A long street market in Notting Hill famous for antiques, with stalls and permanent shops running the length of Portobello Road alongside vintage clothing, records and street food stands. The market changes character as you walk it, from the antique dealers near Notting Hill Gate to fruit and veg stalls and food vendors further along. It's one of the largest antiques markets in the world by number of dealers.
Portobello Road runs for about a mile through Notting Hill in west London, lined with colourful stucco townhouses and home to what is often described as the world's largest antiques market on Saturdays, when over a thousand traders set up along the street. Beyond antiques, the market includes stalls selling vintage clothing and records, fresh fruit and vegetables trading midweek, and a stretch of independent boutiques open most days of the week. Toward the northern end, the market blends into Golborne Road, known for North African and Portuguese food stalls and further antique and vintage traders. The street's terraced houses in pastel shades, familiar from film and photography, make it one of London's most photographed residential streets alongside the market itself. A visit typically takes one to three hours of browsing. Saturday, the market's main trading day, draws large crowds by midday, particularly near the Notting Hill Gate tube entrance, while weekday visits are calmer and better suited to browsing fresh produce stalls and boutiques without the antiques crowds.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Antiques: Sat 09:00–19:00 (main market day). Fruit & veg: Mon–Wed, Fri 09:00–18:00; Thu 09:00–13:00. Boutiques: Mon–Sat 09:00–19:00. |
| Typical visit | 1–3 hours |
| Best time | Saturday morning (09:00–11:00) for antiques before the crowds; the neighbourhood is most atmospheric in the mornings |
| Getting there | Tube: Notting Hill Gate (Central/Circle/District) or Ladbroke Grove (Circle/Hammersmith & City); 5-minute walk |
| Address | Portobello Road, London W11 |
Location
Portobello Road, London W11
51.5178, -0.2007 View on map
Highlights
- Antiques stalls on Saturdays, with over 1,000 traders
- Vintage clothing and record stalls
- Colourful pastel-painted Notting Hill townhouses along the route
- Fresh fruit and vegetable stalls midweek
- Golborne Road extension for North African food and further antiques
Tips for visiting
- Saturday is the only day for the full antiques market; arrive by 09:00 to beat the crowds
- Carry cash as many antiques traders do not accept cards
- The street gets very crowded by midday on Saturdays, especially near the tube station
- Weekday visits are quieter and better for browsing fresh produce and boutiques
- Explore the Golborne Road extension for a quieter, more local market atmosphere
When to visit
Saturday morning (09:00-11:00) is best for antiques before the crowds; the neighbourhood is most atmospheric in the mornings.
Accessibility
The street itself is flat and step-free, though pavements can be narrow and crowded, particularly on Saturdays.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Portobello Road Market take?
Most visitors spend one to three hours browsing the stalls.
Is Portobello Road Market worth it for kids?
Yes, the casual atmosphere suits families, though Saturday crowds can be dense with a pushchair.
Is photography allowed at Portobello Road Market?
Photography is allowed along the street, though it is courteous to ask before photographing individual traders' stalls up close.