If you’re a fan of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, Notting Hill will remind you of the film of the same name; if you love Mary Poppins, Portobello Road will likely put a little tune in your head. Since I recently went back to this famous London neighborhood in May, I felt like sharing a few thoughts about it here.
Notting Hill, A Personal Favorite
Notting Hill is one of my favorite neighborhoods. Even after living in London for 3 years, I never got tired of it and always enjoy going back. Despite being a very touristy area, it has a unique atmosphere: vibrant, eclectic, and welcoming. This is also where the famous Notting Hill Carnival happens (super crowded, but you should do it at least once).
Between the colorful little streets, the market, the cafés, the souvenir shops (including the store that replicates the bookshop from the famous Notting Hill film with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts), the area never fails to charm.
Portobello Road Market: Between Local Traditions and Surprising Finds
Portobello Road Market is one of the most iconic and lively parts of Notting Hill. It’s a place where tourists and locals mix. Residents do their shopping there, from fruits and vegetables to other specialties like samosas or waffles. Unless you’re looking for something specific, I recommend going in late morning, when the prices tend to drop as the vendors begin to close their stalls.
But Portobello Road is not just a food market — it’s also a paradise for lovers of antiques and unique objects. You can find vintage items, as well as modern pieces made in an old-fashioned style: brooches, home décor, jewelry, books, paintings, clothing. A friend of mine even bought a vintage-style leather rugby ball there.
It’s a great place to pick up original souvenirs — though you’ll also come across some tourist traps.
The Charm Of Notting Hill’s Colorful Houses… And The Locals’ Reality
It’s impossible to talk about Notting Hill without mentioning its beautiful, colorful houses, which have become a major tourist attraction.
It seems that since the post-Covid period, these facades have become especially popular as Instagram backdrops, attracting crowds of visitors. Unfortunately, this popularity comes with a downside. Some tourists behave inappropriately — changing outfits in the street, blocking doorways, or disrespecting the residents — which has led to tensions.
Some locals have even repainted their houses black or put up ropes and barriers to protect their privacy.
So, when visiting these iconic spots, it’s essential to do so respectfully: admire, take photos without disturbing the people who live there. Enjoy the charm of Notting Hill, yes, but with a spirit of mindful coexistence.
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