Portobello Road – which runs straight through the Notting Hill area – is home to one of the best-loved street markets in London.
This post provides information about when you can visit, how to get there, and the history of the marketplace.
- When is it?
- Where is it?
- Market Layout
- History of the Market
- What to Expect
- Best Shopping in London
Portobello Road Market Opening Times
The Portobello Road Market is open every day of the week, so you can visit just about anytime you wish.
However, it should be noted that some shops such as the antiques and bric-a-brac stalls are only open on Saturdays.
This is arguably the best day of the week to visit as the market is in full swing.
The rest of the Portobello Road Market is open during the following hours in the summer and winter months:
Summer Months
- 8 am-9 am to 5 pm - 6 pm
Winter Months
- 9 am - 10 am to 4 pm - 5 pm
Thursdays
- 9 am to 1 pm
Friday and Saturday
- 8 am-9 am to 6 pm-7 pm
Occasionally antique dealers will open earlier on Saturdays, as this is typically the busiest day of the week for Portobello Road Market.
Friday is the second busiest day, so keep that in mind if you're trying to avoid large crowds.
For more information about when to come, check the Visit Portobello Road website.
Where Is The Portobello Road Market?
This popular marketplace is located in West London about 1 mile west of Kensington Gardens.
There are many easy ways to get here using either the tube or the bus.
- Nearest Underground Stations:
- Notting Hill Gate
- Ladbroke Grove
- Westbourne Park
- Bus Routes:
- 7, 12, 23, 27, 28, 21, 52, 70, 94, 328, 452
Market Layout
Much like Camden Market, Portobello Market is actually many markets in one, divided up by their locations and the specific goods they sell.
Chepstow Villas – Elgin Crescent
Antiques & Bric-A-Brac: This is the main attraction at Portobello Market, filled with antiques and 100’s of stalls, shops, and arcades to explore.
This part of the Market is closest to Notting Hill Underground Station.
Elgin Crescent – Talbot Road
Fruit and Veg – Just past the antiques come the edible goods!
Fruit and vegetables are on display, but so are cakes, bread, cheese, and other fresh edible delights.
Talbot Road – Westway
New Goods – Here you will find stalls typical of other London market locations; clothing, cheap jewelry, books, and the like.
Westway Area
Fashion – Here are the vintage clothing shops, fashion accessories for sale, scarves, and bags as well as more tourist-oriented goods – think ‘I Love London’ shirts, etc.
Westway to Golborne Road
Second-Hand Items – This section of the market is dedicated entirely to secondhand. Clothes, yes, but also household goods.
History of Portobello Market
Portobello Road itself can be traced back to the 16th century when it was known as Green’s Lane.
In 1740 a nearby farm was built, known as Portobello Farm (named after the Spanish-ruled, now Panamanian, town of Puerto Bello which was captured by Admiral Edward Vernon).
Portobello Farm was primarily open hayfields and orchards and by the second half of the 19th centuryresidential areas were growing up on either side of the farm.
These areas are now Notting Hill and Paddington.
As the residential developments grew, the wealthy homeowners turned to Portobello Farm to provide agricultural goods.
Portobello Market came into existence around this time, initially selling fresh foods.
The working-class residents of the area turned to Portobello Farm, and the surrounding area, for work and soon the area was rapidly expanding and booming with trade.
As the urban developments grew, Portobello Farm was swallowed up by concrete and buildings.
The last vestige of the original farm was finally paved over in 1864 and Ladbroke Grove Underground Station was built on top.
The fresh food market still persisted, however. By the mid-20th century, the market expanded and became known for its’ antique dealers, many of whom are still based here today.
What to Expect At Portobello Road Market
Today, Portobello Road thrives both financially and with tourist trade as home to one of the most famous markets in Europe.
It is the largest antique market in the entire United Kingdom, with over 1,000 dealers based here, and is one of the busiest tourist spots in London.
Portobello Road Market is primarily known for its second-hand clothes and antiques but is also a browsers paradise with shop after shop, corridors, and hallways absolutely choc-full of goods for sale.
Along with the shops are delicious food stalls, street performers, and musicians, all coming together in this mile-long explosion of colour, crowds, and goods.
In addition to drawing crowds who wish to shop, the market also draws in those who are fans of the 1999 film Notting Hill.
Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, the film is primarily based around Portobello Road. However, the famous blue door of the film no longer exists here.
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FAQs
Which tube stop is best for Portobello Road Market? ›
To get to Portobello Road Market, the best option is to take the tube. The closest stations are Notting Hill Gate (to the south) and Ladbroke Grove (to the north). We recommend you start in Notting Hill and finish in Ladbroke Grove.
