Notting Hill is one of the most charming neighborhoods in
London. There's a reason why there was a 90s romcom named after and set in this very district. Notting Hill has a romantic and cinematic sparkle that sets it apart from the rest of the city. It still gets as lively and crowded as any other part of London, but it rarely loses its unique magic. Hence, it's also one of the best places to live in London, arguably even more so than the more affluent areas. Notting Hill charms with its trendy hotspots on Portobello Road, upscale restaurants along Westbourne Grove, and more.
Where is Notting Hill Located in London?
Located in West London, Notting Hill is part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, one of
London's central boroughs. As it's one of the nicer and more affluent parts of the city, the neighborhood is known as one of the best places to stay in London. Even more so since it's not too far from the city center. Notting Hill is only four miles away from Charing Cross, widely considered the center of London. This proximity makes the district easily accessible through public transport, making it another reason why it's a coveted address.
Is it Safe in Notting Hill, London?
While it's undeniable that
London's crime rates tend to be high, this doesn't mean that the entire city is dangerous. Notting Hill, for example, is among the safer parts of the British capital. The neighborhood's annual crime rate is just 137.8 per 1,000 people, which is largely considered low. And though it's a popular district where locals and tourists alike visit regularly, it's also widely regarded as a residential district in the middle of the city. It's not exactly suburban, but it's far more peaceful here than in other parts of London.
What is Notting Hill, London Known for?
There's a good chance that you've heard of Notting Hill because of the 1999 romantic-comedy film of the same name that starred Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Out of all the
neighborhoods in London, this is the only one that had a hit Hollywood movie that was set and named after the place. The movie did a great job in showcasing just how pleasant the neighborhood truly is, not to mention bringing out the romance of the vibrant area. It charms with its vintage shops, local boutiques, chill cafes, and more. It's a great place for people to hang out, have fun, and as the film suggests, fall in love too!
Things to Do in Notting Hill, London
Though you can eat and shop just about anywhere in London, Notting Hill is one of the best places to do so. For one thing, the area boasts some of the coolest
vintage shops in London, all treasure troves of high-quality second-hand designer pieces, timeless accessories, and more. Just go down Portobello Road and you'll end up with a cool wardrobe of classic styles sold at discounted prices. Notting Hill is also arguably the perfect place to have a pub crawl. From the famously flower-laden The Churchill Arms on Kensington Street to the local favorite, The Cow, the district has some of the
best pubs in London.
Notting Hill, London's Famous Streets
Portobello Road is undoubtedly one of Notting Hill's most famous streets. This fabulous trip of vintage shops and indie boutiques boasts the city's local fashion scene, one that's more authentically London than the more famous British designer brands. It's right up there as one of the
most fashionable streets in London, similar to Carnaby Street and Saville Row. The Saint Lukes Mews is another notable street where colorful houses add a bright pop of color to the usually dreary and grey British capital. It's even one of the best Instagrammable spots in all of London. And of course, you can't forget about Westbourne Park Road and Kensington Road, both spots that highlight Notting Hill's extensive culinary scene.
Notting Hill, London Best Restaurants
As previously mentioned, Notting Hill is one of the best places to go on a foodie tour of London. The traditional pubs are a major highlight, but the district's local culinary scene is more diverse and extensive. Some serve foreign cuisines paired with a chic, local ambiance that you can only find in Notting Hill. Others serve classic British food but are given unique spins, making them taste differently than if you were to eat somewhere else. And of course, you can't miss the chill but cool vibes Notting Hill is known for. Wherever you eat here, you're sure to have a good time!
- Zephyr Notting Hill at 100 Portobello Road
- Osteria Napoletana at 186 Kensington Park Road
- Dove Restaurant at 31 Kensington Park Road
- Granger and Co. Notting Hill at 175 Westbourne Grove
- Sumi Restaurant at 157 Westbourne Grove
- Caractère is 209 Westbourne Park Road
- Gold at 95-97 Portobello Road
- Core by Clare Smyth at 92 Kensington Park Road
- The Cow at 89 Westbourne Park Road
- The Sushi Co - Notting Hill at 168 Portobello Road
What to Know About Notting Hill, London's Apartments
Renting a luxury apartment in London is almost always bound to be expensive, but it's even more so in Notting Hill. While it's not the most expensive neighborhood, it's still a pretty pricey part of the city, especially since it's located in the affluent Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. The average rent in Notting Hill ranges from £3,072.00 to £5,500.00 per month, comparably higher than the city-wide average, which is only around £2,100.00 per month. But is staying here worth such steep prices? Yes, it is. Not only is Notting Hill a vibrant and trendy district, but it also has a diverse real estate scene, with rentals ranging from chic studios to refined multi-bedroom flats.
Who Lives in Notting Hill, London?
Do you know just how coveted Notting Hill is for anyone
moving to London? Many celebrities live or have lived here. Hugh Grant, for example, who starred in the beloved 1999 rom-com set in and named after the neighborhood, actually lived here for a time. So did other Hollywood actors Jennifer Lawrence and Lindsay Lohan, who both had second homes in this part of London. Famously, musician Robbie Williams also lived here and was even part of the reason why paparazzi would go here at times. And as if to follow suit, pop star Harry Styles also has a residence here.
You'll rarely find a place lovelier than Notting Hill in London. From its vintage vibe to its charming local scene, the place is one of the most pleasant in all of the British capital. It's no wonder there was an iconic movie set here!
