Portobello Road market
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Portobello Road - by Nicole Pankalla from Pixabay
Description
The Portobello Road Market is one of the city's most famous and largest markets - it runs about 900m long between its northern end at Golborne Road and Westbourne Grove to the south. The market is open every day except Sunday (cafes are still open) but the main day is Saturday, when all 5 sections are open: antiques, food, fruits & vegetables, second-hand goods and clothing. It started in the 19th century with antiques making their apparition in the 1940's and becoming one of the key attractions over time, in particular on Saturday mornings: it is now the largest antiques market in the country.
Access & Transport
The market can be accessed by walking west from Paddington / Bayswater along Westbourne Grove, from Notting Hill Gate underground station (5' to the southern end) or from Ladbroke Grove underground station (3' to the northern end). There are also plenty of bus services covering the Notting Hill neighbourhood and it is relatively easy to drive and find parking on most days, except Saturday mornings.
Instructions & Recommendations
The most important is to choose your day well based on weather forecast and what you want your experience to be: on Saturday you will get the market in full swing with the throngs of tourists, on other days it will be far less crowded but not nearly as impressive - Friday might be a good middle ground. Naturally, we would suggest combining this with an exploration of the rest of the Notting Hill neighbourhood.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally quite neutral as the focus is on antiques, second-hand goods and F&B rather than junk mass-produced items. Community-wise, it definitely provides some vibrancy and economic influx to the area, but is far from being convenient to the residents in the immediate vicinity.
Conclusion
If you are the type who like urban markets (farmers market, flea markets) then this is definitely the best option in the city and it happens to be set in a neighbourhood worth visiting, so this is a great outdoor option for anyone with at least 4 days in the city.
Key positive
Great way to interact with independent stall owners and enjoy the neighbourhood
Some wares and scenes make for great street art
Some delicious snacks on offer
Key negative
Possibly over-touristy and overcrowded on Saturday mornings
Might be underwhelming for those who have the movie scenes in mind and as their expectation
Suitability
Suitable for all ages although younger children may not really see the point. Theoretically suitable for wheelchair users but might be best to avoid the busiest times and the southern end up to Westbourne Grove rd is a little steep (but not over a very long distance)
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Monday09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday09:00 - 18:00
Wednesday09:00 - 18:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 19:00
Saturday09:00 - 19:00
Sunday -