Guide to the 12 Best Things to do in Notting Hill, London
Notting Hill is one of my favorite neighborhoods in London. It is a posh neighborhood located in West London with so much to offer. From vintage and antique shopping to beautiful colorful streets, Notting Hill is a must-visit during your London itinerary. As someone who has lived in this area, I’ve compiled all the best things to do in Notting Hill, London! This includes the best restaurants to eat at, the best cafes to chill at, where to shop, and where to find the most instagrammable streets!
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The Best Things to do in Notting Hill, London
I’ve compiled the best things to do in Notting Hill in the list below! As a local, I’m also sharing some non-touristy things to do in London.
1. Shop at the Portobello Road Market
The number one thing to do in Notting Hill is to visit the Portobello Road Market. It is a famous market in London that takes place daily. However, it’s best to visit on a Saturday when everything is in full swing. The market stretches over a mile and offers everything from antiques and vintage clothing to street food and fresh produce.
2. Admire all the colorful houses
One of the best things to do in Notting Hill is to stroll through the picturesque streets and admire the colorful houses. They have become iconic thanks to the film “Notting Hill.” Don’t forget your camera for those Instagram-worthy shots!
There are so many beautiful homes in the area so just wander at your own pace to discover them. The best streets are often mews streets which are hidden back alley streets that are converted horse stables. My favorite is St. Luke’s Mews!
However, on your stroll, please be respectful of the people who live in these homes and don’t climb their stairs, etc to take a photo!
Most Colorful and Instagrammable Streets in Notting Hill:
- Hillgate Place
- St. Luke’s Mews
- Pottery Lane
- Portobello Road
- Lancaster Road
- Pembridge Crescent
- Elgin Crescent
- Heart Facade on Clarendon Cross
Pro-tip: You can take a Notting Hill Photo tour and be shown all the colorful spots!
3. Take a Walking Tour
You can take a walking tour of Notting Hill to learn about London’s most famous village. You’ll learn about the history and be taken to the best places with a local expert. You can book the tour via GetYourGuide or Viator.
4. Visit the Notting Hill’s Bookstores
Book lovers will especially love exploring Notting Hill’s charming independent bookstores, such as The Notting Hill Bookshop made famous by the film “Notting Hill.”
You’ll find the Notting Hill Bookshop and the Travel Book Shop, but the one on 142 Portobello Road (The Travel Bookshop) was the bookstore where Notting Hill the movie was filmed. It is now just a gift shop rather than a book shop and around the corner you’ll find the actual Bookstore. If you’re a fan of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, it’s a must-stop.
5. Shop for antiques at Alice’s
Alice’s is an iconic store in Notting Hill known for its eclectic offerings. This vintage store has so many cute knick knacks and goods to browse for. Plus, the bright red exterior is really photogenic.
6. Head to Westbourne Grove for more shopping
Westbourne Grove is a wonderful shopping area in Notting Hill and has so many nice cafes too! This flower shop, Wild at Heart, is one of the most instagrammable spots in Notting Hill! My favorite shop on this street is Sezane. They have great clothes, shoes, and accessories and is a French brand. Also down this road, you’ll find Daylesford, a great place for a coffee or lunch.
7. Watch a Film at the Electric Cinema
Electric Cinema is a luxury theatre on Portobello Road and is one of the oldest working cinemas in Britain. The viewing rooms feature plush seats where you can comfortably enjoy the latest movies while sipping on cocktails and nibbling on gourmet snacks.
8. Notting Hill Carnival
photo by: Robert Sharp
If you’re lucky enough to visit during August, don’t miss the Notting Hill Carnival, one of Europe’s largest street festivals celebrating Caribbean culture. There’s an amazing parade and everyone will be dressed in elaborate costumes. There will also be music, food, and endless entertainment. This is a chaotic time for the area so if you hate crowds it may not be for you. However, Nottinhg Hill is most famous for this carnival so it would be a wonderful experience to join.
9. Admire the blossoms during cherry blossom and wisteria season
During the different seasons, Notting Hill is stunning. Cherry Blossoms at Stanley Crescent is particularly beautiful as it’s set in front of a white prestigious home.
If you’re looking for the best wisteria in London around April when it blooms, then Notting Hill has so many locations! My favorite is St. Luke’s Mews and Horbury Mews.
10. Take an Icing Class at Biscuiteers
Biscuiteers might be my favorite storefront facade in Notting HIll. It’s so cute! This is a biscuit shop and you can decorate your own biscuits during a hands-on class.
11. Stop for a bite at a local bakery or cafe
There are endless cafes in Notting Hill. One of my favorites is Layla which serves fresh sandwiches and pastries as well as delicious coffee. It is one of the best independent coffee shops in London. For more recommended cafes check the map at the bottom of this post!
12. Check out the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Photo by: Dmitrii E.
Holland Park is located between Notting Hill and South Kensington. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens, admire the peacocks roaming freely, or visit the beautiful Japanese Kyoto Garden.
If you’re seeking other amazing London neighborhoods, read about Belsize Park, Primrose Hill and Hampstead, my ultimate favorite.
Quick Area Guide & Map of Notting Hill
Shopping
- Portobello Road Market
- Alice’s Antique Shop
- Westbourne Grove
- Notting Hill Book Shop
- Golborne Road
Instagrammable and Colorful Streets
- Hillgate Place for colorful buildings
- St. Luke’s Mews
- Pottery Lane
- Portobello Road
- Lancaster Road
- Pembridge Crescent
- Elgin Crescent
Best Restaurants in Notting Hill
- Eggbreak
- Layla
- Gold
- Farm Girl
- Sunday in Brooklyn
- Gails
- Granger & Co
- Taqueria
- Farmacy
For more reading, you may also like these posts:
🇬🇧 Non-touristy things to do in London – from a local!
💛 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Primrose Hill
🌳 How to Spend the Perfect Day in Belsize Park
📆 A Locals Guide to 4 Days in London
✈️ A Solo Travelers Guide to London
🏠 Hampstead Neighborhood Guide
🏠 Primrose Hill Neighborhood Guide
🛣️ Most Beautiful Streets in London
☕10 Best Coffee & Brunch spots in London
🛒 London’s Best Markets for Shopping and Food
📸 The 5 Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
🍺 The best Pubs in Hampstead, London
