St Nicholas Market, known locally as St Nick’s, fills the Old City around the Georgian Exchange on Corn Street. Trading since 1743, it brings together winding covered arcades, the Glass Arcade and outdoor stalls. Browse vintage clothes, vinyl, jewellery, fossils and secondhand books, then pause for food from traders serving dishes such as momo, paella, tagine and Middle Eastern wraps. Independent shops include Japonicat, bookshop Beware of the Leopard and hot-sauce specialist Face Soot. Saturdays get busy, so allow time to explore the different sections.
A market trading since 1743
St Nicholas Market has traded in Bristol since 1743. Its stalls and arcades spread through the Old City around the Exchange on Corn Street, bringing together a historic market setting and a large collection of independent retailers. The market is also known as St Nick’s.
Rather than a single hall with one clear route, the market has connected indoor and outdoor areas. The Georgian Exchange, covered arcades and Glass Arcade each have their own mix of traders. Streets around the market add more stalls, so a quick walk through one section will not show everything.
Three sections to explore
The Exchange Hall, the Glass Arcade and the covered market are the main indoor areas. The Exchange Hall is a large open trading space; the Glass Arcade brings food stalls together beneath its vaulted glass roof. In the covered market, individual shops line narrow lanes. Outdoor stalls extend the browsing into nearby streets.
That layout suits an unhurried visit. You can move between food and shopping without leaving the market area, but the arcades and side lanes can be easy to overlook. Stalls sell a varied mix of goods, including vintage clothing, vinyl records, handmade jewellery, fossils, crystals and secondhand books. Some traders focus on specialist or unusual items rather than the usual high-street range.
Food from independent traders
The Glass Arcade and surrounding food stalls bring together cuisines from around the world. Options mentioned at the market include momo, bubble tea, paella, tagine and Middle Eastern wraps, alongside food from traders serving Thai, Caribbean and other cuisines. The choice makes the market a practical stop for a meal as well as a browse.
Specific traders and menus can change, so check what is available when you visit. For a lunch stop, Saturday crowds can gather around the food stalls. If you want to take your time choosing and eating, leave extra room in your schedule.
Independent shops and evening events
Several shops give the market a more personal feel than a row of general gift stalls. Japonicat sells distinctive items, Beware of the Leopard is a secondhand bookshop, and Face Soot specialises in hot sauce. The wider selection includes textiles, jewellery, records and vintage goods, with plenty to browse between the food areas.
St Nick’s also hosts evening markets with food, music and other entertainment. These events take place on selected dates, so check locally before making evening plans. On wet days, the indoor arcades provide shelter, though some outdoor traders may shut earlier than usual.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is St Nicholas Market?
It is in Bristol’s Old City, at the Exchange on Corn Street, with stalls extending into nearby streets.
What can you eat at St Nicholas Market?
Food stalls serve a range of international dishes. Options mentioned include momo, paella, tagine, bubble tea and Middle Eastern wraps.
When is St Nicholas Market open?
The market trades six days a week and is closed on Sundays.
When did St Nicholas Market begin trading?
The market has traded since 1743.
