17 best things to do in Notting Hill, London

Famous for their rows of colourfully painted houses, a stroll along Notting Hill’s residential streets is the best way to take this all in. Head to Lancaster Road, Colville Terrace and the streets north of Westbourne Grove especially.

Don’t miss the blue door along Westbourne Park Road, forever known as the doorway to William Thacker’s (played by Hugh Grant) flat in the 1999 Notting Hill film. St Luke’s Mews nearby features in the film too.

Keep to pavements and be mindful of not accidentally blocking doorways or steps. Move on swiftly after taking photographs, so local residents still feel a sense of privacy.

Best for: Quintessential Notting Hill moments.
Good to know: Parallel streets and mews slightly away from the main film spots likely have fewer people around, but still have the signature colourful rows. This might be a better shout for quick photographs, especially for groups.

From elaborate floats and spectacular costumes to cultural experiences beyond the parade itself, there's plenty to see and do at Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place every year over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It’s the signature festival event of the year on London’s calendar and one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The street carnival grew from an indoor Caribbean Carnival organised by Claudia Jones in 1959 and an outdoor festival in Notting Hill in 1966, led by Rhaune Laslett.

Enjoy mas bands with vibrant costumes, steel pan bands, static sound systems for reggae, soca, dancehall, bashment and jungle, plus food stalls serving tasty Caribbean dishes (as well as cuisines from across the black diaspora in the UK, to a lesser extent). Though the event is primarily associated with music of Caribbean origin, it’s expanded to include a wider range of music of black origin too, including afrobeats, hip hop, R&B classics and grime.

The Sunday is typically known as "kids day", with children’s mas and events for all the family. All three days are usually packed, but Monday hosts the main parade and the biggest crowds.

Best for: Caribbean culture enthusiasts and anyone looking for a lively street festival experience.
Good to know: Decide on a meeting spot in case anyone becomes separated from the group. Phone signal and data can be extremely patchy at the festival, mostly down to crowd density. Commercial walkie talkies don’t work well in this scenario (we’ve tried, embarrassingly).

Discover a compact Japanese‑style garden built around a tiered waterfall, koi pond and stone lanterns, with peacocks often wandering through. Kyoto Garden is an unexpected spot. It’s like a Kyoto postcard dropped into west London, with manicured trees, maple leaves and water humming along in the background.

This is our ultimate pick for a decompression stop and moment of calm. To immerse yourself in this tranquil oasis, head to Holland Park, a short walk south‑east from Notting Hill Gate – enter via Holland Park Avenue and follow the signs to the Japanese garden.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers and curious visitors looking to experience a tiny slice of Japan amid London’s urban buzz.
Good to know: Go early or late if you want it really quiet. At peak weekend times, it’s busy enough that you can end up shuffling the path when it should be a tranquil stroll.

Portobello Road Market and the neighbouring Golborne Road Market have operated for more than 150 years, evolving from a Victorian fruit and veg market into London’s (and arguably one of the world’s) most famous spots for antiques and vintage. The market spans nearly two miles along Portobello Road and through Golborne Road.

Antique finds are clustered at the southern end near Westbourne Grove and Elgin Crescent (great for old maps, jewellery, silverware and film posters), with fashion and vintage stalls around the Westway (you’ll find rails of secondhand coats, Y2K originals, plus graphic tees), and fresh produce as well as household goods towards the northern end.

Head under the Westway itself for food (there’s usually music out in the street along this stretch too). Keep going up to Golborne Road, known for its North African and Portuguese cafes, fabric shops, everyday household bits and cheaper fruit and veg.

Best for: Anyone interested in antiques, vintage treasures and colourful market stalls.
Good to know: Hit Golborne Road for a real local feel to the market stretch, at least when you’ve got the main bulk of your vintage and antique rummaging out the way. It’s less touristsy, and a key spot for authentic North African and Portuguese bites.

