the travel bookshop notting hill london

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London , London Film Tours · August 16, 2023

A Visit to Notting Hill Travel Bookshop: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

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Looking to recreate your favorite rom-com scene? Here’s my personalized guide and everything you need to know for a visit to the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop. Enjoy!

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We all know the scene. Julia Roberts slow pursue through the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop. Hugh Grant’s infamous eye-turn and blushed slew of book recommendations. The rom-com that hit London lovers by storm has all the nostalgia of Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts romance tucked into a quaint bookshop, in you guessed it, Notting Hill. 

If you’re a Notting Hill fan like me and looking to turn your on-screen vicarious romance into real life — the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop is calling your name. Rom-com lovers have flocked from all parts of London (and abroad) to relive the Notting Hill scene. And if you’re reading this, I’m guessing you want to do the same. 

Without further ado here’s everything you need to know about the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop. And to add to your Notting Hill obsession, I’ve popped in some of the movie quotes throughout the blog (definitely not a superfan). 

William : I live in Notting Hill. You live in Beverly Hills. Everyone in the world knows who you are, my mother has trouble remembering my name. Anna Scott : I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her. Notting Hill

Where is the Travel Bookshop in Notting Hill? 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Notting Hill Bookshop (@nottinghillbookshop)

The travel bookshop sits pretty right off of Portobello Road at 13 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 2EE. The exteriors are hard to miss, with bright blue exteriors that match Hugh Grant’s infamous blue door (located at 280 Westbourne Park Road). 

How to get to the Travel Bookshop in Notting Hill, London

The Travel bookshop in Notting Hill is around a 10-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate station. One of the easiest ways to reach Notting Hill Gate  (or anywhere in London really) is Citymapper. I rely on it endlessly and if you just pop in “Notting Hill Gate” you’ll get there without a hitch. 

William  :  Would you like something to eat? Something to nibble? Apricots, soaked in honey? Quite why, no one knows, because it stops them tasting like apricots and makes them taste like honey… and if you wanted honey, you could just… buy honey. Instead of apricots. But nevertheless they’re yours if you want them. Notting Hill

When to go & What to buy at the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop

Of course, due to it’s popularity, any time you go has the potential to be crowded. But I’d suggest going in the morning and pairing it a brunch in Notting Hill (Farm Girl Cafe if you’re wondering).

Although the shop originally exclusively sold travel books, they expanded into nearly every area of publishing (though travel is still the main focus). They’ve also got tons of beautiful gifts to get your hands on if you’ve got a super fan waiting at home. So in addition to recapturing your movie moments — I’d definitely suggest buying something while you’re here.

Notting Hill Bookshop Scene

I’m assuming if you’re reading this blog that you’re just as well-versed in this rom-com as I am. But just in case — here’s the bookshop scene. In the movie, Will (Hugh Grant) works in the travel bookshop where he meets Anna (Julia Roberts) a Hollywood Actress from America visiting London for a movie shoot.

As all rom-com’s go, one thing leads to another, they fall in love, the end. But there’s something about the movie and the bookshop that’s timeless. And if you’re a London lover like me, a visit to the Notting Hills Travel Bookshop will give you all the London feels again. 

Anna Scott:   You know what they say about men with big feet William : No, I don’t, actually. What’s that ? Anna Scott : Big feet… large shoes. Notting Hill

A Quick History on the Travel Bookshop, Notting Hill 

Before the bookshops claim to fame the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop was just a charming local bookshop on the streets of West London. The director Richard Curtis used to pass the bookshop all the time, promptly inspiring him for the set of the film. But when asked to use it as the filming location for Notting Hill…they refused.  So he ended up recreating the bookshop on set, and the rest is history.

Although the filming location took place elsewhere the location was quickly recognized as the heart-throb central it was — and thousands of fans flocked to the shop each year for their Notting Hill moment (me very included).  

The store ended up closing in 2011 (after a long campaign to keep it going ). However it was bought by The Book Warehouse after the Travel Bookshop owner Simon Gaul realized his children weren’t interested in continuing the family-business. But the Book Warehouse made sure to keep the spirit of rom-com alive with the Notting Hill odes and the name, The Notting Hill Bookshop.

To clear up some quick confusion for my movie fans — the bookshop in the actual film is called “The Travel Book Company”, but the real store it’s based on was called “The Travel Bookshop”. Glad we got that out the way. 

Anna Scott: Can I stay for a while? William: You can stay forever. Notting Hill

Proposals at the Bookshop

My rom-com heart melted when I found out just how many proposals take place in the bookshop! The owners told press that many couples come to drop on one knee and they even help with the planning process sometimes to make it extra special  (definitely not giving you ideas).

But if you can believe it — people really do come from as far as America (hey!) to Asia and Australia to make their Notting Hill I do’s.

Favorite heart-melting stories include….

• A couple from China having their wedding photos taken inside the shop (goals) 
• A German couple combining Notting Hill and Harry Potter sneaking an engagement ring inside one of the books (I know he got brownie points)
• An American couple coming back to the Notting Hill bookshop for their wedding anniversary (goals…and anniversary goals!)

Oh God, this is one of those key moments in life, when it’s possible you can be really, genuinely cool – and I’m failing 100%. I absolutely and totally and utterly adore you and I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world and more importantly I genuinely believe and have believed for some time now that we can be best friends. What do YOU think? Honey, Notting Hill

Exploring the Notting Hill Area + Other Film Locations (Market Scene, Blue Door etc.)

If you’re in the Notting Hill area it’d be a waste not to see the rest of the area. Personally, I suggest taking advantage of Portobello Market and popping into a pub like the Churchill Arms. And of course, grabbing a fresh read at the travel bookshop (you know… “just in case browsing turned to buying” ).

If the Notting Hill fandom moves ya, here are all the addresses of the film locations for the movie. 

Now if you’ll excuse me I’m off to watch Notting Hill for the 11th time. 

Be sure to read up on the best things to do in Notting Hill before your visit —and if love Notting Hill, you’re sure to love Primrose Hill too!

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Entertainment

'Notting Hill' Stans Are Proposing At This IRL Film Location & My Heart Is SO FULL

If you’re just a girl, standing in front of a bookshop, asking if it’s the one from Notting Hill — there’s a chance you’re going to have to fight the crowds to get your romcom fix. The film, which features Hugh Grant as a bumbling bookshop owner in the London neighbourhood, is officially turning twenty next year and fans of the flick still filter in day in and day out to visit the bookshop. One of the shop’s owners revealed that in fact it’s become a popular proposal spot with young lovers cosying up between the bookshelves and dropping to one knee. So, where is the bookshop from Notting Hill ? Well for starters, it goes by a different name IRL.