What is the best day to go to Portobello Market? ›The Portobello Road Market is open every day of the week, so you can visit just about anytime you wish. However, it should be noted that some shops such as the antiques and bric-a-brac stalls are only open on Saturdays. This is arguably the best day of the week to visit as the market is in full swing.
Is Portobello Road Market worth visiting? ›Portobello Road Market is the famous antique market in London that you need to visit. Filled with everything from vintage trinkets and pre-loved games, to fresh fruit and flowers, it's no wonder that this market is adored by locals and tourists alike.
Do you need cash for Portobello Road Market? ›Bring cash as there aren't many ATMs around and lots of the stalls don't take card. Head there very early on a Saturday morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. The market is outdoors so it's best to visit on a sunny day.
Can you negotiate at Portobello market? ›Traders are open to bargaining, but be respectful. And for a confident buy, look for vendors displaying the PADA symbol on shops and market stalls.
What time does Portobello Market finish? ›We are open Monday - Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm, with traders usually operate from 8:30 am to 6pm. During the summer months, most stalls on Portobello Road set up from 8am-9am and close between 5pm-6pm.
Is Portobello better than Camden? ›5. Re: London markets: Camden or Portobello? Portobello is a more traditional 'street market' - antiques in the first section, then moving to food, bric a brac, clothing etc... Camden is more of a structured market - not in the street - with converted buildings housing vendors, and stalls set up in areas off the road.
What is Portobello market famous for? ›The west London site is most famous for having one of the world's largest antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothing markets. It's a location that attracts tourists, locals and celebrities from all walks of life.
Where to start for Portobello Road Market? ›The logical beginning of the market is Notting Hill Gate, from here you can browse the Antiques and Bric-a-Brac area first, which is really what has made Portobello famous. If you want to bypass Antiques and go straight to 2nd hand fashion and street food then use Ladbroke Grove tube to save yourself some walking.
What is the best day for borough market? ›If you want to avoid the crowds but still want to see the Borough Market in its entirety, try to visit on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon, or as soon as it opens on a Saturday. If you happen to be visiting London during the Christmas holidays, be sure to try some eggnog and mulled wine at the market as well.
Is Portobello Market expensive? ›
It is very busy on a Saturday and, while there are some nice stalls, there is also a lot of over-priced tat. The second hand clothes shops that line the market are astoundingly expensive for clothes you could get in a normal charity shop for under £20-30. 345 Portobello Road is a fab vegetarian cafe that's not on here.
What is sold at Portobello Market? ›PORTOBELLO MARKET
The market is famous for its antique and bric-a-brac stalls and shops but it also features a superb selection of fashion, food, crafts, books and music. Hundreds of traders sell all sorts of everything, old and new, and there's plenty of delicious street food from all around the world.
Set in Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market's nearest Tube station is Ladbrooke Grove on the Hammersmith and City line. Notting Hill Gate Tube station is a 20-minute walk from the market, and is on the Central, Circle and District lines.
Does Portobello Market have food? ›Market Food
As you explore the Portobello Road Market, visitors will find some of London's best food destinations with fresh produce, exotic ingredients and deliciously cooked food. On Portobello Road and Golborne Road, the food stalls have a huge choice of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs from Monday to Saturday.
Although the Camden Market is open 7 days a week you should consider carefully which day you choose for your visit. Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the days where a lot of stalls and shops are usually open. If you like to experience the lively hustle and bustle among like-minded people, you should choose the weekend.
How do you ask for a lower price when negotiating? ›- All I have in my budget is X.
- What would your cash price be?
- How far can you come down in price to meet me?
- What? or Wow.
- Is that the best you can do?
- Ill give you X if we can close the deal now.
- Ill agree to this price if you.
- Your competitor offers.
- Be willing to walk away. The very first thing before you engage in any negotiation is to know your price. ...
- STFU. Sometimes the best thing you can do when negotiating on the phone or in person is to keep quiet. ...
- Ask the other party for help.
- Research the price in advance. ...
- Be friendly with the sales assistant. ...
- Haggle with the right person. ...
- Don't reveal how much you're willing to pay. ...
- Ask for a freebie and buy in bulk. ...
- Become a regular customer. ...
- Use the right language and tone.
- Leadenhall Market. Historic | Unusual Architecture | Harry Potter Movie. ...
- Berwick Street Market. Specialist Record Shops | Boutiques | Soho. ...
- Borough Market. ...
- Camden Lock Market. ...
- Southbank Book Market. ...
- Portobello Road Market. ...
- Covent Garden Market. ...
- Petticoat Lane Market.
Notting Hill is a great place to go out, even as family
I've also had some really delicious meals at pubs, which makes them perfectly suitable for family outings. Some popular choices include The Elgin, The Westbourne, and The Pelican.
