Portobello Road Market is one of the most famous open-air markets in the world, running through the heart of Notting Hill in West London. Known for its antiques above all, it also sells vintage clothing, fresh food, street food, books and records, spread along a lively stretch of pastel-coloured streets. This guide covers what to buy, the best day to go, the opening days, and how to get there, so you can fit it neatly into a London trip. It is also a great place to practise everyday English while you are studying in the city with SPRACHCAFFE.
Portobello Market Guide
About Portobello Road Market
The market began in the 1860s as a place for local farmers to sell fruit and vegetables. Over the following decades it drew in antique and second-hand dealers, and by the 1930s and 1940s it had become known for vintage goods, growing into the tourist landmark it is today. It is a mix of permanent shops and moving stalls, divided loosely into sections by what they sell, which is why it feels different depending on the day and the stretch you walk.
Where it is, in Notting Hill
Portobello Road Market runs along Portobello Road in Notting Hill, West London, stretching for about a mile (roughly 1.5 kilometres) from near Notting Hill Gate up towards Ladbroke Grove, in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Notting Hill is an attraction in its own right, with its bohemian feel, colourful Victorian houses, art galleries and independent boutiques, and it was made internationally famous by the 1999 film Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Every summer the area hosts the Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe's largest street festivals and a celebration of Caribbean culture.
What to buy
The market is best known for antiques, but there is far more to browse along the road.
| Section | What you will find | Where on the road |
|---|---|---|
| Antiques | Jewellery, watches, furniture, porcelain, prints and vintage art | Southern end, nearest Notting Hill Gate |
| Vintage clothing | Retro clothes, shoes, bags and accessories | Along the middle stretch |
| Fresh food | Fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, fish and meat from local traders | Central section |
| Street food | Cuisines from around the world, sweets, and the classic fish and chips | Throughout, busiest on Saturday |
| Souvenirs and art | Prints, posters, handmade jewellery and gifts | The tourist-facing stalls |
| Books and music | Second-hand books and vinyl records | Scattered specialist stalls |
The best day to visit and opening days
| Day | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | All sections are open, with all antique dealers and the liveliest atmosphere. | ⭐ Best day to visit |
| Friday | Many antique stalls are open, making it the second-best option. | Antiques & vintage |
| Tuesday-Thursday | A reduced selection of antique and vintage sellers, alongside the regular food stalls. | Antiques, vintage & food |
| Monday | The quietest day, with mainly fruit and vegetable stalls. | Fresh produce & a quieter visit |
| Sunday | The market is generally closed, although a few shops may open. | - |
Note: Opening hours can vary depending on the season and public holidays, so check the official market website before visiting.
How to get there
The Tube is easiest. Notting Hill Gate (Central, Circle and District lines) is a few minutes' walk from the southern end, and Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith and City line) is about ten minutes from the northern end. Several buses stop nearby, including routes 7, 23, 27, 28 and 31.
If you are already in Notting Hill the area is a pleasure to explore on foot, and London's cycle-hire scheme is a fun alternative. Driving is best avoided, as traffic and parking restrictions make it more trouble than it is worth.
Summary
Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a mile-long open-air market famous for antiques, with vintage clothing, fresh and street food, books and records along the way. Come on a Saturday for the full market and the antiques dealers, or Friday as a quieter alternative, and get there by Tube to Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove. Check the official site for current hours, and use the visit to practise your English on a course in London with SPRACHCAFFE.
FAQ
Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, west London, is one of the world's best-known street markets, famous for antiques, vintage clothing, food stalls and bric-a-brac stretching along a long, colourful road.
Saturday is the main day, when the full market including the antiques section is open and at its liveliest. It is also the busiest, so arriving early gives you a calmer look before the crowds build.
The market is known above all for antiques and vintage finds, alongside second-hand clothing, jewellery, records, street food and fresh produce. The antiques cluster at the Notting Hill end of the road.
The nearest Underground stations are Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove, both a short walk away. The market is easy to combine with a stroll around Notting Hill's pastel-coloured streets.
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