In the film, the bookshop goes by the name The Travel Book Company and was based on another real store called The Travel Bookshop. The movie wasn't actually filmed in there as apparently the owners told Hollywood to buzz off , Sky reports, but the Notting Hill crew did completely rebuild it for the beloved romance. Sadly, the family-run establishment which served as the original inspiration closed in 2011. However, it was later bought by a company called The Book Warehouse according to Sky and now goes by the name The Notting Hill Bookshop . As a lovely little nod to the film, the back part of the store is still called The Travel Book Co. .

The iconic shop is located just off Portobello Road and the full address is 13 Blenheim Crescent, London W11 2EE.

It’s easily recognisable by its exterior, which is matched to a similar hue to another iconic Notting Hill sight: Hugh Grant’s blue door. (You can also visit that door, which is still blue and always crowded with fans, over at 280 Westbourne Park Road.)

James Malin, one of the owners of The Notting Hill Bookshop, spoke with The Sunday Telegraph ahead of the film’s 20th anniversary. He revealed that loads of tourists visiting London have actually popped in and then popped the question , with many proposals taking place amidst the rare books. Malin and his brother Howard seem like they’re secret romantics themselves, as Malin revealed that occasionally they’ll play a part in making the proposal extra special.

He said, “We have had several [proposals] during the past few years and there’s other people that we are not aware of, like an American couple we didn’t find out about until they returned for their anniversary. We don’t always find out they are proposing, but if they want us to do something special, we will.”

The heartwarming tale of an awkward bookshop owner and international Hollywood star turns out to be a way more universal one than I thought. Malin explained that many travel in from places as far flung as Asia and Australia.

View on Instagram

He said, “We have seen an increase in the past five years but I can’t say why, it’s just a great thing to happen. They come from all over — it’s like a — we’ve had people from Australia, America, China and Japan.”

It sounds like some people have gone above and beyond just dropping to one knee, as he recounted a story of how a Chinese couple showed up to take professional wedding photographs in full regalia.

Another couple from Germany also combined two of my favourite things ( Notting Hill and Harry Potter ) as one of them snuck an engagement ring into the back of a Harry Potter book and surprised his partner with it.

My favourite story though? Apparently one couple actually had their own Julia Roberts/Hugh Grant meet-cute at the shop. I’m seething with jealousy.

Malin said, “A young Chinese couple who met in our shop...came back six months later to tell us they were still together.”

Gah. I’m signing off for the day, a Notting Hill re-viewing is in order.

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Article 12 filming locations of Notting Hill in London

From the famous blue door to the prestigious downtown hotels, discover all the settings of the cult movie, Notting Hill .

1. The Travel Book Shop

William (Hugh Grant) runs a small bookshop specialising in travel books in the heart of Notting Hill . Its blue front is easily recognizable, even if in reality the place is occupied by a souvenir shop in front of which the current owners have taken care to place the sign of the film. The store was inspired by a real Notting Hill bookstore, but it closed down about ten years after the release of the feature film due to lack of buyers. Its facade is still visible, however, at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent.

Address : 142 Portobello Road, London, United Kingdom

2. William Thacker’s apartment

Attention cult place! William (Hugh Grant) and his eccentric roommate Spike (Rhys Ifans) live in this apartment whose only façade and its now famous blue door were used for filming. The interior of the apartment was filmed in the studio. This was the house inhabited by Richard Curtis, the screenwriter! After the film’s release, the apartment was the object of all covetousness, reaching a value of 1.3 million pounds. The blue door was auctioned separately for charity and replaced by a common black door. But it was quickly repainted in its original color, much to the delight of fans. They can find the place again as they know it!

Address : 280 Westbourne Park Road, London, United Kingdom

3. Kenwood House

William learns that Anna (Julia Roberts) is back in London and decides to join her on the set of her film to declare her flame. The scene seems to take place in the countryside but it was shot in the gardens of Kenwood House, a sumptuous 17th century manor house. It is located in Hampstead, a posh area in North West London. The place is open to the public and the garden is famous for its sculptures.

Address : Hampstead Lane, London, United Kingdom

4. Hempel Zen Gardens

Anna and William celebrate their wedding in the presence of all their friends in these beautiful gardens… Enough to give ideas to lovers ready to take the plunge. This is still a great place to walk around and relax when the sun is shining over the English capital. But it’s only for a privileged few, the place being private. It is however possible to have a look from the wrought iron gate. The scene in which William is seen walking through the streets of Notting Hill as spring, summer, autumn and winter parade by, was actually shot on the same day, with the effects of the seasons added digitally.

Address : 3135 Craven Hill Gardens, London, United Kingdom

5. Location of the accident

With a glass of orange juice in his hand, William walks with a firm step. On the corner of this street, he accidentally hits Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a world-famous American actress, visiting London. He spills the contents of his cup on the young woman’s blouse and awkwardly invites her home to clean himself up … The drink was not really orange juice but cola, whose colour was better on the screen. A Coffee Republic coffee shop is now located at this address. Very practical for enjoying a drink… and reenacting the scene. It is also on Portobello Road that the famous market of the same name is held every Saturday, known for its antique stalls.

Address : 214 Portobello Road, London, United Kingdom

6. The Coronet

It is in this room that William attends a screening of Anna Scott’s latest film, Helix. The Coronet was originally a theater. Built in 1898, the building was transformed into a cinema in the 1920s. Threatened with destruction following the closure of its only room, the building was listed in 1989. Since 2014, it has been operated by the alternative theatre company “Print Room”. It was also featured in the animated series The Chronicles of Matt Hatter, as a superhero headquarters.

Address : 103 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington, London, UK

7. The Savoy

Intending to apologize to Anna and ask her to stay in London by his side, William goes to the press conference she is organizing at the Savoy. This establishment is one of the most prestigious hotels in the world. It has 230 rooms and has had its share of famous residents, including Claude Monet. Bob Dylan shot the famous video clip with the signs for the song Subterranean Homesick Blues in an adjacent street. If Love at first sight in Notting Hill is Hugh Grant’s biggest box office hit, it is only the third one for Julia Roberts, revealed in 1990 with Pretty Woman. She was the first and only choice of the production to play the heroine of the film. Hugh Grant’s name was also an obvious choice, as the duo formed by the actor and the screenwriter Richard Curtis works perfectly.

