit It's advisable to check the status of the machines or consider public transport.

The closest London Underground stations to Smithfield Market are Farringdon and Barbican. Both offer good connections and are a short walk from the market.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Smithfield Market itself is generally free. You only pay for any items you purchase from the individual shops within the market.

Opening hours can vary for individual shops within Smithfield Market. It's best to check the specific opening times for the shops you wish to visit, especially if planning a visit on a Sunday or public holiday.

There are no admission fees for the shops within Smithfield Market. You are free to browse and enter any open stall without charge.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Smithfield Market hosts a variety of niche outlets. You can find shops specializing in clothing alterations (like The Sewing Box), collectibles (such as The Old Toy Box with models and vintage toys), and other unique goods.Reddit

Smithfield Market can be interesting for families, especially if they have specific interests like model collecting at The Old Toy Box. However, it's a more subdued market experience compared to larger shopping centers.

Yes, public toilets are available within Smithfield Market, accessible through a side entrance.Reddit

The atmosphere is generally quiet, with a focus on specialized shops. While it's a shadow of its former bustling self, it retains a historical charm and offers a unique browsing experience.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a bistro cafe located within Smithfield Market, offering a place to rest and grab a bite.Reddit

Beyond the market's cafe, the surrounding areas of London offer a vast array of dining options, from traditional pubs to international cuisine, given its central location.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use within Smithfield Market. However, it's always a good idea to be respectful of shoppers and vendors, and ask permission before taking close-up shots of individuals or their merchandise.

The market's architecture and the unique displays within the niche shops can make for interesting photographs. Capturing the character of the individual stalls and the historical feel of the market can yield great shots.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Families visiting Smithfield Market might find it an interesting, albeit quiet, outing. The Old Toy Box is a particular draw, offering a nostalgic collection of vintage toys, model cars, and Airfix kits that could appeal to children and adults alike.Reddit While not a large play area, it provides a unique browsing experience. The presence of a bistro cafe offers a convenient spot for a break and refreshments, making it manageable for a short family visit.

💰 Budget Travelers

Smithfield Market can be a good destination for budget-conscious travelers looking for potential bargains. The market's niche outlets often offer unique items that might be found at competitive prices compared to larger retail stores.Reddit While not a primary destination for cheap eats, the presence of a cafe allows for affordable refreshment options. The key is to browse with an open mind for unexpected deals.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Smithfield Market

Smithfield Market in London, while often referred to in the context of its historical significance, has undergone significant changes. Once a bustling hub, it's now described as a 'pale shadow of what the old market was'.Reddit This evolution means visitors today will find a more curated selection of niche outlets rather than the expansive marketplace of yesteryear.

Despite its reduced scale, the market retains a certain charm and importance to Belfast's development.Reddit It continues to house specialized shops, offering a unique browsing experience for those seeking specific items or a glimpse into a more traditional market setting. The surrounding streets also contribute to the historical ambiance, with older shops that complement the market's heritage.

Navigating Parking and Access

Parking at Smithfield Market can be a point of contention for visitors. While parking facilities are available to the rear of the market, there have been reports of non-functional ticket machines. This has led to situations where drivers were unable to purchase tickets and subsequently received fines.Reddit It's crucial for visitors to be aware of this potential issue and perhaps have a backup plan, such as utilizing nearby public parking or relying on public transport.

Access to the market is generally straightforward, with public toilets available through a side entrance.Reddit The market's location between Castlecourt and North Street in Belfast places it within an area with good shopping and parking facilities, though the market's own parking situation requires careful consideration. For those relying on public transport, the market is well-served by bus routes and is within walking distance of key transport hubs.

You may also like