Along Portobello Road and Golborne Road, these fixed spots are marketgoer favourites. Alice’s at 86 Portobello Road has a signature red front (with a duo of cherubs holding a banner across the entrance). It used to be crammed with signs, trunks, old books, toys and enamelware, but has sadly since closed its doors. Though its shopfront is still recognisably associated with Portobello Road, often photographed as people pass by.

Just along the road, Rogers and Admiral Vernon’s indoor arcades pull you off the pavement into rows of antiques dealers selling jewellery, silver, ceramics, small furniture, prints and curios, instead of single stalls in the street.

Near the Westway, The Cloth Shop is stacked floor to ceiling with bolts of cotton, linen, ticking stripes and heavier upholstery fabrics. Up on Golborne Road, Rellik at number 8 leans into 1970s to 2000s archive and designer vintage that’s popular with stylists and fashion press. For home decor and interiors, Les Couilles du Chien, Barham Antiques and Phoenix specialise in mid‑century and French furniture, lamps, mirrors, taxidermy and odd, theatrical decorative pieces.

Best for: Shoppers looking for vintage fashion, retro home decor and unique pieces.
Good to know: Hidden inside the Admiral Vernon Antiques Arcade, Mum Suni’s Asian Fusion Cafe serves handmade Nepalese dumplings and Asian‑fusion comfort food, with a distinctive take on their popular lamb and chicken curries. It’s a cute, tiny spot to sit down, take a moment and eat, before getting back to it (if you can bag a seat).

First, make your way to The Notting Hill Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent. It's the real shop that inspired Hugh Grant’s travel bookshop in the 1999 Notting Hill film. Look for the "Travel Book Co." sign in the back, a nod to its inspiration for the film. It’s a classic stop on a DIY Notting Hill film pilgrimage, and it’s seen many proposals outside.

Two doors along, Books for Cooks is a cookbook specialist with shelves of food writing and a tiny test kitchen at the back. Daunt Books on nearby Kensington Park Road has a lovely wood‑and‑balcony interior, plus a strong travel and fiction selection.

Another favourite of ours for secondhand paperbacks, comics and odd bits is Notting Hill Book & Comic Exchange on Pembridge Road, where you’re as likely to find a novel for a few quid as an out‑of‑print spine you didn’t expect.

Best for: Book lovers, Notting Hill film fans and anyone looking to browse, read or shop for gifts.
Good to know: The shop front you see as the Travel Book Company in the Notting Hill film isn’t a bookshop at all, but a souvenir‑style gift shop at 142 Portobello Road that now calls itself Notting Hill Gift Shop. They too keep a cheeky "The Travel Book Shop" sign up, out front, for the cameras. So, for books and the real‑life inspiration, head over to the Blenheim Crescent shop. For a quick snap of the film facade, swing by the Portobello Road gift shop.

Calling all morning people and brunch lovers! Westbourne Grove and the surrounding streets are full of brunch stop favourites, feel-good cafes, plus quite a few New York imports. Granger & Co, Sunday in Brooklyn, Farm Girl and Beam all serve a range of irresistible treats, from ricotta hotcakes and stacks of pancakes that go viral, to shakshuka, açai and strong coffee.

Between them, you’ll find smaller spots like Tab x Tab who have great coffee and more compact brunch menus. Or head to the Portobello side for brunch plates before or after the market, including at Eggbreak just off Notting Hill Gate and eggslut (all-day brunch) near Portobello itself.

Looking for a chilled lunch spot? Tuck into tasty Bangkok‑inspired snacks, noodles and sharing dishes at Speedboat Bar at The Electric on Portobello Road. For neighbourhood bistro vibes and elevated comfort food, try Dove on Kensington Park Road. The menu often includes bavette with black garlic and bone marrow, and always features one of their coveted, limited‑run burgers.

Meanwhile, The Shed is our farm-to-table lunch pick, set within a beautiful building that’s drowned in English ivy across its front facade, complete with a courtyard area for outdoor dining that’s especially nice in summer.

Best for: Brunch lovers and foodies after a laid-back breakfast, brunch or lunch spot.
Good to know: These spots are popular, sometimes there will be queues or lack of ability to take walk-ins for a bit. Book ahead if they take reservations.

Notting Hill’s dining scene is particularly strong, giving you your pick of Palestinian small plates at Akub, Italian dishes at Canteen and plenty of French-style bistros and European spots, all within easy walking distance of each other. Newer openings sit alongside long‑timers, meaning you’re spoilt for choice, from Michelin-starred dining at The Ledbury to all‑day cafe spots that shift into dimly lit restaurants in the evening.

Around Portobello and Golborne, you’ll come across stalwart local favourites serving Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Portuguese dishes too, especially as you head towards Golborne Bridge.

A Dishoom spinoff, Permit Room on Portobello Road riffs on Bombay drinking dens, all fast‑moving snacks, grills and curries with their own cocktail pairings. Sino on All Saints Road spins Ukrainian comfort dishes like chicken Kyiv and borsch into more elegant dishes, while nearby Ria’s does Detroit‑style pizza by the slice with natural wine. For laid-back dining around Holland Park, Six Portland Road serves classic British-meets-European cuisine.

For something more European summer vibes, or fancier, Dorian on Talbot Road leans bistro‑ish with steaks and seafood, while Zēphyr and Mazi cover Greek classics with a spin (the former is on the Portobello side, the latter tucked into a Hillgate townhouse). At Barbary Notting Hill and Core by Clare Smyth (Irish cuisine), expect counter dining (if you’ve not booked ahead of time) and a tasting menu focus.

Best for: Filling up on good, sometimes outstanding, food after a day spent exploring.
Good to know: For vegan food, Holy Carrot on Portobello Road is the one to book, with a fully plant‑based menu, natural wines and a great setting for catching up as a group.

Notting Hill is thick with smaller cafes and bakeries known for their speciality coffee and pastries just off Portobello Road, along Kensington Park Road. There’s a smaller scattering of well-loved, no-bells-and-whistles bakeries and patisseries around Westbourne Grove too, if you just want a flat white and a simple slice of cake. There’s plenty of grab-and-go options around the markets themselves too, from crepes, churros and pastel de nata to patty shops and jerk‑chicken stalls, for eating on the move.

A citywide favourite with Cotswolds roots, Daylesford on Westbourne Grove is praised for its matcha lattes, seasonal salads and farm‑to‑fork plates upstairs, plus a deli and bakery downstairs for loaves, cheeses and pastries to take away. Secret Sandwich Shop on Talbot Road takes the Japanese wanpaku sando and supersizes it, with shokupan milk‑bread wedges stuffed with layers of veg, meats, cheese and kewpie mayo, sliced to show off an appealing cross‑section and sold at lunchtime only. It’s a tiny sandwich lab hidden off Portobello, with both their own running classic and rotating specials.

Up in Hillgate Village, Kuro Coffee and its sibling bakery and bagel spots (Kuro Bakery and Kuro Bagels) pour strong espresso and matcha from early morning alongside neat rows of pastries and bagels, with just enough seating to not feel cramped in. At the Golborne Road end, the staple Lisboa Patisserie is an old‑school Portuguese cafe, famous for trays of still‑warm pastel de nata, strong coffee and a pastry counter that locals stop by first thing in the morning on their commute.

Layla Bakery at the very north end of Portobello Road does sourdough, wild‑grain loaves and proper flaky pastries, from cinnamon buns and croissants to seasonal danishes. They operate by a tiny counter with a few tables outdoors, which make for an idyllic setting when it’s sunny.

