One perfect day in Notting Hill Travel Guide

If London had a romantic, pastel-hued alter ego, it would be Notting Hill. Think dreamy houses painted in mint greens, blush pinks, and butter yellows; cozy cafés spilling scent of coffee and pastry onto cobbled streets; and hidden mews that feel like whispers of another era. In this guide, I’ll lead you through cafés, local gems, drinks after dark, and the must-wander streets for the perfect instagram photo (because yes, this is one of London’s most photogenic neighbourhoods to find yourself in!)

☕ Best Cafés & Brunch Spots

Notting Hill has a café culture that blends polished interiors with local heart. Here are my current faves:

Farm Girl Café (59A Portobello Rd) – Go for the instagram famous rose latte, stay for the avocado toast.

Bluebelles of Portobello – The perfect all day brunch spot with cozy London charm. 

Gail’s Bakery (Portobello Road branch) – Gail’s is an iconic London institution but the Portobello Road branch is particularly special. It’s a neighbourhood staple so you can mingle with the locals, grab a coffee, and park up for a while to watch the world pass you by.

Butter Bakery – A local favourite and a great spot for an easy breezy brunch spot.

 Notting Hill by Day

📍 Points of Interest & Local Gems

Here’s what you should wander by (or into) while you explore:

  • Portobello Road & Portobello Market — the beating heart of Notting Hill. Antique stalls, vintage finds, colourful shops, street food and energy. Saturdays are busiest.

  • The Notting Hill Bookshop — made famous by the Notting Hill film. Perfect for lovers of literature and movie nostalgia.

  • St Luke’s Mews — one of the sweetest quiet lanes with charm and character.

  • Hillgate Place / Hillgate Village — pastel houses set on a peaceful cul-de-sac. (Note: In recent years, some locals have repainted homes darker to deter large crowds and influencer photoshoots. Always be respectful and remember Notting Hill is very much a lived in neighbourhood.)

  • Denbigh Terrace & Colville Houses — architectural gems that feel like something out of a storybook.

  • Alice’s (Antique shop on Portobello Road) — the deep red storefront with vintage trinkets makes a quirky backdrop.

  • Sun in Splendor pub — bright, cheery pub on a corner, ideal for a snap or pint. 

Also: don’t forget to wander off the main roads. Some of the best discoveries in Notting Hill arrive when you let your feet lead you along quiet side streets.

Notting Hill Travel Guide | WORLD OF WANDERLUST

🍸 Where to Sip (After Dark & Cocktails)

When you want to linger into the evening, here are my top picks:

  • Franklin’s Wine — a basement wine bar close to Portobello, perfect for sipping something deep over charcuterie.

  • The Little Yellow Door — fun, quirky, slightly hidden—ideal for cocktails with ambiance.

  • Speakeasies and hidden cocktail dens — Notting Hill is full of them and finding them is half the fun. Ask your local barista for a fun recommendation by day, to keep the magic alive by night.

  • Neighbourhood pubs — for something more laid-back, wander toward side streets and local favorites (you’ll often stumble on a cozy bar with local charm). 

Notting Hill isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s a vibe. It’s about slow coffee in charming corners, doorsteps drenched in gentle colour, and moments of quiet wonder tucked behind bustling façades. Wander the neighbourhood leisurely without a strict plan and don’t be afraid to get lost. Let the pastel houses, cafés, and winding lanes tell you their stories.

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Our in-house team of contributors are well-travelled and based in cities around the world. From Berlin to Paris and everywhere in between, our team love sharing the latest and greatest places that should be on your radar.

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