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Portobello Road Market is not only one of London’s most iconic attractions but also one of our favourite markets in the city.
It’s bustling, colourful, eclectic and vibrant, and you can buy a vast range of things, from antiques to food to clothing.
Plus, it’s in the famous, beautiful Notting Hill neighbourhood that’s worth a wander around, too.
Notting Hill is full of character, with colourful houses, hidden gardens, and lovely cafes.
It’s a great place to explore, but respect the residents when taking pictures.
Complaints from residents hit the headlines, with residents expressing concerns about influencers using their houses as backdrops for their latest social media campaigns.
According to Google, around 17 million people visit the market each year, which is astounding, and probably why it’s regarded as one of the most famous markets in the world.
Portobello Road also forms the vibrant backdrop to the annual, world-renowned Notting Hill Carnival, one of the largest street festivals in Europe.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road was just a winding country path known as Green Lane three hundred years ago.
The name “Portobello” originated from a farm in the area, which was named after a town in Panama captured by the British during the War of Jenkins’ Ear.
For much of the 18th and 19th centuries, Portobello Road remained a rural lane, with shops and markets emerging to serve the wealthy residents of Paddington.
The opening of Notting Hill station in 1864 finally brought development to the southern end of the road.
Portobello Road is most famous for the market, of course, but there are a couple of films you may be familiar with which have helped put Portobello Road firmly on the map, including Bedknobs and Broomsticks and the 90s blockbuster hit film Notting Hill.
Today, the market is divided into different sections, where you can find everything from antique furniture and vintage clothing to fresh produce and handmade gifts.
The market is reputed to be the world’s most famous and largest antique market, boasting over 1,000 stalls that line the streets.
Whether this is true or not, we don’t know, but we do know there are a ton of stalls.
There are over 800 metres of stalls along Portobello Road, from Chepstow Villas to Cambridge Gardens, and then over 200 metres of more stalls along Portobello Green.
The market is busiest on Saturdays, but there are also smaller markets throughout the week.
The opening times and markets can be a bit confusing, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information on visiting hours and market schedules.
You can find the official website in the Visitor Information section below.
Antiques Markets & Arcades
The antique section of the market is a treasure trove of vintage and retro finds.
There’s all sorts to look at, from Art Deco lamps to mid-century modern furniture.
Along with the stalls on the road, there are also some arcades and shops.
The arcades are easy to miss when you’re caught up in the stalls, so remember to pay attention to the shop fronts and alleyways beyond the market stalls.
Fashion Markets
If you’re into fashion, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
The vintage clothing and accessories offered here are second to none, with styles ranging from the 1920s to the 1990s.
The shops can be a little expensive, so refrain from getting wrapped up in the buzz of the road and spending more than you intended!
Head to the Fashion Market on Westbourne Grove.
There you’ll find a range of independent boutiques and emerging designers selling everything from chic dresses to edgy streetwear.
Food Markets
No visit to Portobello Road is complete without sampling some delicious street food.
The food market offers a diverse range of options, from fresh seafood and paella to artisanal cheeses and cupcakes, as well as traditional English fare and a variety of other options in between.
There will undoubtedly be something to satisfy your taste buds.
The best food place is Acklam Village Market, at the northern end of Portobello Road.
There, you’ll find tons of street food, a bar and maybe even some live music. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also available for purchase if you’d like to take some home.
Visitor Information
You can find more details about the opening times and which stalls are open, as well as summer and winter-specific opening times, information about their Christmas markets, and details on their antiques arcades, in the ‘When to Visit’ section of the official Portobello Road Market website.
To make the most of your visit to the Portobello Road Market, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds and secure the best bargains. The market gets super busy, with the street and shops becoming very crowded.
- Bring cash, as some stalls do not yet accept credit cards.
- Take a break from the market to explore the surrounding area. Notting Hill has loads of colourful houses and wonderful streets to wander.
📍 Portobello Road, London, W10 5TY.
🕙 Daily 8 am – 7 pm
Portobello Road Market Photos
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