Address : Strand, London, United Kingdom

8. Rosmead Gardens

After their meal Anna urges William to jump over the gate of this garden. Once inside, out of sight, they exchange a kiss and share a romantic moment on the bench in the middle of the park … Don’t try to get in, the place is private! It is only accessible once a year during the Open Gardens Weekend in June. The famous bench on which the two characters meet was only an accessory. It was bought by a private individual and donated to a public garden. It is now located 14,470 kilometres from London, in Perth, Australia. In the park, at the end of the film, William reads Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which Roger Michell was to adapt two years later. But he fell ill and was replaced at Captain Corelli’s making by John Madden.

Address : Rosmead Road, London, United Kingdom

9. Ritz Hotel

Anna invites William to her hotel, but he doesn’t know it’s actually a press conference. Disconcerted, he pretends to be a journalist from the magazine Chasse à courre (Horse & Hound)… The Ritz is one of the most luxurious hotels in London. Management has exceptionally allowed Roger Michell and his team to install cameras within its walls. The shooting of the lobby scenes took place between 2 and 4 am to avoid disturbing the clients. When William interviews members of the film’s cast, he meets Mischa Barton, the young actress who will be revealed a few years later in the Newport Beach series.

Address : 150 Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom

10. Bella and Max’s house

William introduces Anna to his friends at his sister Honey’s (Emma Chambers) birthday dinner. The evening takes place at the home of Bella (Gina McKee) and Max (Tim McInnerny), whose house is right next to the entrance to Rosmead Gardens. You can take the opportunity to wander around the neighbourhood and admire the majestic Victorian houses by imitating the characters. Notting Hill is a cosmopolitan area, with its famous carnival taking place on the last weekend in August.

Address : 91 Lansdowne Road, London, UK

11. Tony’s Restaurant

Tony (Richard McCabe), one of William’s friends, fulfils his dream and opens a restaurant in Notting Hill. Unfortunately, after a year, he has to give up. It will be the occasion to gather the group for a last meal and for Honey to announce to everyone that she has fallen in love with Spike. There is no restaurant at this address, but a card and gift shop.

Address : 105 Golborne Road, London, United Kingdom

12. Nobu London

William and Anna are sharing dinner at a restaurant. At the next table, a group of men noisily exchange vulgar comments about the young woman. William tries in vain to calm them down, before Anna intervenes herself and ridicules the malotrus… This establishment is part of the prestigious franchise owned by Robert De Niro and chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. The famous Japanese cook met the interpreter of Taxi Driver at the opening of La Cienega in Los Angeles. From their friendship, a project was born, leading a few years later to a chain of restaurants all over the world, notably in London, Dallas, Tokyo and Dubai. Later in the feature film, during the birthday dinner scene, the fee Anna says she will receive for her film is $15 million. This is Julia Roberts’ real stamp for Love at first sight in Notting Hill.

Address : 19 Old Park Lane, London, United Kingdom

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The Notting Hill Bookshop

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The Travel Bookshop Notting Hill London

The Travel Bookshop, Notting Hill, West London

Made famous by its role in the 1999 film Notting Hill , The Travel Bookshop is an iconic presence in the Notting Hill district of west London .

The Travel Bookshop was founded in 1979 and aims to offer the literary traveler a complete reading experience that includes every country in the world.

The book shop is situated among the local art galleries, cafes, and the many boutiques of Notting Hill. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.

London’s The Travel Bookshop on Blenheim Crescent in Notting Hill. W11

Visitors to London may also enjoy visiting the Tower of London , St Paul’s Cathedral , or the Houses of Parliament . Portobello Road and its market are nearby.

Access – Getting There

The Travel Bookshop 13-15 Blenheim Crescent Notting Hill London W11 2EE Tel: 020 7229 5260

The nearest tube stations to the bookshop are Ladbroke Grove on the Circle and Hammersmith & City lines or Notting Hill on the Central Line. The following London buses pass close to Notting Hill Tube Station: 27, 28, 52, 328, 452, N27, N28, and N31.

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Travel Bookshop

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• Travel Writing
• Self-Publishing Diary
• Halfway to Venus
• Inside Notting Hill
• Sarah Anderson’s Travel Companion

The Travel Bookshop

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I founded the Travel Bookshop in 1979; it was run privately for more than 30 years. Nestled between the local art galleries, eateries and the many retro and avant-garde boutiques of Notting Hill, it offered a cornucopia for travelling readers. So enticing was this bookshop, it was chosen as the main setting and inspiration for the 1998 film Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts .

I was often asked why I had started the shop and so here is the story behind it … Almost my first job had been in a bookshop – WJ Bryce in Museum Street near the British Museum. I LOVED working there although I was only paid £7 a week. After about 2 years I left to go travelling and when I came back (having been round the world and having lived in New York), I had a bad skiing accident. There is nothing like being unable to move to give you time to think. I decided to go to university and got accepted to read Chinese at SOAS – after that 4 year course I still wasn’t qualified to do anything so I mentioned to somebody that when I retired I would like to have my own bookshop. They looked at me and asked ‘Retire from what, Sarah?’ and ‘If you want to do something, do it now.’ Good advice. I decided to specialise in travel and was the first shop to arrange the books under country – so that I had function side by side with guides and histories etc. Although it still might not have gone ahead – as I went to the US for a holiday – tod people of my plans – and they all told me what a great idea it was, but they also warned me that when I got back to the UK – people would say ‘Don’t do it.’ That’s exactly what happened – but geared up by the American ‘can do’ philosophy – I went ahead. I opened in Abingdon Road in Kensington and in late 1981 moved myself and the shop to Blenheim Crescent – where the shop, now known as the Notting Hill Bookshop, flourishes. All of this and more can be read about in my autobiography Halfway to Venus – now available as an e-book.

The Notting Hill Bookshop

Location & Hours

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13 Blenheim Crescent

Notting Hill

London W11 2EE

United Kingdom

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You won't be the only one trying to snap a photo in front of the store! What I love about this place is that the shop is actually cute on the inside and although a popular tourist spot thanks to Julia and Hugh, it's a great bookshop on its own. What I was surprised about was that a number of other book shops have popped up in Notting Hill trying to catch the tourists, but this is the OG.

I suppose this is a cool spot if you're a big fan of the movie. However, just remember that there are tons of people who are there for the same reason. They sell lots of swag and shopping bags from the movie as well.

I love to purchase a book from a bookstore while traveling. This bookstore is very cute and has a good selection.

