Destination Guides

Destinations·Tastemaker series·Luxury travel

Travel Tastemaker's luxury, off-the-beaten-path guide to London

Where to stay, shop, eat, and play in the London the locals keep for themselves — modern luxuries and British heritage, in one elegantly quiet itinerary.

Emily DraperCurated by Tripsby · Travel Tastemaker

Published Oct 24, 202510 min read16 picks

Photos

The Thames at last lightStay

NoMad LondonStay

The Chelsea TownhouseStay

The WhiteleyDo

The National GalleryDo

Savile RowShop

The Cadogan ArmsEat

The Pie Room, HolbornEat

A city that still knows how to do luxury.

If there's one city in the world that knows how to do luxury, it's London. For centuries, it has been the hub of high society — an elite British class where balls, high tea, theater, and shopping were all part of a regular week. In some ways, modern London is much different. In others, it's completely the same.

From exclusive hotels, bars, and members' clubs to boutique shopping and fine dining, the city is a shiny playground for the luxury traveler. In this off-the-beaten-path guide, we share the places we play in London — the ones that embrace both modern luxuries and British heritage in equal measure.

Read on, and discover where to stay, shop, eat, and play as a luxury traveler — before the masses do.

01Where to stay3 hotels

Hotels off the beaten path in London

Every great trip starts with where you sleep. Three London hotels with three very different ideas of luxury — a reimagined courthouse, a wellness sanctuary, and a townhouse that hides in plain sight.

NoMad London, Covent Garden.

Covent Garden · Hotel

NoMad London, Covent Garden

Housed in a reimagined magistrates court and police station, NoMad London has punctuated the hotel market with its art-forward modern vintage style that perfectly balances theatrical and homey. The velvet furnishings, gold clawfoot baths, and elegant sconces framing a curated selection of modern art embody the tasteful modern traveler.

Since its 2021 opening, the hotel has edged to the forefront of London's culinary scene with New-York–French brasserie Twenty8 NoMad and Side Hustle, its elegant-but-casual retro restaurant and bar.

Covent Garden, WC291 roomsReserve via Tripsby

Bayswater · Hotel & spa

Six Senses London, Bayswater

For a stay centered on relaxation and wellbeing, consider Six Senses London in The Whiteley — a reimagined West London landmark fusing sustainable high living through the emergence of a luxury hotel, residence, spa, restaurants, and boutiques.

While the rooms and suites encourage tranquility with their warm Scandi design, Whiteley's Kitchen, Bar, and Café provides a relaxed space for everything from nourishing breakfast and lunch to suave evening dinners and drinks. The hotel is anchored by its leading London wellness center and spa, which blends high-tech wellness with hands-on healing — from water therapies to aerial yoga.

Bayswater, W2Spa · Restaurant · ResidencesReserve via Tripsby

Garden Room at The Chelsea Townhouse, Cadogan Gardens.

Cadogan Gardens · Townhouse

The Chelsea Townhouse, Cadogan Gardens

The Chelsea Townhouse blends the feel of a luxury London townhouse with the indulgence of five-star facilities and services, creating a classy boutique city stay. The building's classic Victorian features — high ceilings, panelled walls, bay windows — are complemented and juxtaposed with warm, neutral interiors highlighted by plush modern-classic furnishings.

As with any proper London townhouse, The Chelsea features a Garden Room — an elegant but relaxed setting for breakfast, brunch, and evening drinks. If the sun's out, skip the Garden Room and take the hotel's Laurent-Perrier Picnic to your favourite London park instead.

Cadogan Gardens, SW3Townhouse · Garden RoomReserve via Tripsby

Where to find them3 hotels · pinned

3 pinnedMap loading…

1NoMad London, Covent Garden28 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AWWebsite ↗Maps ↗
2Six Senses London, Bayswater145–155 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 4SDWebsite ↗Maps ↗
3The Chelsea Townhouse, Cadogan Gardens11 Cadogan Gardens, Chelsea, London SW3 2RJWebsite ↗Maps ↗

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With somewhere worth coming home to settled, the city opens up. Now where to play — the afternoons most travellers never quite find.

Read on —02 · What to do

02What to do5 ideas

Things to do off the beaten path

Five afternoons that aren't on the standard sightseeing list — but should be. A landmark luxury development, an opera-house box, a private gallery tour, an afternoon tea worth queuing for, and the wellness centres London quietly does best.

The Whiteley, London.

Queensway · A whole day

Spend a leisurely day at The Whiteley

If you're looking for a relaxed day indulging in London's luxuries, tell your driver to take you to The Whiteley between Notting Hill and Hyde Park. Housed in a breathtaking London landmark building, the luxury living condominium features a curated selection of shops, cafés, modern restaurants, a cinema, and a state-of-the-art gym to enjoy — along with the Six Senses hotel and wellness center.

In other words, there's everything you could want in one place. It's as close as you'll get to a private member's club without the commitment.

Queensway, W2Open dailyAdd to itinerary

Covent Garden · An evening

Box seats at the Royal Opera House

If you want to be part of London's high society, get box seats at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Having been a London institution for almost 300 years, serving the upper classes with world-leading opera and ballet, it's almost a rite of passage.

