VIBE

Since it first took off as a district of London in the 19th century, Notting Hill has always had a certain bohemian flair, brought first by the artsy set that established themselves there in the late 1800s and then by a multi-cultural blend of immigrants in the 20th century. These days though, with gentrification in full swing and cute boutiques and cafés popping up like mushrooms, it’s become more faux-boho-chic than actually "alternative." The famous Portobello Road Market still brings eccentric characters and eclectic loot on the weekends, but otherwise, expect chichi shops and well-heeled clientele.

USE A PURCHASE FROM HERE FOR

Funky gift; eye-catching outfit

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s a neat area for a shopping day out, peppered with excellent cafés and fun bars.

GOOD TO KNOW

If you’re in town in August, check out the Notting Hill Carnival, a riotous two-day festival that showcases the neighborhood’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. (It’s the second largest carnival in the world, out-ranked only by Rio de Janeiro, so be prepared for crowds.) If you’re planning on hitting Portobello Market, try to get there early on a Saturday morning–you’ll catch the best vendors and the best bargains, but skip out on the tourist hordes. Shopping highlights include Matches (women’s designer), Books for Cooks, Travel Bookshop (Hugh Grant’s employer in Notting Hill, the movie!), Sulange Azaguy (fashion forward jewels), Alice Temperley (flirty fashions), and Melissa Odabagh (bathing suits). Grab a bite or drink at E&O, catch a flick at The Electric, and follow it up with late night eats at Electric Brasserie.

CLOSEST COMPS

Marylebone (London); Soho (New York)

Read more about Notting Hill in The Diary

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