When I travel, one of my favorite things to do is to locate and a visit independent bookstores. I must admit, being a fan of the movie Notting Hill I had to visit this cute little shop modeled after the one in the movie. The real shop that was used in the movie is a souvenir shop. This store is so cute and filled with all kinds of books. I ended up buying a couple of books along with a tote bag. I could have spent hours in here mulling through section by section of all the interesting books they carry. We had more sightseeing to do so I was in and out within an hour. Their children's area was magical with a windowed roof to allow the sunshine in. This area also featured cute little stools and a table for reading.The travel section was loaded with all kinds of books on faraway places. The staff were helpful and kind and I would recommend a stop here if you are a book lover like me while visiting this very charming neighborhood of London.

A cool indie bookstore made famous by the movie starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. The shop is popular amongst tourists wanting to snap their pic in the storefront, and mostly people just go in to gawk without buying anything. Because of this, the staff is a little on the cold side and not super helpful. The shop is small, but has a pretty impressive selection. It's also organized nicely making it easy to browse and find your next favorite title. Prices are standard, and if you're a fan of the film, still a cool little stop to make as the area surrounding is fun to explore.

I love independent book stores. While dropping my daughter off to do her study abroad in London we visited the Notting Hill Bookshop, lured there, mostly, because of the movie which featured a bookstore modeled after this one. It was lovely inside. In addition to a good selection of books, they had nice gifts and a decent children's section. We each bought a book and one of their great canvas tote bags. The area has other shops and restaurants.

We found it!

This store was fantastic! I'm not a big reader (I was here as a tourist bc of the movie), but the selection got me really excited to read. I was most mesmerized by the beautifully decorated leather bound older children's books like The Little Mermaid and Alice in Wonderland. Beyond that, there were fantastic looking books across an array of topics that piqued my interest. If I lived closer, I think I'd be there on a regular basis, which says a lot coming from someone who only buys online and doesn't typically read books.

The Notting Hill Bookshop was originally called the "Travel Book Co." in the romantic comedy Notting Hill (1999), which the shop was run by the Hugh Grant character.

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• Notting Hill

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The main office of this publisher and bookseller is piled high with lovingly restored reprints of unfairly neglected women writers, mainly from the interwar period. These beautiful objects are covered in identical plain eggshell blue, but each book’s endpapers comprise wonderful re-creations of patterns – wallpapers, fabrics, clothing or suchlike – contemporary with the book; but, more importantly, they make for fascinating reading. Some are by well-known names – Penelope Mortimer, Katherine Mansfield, Virginia Woolf – while others offer the chance to get to know quick-witted women who, by virtue of the time in which they lived, were not given the respect they might otherwise have gained in their own lifetimes. There’s William – an Englishman, Cicely Hamilton’s 1919 exploration of war; or Someone at a Distance (1953), in which Dorothy Whipple traces the effects of a man’s infidelity on his family. Persephone’s bestseller is Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (1938) by Winifred Watson.

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The Ultimate Guide to Notting Hill

By: Author Elle Croft

Categories Insider's Guide , London , London , UK

Remember that scene in Hugh Grant’s failing travel bookshop, when Julia Roberts tells him that she’s ‘just a girl standing in front of a boy, telling him that she loves him’? It was this film, named after and set in Notting Hill, that brought a small area in West London into the world spotlight in 1999. Although the film may be a little dated, Notting Hill – the place – remains a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Every Saturday the streets burst with bustling markets, and once a year the neighbourhood comes alive with the vibrant Caribbean Notting Hill Carnival.

Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, you’ll always find something new in and around Notting Hill. So no matter what you’re looking for: antiques, food, filming locations or just some good old people watching, here’s the ultimate guide to Notting Hill:

• The easiest way to reach Notting Hill from London is by tube. Jump on the Central line and get off at Notting Hill Gate
• Visit on a Saturday
• Arrive early (any later than 11 and you’ll regret it)
• Travel in the direction of the crowds (from Notting Hill Gate to Ladbroke Grove tube station)
• Explore beyond Portobello Road
• Look past the surface of stores (and don’t forget to look up!)
• Do your research before buying antiques…they’re often more expensive on Portobello Road than in other antique stores.

Don’t rush to Portobello Road

From Notting Hill Gate tube station to Chepstow Villas: Don’t be in too much of a hurry to get to the main section of the markets or you’ll miss some of the best antique and second-hand shops, character-filled pubs, beautiful houses and even a Banksy (or perhaps just Banksyesque) piece. Instead of getting swept up with the crowds, take some time to stop in the shops along Pembridge Road and the first stretch of Portobello Road. My favourite is Hirst Antiques, the windows of which are positively dripping in jewels. Look out for incredible designer pieces among the piles of bling.

To get your antique fix

From Chepstow Villas to Elgin Crescent: This is the main antique section, with arcade after arcade begging you to come inside and explore. Don’t be fooled by the miniscule exteriors – when you walk in, these arcades open up into mini-marketplaces with myriad stalls of tempting treasures. On the street you’ll find stands selling antiques, collectibles, trinkets and straight up junk. As Hugh Grant said in Notting Hill, some are genuine, some not quite so genuine. While we’re thinking about that famous film, see if you can recognise the location of William Thacker’s travel bookshop (currently, at last check, a fairly average gift shop).

Insider tip: take note of Negozio Classica, a great Italian wine bar to stop at on the way home.

Grab a bite to eat

From Elgin Crescent to Cambridge Gardens: Here you’ll find food – fresh fruit and veg, incredible street food and a selection of delicious restaurants. There are also flowers, a smattering of antiques and the occasional stall selling the most bizarre selection of items that I’m not even sure how to categorize them. If you’re hungry for lunch, I highly recommend the paella, which is probably the best in London. Caffeine hunters should check out Coffee Plant, a painfully hip cafe serving the best coffee on Portobello Road. But if you’re looking for a meal that you can enjoy in a more relaxed setting, don’t miss the French-American Electric Dinner where you’ll enjoy some fabulous people-watching if you can get a table outside.

Insider tip: Although the location of The Travel Bookshop is further up the road, the real store that inspired its fictional counterpart can be found on Blenheim Crescent (turn left just after Electric Cinema). Stop for a photo at The Notting Hill Bookshop, and invest in a book or two while you’re there (have you got any Winnie the Pooh?)

Take a look around

From Cambridge Gardens to Ladbroke Grove tube station: This is where the Portobello Road crowds begin to thin a little. Instead of antiques or food, here you’ll tend to find second-hand clothes and hand-crafted accessories. If you’re done for the day, you can jump on the tube at Ladbroke Grove station, but I recommend heading back the way you came instead. Don’t stick to Portobello Road though; take some time to explore the backstreets – my favourite is Westbourne Grove, home to the delicious deli cafe Ottolenghi which serves sweet and savoury treats you won’t be able to resist.