Is Portobello Market good on Sunday? ›
For those wanting to avoid the hustle and bustle of Saturday, Sunday is a great day to visit Portobello. At the Portobello Sunday Flea Market you'll find a range of vintage fashion stalls under the canopy as well as antiques and flea market stalls on Portobello Road.
Why is Camden Town so popular? ›Camden Town is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in London, best known for shopping and entertainment. It is artsy, creative, and buzzing with live music and famous markets. All this makes Camden one of the city's most popular boroughs to visit, in addition to the most famous sights and attractions in London.
Why is Camden so famous? ›Camden has been home to many famous people including John Keats, Charles Dickens, George Bernard Shaw and JB Priestley and continues to be the home for many celebrities. Camden today is a multi-cultural area at the heart of London and will no doubt continue to evolve and change over the next 2,000 years.
Is Camden worth visiting? ›It's also one of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in London (or just to visit for a few hours) if you want to experience the more local side of London! But one of the best reasons to visit this part of northwest London is to spend a day at the Camden Market, aka Camden Lock Market.
What is the best street in Notting Hill? ›Portobello Road is the most famous street in Notting Hill.
This street has many shops and restaurants and is where you will find the Portobello Road Market. The colorful buildings and unique storefronts make this road so appealing.
Lively and lined with trendy independent shops, bars and restaurants, it's no wonder that Portobello Road is so popular!
Can you eat the black part of a Portobello? ›The stems of large portabella, while technically edible, can be woody and fibrous and are usually discarded (or used to flavor stock). Likewise, the dark black gills can be eaten, but they'll turn your food a nasty, murky, scuzzy brown, so it's best to scrape'em out.
Which Tube for portobello market? ›Set in Notting Hill, Portobello Road Market's nearest Tube station is Ladbrooke Grove on the Hammersmith and City line. Notting Hill Gate Tube station is a 20-minute walk from the market, and is on the Central, Circle and District lines.
Which Tube stop is best for Notting Hill? ›Notting Hill Gate is the main Tube station in the area, and it's served by the Central line, the District line and the Circle line. Alternatively, use Westbourne Park station or Ladbroke Grove station on the Hammersmith and City line and Circle line and then walk along Portobello Road towards Notting Hill Gate.
What Tube line is Portobello Road on? ›Which Tube lines stop near Portobello Road Market? These Tube lines stop near Portobello Road Market: CENTRAL, CIRCLE, DISTRICT.
What Tube zone is Portobello Road? ›
Tube to Portobello Market
It is best to take the underground to Notting Hill Gate, this is on the Central (red), Circle (yellow) and District (green) line. So can conveniently be reached from any tube station.
The Cambridge Gardens / Ladbroke Grove (K) stop is the nearest one to Portobello Market, Notting Hill in Ladbroke Grove.
How do you spend an afternoon in Notting Hill? ›- Eat breakfast at Farm Girl. ...
- Take a local-led walking tour. ...
- Find colourful houses. ...
- Explore the shops. ...
- Shop at Portobello Market. ...
- Notting Hill Farmer's Market. ...
- Catch a film at Electric Cinema. ...
- Take a walk in Holland Park.
Which is the better day at Carnival? If you're after a more chilled NHC experience, go for family day on Sunday, or if you like the sound of a hard-partying parade, make sure to go on Carnival Monday. The festivities kick off with an opening ceremony on Sunday morning, with the parade starting at 10am.
What is the famous street in Notting Hill? ›Portobello Road is a street in the Notting Hill district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in West London. It runs almost the length of Notting Hill from South to North, roughly parallel with Ladbroke Grove.
What is Portobello Road famous for? ›The west London site is most famous for having one of the world's largest antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothing markets. It's a location that attracts tourists, locals and celebrities from all walks of life.
Is Notting Hill Gate Zone 1 or 2? ›(Zone 1+2)
How to get to Notting Hill Carnival? ›- Harrow Road (C) is 156 meters away, 3 min walk.
- Shrewsbury Road / Brunel Estate (N) is 316 meters away, 5 min walk.
- Westbourne Park Bus Garage (AP) is 329 meters away, 5 min walk.
- Bayswater is 506 meters away, 7 min walk.
- Royal Oak is 794 meters away, 11 min walk.
On the District line and Circle line, it is between High Street Kensington and Bayswater stations. It is on the boundary of Travelcard Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Is Notting Hill Gate the same as Notting Hill? ›Notting Hill Gate is distinct from Notting Hill, although the two are often confused, with "Notting Hill" being used as an abbreviation of "Notting Hill Gate" and "Notting Hill Gate" suggesting to outsiders that it is the full description of Notting Hill.
Which zone is Canary Wharf in? ›
(Zone 2) Live The station is currently quiet.