Hunt for treasures in London’s most famous street market
Portobello Road Market sits right in the heart of Notting Hill and has been a local favourite for years. It’s one of the world’s biggest antiques markets, and there’s a bit of everything: vintage clothes, street food, handmade goods, and plenty of energy along its mile-long stretch.
Highlights:
- Explore one of the world’s biggest antiques markets, full of treasures like old silverware and vintage cameras, each with its own story.
- Walk past the colourful houses along the street, perfect for snapping those classic Notting Hill photos.
- Try street food from all over the world, including Moroccan grills and Portuguese pastries that show off the area’s mix of cultures.
Tickets & Prices
Portobello Road Market is free to enter, so you can wander and browse as much as you like without paying anything. Some indoor shops and arcades have their own opening hours, but the main market is open to everyone.
While more vendors are now taking cards, it’s still a good idea to bring some cash. Some of the best vintage finds come from smaller traders who only accept cash.
Tours
You can explore the area with self-guided digital walking tours that highlight its history and hidden gems.
The Portobello Walking Trail covers 1.1 miles with 20 stops, including famous traders, movie locations, and blue plaques.
If you feel like exploring beyond the main stretch, try the Hidden Gems Trail. It’s a shorter 0.7-mile loop that takes you through nearby streets like All Saints Road and a tucked-away shopping arcade at 281 Portobello Road.
Opening Hours
Portobello Road Market is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with most traders ready between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM.
Saturday is the busiest and most exciting, with antiques, fashion, and food stalls all in full swing. Friday is also popular, especially for vintage and antique shopping.
In the summer months from June to August, you’ll find special Sunday markets running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. December brings festive Sunday markets that are excellent for picking up unique holiday gifts.
What to See and Do
Portobello Road Market is more than just a market. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Hunt for Antique Treasures
The antiques section is the heart of Portobello, running from Chepstow Villas to Elgin Crescent. This isn’t your typical flea market. It’s the biggest antiques market in the UK, and possibly the world.
I love getting lost in the maze-like arcades, like Admiral Vernon and Harris Arcade, where it feels like time has paused. The vendors here aren’t just sellers. They’re collectors, storytellers, and passionate experts.
Every piece, whether it’s a vintage Leica, Georgian silverware, or Victorian brooch, has a story behind it.
Top tip: Don’t skip the downstairs areas of the antique arcades. A good rule is to start with about 70% of the asking price and negotiate from there.
Get Lost in Vintage Fashion Heaven
If you love fashion, head straight for the area under the Portobello Green canopy.
I’ve seen everything here, from genuine 1960s Mary Quant dresses to nearly-new designer pieces from Burberry, Ralph Lauren, and even Alexander McQueen.
Friday is the best-kept secret for vintage shopping. This is the time when film costume buyers seek authentic vintage items and when some of the leading vintage dealers open their stores.
What I love most is how the stalls tell the story of style. You’ll walk past Victorian lace collars, 70s bell-bottoms, and punk leather jackets in just a few steps.
Taste Your Way Through Global Cuisines
As you reach the area under the Westway flyover, the smell of street food takes over. Stalls serve everything from Spanish paella to Ethiopian injera.
The crispy duck wrap is a must-try, with crispy skin, tender meat, and tangy hoisin. Just follow the crowd near the clothing stalls.
At the north end, Golborne Road stands out for its Moroccan flavors. The grilled fish here is a local favorite, cooked with spices and fresh lemon.
Discover Film Locations and Literary Connections
Portobello Road has popped up in plenty of films and books, most famously Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.
The Notting Hill Bookshop, marked with a plaque, inspired the movie, but the actual scenes were filmed in a nearby set designed to resemble it.
The iconic “blue door” from the movie is nearby at 280 Westbourne Park Road. The current one is a replica. The original was sold at auction after the film’s release.
Explore Hidden Arcades and Side Streets
Some of the best finds in Portobello aren’t on the main road. Step into side streets or covered arcades like the one at 281 Portobello Road—great for vintage shopping and staying dry on rainy days.
Blenheim Crescent and Elgin Crescent are ideal for boutique browsing and art galleries, offering a quieter vibe with lots of character.
Need a break? Tavistock Gardens is nearby with a kids’ play area and space to relax before heading back into the market.
Photograph the Iconic Colourful Houses
The pastel houses along Portobello Road are almost as famous as the market itself. Their soft, sherbet shades make the perfect backdrop for your London photos.
Visit early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the crowds. These are private homes, so be respectful—no posing on doorsteps or blocking entryways.