No matter how much you manage to see, do, buy and eat in Notting Hill, there’s always more to try next time. It’s just one of the reasons why Notting Hill is one of the best parts of London to explore.

Have you been to Notting Hill? What would you add to my list?

Pin this for later: 

Saturday 3rd of October 2015

Great! I have a photo with the bookshop and I bought some cool stuff at Portobello road market:)

Thursday 27th of August 2015

As a film and travel blogger I feel ashamed that I haven't been to Notting Hill yet, and it looks like there are so many other things to see and do in that area too. It's safely on my UK travel bucket list now!

I love the Notting Hill market too. I'm not 100% sure but the Travel Bookshop may have closed?

Anne Slater-Brooks

Tuesday 25th of August 2015

I absolutely need to share this with my hubbie who I often find secretly watching Notting Hill! I swear to God he must have seen it around ten times.

This may just inspire him to go explore the actual place!

Claire Robinson

I've never explored Notting Hill - but I love, love, love this post and will use it on my next trip to London! Thanks :)

The heartbreaking true story of the bookshop that inspired the Notting Hill film

The Travel Bookshop was actually a real place

• 12:42, 19 AUG 2020

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Movie enthusiasts across the world have travelled the streets of West London in search of the beloved travel bookshop that featured in the iconic film, Notting Hill.

The quaint book store known in the film as The Travel Book Company was owned by Will, Hugh Grant's character, and it was actually based on a real Notting Hill book store.

The real book store, called The Travel Bookshop was the inspiration for the 1999 classic but to the upset of Notting Hill fans, it sadly closed in 2011 after a hard fought campaign.

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The family run shop on Blenheim Crescent, just off Portobello Road , opened in 1979 and was frequented by Notting Hill film director Richard Curtis which led to the inspiration for the film.

Although the movie wasn't actually filmed in the West London store, its interior design provided the arrangement for the on set replica. But after 32 long years in business, the store fell on hard times and found itself on the brink of closure in 2011.

Several writers and actors launched a campaign to reverse the closure and the save the specialist book store.

Poet, Olivia Cole led the way in 2011 even offering to volunteer at the store saying in the Guardian: "It’s an amazing specialist bookshop and it has the Notting Hill novelty but it is the same sad story that we’re seeing in high streets all over the country.

"Loads of independent bookshop are having a bad time."

Actor, Alec Baldwin who played Julia Roberts' boyfriend in the film was also in support of the campaign calling for it to be saved. However, the iconic store, which helped Notting Hill gross more than £220 million, closed for good in 2011.

However, like a phoenix rising rising from the ashes, the store was bought back to life after being purchased by The Book Warehouse. It's in the same location on Blenheim Crescent as the original store but now goes by the name, The Notting Hill Bookshop, no longer operating as a specialist travel book shop.

The last owner of The Travel Bookshop said in The Bookseller: "'Book warehouses are just that; a place where remaindered books, cards, calendars, magazines etc are found.

"Worthy though such enterprises are, 'The Book Warehouse Notting Hill' has no association whatsoever - despite its occupying a part of the old location of The Travel Bookshop - with that 30+ year-old enterprise."

Many Notting Hill fans still visit the Notting Hill Bookshop, with some lovebirds even proposing in the romantic spot. So although The Travel Bookshop is no more, its legacy of romance and mystery still lives on in West London.

• Notting Hill
• Most Recent

A Self-Guided Walking Tour of "Notting Hill" Film Locations in London

The 1999 film "Notting Hill" is set in the district of London by the same name where a bookshop owner played by Hugh Grant meets a famous American actress played by Julia Roberts.

If you're taking a trip to England's capital city, you can take a walking tour of locations made famous by this romantic comedy by starting from the Notting Hill Gate tube station . The walk is about two miles long and will take under an hour to complete from start to finish, but you could also spend more time at any of these destinations, so set aside extra time for your trip just in case.

The Print Room (Formerly Coronet Cinema)

At 103 Notting Hill Gate—next to or opposite the Notting Hill Gate tube station (depending on which exit you take)—you'll find the ​ Print Room , which was formerly the Coronet Cinema. This is where the character William (Hugh Grant) watched "Helix," the science fiction short film starring Anna Scott (Julia Roberts).​​​​​

The Coronet opened as a theater in 1898 and was such a well-respected venue that it was where King Edward VII saw a performance and Sir John Gielgud watched his first Shakespeare play. It served as a cinema for the local community for years and was transformed back to a theater in 2010.

If you have the time, you can return here later at night to catch an Off-West End show, a poetry reading, musical performance, or even an educational talk or discussion. 

Bella and Max's House

The next stop on the tour is the home of William's friends Bella, played by Gina Mckee. From the Print Room, walk down Notting Hill Gate towards Holland Park tube station. At Holland Park station, turn right onto Lansdowne Road then walk until you come to 91 Lansdowne Road on your right.

In the film, William surprises his younger sister, Honey Thacker, and her partner Bernie (Hugh Bonneville) by bringing the famous Anna to Honey's birthday party at Gina's house. William and Anna wind up leaving the party rather intoxicated, laughing as they ventured out into the neighborhood. You can snap a quick picture in front of the building before continuing to follow the pair back into the neighborhood.

Rosmead Gardens

Right around the corner, you can take in excellent views of  Rosmead Gardens , where Anna and William first stumbled drunkenly after leaving Gina's house. Simply turn around and make your first right onto Rosmead Road.

Anna and William break into these private communal garden, but while the movie may have made it appear like a good idea to break into these gardens, it's best to just observe them from the road. Not only is it illegal to trespass on this private property, but if you try to climb over the wall like Hugh Grant, there is a pretty big drop from the railings on the other side and you could get injured.

Rosmead Gardens is part of the Ladbroke Estate, which includes other nearby private gardens: Arundel Gardens and St. John's. Despite looking like a small park, these private gardens are owned and maintained by the local residents, who are the only people with keys for access.

Portobello Road Market

From the gardens, head back to the left along Lansdowne Road, past Gina's house, and make a left onto Ladbroke Grove (the first left). Walk up a block to Elgin Crescent, make a right, then continue two blocks before making another right onto Portobello Road.

This section of the street is known as Portobello Road Market , which is one of the most famous street markets in the world. With markets held six days a week—including the popular Saturday antique sale—Portobello Road Market is a great way to spend the afternoon even if you're not a fan of the "Notting Hill" film.

In the opening scene of the movie, Hugh Grant is seen walking down Portobello Road Market on his way to his bookshop, The Travel Book Company.

