Notting Hill was one of the neighborhoods I really wanted to see during my London trip, and I’m glad I set aside half a day for it. I went on a Saturday morning, which meant the Portobello Road Market was in full swing. It was busy, lively, and a fun change of pace from the more tourist-heavy spots in central London.
How I Spent Half a Day in Notting Hill
Portobello Road Market
I started the morning at Portobello Road, and going on a Saturday definitely made a difference. The market was packed with stalls selling antiques, vintage pieces, clothes, food, and random finds you don’t really see elsewhere. It was crowded, but in a lively way, and I enjoyed just walking along and taking it all in.
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| Portobello Road Market |
I didn’t feel pressured to buy anything, but it was still fun to browse. The energy of the market alone makes it worth visiting on a Saturday if you can.
Walking Past the Colorful Houses
After the market, I wandered through the surrounding streets, where you’ll find Notting Hill’s famous colorful houses. Areas around Westbourne Park Road, Lancaster Road, and St Luke’s Mews were especially photogenic, and I found myself stopping more often than planned just to take photos.
Even with other people around doing the same thing, it still felt fairly relaxed. I was mindful that these are residential streets, so I kept photos quick and moved on — but it’s hard not to pause when almost every corner looks good on camera.
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| the colorful houses along Westbourne Road |
The Notting Hill Bookshop
I also stopped by the Notting Hill Bookshop, which inspired the bookstore in the movie Notting Hill. It’s small and cozy, and I spent a few minutes browsing the shelves before heading back out. It’s not a must-see unless you’re a fan of the film, but since it’s right in the area, it’s an easy stop to add to your walk.
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| the famous Notting Hill Bookshop |
Coffee and Brunch
By late morning, I was ready for a break, and Notting Hill has plenty of cafés to choose from. I grabbed coffee and later settled in for a casual brunch, which was a nice way to rest my feet after all the walking. This was one of my favorite parts of the visit - just sitting down, watching the neighborhood go by, and slowing the pace a bit.
Browsing Shops and Side Streets
Before leaving, I spent some time checking out the small boutiques and shops around the area. Walking through the side streets felt noticeably quieter compared to the market, and it was a good way to wind down after all the activity.
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| one of the cutest side streets I saw in the neighborhood |
Some of the little alleyways were surprisingly cute and definitely worth a few photos. There wasn’t anything major to see, but they had that understated charm that makes you stop anyway. It’s a nice area to wander without a plan and just enjoy the neighborhood.
Spending half a day in Notting Hill felt just right for the kind of day I wanted. Between the Saturday market, the colorful streets, and taking time to eat and wander, it never felt rushed. It was busy, but not in the same way as central London - more like a mix of locals and visitors going about their weekend.
I chose to spend time here instead of ticking off the usual tourist stops because I wanted a slower day, and Notting Hill worked perfectly for that. It’s not a must-see if you’re in London for just three or four days and trying to fit everything in, but if you have extra time, I’d definitely recommend it. It’s a nice way to experience a more relaxed side of the city.
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