Top 10 Things to do in Notting Hill, London


 

Are you in London for a few days? After you have seen all of the quintessential sights in the touristy neighborhoods of the capital city – we’re looking at you, London Eye and the Tower of London – why not head to a more homegrown neighborhood that makes you feel like a real Londoner? 

If this sounds more your speed, head to Notting Hill. This colorful and beautiful quintessential London neighborhood is one of the best spots to walk around, meet some locals, and see some of the lesser-known – but more culturally interesting – sights. Let’s get started and check out a few things to do during your upcoming holiday to the capital city of the United Kingdom.

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market, June 2005 – By Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=316707

Arguably the most popular thing to do while in Notting Hill is to head to the Portobello Road Market. It doesn’t matter if you go here during the week or the weekend- there’s always something happening in this infamous market! Portobello Road has a different vibe than you would find with the busier London markets, with a more eclectic, quirky, and independently-owned vibe – and this is what we love about it.

For a quieter experience of looking at vintage shirts and London trinkets, head here during the week. For those who want a crowded and electric feel, head here on the weekends to check out wafting aromas from the food stalls, flea market finds, and live music. 

Special Find: Do you like antiques? Portobello Road contains over 1,000 stalls of old antiques that are the perfect gift for a friend at home or to decorate your new London flat. 

St. Lukes Mews

Whitecross Street Market – By By Nils R. Barth – Own workSelf-made with Canon EOS 40D., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10580589

St Lukes Mews is one of the most recognizable and notable streets that you can walk down in the city of London. With pretty flats, aesthetic houses, and notable buildings that you probably have seen on British TV shows or the famous film “Love Actually”, you will love fangirling while strolling around this quintessential street.

Notting Hill Museum of Brands

Notting Hill Museum of Brands – By By Museum of Brands – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97496413

Okay, it is very rainy in London – like, very rainy. Although typical Londoners are well-versed in the perennially-gray skies and dreary days, sometimes tourists do not want to spend the entire day walking around in the rain. If this is the case, head to the Notting Hill Museum of Brands to check out over 100 players of advertising that will surely bring you back in time. 

Extra Info: Admission is £9 per adult and £5 per child 

Independent Bookstores

Notting Hill colorful houses – By By Camerawalker – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59422273

Another perfect activity for a rainy day, heading to the independent bookstores scattered around Notting Hill is the perfect thing to do for when the rain just doesn’t seem to let up. And good thing for you, there is a lot of bookstores in this neighborhood. Cozy up with a cup of tea and a book of your choosing at Notting Hill Bookstore or Book and Kitchen!

Follow Julia Roberts’ footsteps

Portobello Road Notting Hill movie – By By Papertree at English Wikipedia – Originally from en.wikipedia; description page is/was here. Original uploader was Papertree at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3073800

Almost everyone over the age of 20 years old has seen the infamous Notting Hill film with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant – this super-famous rom-com is one of the most notable and recognizable films in the history of movies. If you are a fan of this film, we recommend following is Julia Roberts’ footsteps around the picturesque Notting Hill neighborhood.

Elgin Pub

Elgin Ladbroke Grove Pub – By By Ewan Munro from London, UK – Elgin, Ladbroke Grove, W11Uploaded by Oxyman, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22399167

Fancy a pint after walking around Notting Hill all day? Head to the Elgin Pub! If you are looking for the perfect pull of Smithwick’s or Guinness, want a steak and ale pie, and just want to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of a down-home English pub, then the Elgin is the ideal stop in Notting Hill.

The Ginstitute

Notting Hill gate shops – By By Nhw11pictures21 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106175849

If cocktails are your style, then heading to The Ginstitute might be more up your alley. Right in the middle of Portobello Road, this gin-focused bar is a great stop for tourists who would love a strong gin and tonic for an afternoon pick-me-up. 

Portobello Green Market

Portobello T Shirt – By By Mattia Luigi Nappi – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17169868

Can’t seem to get enough of the bustling market atmosphere? Head to the Portobello Green Market to check out vinyl records, vintage clothes, and perfect trinkets to bring home from your British holiday. Located at the very end of Portobello Road, this relaxed and laid-back market is a nice change from the bustling Portobello Road Market on the weekends. 

Start your day at Farm Girl

Latte art – By By Kim Sanso – https://pixabay.com/photo-2431160/ archive copy, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70214602

Feeling peckish after a long night out at one of Notting Hill’s many bars and pubs? If so, wake up and smell the fresh coffee at Farm Girl! Arguably one of the best cafes in all of London, Farm Girl makes highly caffeinated and extremely tasty rose lattes that are going to keep you going all day long. 

Go on a date with a Londoner at Ottolenghi

Middle Eastern cuisine – By By young shanahan – Falafel, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37391703

Ottolenghi is a great date-night spot, family-friendly restaurant, or girls’ night out cafe that is great for those who want a yummy lunch or early dinner. Focusing on African and Middle Eastern cuisine, this chic and fabulous eatery makes you feel like you are the cream of the crop – since there are only 10 seats, you feel like you are specially chosen to dine at this fancy establishment. 

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