Portobello Road Market and Golborne Road Market

The market is good, but it is just way, way, way, to crowded with tourists on a Saturday. Unless you go really early I recommend going on Friday, when there is less booths but dramatically less crowds.

I've lived in London all my life and regularly visit Portobello Market as i love browsing the shops and stalls. The road is lined with antique shops and unique clothing boutiques, and I love to while away the hours finding bargains. The market comes alive on Saturdays and can get very busy but i find that's what creates the brilliant atmosphere. If crowds arent for you try visiting on a Friday when you will find it alot less crowded yet you will still find interesting shops and stalls. I hope you have as much fun as i do!!

I have been reading about the Market for quite some time now, but have only recently visited it. I have read that the best time to go would be a Saturday morning, and so I did go then. It was such a pleasant surprise, because while I was walking to Portobello, what was notable was the houses lining the street, and a stream of people walking towards the same direction. Then you a cross a street and bam! The Market. Colorful buildings, shops all over, tourists and natives alike mixed in one big shopping human concoction. Its like organized chaos. They sell almost everything here...a lot of stalls selling antiques and Scottish wool. I loved the street performers, and this small stall owned by an Irishman who sold stamps he designed himself. Visited The Travel Bookshop (featured in the Hugh Grant-Julia Roberts movie Notting Hill) just for kicks. And if you get hungry, be sure to visit the Hummingbird Cafe to taste their delicious cupcakes. The line's quite long though, so have a bit of patience.