Portobello Road Market: Where History Comes Alive

Portobello Road in Notting Hill is one of London's best-known markets, with colourful houses and hundreds of antique stalls and vintage shops. It became especially famous after the film Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

History of the market

The market began in the 19th century as a place to sell fruit and vegetables, and that part still runs from Monday to Saturday. In the mid-20th century antique dealers arrived, and Portobello became one of the largest antiques streets in the world.

The stalls stretch about a mile along Portobello Road to Golborne Road, where you can find North African and Portuguese street food.

When to go

Saturday is the main day: the antiques, vintage, crafts and food stalls are all open, and the street is at its busiest. Friday has more vintage clothing and bric-a-brac, while on weekdays the fruit stalls and shops are open. On Sunday most stalls are closed.

What to buy

Antique furniture and silver, vintage clothes, vinyl records, books, maps and postcards. Under the Westway flyover near Ladbroke Grove station you will find second-hand goods and young designers' work.

Between purchases, stop at one of the local cafes: Portobello Road has plenty of coffee roasters and bakeries.

Nearest Underground stations: Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove.