The Portobello Road Market, a six-day street market in Notting Hill, London, is one of the most famous street markets in the world. People flock to Saturday’s antique market, in particular, to peruse more than 1,000 antique vendors selling everything from furniture to collectibles. The narrow Portobello Road stretches for more than two miles and is lined with well-established independent boutiques. Visit the antique stalls on Saturday, let the kids wander into an abundance of playrooms, wander the galleries, and then dine at the cafes that line the street.
Antique section
At the top of Portobello Road, near Notting Hill Tube Station, is the famous Antique Market. Pass the wonderful Mews houses until you reach the intersection of Chepstow Villas and Portobello Road. This is where the antiques section begins and the half-mile sale to Elgin Crescent. Expect to see a variety of antiques and collectibles from around the world and dating from Roman times to the 1960s. With hundreds of market stalls, shops, game rooms, and cafes, you could easily spend hours here, or spend the day.
Fruit and vegetable market
Continue on Portobello Road (actually it is a hill) to the fruit and vegetable market. The scene here resembles a traditional farmers market in the United States and primarily serves the local community in search of fresh produce. However, tourists can stop and try fresh fruit for a picnic lunch or buy a bag of vegetables to cook later at their rental condo. Bread, fish and cheese stalls selling artisan goods and specialty items round out the dining experience on Talbot Road and Portobello Road.
Second hand flea market
Beneath Westway (an elevated section of the freeway), you’ll find second-hand clothing, jewelry, books, and music. While this section of the market seems a bit seedy, don’t worry, it’s safe and worth checking out if you like a bargain. On Friday, the stalls sell vintage clothing and household items. Saturday is reserved for junior designer clothing and handmade crafts. On Sunday, head to Westway for a traditional flea market. This is the only section of the market open on Sundays, aside from the shops and food vendors along the street.
Portobello Antiques Dealers Association London (PADA)
The Portobello Antique Dealers Association (founded over 20 years ago) promotes the Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove antique shopping area and ensures fair trade between its members and the public. All merchants follow a code of conduct when describing goods and displaying their price. If no price is shown, ask to see the price guide to make sure they charge the same price as everyone else. Traders are open to negotiation, but be respectful. And for a safe purchase, look for vendors that display the PADA symbol in stores and market stalls.
Shopping times and tips
The Portobello Market is open from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. (Times may vary based on the weather, as vendors fill up early on rainy days.) And although the official guide says that the Saturday market may open as early as 5.30 in the morning, it actually doesn’t. Plan to have breakfast in the area just before the actual 8:00 a.m. opening, so you’re ready to start exploring the stalls before a crowd forms around 11:30 a.m. 5:00 pm on Saturdays, but they expect the market vendors to pack around 4:00 pm And the market is closed on UK holidays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
There is limited parking in the area, so plan to use public transportation. The trip planner will help you prepare your route. The Westway area below the road can be cold, even on a sunny day, so pack a sweater if you plan on going to the bargain basement. And be aware that bags, valuables, and crowds attract pickpockets to this event. Make sure you can see your bags at all times and don’t leave your purchases unattended in a cafe.