The current building — dating back to the mid-19th century — is a wonder in itself, from the iconic cast iron and glass façade to the Baroque gold gilding in the theaters. The performances? Well, they're something else.

Bow Street, WC2Add to itinerary

The National Gallery, London.

Trafalgar Square · A morning

A private tour of the National Gallery

Want to see London's iconic museums but can't be bothered with the crowds and impersonal group tours? Enjoy private out-of-hours tours by specialist museum guides instead, giving you the time and space to fully immerse in and appreciate the history and beauty of their collections in peace.

The National Gallery, British Museum, Imperial War Museum, and the Tate all offer these insightful tours — but if you choose only one, make it the National Gallery. After a champagne and canapé introduction, your gallery-approved guides will lead you around the gallery, focusing on a special interest of your choice.

Trafalgar Square, WC2From £420 / twoBook via Tripsby

Mayfair / Piccadilly · Mid-afternoon

High tea at a luxury London hotel

Scones with jam and clotted cream, smoked salmon sandwiches, crisp pastries, and, of course, a pot of hot tea — the ultimate afternoon indulgence. Yes, it has become a touristy thing to do in London, but it hasn't stopped Londoners from enjoying, and nor should you.

The trick is to find the places Londoners go for afternoon tea, rather than the tourists. So skip The Ritz, Claridge's, and The Savoy. Instead, book a table at The English Tea Room at Brown's Hotel, The Parlour at Sketch, or The Wolseley.

Mayfair / PiccadillyReserve via Tripsby

Mayfair / Knightsbridge · Anytime

Treatments at London's wellness centres

Take the opportunity to get the treatments you've been craving while you're in London, which is quickly becoming a leading city wellness destination. From spas and wellness centers in iconic landmark hotels to science-centric wellness facilities, you're spoilt for choice.

If you're looking for an indulgent relaxing spa day, we'd recommend Claridge's Spa or The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park. For advanced, high-tech treatments, book The Body Lab or ESPA Life at Corinthia.

Mayfair / KnightsbridgeBook via Tripsby

Where to find them5 ideas · pinned

5 pinnedMap loading…

1The Whiteley145–155 Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 4SDWebsite ↗Maps ↗
2Royal Opera HouseBow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DDWebsite ↗Maps ↗
3The National GalleryTrafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DNWebsite ↗Maps ↗
4Brown's Hotel — afternoon tea33 Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BPWebsite ↗Maps ↗
5ESPA Life at CorinthiaWhitehall Place, London SW1A 2BDWebsite ↗Maps ↗

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Galleries done, opera ticked, afternoon stretched. The only thing left for a tasteful afternoon is to spend a little of what's in your wallet.

Read on —03 · Where to shop

03Where to shop3 areas

Shopping off the beaten path

Three neighbourhoods that have managed to keep their character. The boutiques of Belgravia, the tailors and gentlemen's shops of Mayfair, and the ever-evolving Chelsea spine of King's Road to Sloane Square.

Elizabeth Street, Belgravia.

Belgravia · SW1

Belgravia

If you prefer to shop in smaller, specialist boutiques rather than at large department stores and flagships, prepare your bank account for a trip to Belgravia. Head to Motcomb Street and Elizabeth Street for the best shopping — luxury boutiques, specialist fashion houses, designer home decor, and high-end jewelry.

As a relaxed and refined neighborhood, shopping here feels much more in-the-know than Bond Street. For independent fashion, stop by NRBY, Penelope Chilvers, ME+EM, and Beulah. For an eveningwear and couture fix, visit ON Motcomb and Stewart Parvin.

SW1, around Eaton SquareMon–Sat 10–6Add to itinerary

Mayfair / St. James's · A morning's debate

Savile Row vs St. James's

Two of London's quietest, most refined shopping streets. Both off the beaten path. One asks you to commit to a suit; the other asks only for a morning.

Savile Row, London.

For the suit · Savile Row

Despite being famous for its tailoring, Savile Row remains a quiet, refined place to shop off the beaten path in London. Whether you need a tailored suit for a special occasion or want a bespoke co-ord to wear every day, consult Savile Row's expert tailors for a highly personalized, very British shopping experience.

Jermyn Street, St. James's.

For the heritage · St. James's

For more British heritage shopping, head to St. James's (home of Pall Mall) near Buckingham Palace. Between Jermyn Street, Piccadilly Arcade, and Princes Arcade, you'll find some of the best British heritage shops in London. Stop by Arterton for shoes and leather goods, Lock & Co Hatters for the perfect hat, Showcase for luxury sample sales, and Fortnum and Mason for high-quality British food and drink.

King's Road on a Saturday.

Chelsea · SW3

Chelsea — King's Road, Sloane Square

Chelsea is a well-known destination for London's elite, and while it remains consistently classic, it's ever-evolving with new must-visit boutiques, galleries, and cafés.

