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, and 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 luxury off-the-beaten-path guide to London, we share the best places to play in London that embrace both modern luxuries and British heritage in the best way. Read on to find where to stay, shop, eat, and play as a luxury traveler who wants to discover the best of London before the masses.
Hotels off the beaten path in London
NoMad London, Covent Garden
Housed in a reimagined magistrates court and police station, NoMad, Convent Garden, 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.
Six Senses London, Bayswater
For a stay centered on relaxation and wellbeing, consider Six Senses London in The Whitley, 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, Whitely’s Kitchen, Bar, and Cafe 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 through a wide variety of offerings from water therapies to aerial yoga.
The Chelsea Townhouse, Cagodan 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, including the high ceilings, paneled walls, and bay windows, are complemented 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.
Things to do off the beaten path in London
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, cafes, 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.
Get 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 through from the iconic cast iron and glass facade to the Baroque gold gilding in the theaters. The performances? Well, they’re something else.
Enjoy 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.
Enjoy 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.
Get treatments at London’s leading 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, and for advanced, high-tech treatments, book The Body Lab or ESPA Life at Corinthia.
Shopping off the beaten path in London
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, including 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, Beulah. For an eveningwear and couture fix, visit ON Motcomb and Stewart Parvin.
Savile Row vs St. James’
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. 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.
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 cafes. Find designer labels like Chanel and Hermès on Sloane Street, as well as staple British fashion brands like Whistles, L.K.Bennet, and Alice + Olivia. For something fresh and trendy, stop by Vuori, Reformation, Wyse, Ganni, and Trinny London.
Dining off the beaten path in London
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.
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, including 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 the three-Michelin-starred chef Chef Masayoshi Takayama, followed by rooftop drinks at Eagle bar, weather permitting.
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 like the 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, and if not, go for the beer-battered fish and chips.
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 retail chain. Expected to open in late 2025/ early 2026, the restaurant will occupy two floors of The Whitely, 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. Remember, it’s not open just yet, so keep your eyes peeled for its opening dates.
The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room
Although not generally considered a sophisticated dish, the Holborn Dining Room in The Rosewood will change your mind about this 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, including 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.
Create your personalized 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. All you have to do is give us a rough summary of your travel style and preferences, and in a matter of minutes, we will provide a bookable itinerary or recommendations. Extraordinary travel has never been so effortless! Get started now.
