Portobello Market is good on a Wednesday for a more relaxed, local experience, focusing on fresh produce, food, and some bric-a-brac rather than the large-scale, crowded antique hunting of Saturdays. While most of the famous antique stalls are not present, the permanent shops, cafes, and vintage stores are open.
When to visit. Portobello Road is worth exploring any day of the week, but Friday and Saturday are by far the busiest. The market itself is open Monday-Wednesday 9am-6pm; Thursday 9am-1pm; Friday-Sat 9am-7pm and closed on Sundays. The antiques stalls are open Friday and Saturday 9am-7pm.
Portobello Market operates daily in Notting Hill, London, with Saturdays being the main day for antiques, while general stalls (food, fashion, bric-a-brac) run Monday-Wednesday (9am-6pm), Thursday (9am-1pm), Friday & Saturday (9am-7pm), with smaller sections like vintage markets on Fridays and Sundays. Sundays feature some vintage and food stalls, but it's generally quieter than the bustling Saturday market.
What is the best day of the week to go to Notting Hill?
All the street stalls are set up on Saturdays. If you want the street market experience, then this is the best day to come. Little known fact: There are NO street stalls on a Sunday ... the shops are all open but the 'market' itself is not.
What day of the week has the least traffic in London?
What are the quietest days to drive? Commuting is a little quieter on Mondays in many UK cities. Sunday is often the best day to go on a sightseeing trip whilst avoiding traffic – especially if you set off earlier on before many of the shops open and the usual 'Sunday drivers' venture out.
Recommended visiting time is around three hours, but if you plan on visiting Portobello Market on a Saturday, then you might want to reserve an entire day to stroll around the many stalls.
Yes, Portobello Market is generally worth visiting for its unique atmosphere, vast array of antiques, vintage goods, and diverse street food, especially on Saturdays when it's busiest and most complete, but be prepared for large crowds and potentially high prices for some items. It's best for those who enjoy browsing unique finds, vintage fashion, and cultural immersion, offering a vibrant experience beyond typical tourist sights, though some find it overpriced or too busy.
Many of the things quite expensive. In the name of antique shop keepers quoting any price. But for clothing,etc prices were fine. But still nice vibe to it, but we left quickly in an hour or so.
Where is the best tube to get to the portobello market?
To get to Portobello Road Market, the best option is to take the tube. The closest stations are Notting Hill Gate (to the south) and Ladbroke Grove (to the north). We recommend you start in Notting Hill and finish in Ladbroke Grove.
Best known for antiques and collectibles, Portobello is actually several markets rolled into one. The antique and bric-a-brac stalls and arcades start at the Notting Hill end; further up are the food stalls, with everything from traditional fruit and veg to organic biscuits, bratwurst and crepes.
Bargaining can be fun if you learn how to haggle. Among many good markets to practice your skills are Waterlooplein in Amsterdam, Portobello Market in London, Puces de Saint-Ouen in Paris, and El Rastro in Madrid. A word of caution: pickpockets enjoy flea markets as much as you do, so be aware of your surroundings.
But what's the busiest period overall? TfL says it's evening peaks on Tuesdays and Thursdays - the three hour period between 4pm and 7pm. This likely encapsulates both commuters and people heading out to socialise.
On Fridays and Saturdays street vendors in Portobello Road serve freshly-cooked dishes from all over the world including churros, bratwurst, paella, crepes and curry. On Golborne Road, you'll find North African and Caribbean street food throughout the week.
For a first-time London trip, focus on iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament & Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, seeing them via a hop-on hop-off bus or walking the Thames; explore world-class museums like the British Museum (many free!), catch a West End show, experience a pub meal, and get skyline views from The Shard or Sky Garden.
Day rates for stalls are £40 on Friday, £50 0n Saturday and £30 on Sunday. Saturday is the busiest day and competition for stalls is greater. Permanent traders benefit from getting their own permanent spot on the market, but you are required to pitch-up consistently every week.
Blackstock Road, the 1km street running from Finsbury Park to Highbury, has been crowned one of Time Out's coolest streets in the world for 2025. It ranked 23rd in the global list, between cool corridors in Buenos Aires and Cape Town.
How do I get to the colourful houses in Notting Hill?
HILLGATE. At the end of Portobello Road, turn right down Pembridge Road, cross over Notting Hill Gate, and then take a quick right and then left onto Hillgate Street. Hillgate is a charming little neighbourhood of narrow streets and pastel-coloured houses.