Find designer labels like Chanel and Hermès on Sloane Street, as well as staple British fashion brands like Whistles, L.K.Bennett, and Alice + Olivia. For something fresh and trendy, stop by Vuori, Reformation, Wyse, Ganni, and Trinny London.

SW3, King's Road / Sloane SquareMon–Sat 10–6Add to itinerary

Where to find them3 areas · pinned

4 pinnedMap loading…

1Belgravia — Motcomb & Elizabeth StreetBelgravia, London SW1XMaps ↗
2Savile Row — bespoke tailoringSavile Row, Mayfair, London W1SMaps ↗
3St. James's — Jermyn Street & the arcadesJermyn Street & Piccadilly, London SW1YMaps ↗
4Chelsea — King's Road & Sloane SquareKing's Road, Chelsea, London SW3Maps ↗

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Bags swinging, feet aching, the question that closes any luxury afternoon: where to sit down for dinner. London has more answers than you'd think.

Read on —04 · Where to eat

04Where to eat5 tables

Dining off the beaten path

Five tables London's eaters quietly defend — a modern-luxe bistro, a brand-new hotel destination, a heritage pub with polished edges, a long-awaited Mediterranean opening, and the small, very specific room that exists for one purpose: pies.

Mayfair · Modern British

Dovetale, London

Since opening in 2023, Dovetale London has proven to be the epitome of British fine dining. The restaurant is set in a modern luxe bistro style with earthy tones to reflect its seasonal, produce-led menu. Find classics like the roast Slaysdown duck, Lake District T-bone, and salt-baked Cornish seabass.

We recommend making an afternoon of your visit with the lunch set menu, finishing off with a knickerbocker glory.

1 Hotel MayfairLunch & dinnerReserve via Tripsby

The Chancery Rosewood — Mayfair's newest destination.

Mayfair · A new destination

The Chancery Rosewood

The Chancery Rosewood, a new luxury hotel housed in the former US Embassy building, opened in September 2025, is one of London's most exciting new dining destinations. The hotel is home to five distinct restaurants and bars — Serra, Tobi Massa, Jaqueline, GSQ, and Eagle Bar — each celebrating London's diverse cosmopolitan heritage in their own way.

If you pick just one, we recommend Japanese gem Tobi Massa — the latest establishment by three-Michelin-starred chef Masayoshi Takayama — followed by rooftop drinks at Eagle Bar, weather permitting.

Grosvenor Square, W1Five rooms, all dayReserve via Tripsby

The Cadogan Arms, London.

Chelsea · The Pub, reimagined

The Cadogan Arms

Looking for a true British pub with polished edges? Book a table at The Cadogan Arms in Chelsea. Dating back 200 years, the pub retains many of its original features — stained-glass back bars, wrought-iron staircase, mosaic floors, and classic wood panel walls and ceiling — but recent renovations have given it an added sense of refined luxury.

If you're in town on a Sunday, enjoy a classic Sunday roast. If not, go for the beer-battered fish and chips.

King's Road, SW3Open dailyReserve via Tripsby

Queensway · Mediterranean & Aegean

Effie, The Whiteley

Be amongst the first to dine at one of London's most highly anticipated new restaurants: Effie's, the latest member of the renowned Pachamama group. Expected to open in late 2025 / early 2026, the restaurant will occupy two floors of The Whiteley — London's latest lifestyle development.

While the group's other restaurants focus mainly on Peruvian food, Effie's will focus on classics from the Mediterranean and Aegean Coasts, including chargrilled meats, fish, and mezze.

The Whiteley, W2Opening late 2025Join the waitlist

The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room.

Holborn · Pies, refined

The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room

Although not generally considered a sophisticated dish, the Holborn Dining Room at The Rosewood will change your mind about the pie with its refined take on the British classic. Book a table at The Pie Room — an elegant private dining room within Holborn — which offers a set menu including your choice of pies and other utterly British delights: the Clarence Court scotch egg, clotted cream mash potato, raspberry bakewell, and strawberries and cream.

Alternatively, visit The Pie Hole between 11 and 3 pm to pick up a pie to go.

Rosewood London, WC1Lunch & dinnerReserve via Tripsby

Where to find them5 tables · pinned

5 pinnedMap loading…

1Dovetale, 1 Hotel Mayfair1 Hotel Mayfair, Hanover Square, London W1S 1JXWebsite ↗Maps ↗
2The Chancery Rosewood30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, London W1K 6JPWebsite ↗Maps ↗
3The Cadogan Arms298 King's Road, Chelsea, London SW3 5UGWebsite ↗Maps ↗
4Effie's, The Whiteley — opening late 2025The Whiteley, 145–155 Queensway, London W2 4SDWebsite ↗Maps ↗
5The Pie Room at Holborn Dining RoomRosewood London, 252 High Holborn, London WC1V 7ENWebsite ↗Maps ↗

Done reading?

Create your personalised luxury London itinerary

Now that you've read our luxury traveler's off-the-beaten-path guide to London 2025/2026, you'll likely have a better idea of how to spend your time in the city. Whether you feel ready to create an itinerary or want more recommendations, our Tripsby Travel Planner is here to assist you.

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