Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London guide

You can walk between four of the world’s greatest museums in Kensington. Get close to dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum or joyfully hands-on at the Science Museum’s kid-friendly Wonder Lab. Design lovers will adore the V&A, famous for its fashion exhibitions and Victorian cafe. The Design Museum on Kensington High Street isn’t far away, either.

Music lovers are spoilt for choice here. Under the Royal Albert Hall’s distinctive domed roof, you can hear everything from classical to classic rock. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is based at the prestigious Cadogan Hall, and Holland Park hosts open-air opera. At the Royal College of Music Museum, you can even catch a recital by the student talent.

Portobello Road pops with colour. In front of its brightly painted houses, a sprawling antiques market draws bustling crowds (and a few buskers) every Saturday. The rest of the week, the stalls sell vegetables and vintage goods. And there’s plenty more to enjoy in its arcades, pubs and cafes. Just avoid Sundays, when many of the vendors take the day off.

You’ll find outdoor spaces to stimulate all the senses here. Take a healthy breather at the Chelsea Physic Garden, which has been growing medicinal plants since 1673. Find your zen at the tranquil Kyoto Garden, a gift from the Japanese city. For a more spirited adventure, the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens has its own pirate ship.

Chelsea has been a magnet for artists ever since the Pre-Raphaelites set up shop on Cheyne Walk. Today, its streets are lined with galleries exhibiting works from old masters to modern photography. For non-collectors, the Saatchi Gallery hosts exhibitions of emerging artists in a former 19th-century military school — some exhibitions are even free.

For four decades, Michelin House has hosted one of the best restaurants in Kensington. It’s appropriate, given the number of chefs with Michelin stars here. Alongside some of the city’s most extravagant menus, you’ll find gourmet gastropubs, pretty patisseries and elegant espresso bars. And you can always count on a tasty meal at one of Kensington’s many Lebanese restaurants.

This neighbourhood has been a cool place to party since the swinging 1960s. It’s still a popular hangout for celebrities and royalty alike, often in private members clubs like the legendary Raffles. You’ll find weekend DJs in its many speakeasies and luxurious period decor in the hotel bars. And the pubs combine centuries of history with a timeless charm.

Harrods’ green and gold livery is known worldwide. The luxury department store has become the ultimate shopping pilgrimage, along with its classy neighbour, Harvey Nichols. Sloane Street is couture central. And both the King’s Road and the Fulham Road burst with boutiques and classy homeware. For those who prefer vintage and vinyl, Notting Hill offers some respite from the hefty price tags.

Pack your earplugs for the Notting Hill Carnival. London’s noisiest street party fills 48 hours with steel bands and much more every August. Less raucous is the popular Proms season, where concertgoers queue for bargain standing tickets to hear the world’s greatest classical performers. And you can get your gardening fix at the five-day Chelsea Flower Show in May.