Old Spitalfields Market sits in the heart of London's East End, where the energy of centuries-old commerce still pulses through its covered halls. I've wandered through here countless times, and there's something genuinely captivating about a place that's been trading since 1638, when King Charles I first granted the license to sell "flesh, fowl and roots" in what was then rural Spittle Fields.

The market occupies this fascinating space just outside the City of London, in Tower Hamlets, close enough to Liverpool Street that you can easily duck in between trains or meetings. What strikes me most isn't just the Victorian iron and glass architecture – though the Grade II listed building is impressive – but how the place breathes with real London life rather than tourist performance.

Walking through, you'll find independent stores nestled alongside food stalls, vintage clothing dealers next to contemporary designers. The smell of street food mingles with the mustiness of old books and leather goods. It's that authentic mix you get when a place has genuine roots rather than manufactured character.

The history layers run deep here. After the Great Fire of London in 1666, traders moved beyond the city gates to this spot. When French Huguenots fled persecution in 1685, they brought silk weaving skills that transformed Spitalfields into a thriving textile hub. You can still see their grand houses on nearby Fournier Street, now home to artists including Gilbert and George.

The 2005 regeneration created Bishops Square and Crispin Place, adding modern elements without erasing the market's character. Some purists grumbled about the changes, but honestly, the blend works. The new spaces give the area room to breathe while preserving what makes it special.

What I appreciate most is how the market functions as an actual neighborhood hub rather than just a shopping destination. Locals grab coffee here, meet friends, pick up groceries. The atmosphere shifts throughout the day – quieter weekday mornings, bustling weekend afternoons when the antique and vintage stalls draw bigger crowds.

Discover all the secrets of Old Spitalfields Market with our complete London audio guide and you'll understand why this corner of the East End has maintained its pull for over 350 years. It's not the grandest market in London, but it might be the most honest.