Portobello Road

The basics

Portobello Road is in West London and runs through the trendy districts of Notting Hill, Westbourne Park, and Ladbroke Grove. Visitors come to walk Portobello Market and explore its shops and stalls offering eccentric items that range from vinyl to vintage furniture.

The Saturday antiques market is the main attraction. There are also food stalls, independent art galleries, bars, and cafés, and a fruit and vegetable market. Several local tours stop on the street. Several local tours stop on the street, including those passing by the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Things to know before you go

• Portobello Road is a must-see spot for shoppers interested in antiques, second-hand fashion, food, books, and music.

• Portobello Road tickets aren’t required, as it’s an open street market and a public space to explore at your leisure.

• Bring cash with you for small items, though vendors do generally accept credit cards.

• You can try to bargain with merchants to score an even better deal.

How to get there

The market is located in East London. Portobello Road stretches from Pembridge Road to Lancaster Road and offers easy access by Tube. Portobello Road runs from Pembridge Road to Lancaster Road and is easily accessed by Tube.

Take the Central or Circle lines to Notting Hill Gate and exit at Portobello. Or, take the Hammersmith and City Line to Ladbroke Grove station. Several bus lines stop there, including those that stop near Trafalgar Square, pass by Portobello Road.

When to get there

The market is open six days a week and closed on Sundays. It’s busiest on Friday and Saturday, when the antiques market is open. Weekdays the fruit and vegetable market, food stalls, and other general goods and antiques shops are open. The market closes after lunch on Thursday.

For “Notting Hill” fans

Many scenes from the romantic comedy Notting Hill were filmed on Portobello Road, including at the Travel Book Company (a sign commemorates the fictional location) and the coffee shop where Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ characters first meet. You can also spot colorful houses that line the road, adding to the area's charm, and a copy of the film’s infamous blue door on Westbourne Park Road—the original was sold at auction after the film’s release.

Ways to explore

Portobello Road is around 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) long, but the market stretches from Westbourne Grove in the south (the Notting Hill end) to Golborne Road in the north. Where you go depends on your interests. Head to the south end for generations-old antique shops such as Alice’s, to the north for vintage clothing shops, and the middle for street food and souvenirs.

If you’re less interested in shopping and more interested in the history, sights, and film locations of Portobello Road, try a guided tour. You’ll find tours ranging from Notting Hill walking tours to Paddington Bear sightseeing tours.

Accessibility

The street is flat, although Portobello Road is nearly always crowded

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards, cash, a secure bag

What to wear

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Anything goes at Portobello Road

Amenities

Restaurants, ATMs, market stalls, public restrooms at the junctions of Lonsdale Road and Tavistock Piazza, pubs, shops

Address

Portobello Road is on the west side of central London in the Notting Hill neighborhood. You can walk there from Kensington Gardens, Holland Park, and the Westfield London shopping mall.

Driving

You must pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission Zone) fee. Parking is limited, so it’s best to leave the car behind.

Public transportation

Many buses pass close to Portobello Road from central London, but the tube is easier. Take the tube to Notting Hill Gate via the Central or District and Circle lines, and follow the signs to Portobello Road; the southern end is a 5-minute walk. Ladbroke Grove tube station is less busy and puts you near the middle of the market.

Best times to visit

The market is open from early morning until early evening, except on Thursdays, when it’s only open in the morning. If you visit around 4pm, when the vendors start to wind down for the day, you’ll find thinner crowds, and you might get some bargains before closing time.

Best days to visit

Midweek is the calmest time to visit, although Saturday is the day to come for serious antiques. The market is closed on Sundays.

Best months to visit

Avoid the summer crowds by visiting in April, May, September, or October, when the weather is mild.

Special events

The Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place on the last August bank holiday weekend, is the big event.