The Travel Bookshop

For fans of the film, in particular, the Travel Book Shop is a must-see destination on the walking tour and is less than a block from where you turn onto Portobello Road from Elgin Crescent.

This spot at 142 Portobello Road was used as the location for William Thacker's (Hugh Grant's) Travel Book Shop in the movie, but there has never been a bookshop there. It was formerly the Nicholls Antique Arcade, then a furniture store called Gong, and it currently serves as a gift shop. There is a sign on the building, though, for "The Travel Book Shop" that has remained in place since filming took place in 1998. 

The fictional bookstore in the film was also based on the real Travel Bookshop nearby (13 Blenheim Crescent), which you can get to by turning back down Portobello Road, walking past Elgin Crescent, and making a left on Blenheim Crescent. The original Travel Bookshop closed in 2011 but has since reopened as the Notting Hill Bookshop.

The Blue Door (William's Flat)

For the next stop, continue up Portobello Road to the left from the Notting Hill Bookshop, past Saint's Tattoo Parlour where a confused man in the movie stumbles out with a tattoo of "I Love Ken" but no recollection of why he got it. The next road, Westbourne Park Road, is where you'll find the famous blue door that leads to William's flat in the film.

The house was once owned by the movie's screenplay writer, Richard Curtis. The blue door was incredibly popular and many people came to write their name on it, but the original was removed and sold at auction at Christie's. It was replaced with a black door to not attract so much attention, but time has moved on and the current owners have kindly painted the door blue again.

The property is valued in the multi-millions and is actually a converted chapel with huge windows and ornate church features, thus nothing like the studio set used for the interior scenes in the movie. You can't see any of this from the street though, but you can snap a quick photograph in front of the new blue door.

Coffee Shop

Once you've snapped a photograph, head back across Portobello Road to the opposite corner, where you'll find a chain coffee shop called CoffeeBello. In the film, there was a small cafe next door with tables and chairs on the sidewalk, but now it's a hair salon.

This is where William buys a glass of orange juice and then bumps into Anna on the corner, spilling the juice on her. He then explains he lives just across the road and suggests they go there to get cleaned up.

Tony's Restaurant

From the coffee shop on the corner, continue down Portobello Road the way you were heading before stopping at the blue door. You'll pass under The Westway then turn right onto Golborne Road to arrive at 105 Golborne Road, where you'll find the location of Tony's Restaurant in the film.

Now an art store and gift shop called Portfolio, this location in the film was owned by William Thacker's friend Tony (Richard McCabe). The aptly-named Tony's Restaurant was deemed a failure, but Tony and his friend Bernie played "Blue Moon" on the piano on the night it closed in the film.

Ending the Walking Tour

From here you could walk along Portobello Road all the way back to Notting Hill Gate, although Ladbroke Grove tube station or Westbourne Park tube stations are both closer. Alternatively, you could continue up Golborne Road and take a walk along the Grand Union Canal.

To reach the canal, walk up Golborne Road and continue straight ahead, passing Trellick Tower on your right. When the road bends to the left and becomes Kensal Road, head onto the canal path next to Meanwhile Gardens. Turn right and in about 20 minutes you'll reach Little Venice where you could consider doing the Little Venice to Camden Walk.

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

How To Spend A Perfect 24 Hours In Notting Hill, London

• Destinations
• United Kingdom

A wonderful perk of my job as a pilot is being able to visit some pretty amazing places. I really love getting familiar with a large city and exploring like a local rather than a tourist. I am spending more and more time in London this year and have become quite smitten with the Notting Hill area. You will too! 

This area is one of London’s most enviable, priciest neighborhoods. It boasts colorfully painted houses, quaint and eclectic cafes, endless shopping, and the largest antique mall in the world! Notting Hill is the place to visit, and here’s how to spend a perfect 24 hours.

Getting To Notting Hill

This quaint and charming area is located in the West London area, specifically in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Traveling around London is fast, easy, and economical. As such, it’s easy to get to Notting Hill from anywhere in London. The area is accessed by a number of Tube stations including Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove in the north, and Notting Hill Gate in the south. Travel by train, bus, Uber, or ride a Santander Cycle . 

The easiest station to begin your tour of Notting Hill is at the Notting Hill Gate stop. Exit the stop, head east, and take a short walk toward Pembridge Road. Signs lead the way! Once you begin down this road, your journey begins. Notting hill is easily navigable by foot once you’re there. 

Pro Tip: An Oyster card is a pay-as-you-go travel card on the bus and the Tube. All travel is now contactless — either wave your credit card or your Oyster card. 

Feast For Your Eyes

As you begin your journey, let your eyes feast on the many colorful thrift shops on Pembridge Road while your appetite grows with each step. Some forethought is required to plan where and what you will eat. There are many options! Choose from street vendors, sit-down cafes, and upscale restaurants. My favorite way to eat is at a cooking class demonstration, like the ones at Books for Cooks , with food served! 

I like to stop and have small portions at many places; to enjoy the food and take a rest. My favorite cafe to grab a light bite is Farm Girl Cafe . A popular, healthy, and affordable way to eat delicious food and have a spot o’ tea (or coffee in my case). No worries if you don’t plan on where to eat — there is a cafe on every corner.

Pro Tips: Be sure to try Farm Girl Cafe’s famous London rose latte, created for a multitude of health benefits. Also, Farm Girl Cafe is a very popular spot for foodies and their Instagram shots!

Shop Portobello Road Market

If you were to close your eyes and think of the T.V. show Antiques Road Show but outdoors, this is that come to life! Open your eyes and marvel at the antiques that lay before you. Welcome to the world-famous Portobello Market . At your feet, front and center! Deemed the world’s largest antique market, this charming, half-mile road has it all! 

Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to visit. Be forewarned, it’s extremely popular and crowded. There are over 1,500 stalls to browse and find amazing vintage goodies, fine leatherworks, cashmere and wool goods, and items you didn’t know you needed! Colorful houses sit atop the shops and nearby stalls. 

There is a slight grade from the Notting Hill Gate stop down Portobello Street. At the end of the street market is another station called Ladbroke Grove Key. 

Pro Tips: If you have heavy bags, consider exiting at Ladbroke station, otherwise it’s a slight uphill grade back up to Notting Hill Gate. While you’re there, check out the vintage swap meet style stands at this end of the market.

Happy Hour, Anyone?

Enter one of the most iconic places to grab a drink in this corner of the world. Hit the Ginstitute , a big, blue, 19th-century building with more information about gin than one could drink in an afternoon! Visit London’s premier institute and experience an opportunity to blend your own gin ! Create gin with English-grown wheat and scrumptious botanicals from around the world during the 3-hour class. It’s a smashing good time and leaves you with a gift to take! 

