"It’s a mix of culture, food, shops, artisans, business owners and people like nowhere else in the world."
"The atmosphere is alive with energy, and the variety of goods available is astounding."
"The vibe is electric, the street performers are top-notch, and the food is out of this world."
"Portobello Road Market is a vibrant & bustling market that runs along the length of Portobello Road in West London."
"The streets are alive with music and laughter, and the smells of sizzling sausages and freshly baked pastries waft through the air."
"Love this place! I have been coming here over twenty years and the energy and vibe of shops, people and the quaint, beautiful residential surroundings never fail to disappoint!"
"The atmosphere is vibrant and eclectic."
Cons:
"The street was also rather dirty."
"It's full of junk, Didn't feel clean at all and the markets have been taken over."
"While the atmosphere was cool, I noticed there was a lot of random and low-quality merchandise being sold."
"However, this vibrancy can also lead to crowding, particularly during peak times."
"It's really always busy but getting there first thing in morning would be best."
"Crowded with idiot brainless tourists."
"It's not even great for tourists anymore as all the working class stalls have gone."
Market Offerings
Pros:
"From vintage clothing and antiques to fresh produce and handmade crafts, there was something to suit every taste and interest."
"For antique lovers - from vintage clothes with various price and qualities, non-reproducible antique maps, stones, quartz, agates, accessories, cutleries and plates, you name it!"
"There's stuff for every budget - from high-end vintage to £5 deals."
"You can certainly lose yourself here! Hundreds of stalls selling everything you could want, vintage clothing and jewellery, hand made crafts and bric a brac."
"Whether you're on the hunt for vintage clothing, unique souvenirs, or just some tasty street food, Portobello Road has got you covered."
"You can find the most amusing and interesting things you can imagine here!"
"A mind-blowing variety of shops, cafes, snack carts, bookstores, antique stores, art galleries, restaurants, junk shops, clothing stores, memento stalls, carpet stores... you name it."
Cons:
"There are better markets with better bargain than Portobello Road Market."
"Sadly many of the stalls and shop fronts that once stood proud and were iconic to the markets have closed and gone forever."
"However many stalls were selling the same items."
"Has become overly commercialised with the traditional traders of yesteryear kind of pushed out."
"The market isn't nearly as remarkable as it once was, now increasingly selling tourist souvenirs and high-price prepared food."
"Everything seemed to be poor quality or expensive for what it was. Nothing proprietary here."
"Full of tourist 'tut' rubbish, knock offs and copies!!!!"
Accessibility & Timing
Pros:
"The market has kept its identity over the years maintaining that typical vintage smell, with fresh fruit and vegetables and a great bunch of small businesses."
"The amazing antique market is really only open Saturdays so I would recommend going then."
"For antiques, the best time to visit is Saturday (from 7am to 2pm), and this is the only time that most of the outside stalls, and indoor arcades, are open."
"Easily accessible by Bus and Underground with nearest stations Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill Gate a short walk from the market."
"The fastest way to reach Portobello Road is via London tube Central Line stop Notting Hill Gate."
"It’s all on ground level, so it’s accessible in that way."
"It is the number one outdoor market in London."
Cons:
"The market is not on every day of the week despite my Internet searches."
"Be there latest 10:00 am, later than that and a sea of visitors will greet you; it will be difficult to walk."
"kinda disappointed as it didn’t open at 8am as advertised. we arrived at 8am, and most stalls haven’t even open."
"Visited on a Sunday and saw a street filled with many stalls and shops open for business."
"Remember half part is closed on Sunday, so better avoid Sundays."
"Went on a Sunday, my fault, so no antique stalls."
"Its really not great for pushchairs or wheelchairs at busy times."
Food & Dining
Pros:
"Worth the visit for the saturday morning...Manang momo is absolutely gorgeous...juicy pork momos are heaven."
"And the street food... I wanted to try all of it!"
"There are several food stalls near the end where you can eat delicious food."
"Had local oysters for 3 Pounds a piece, deal! They tasted so fresh!"
"Great food options from spanish, chinese, african n many more!"
"Lots of good and varied eateries (I particularly recommend Mike's)."
"A very good collection of world food at a resonable price."
Cons:
"Most places didn’t have bathrooms, but if you look well enough, you’ll find a restaurant here or there with one (some don’t. Shouldn’t that be illegal? 🙄)."
"Not much local food available."
"The food aisle can get very very busy and usually start to have less availability from about 3pm."
"But they may need to charge for that."
"They also have plenty if you're vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, dairy free."
"There was good selection of food at the food market. A good set of vegan and vegetarian options."