For the best shots, head to the upper part of Portobello Road between Notting Hill Gate and Chepstow Villas. It’s quieter and full of beautiful stucco-fronted homes in dreamy colors.
Directions
The closest Underground stations are Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City and Circle lines), about a 5-minute walk from the north end, and Notting Hill Gate (Central, District, and Circle lines).
If you’re coming from central London, several buses go straight to the area. Take the 7 from Oxford Street, the 205 or 7 from Liverpool Street, the 52 from Westminster, or the 49, 52, or 452 from Chelsea.
Nearby Places
Museum of Brands: Just a short walk from the market, this museum tells the story of consumer culture through packaging, ads, and branding from Victorian times to today.
Notting Hill: The neighborhood around Portobello is full of charm, with its elegant homes, indie bookshops, and stylish cafés. Don’t miss the iconic “blue door” from the film Notting Hill, at 280 Westbourne Park Road.
Holland Park: A peaceful escape just east of Portobello Road, featuring woodland paths, formal gardens, and the serene Kyoto Garden, complete with koi fish and peacocks.
Kensington Gardens: Head south from Notting Hill Gate to explore this royal park, home to Kensington Palace, the Peter Pan statue, and the beautifully kept Italian Gardens.
Trellick Tower: Located near Golborne Road at the market’s northern end, this bold example of brutalist architecture was designed by Ernő Goldfinger.
Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)
- Portobello Road Market wasn’t always about antiques. It began in the 1800s as a fresh food market serving the local neighborhood and only became known for antiques after World War II.
- The name “Portobello” comes from Porto Bello in Panama, a town captured by the British in 1739 during the War of Jenkins’ Ear, led by Admiral Edward Vernon.
- Portobello Road was originally called Green’s Lane, a country path leading north to Kensal Green. The market only took shape after the area was urbanized during the Victorian era.
- The market gained international fame in the 1950s, drawing antique dealers from across Europe. Its global appeal skyrocketed after the release of the 1999 film Notting Hill.
- Portobello Green, now known for vintage fashion, used to be home to slaughterhouses and pig farms. The area was transformed in the 1960s with the construction of the Westway road.
History:
- 1740s: Portobello Road begins as a country lane named Green’s Lane connecting Notting Hill with Kensal Green.
- 1740: Admiral Vernon captures Porto Bello in Panama from the Spanish, leading to the renaming of the lane to “Porto Bello Lane” in commemoration.
- 1850s: The rapid urbanization of the area begins following the Great Exhibition of 1851 in nearby Hyde Park.
- 1870s: Portobello Road becomes a bustling street market selling fresh produce and everyday goods to local residents.
- 1920s: The first antique dealers begin to appear among the fruit and vegetable stalls, gradually changing the market’s character.
- 1940s-50s: After World War II, the antiques trade flourishes as dealers fill the market with items from bombed-out houses and liquidated estates.
- 1960s: Construction of the Westway (A40) flyover significantly impacts the northern section of Portobello Road, creating the covered area now used for the fashion market.
- 1980s: The market becomes increasingly tourist-oriented while maintaining its reputation for quality antiques.
- 1990s: Gentrification of Notting Hill begins to change the character of the neighborhood and the market.
- 1999: The film “Notting Hill” starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts brings international attention to the area, substantially increasing tourism.
- 2000s: The Friends of Portobello campaign forms to protect the market’s independent character against chain stores.
- Present Day: Portobello Road Market continues as London’s most famous street market, balancing its heritage with evolving trends and attracting over 100,000 visitors every Saturday.
FAQ
When is the best day to visit Portobello Road Market?
Saturday is the busiest day, with all stalls open and the full market in action. It’s lively but crowded. Friday is a great option for vintage and antique shoppers, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed vibe.
How much time should I allow for visiting the market?
Set aside at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the main market. The market stretches nearly a mile from Notting Hill Gate to Golborne Road, and each section offers something different.
Can I haggle at the market stalls?
Yes, haggling is common, especially for antiques and vintage items. As said before, start by offering about 70% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Be polite—many sellers are experts and happy to share their knowledge too.
Are there any facilities like restrooms at the market?
Public toilets are limited. You can find restrooms at the Portobello Green Arcade and some nearby cafés or pubs if you’re a customer.
What’s the best strategy for finding bargains?
Come early (before 10:30 AM) for the best selection, or later in the day (after 4 PM) when vendors may lower prices to avoid packing up unsold stock.
Map & Address
Portobello Road Market 192A Portobello Road London W11 1LA United Kingdom
The market stretches approximately one mile along Portobello Road, from Notting Hill Gate in the south to Golborne Road in the north.