If gin isn’t quite your fancy but pubs are, another great watering hole is The Churchill Arms just on the other side of the Notting Hill Gate Stop. Built in 1750 and once frequented by former prime minister Winston Churchill’s grandparents, the pub received its current name after World War II. A place to stop, sip up some history, and take a load off your feet.

Get Off The Beaten Path

Take a left or right off of Portobello Road and see more of this neighborhood’s high-end shops, upscale cafes, and restaurants. Each corner has a charming and quaint cafe. One of my favorites, as I’ve mentioned, is Books for Cooks . A recipe is chosen from one of their many cookbooks and prepared for an audience. At the end of the demonstration, the class shares in the feast! 

Notting Hill Bookshop  

Directly across the street from Books for Cooks is the famous Notting Hill Bookshop! It came to fame as one of the filming locations for the 1999 film Notting Hill , starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. This is the shop where Grant’s character worked. It is fun to take a picture in front of the store with the blue door! It’s not easy to miss — you will see loads of other people doing the same thing! 

The truth is, the shop’s interior wasn’t used in filming — it was a set — but it’s fun to pretend.

Mews, Not Meows

The most charming of the darling streets in Notting Hill are the mews . Not to be confused with a cat’s meow , a mews is a horse carriage path of yesterday. Today, it’s used to grant access to a charming house. Yankees call it an alley. 

Notting Hill area has charming mews with colors, stone facades, foliage, and privacy. Quiet and picturesque, enchanting, and downright photogenic! After strolling through a few random streets, you will begin to realize why this area is used for so many famous backdrops in the movies. Filled with character and charm! Consider it a feast for your eyes while you soak up the colorful townhouses. Walk around and take in all the colors! See a rainbow of colorful houses just off Lancaster Road and soft pastels on Chepstow Villas. You can’t help but be in a good mood slurping up the bright hues!

Pro Tip: Visit these colorful streets featured in over 1.5 million Instagram images. Plan on about 1.5 hours to walk and take pics.

• Lancaster Road
• St. Luke’s Mews (Rom-com fans will recognize the area from the 2003 film Love Actually .)
• Colville Terrace
• Ledbury Road
• Elgin Crescent
• Uxbridge Street
• Hillgate Place
• Calcott Street

Best Place To Eat

There are so many brilliant places to grab a meal in Notting Hill, and you will need a break after touring this charming area. Head over to The Cow for a real pub feast, true English style with loads of character. A perfect destination for Guinness and oysters. Indulge yourself with their fish stew, bangers and mash, or a pint of prawns. Enjoy one of England’s best-known pubs on the lower floor, or head upstairs for a fancier eatery.

Best Movie Theater In London

Finish your day and relax in one of the oldest working movie cinemas in London: Electric Cinema . Built in 1920, the theater has seen and gone through many changes but is still standing in all its historical glory. Even two world wars couldn’t bring her down. Love and care, longevity, and passion have kept this landmark afloat. Book tickets online or walk up and catch a movie and rest your tired feet from all your walking. 

Carnival In August?

Listen, see, and taste the colorful world of Mas, Soca, and Calypso in real life as Carnival rumbas into Notting Hill during the last weekend of August! The festival celebrates the community that migrated here from the Caribbean starting in 1948, steeped in a complex history. Also known as the Trinidad Carnival , the Notting Hill Carnival was first held here in 1966. Plan on 1 million visitors and 50,000 performers attending the parade. Loads of people, amazing Caribbean food, performing musicians, and more costumes than you can count.

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling during this festival, book your room early!

Hopefully, you too will say cheerio after you leave this darling area of West London. A bit of old English slang to say goodbye ! So many places to see, and so many options for food and drink. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the day in this iconic, charming, and quaint British neighborhood. Small enough to wander that you too might feel like a local!

Further Reading:

• 26 Unique Bookstores To Visit In London
• My 9 Favorite Markets To Visit In London
• Unique Museums To Visit In London
• 9 Can’t-Miss Chocolate Shops In The UK

Christy Karsten is an airline pilot who loves to travel and explore the globe. When she's not exploring the world on a jet, she's adventuring the road less traveled, shopping, and enjoying local foods. She has been to five continents; with each trip, her bucket list continues to overflow while her list of destinations continues to expand. At her home in Southern California, she spends her time working out, hiking, and researching her next global journey. Depending on the day, this wife and mother is either an international airline pilot or a travel-hungry globetrotter.

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11 Best London Airbnbs, From Notting Hill to Shoreditch

Posted: April 28, 2023 | Last updated: June 27, 2023

The best London Airbnbs offer a way to experience life more like a local, even if you're only staying for a few nights. Whether you're dreaming of a three-story townhouse with a stunning rooftop garden or a one-bedroom to live out your Notting Hill fantasies, you can find it on the vacation rental site. All of the properties we've featured below share the charm of the city—cozy, clean, and steps from London's oldest (and newest) monuments and cultural sites, from the London Eye and Tower Bridge to the Victoria and Albert Museum. Ahead, discover 11 of the best Airbnbs in London, starting at less than $200 per night.

And when it comes time to plan your stay, take a look at our London city guide , featuring the best walking tours , museums , and restaurants to try; plus, where to go for afternoon tea , and day trip ideas , if you have time to visit Greater London and more of the United Kingdom.

We've vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meredith Carey and Paris Wilson.

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Airbnb 33713883

The vibe:  Grayscale luxury apartment Bed & bath: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Fully equipped kitchen, espresso machine, and formal dining area for six Neighborhood: St. James’s

Here's another Airbnb Luxe with an incomparably posh address: Two Jermyn Street. It's location puts you dead center of one of London's most iconic fashion districts. (Need to get your bearings? We love the Jermyn Street Fashion Walk tours.) The home itself is a glamorous affair with an open-concept living room, a dining table with space for six, a galley kitchen, and two big bedrooms (both with ensuite bathrooms). Plus, the fifth-floor apartment has a private balcony—and you'll find designer furnishing throughout the entire home. Soho and The British Museum are nearby, you can get to Piccadilly Circus on foot in four minutes, and Kensington Palace is a mere two miles away.

Airbnb 9133028

The vibe:  Bright, crisp, open Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private patio garden, dedicated workspace with a printer, window bench Neighborhood: World’s End Estate

You'll never want to leave this Scandinavian-inspired home in the heart of Chelsea. The one-bedroom flat feels surprisingly spacious, in part because of its rare indoor-outdoor floor plan, featuring floor-to-ceiling accordion glass doors that open both the living room and kitchen onto the petite, ivy-covered patio. Perks of this London Airbnb include room-darkening curtains and a fireplace in the living room. The Thames River is a two-minute walk in one direction, and the shops and bistros of King's Road are also right around the corner.

