Notting Hill is one of London's most distinctive neighbourhoods — a hillside of painted stucco terraces, private garden squares, and the long curve of Portobello Road running through its centre. The Saturday antique market on Portobello is the largest in the world, running from the Notting Hill Gate end (antiques and silver) through the fruit and vegetable section to Golborne Road at the north end, which has the best bric-à-brac and the excellent Moroccan-run bakeries.
Every August the Notting Hill Carnival — Europe's largest street festival, celebrating Caribbean culture — takes over the entire area for two days with sound systems, costumed performers, and cooking on the street. If you visit in late August, do not miss it.