Charm, history and tradition define one of London's most captivating destinations.
Portobello Road Market is one of London's oldest and best-loved street markets, with roots in the 19th century. What began as fruit and vegetable stalls on a country lane has grown into one of the most famous markets in the world — a long, lively stretch of antiques, vintage fashion, street food and hidden surprises, running from the elegant streets near Notting Hill Gate up to the Westway and Golborne Road.
Portobello Road Market Opening Times
The market trades six days a week, but it changes a lot from one day to the next. If antiques are what you are after, plan your visit for a Friday or — better still — a Saturday.
| Day | Hours (approx.) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Wednesday | 9am – 6pm | General market: fruit, vegetables, household goods and a few shops |
| Thursday | 9am – 1pm | Half day — the quietest day of the week |
| Friday | 9am – 7pm | Antiques and vintage stalls start to appear, fewer crowds |
| Saturday | 9am – 7pm | The main market day: antiques, vintage fashion, food — everything is open |
| Sunday | Closed | The main market is closed (a few stalls may trade under the Westway) |
Hours are a guide and can change with the season, the weather and public holidays — many antique dealers start setting up early on Saturday mornings.
A Market Born from the Fields
The market's origins go back to the 19th century, when traders gathered along what was then a rural lane to sell fresh produce to the new neighbourhoods growing around it. The road took its name from a nearby farm — Porto Bello Farm — which itself was named after the capture of Puerto Bello in Panama by British forces in 1739.
For over a century, Portobello Road remained primarily a food market. It was only in the aftermath of the Second World War that antiques became the true star of the show. The turning point came largely due to the closure of the notorious Caledonian Market in Islington, home to numerous antique dealers who relocated to Portobello Road — bringing with them their customers, their collections, and their eye for the extraordinary.
Notting Hill: From Working-Class Area to Global Icon
In the 1980s, the Notting Hill neighbourhood transformed from a working-class area into a fashionable village, instantly recognisable for its pastel-coloured Victorian houses. Artists, creatives and independent traders moved in, drawn by low rents and a bohemian spirit — and the street art and murals that still decorate the area's walls today are a direct legacy of that era.
The global turning point came in 1999 with the film Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, which brought worldwide fame to Notting Hill and a wave of tourism that benefited the entire market and its surroundings. Today, Portobello Road is one of the busiest tourist destinations in London — yet it manages to retain an authenticity that few markets can claim.
What You'll Find at the Market
Walking the length of the market is a truly unique experience. Dozens of stalls display the most eclectic range of goods: from second-hand vintage clothing to numismatics, paintings and portraits of every kind, cameras, antique books, jewellery, porcelain and curiosities from around the world.
- Antiques & Collectibles — the main draw, concentrated at the southern end
- Vintage Fashion & Accessories — second-hand clothing, retro shoes, bags
- Fresh Produce & Street Food — fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, global cuisines
- New Goods — clothing, books, jewellery, general market stalls
- Household & Home — furniture, ceramics, decorative items
It is well worth wandering down the side streets too, where small independent shops often hide the best surprises — a rare vinyl record, a piece of antique silverware, or a perfectly worn leather jacket that looks like it has stories to tell.
When to Visit
The market takes on a different character depending on the area and the day of the week.
- Monday – Thursday: Mainly fruit, vegetables and everyday goods (Thursday is a half day)
- Friday: Many antique stalls open — a quieter but worthwhile visit
- Saturday: The main event — all five sections open, maximum atmosphere
- Sunday: The main market is closed — but look out for the special Christmas Sundays in December (see below)
Christmas at Portobello Road
A special mention goes to the Christmas period. As the London chill sets in, Portobello Road dresses up for the festivities and becomes a truly atmospheric postcard: the pastel-coloured houses glow with twinkling lights, the local pubs and cafés offer warm seasonal menus, and the air is filled with the scent of spiced street food.
In recent years the council has also organised pop-up Christmas markets on the Sundays before Christmas, with the street closed to traffic and local choirs and steel bands performing. Dates change every year, so check the Kensington and Chelsea council website before planning a Sunday visit. The stalls are enriched with vintage Christmas decorations, handcrafted gifts and artisan items that are difficult to find anywhere else. Visiting Portobello Road at Christmas is an experience in itself — and one that is hard to forget.
How to Get There
The market runs along Portobello Road in Notting Hill, in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and is easily reached by Underground.
🚇 By Tube
Southern end (Antiques):
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Notting Hill Gate — Circle, District & Central lines
Closest stop for the antiques section — the most popular part of the market.
Northern end (Fashion & Street Food):
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Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park — Hammersmith & City line (pink)
Best for vintage fashion, second-hand clothing and international street food.
Where to Stay Near Portobello Road
Notting Hill is one of the most charming bases in London: quiet residential streets, great cafés and the Central line at Notting Hill Gate to take you to Oxford Street and the City in minutes. Compare the areas of the borough — from Notting Hill and Holland Park to South Kensington and Earl's Court — in our Where to Stay in Kensington and Chelsea guide, with a live map of hotels and apartments.
Make a Day of It
Portobello Road fits perfectly into a day in west London. Walk south from Notting Hill Gate through Kensington Gardens to Kensington Palace, or take the District or Circle line to South Kensington, where the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A are all free to visit — see our guide to Free Museums in London. Short on time? Our 3 Days in London itinerary shows how to fit it all in.
Conclusion
Portobello Road Market is not simply a market: it is a piece of authentic London, and one that deserves to be experienced at least once. Whether you are hunting for a rare antique, browsing vintage fashion, or simply soaking up the atmosphere over a coffee and a street snack — Portobello Road will not disappoint.
- 📍 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11
- 📅 Monday to Saturday — Saturday is the main market day; closed Sundays (except some December Sundays)
- 🚇 Notting Hill Gate (south) / Ladbroke Grove (north)
- 💷 Free entry
- ⏰ Best time to visit: Saturday morning, before 10am
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day to visit Portobello Road Market?
Saturday. It is the only day when the whole market is in full swing, with antiques at the Notting Hill Gate end and vintage fashion and street food further north. Friday is a good, quieter alternative for antiques.
Is Portobello Road Market open on Sundays?
The main market is closed on Sundays. In December the council has in recent years run special Christmas Sunday markets — check the dates for the current year before you go.
What time does Portobello Road Market open?
Stalls generally trade from around 9am. On Saturdays many antique dealers set up earlier, so arriving before 10am gives you the best choice and fewer crowds.
Which tube station is closest to Portobello Road Market?
Notting Hill Gate (Central, District and Circle lines) for the antiques at the southern end; Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park (Hammersmith & City line) for the fashion and food stalls further north.
Is Portobello Road Market free?
Yes — the market is a public street, so there is no entry fee. Bring some cash as well as a card, as a few smaller stalls still prefer it.
How long do you need at Portobello Road Market?
Two to three hours is enough to walk the whole market at a relaxed pace, browse the antiques and stop for something to eat.
About this article: Written by LondonResidence Team, based in London. Opening times checked in October 2026. Market hours and stall availability may vary — visiting on a Saturday morning is always the safest bet for the full Portobello experience.