Notting Hill is often associated with a certain Julia Roberts-Hugh Grant film from the '90s, but the west London neighborhood is much more exciting and diverse than a rom-com might let on, with many new restaurants and bars popping up in the area since later on. Notting Hill is central enough to be close to the tourist attractions, but still local enough to feel like a real Londoner and hang out. Despite the weekend crowds, it can make for a peaceful place to explore. Notting Hill, which includes the famous Portobello Road and surrounding areas, is known for its shopping, including antiques, its colorful houses and its cool, bougie aesthetic.
Notting Hill tends to attract tourists and locals alike because of its unique local vibe. It is also the site of the annual Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's largest street festival, which celebrates Caribbean culture in London and takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Although Notting Hill is an upmarket area just north of Kensington, it has an unusual lack of hotel options, with small shops as the best bet. That's set to change with the opening of Six Senses London, a new luxury hotel and spa set to debut in 2025, but for now, guests can embrace the local feel of the area. And, of course, if you're a movie buff, there's a lot to look for, in it Notting HillThe iconic blue door of the film locations from Love, Actually (the pink house in St. Luke's Mews) and Paddington. Here are the best places to stay, where to eat and drink and what to do when visiting Notting Hill.