Best for: Coffee enthusiats, cake lovers and foodies.
Good to know: On Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill Bakery is a tiny shop from a long‑time wholesale supplier now selling its own sourdough and tins to the public. Next door, The Butter Bakery is a small neighbourhood cafe where you’ll find freshly baked barbari flatbread, alongside other Persian baked goods, prepared using French techniques, as well as good coffee and brunch dishes, for something a bit different.

Uncover some of the best London pubs around Notting Hill to soak up the neighbourhood’s stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. For a quiet pint, head to traditional local pubs such as The Hillgate, The Cow, The Ladbroke Arms and The Cock & Bottle.

Feeling peckish? For British-inspired dining in a historic Notting Hill landmark, look no further than Walmer Castle, a revived 19th‑century corner pub just off Portobello with a cosy front bar for pints and wine, and a charming dining room upstairs for full sit‑down meals.

Or, if you’re looking for a proper hearty pub meal with a bit more than what you’ll find at your average gastropub, book a table at The Pelican on All Saints Road. Featuring stripped‑back wood and a long buzzy bar, it's a local institution that offers a curated dining experience. Every dish we've tried there is always spot on and simply delicious.

Best for: A slice of local culture, pub fare classics and a good pint in cosy surroundings.
Good to know: The Elgin is also a popular Notting Hill pub which puts on a diverse mix of live music throughout the week.

Unwind with a glass of vino at Sova, a new vinyl and wine bar tucked away on Blenheim Crescent, pouring some interesting Eastern and Central European bottles. With only 40 seats, it's ideal for sharing Ukrainian fizz or Georgian reds among friends, with a Rough Trade‑ish soundtrack, in a “someone’s cool living room” setting. The Slavic-inspired dishes are a treat too.

If you prefer seriously tasty cocktails, seek out Naked & Famous, an agave‑focused cocktail bar hidden under a Greek restaurant (Zēphyr) on Portobello Road. With its low‑lit, 1970s‑style room, it's the perfect spot for a date if you love mezcal and tequila‑led cocktails. It’s walk‑ins only so arrive early.

Whiskey & Seaweed is a darker, more serious bar orbiting Core by Clare Smyth. Although it’s whisky‑heavy, it also serves top-notch cocktails and wines. Pricey but still our top pick for stylish grown‑up drinks without food.

A Holland Park favourite, Julie’s sits on the corner at Clarendon Cross, a few minutes’ walk from Cece’s, a low‑lit spot for martinis or a glass either side of dinner. Book Cece’s for plates of pasta and grilled fish, then head to Julie’s for a nightcap on your way home.

Best for: Cocktail, wine and whisky lovers on a date or catching up with friends.
Good to know: Julie’s is also worth a try for a Sunday roast, Saturday brunch or a full evening dinner.

Dance to music of every genre at the Notting Hill Arts Club. With niche nights tailored to specific tastes, it's the go-to club in Notting Hill and a bit of a local legend. Since opening its doors in 1997, it's hosted many world-famous artists before they broke into the music scene, including Rita Ora, Lily Allen and The Libertines. Head there for live bands and big-name DJs that span indie and hip hop to house.

Another smashing local hangout with great party vibes and DJs spinning tunes every weekend is Caribbean-inspired Trailer Happiness. It's the long‑running basement tiki bar on Portobello Road with low ceilings, rum-heavy cocktails and loud music. The drinks menu features plenty of rum and award-winning cocktails, including six different daiquiri combinations.

The Little Yellow Door on All Saints Road has an of the moment “friends’ flat share” theme, with mismatched rooms, sharing platters and group favourite cocktails. It’s a go-to pick for birthdays, pre‑nights‑out and somewhere a little bit sillier for drinks.

Best for: Night owls and partygoers.
Good to know: Looking for a fun group experience? Sign up for a rum cocktail masterclass at Trailer Happiness to learn how to mix iconic drinks with a tiki twist.

From charming mews and bustling markets to famous film locations, explore the hidden gems of one of London’s most enchanting neighbourhoods on a guided walking tour of Notting Hill.