Airbnb 20793292

The vibe:  Spacious, entertainment hub Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Egyptian linen, large living room space, en suite bathrooms Neighborhood: Belgravia

This charming Belgravia apartment is a place you'll be happy to stay awhile (and you can, if you so choose: the hosts allow long-term stays up to 90 days). Ideal for a small family, there are two bedrooms (one with a king bed and one with a queen bed), both of which have ensuite bathrooms. The large, open living area is filled with comfortable, contemporary furniture, while the kitchen has all the basics for family dinners: pots and pans, oil, salt and pepper, dishes and silverware, and a four-person dining table. Plus, you're a walk away from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.

Airbnb 34975036

The vibe:  Grandeur with Wes Anderson–esque touches Bed & bath:  5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths Top amenities:  Fireplace, video game system, deep soaking tub Neighborhood: Chelsea

Need lots of space? This five-bedroom townhouse in South Kensington has plenty of it, with a large living room and kitchen for relaxing. There's also a private atrium that's perfect for dining al fresco, should the weather permit. The home is extremely elegant, but not without fun, kid-friendly spaces. Case in point: one of the bedrooms features a treehouse-inspired bed, complete with a little ladder that ushers you into the fort-like retreat that’s filled with stuffed animals and colorful string lights. The price tag, undoubtedly, is high, but bear in mind that this is another Airbnb Luxe and come with luxury amenities, services, and a travel planning concierge. Here, housekeeping is included in your stay, and you can coordinate fresh groceries, a chef, and even child care for your stay at an extra fee.

Airbnb 45048820

The vibe:  Pastel pink dream Bed & bath:  2 bedroom, 3 baths Top amenities:  Private patio, washing machine with laundry detergent tablets provided, hospitality pack with kitchen staples and English delicacies Neighborhood: Chelsea

This quirky two-bedroom apartment belongs in our most colorful Airbnbs gallery, too, with its pastel pink Smeg fridge, pink-walled sunroom (shown above), and patterned wallpapers. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, there's a small balcony off both bedrooms and a garden out back to get some fresh air without leaving your home base, though South Kensington museums like the Victoria and Albert and Science museums are nearby, too. You'll have all the essentials and then some inside: The host, Robert, leaves a hospitality pack filled with bread, milk, eggs, butter, biscuits, and chocolates for guests, and the kitchen is stocked with basics like coffee, tea, sugar, oil and vinegar, and salt and pepper. To note, the second bedroom, with its two twin beds, also houses a sink and shower in the room, so guests may end up wanting to share the one larger bathroom.

Airbnb 42081759

The vibe:  Soft naturecore studio in the heart of London Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Gym and lounge access, king-size bed, Wi-Fi Neighborhood: Blackfriars

For those looking to spend a few days away from home, this one-bedroom Airbnb (located inside an aparthotel ) checks all the boxes: contactless check-in, space to cook your own meals, “blazing-fast Wi-Fi” per one reviewer, and a dedicated work space, plus a spacious lounge area downstairs. The room is just big enough for one, or a couple, with a king-size bed and clean, amenities-filled bathroom. Outside, there are places to sit along the River Thames, and in the hotel lobby, a café that previous guests recommend for gelato or coffee.

Airbnb 7071134

The vibe:  Chic apartment with optimal lounging space Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Sonos sound system, balcony, coffee maker Neighborhood: Earl’s Court

This sophisticated Airbnb boasts high ceilings and is filled with natural light, statement art, and impressive decor. Both the living space and the lofted bedroom (complete with a king bed) feature Sonos sound systems. The apartment's balcony overlooks a beautiful garden square and features a café table where you can enjoy a coffee while watching the morning bustle below. Holland Park is just steps away.

Airbnb 11469499

The vibe:  Romantic and moody Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Filled bookcase, fireplace, Pack ’n Play crib Neighborhood: Angel

This London Airbnb is another one of our favorites, just within the Zone 1 tube boundary. The surrounding neighborhood is charming and quaint, with a nearby canal made for morning walks. The two-bedroom home itself has an eclectic design, effortlessly blending classic furniture with bohemian touches. We're especially fond of the book-filled living room and oversized art throughout the home. This Airbnb is a welcome retreat to come home to after a day of London sightseeing (Big Ben, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, and so on).

Airbnb 12997485

The vibe:  A light-filled bohemian getaway Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 2 baths Top amenities:  Freestanding bath, dedicated workspace, record player Neighborhood: Westbourne

If you're looking for a true neighborhood vibe—and easy access to the rest of the city—this Westbourne Green Airbnb is ideal. Walking distance from Notting Hill and Portobello Market and near a number of tube stations, the home itself has two bedrooms (one of which has a freestanding tub, score ), enormous kitchen-living-room-dining-room, workspace for checking emails, and roof terrace for sunset views over the city. Bonus, it's an Airbnb Plus , so the home has been vetted by an Airbnb rep and has all the basics: an ironing board, linens, closet and drawer space for guests, a well-lit entry, easy check-in, comfortable mattresses, a coffee maker, a bathroom free of the host's personal items, and toiletries like shampoo, making it ideal for a first timer used to hotel amenities.

Airbnb 14993945

The vibe:  A charming one-bedroom with brick accents Bed & bath:  1 bedroom, 1 bath Top amenities:  Hotel-quality bed linens and towels, fully equipped kitchen, 55” TV with streaming capabilities Neighborhood: St. Saviour Estate

Located right by London Bridge tube station, this one-bedroom is a cozy home for any solo traveler or couple. The apartment is easily accessible and has 24-hour reception and security in the building, for added safety. The large kitchen is fully equipped for meals at home, and there's also a desk workspace for those working remotely. Bonus for those in town for work: The apartment is a short walk across the London Bridge, or a few tube stops, away from "The City," London's financial district.

Airbnb 17299024

The vibe:  Minimalistic yet stylish flat Bed & bath:  2 bedrooms, 1 bath Top amenities:  Private garden, grill, public pool across the street Neighborhood: Barnsbury Estate

Among our top-rated vacation rentals: This charming two-bed rental unit near Granary Square. If you want your own private ivy-lined patio in London , you've got it here, with a backyard grill to boot. And the apartment is just a few blocks from Camden Lock—an area around Regent's Canal that's great for morning strolls. Inside, the home has two bedrooms, each with king-size beds, and is minimally designed.

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