As you follow your local guide through quaint streets with brightly coloured townhouses, you'll find out more about the background of the area – from its rich history and working-class stories to its famous annual street carnival and Bohemian reputation.

Visit more than six film locations from the 1999 film Notting Hill, see former and current homes of celebrities and musicians, walk past trendy restaurants and local hangouts, and experience the buzz of Portobello Road Market on market day.

Best for: Fans of the Notting Hill film, history enthusiasts and those looking to discover Notting Hill’s top spots with a knowledgeable guide.
Good to know: The walking tour starts outside Notting Hill Gate Station in front of Calder Pharmacy. Leave the station at exit 1 and you will see your guide waiting for you outside the pharmacy.

The Museum of Brands is a dense time tunnel of packaging, adverts, toys and products running from the Victorian era right up to now. It’s a nostalgia trip meets sideways history lesson on how everyday life and consumer tastes have shifted. It's a fun, visual trip through yesteryear, with innovative, interactive elements.

Discover more than 12,000 original items, from motor cars, music and television to sweets and household goods. Walk through the Brand Hall of Fame and discover the iconic brands that have stood the test of time and become cultural landmarks, from Coca-Cola to Cadbury. Then journey through the Time Tunnel to witness the evolution of familiar logos and packaging.

Best for: Marketing enthusiasts, history buffs and anoyone simply curious about the stories behind their favourite products.
Good to know: The museum also runs temporary exhibitions and family workshops and activities during school holidays. Check ahead of your visit to see what's on!

Snuggle up under cashmere blankets on a luxurious front-row bed, armchair or sofa at Electric Cinema. This Edwardian cinema is one of the oldest in London and is the perfect place for a romantic date, with its beautiful decor and a bar stocked with champagne and other tipples.

The interior references the cinema's long history, with velvet armchairs, footstools, tiny side tables and those famous front‑row double beds. The film programme comprises a broad range of quality mainstream and arthouse films. Our favourite part? You can order cocktails, wine and snacks from the bar and have them brought to your seat!

Best for: Cinema lovers and romantic date nights.
Good to know: Seats, especially the six front‑row beds, sell out at peak times, so book ahead. Consider a weekday matinee if you want the full luxe experience for less, where armchairs then can be as low as £15.

Experience a family-friendly stay at Hilton London Kensington, on the south-western edge of Notting Hill near leafy Holland Park. Its convenient location means it's also close to Westfield London if you fancy an afternoon of retail therapy.

Families can make the most of spacious connecting rooms, while younger guests enjoy a dedicated Family Experience complete with a Kids Welcome, special breakfast experience and children's menu.

Best for: Families and visitors looking for a good base to explore Notting Hill, Holland Park and Kensington.
Good to know: Adding to the fun, the hotel's LEGO® playtables give children the chance to build, create and take home their own LEGO creation.

For an exclusive escape right in the middle of the action, check out The Lost Poet, a four‑room design-led townhouse above Portobello Road with bold colours, freestanding baths and a tiny but glamorous feel. This house truly leans into Notting Hill fantasy, with baths by the bed, vintage finds, lush furnishings and plenty of thoughtful details.

For another iconic Notting Hill townhouse filled with gorgeous antiques, roll‑top baths and bohemian history, book a room at the ultra-boutique Portobello Hotel. It's a classic, old-school Notting Hill staple with just 21 rooms. Tucked away and romantic, it’s a great pick for charm and some sense of history, without going full big hotel. It's also played host to many celebrities over the years, from legendary musicians to world-famous actors. Rumor has it that Johnny Depp and Kate Moss once bathed in champagne in one of the rooms here.

Best for: Design-savvy travellers looking to splash out on luxury stay in a swish Victorian townhouse right in the heart of Notting Hill.
Good to know: The Portobello Hotel's quieter location within Stanley Gardens means better sleep than right on Portobello.