As someone who has called some of the most iconic cities in the world home over the past few years, I must admit that, for some unexplainable reason, London is the one that stayed with me.
There is an old-world elegance to London that I love. Perhaps it’s the grand townhouses of Mayfair, the historic hotels, an afternoon spent over champagne and tea, or simply the feeling of stepping into a beautiful restaurant dressed impeccably for the evening.
London has a way of making even the everyday feel a little more extraordinary. That is, if you know where to go.
This guide is my way of sharing the London I know and love: a carefully curated collection of the places I return to and the experiences worth indulging in.
You might also enjoy these guides: Nice | Paris | Monaco | Cannes | Antibes | Saint-Tropez | New York
This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something I’ve recommended, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support and I hope this guide helps you ♡
Where to stay in London: My Favorite Hotels
The Dorchester
One of London’s most iconic hotels, The Dorchester has been a fixture on Park Lane since 1931.
Its grand interiors, impeccable service, celebrated restaurants and famously discreet atmosphere have long made The Dorchester a favourite among royalty, artists, celebrities and discerning travellers.
For me, it’s one of those hotels that feels quintessentially London: elegant without being stuffy, glamorous without trying too hard, and perfectly positioned for exploring Mayfair, Bond Street and Hyde Park.
You can book your stay at The Dorchester here.
Claridge’s
Few hotels capture the glamour of London quite like Claridge’s.
Tucked away in the heart of Mayfair, this legendary hotel has been welcoming guests for more than 200 years, evolving from a Regency-era townhouse into one of the capital’s most celebrated luxury hotels.
Its Art Deco interiors, impeccable service and timeless sense of occasion have made it a true London institution.
You can book your stay at Claridge’s here.
Raffles London at The OWO
A new chapter in London’s history, Raffles London at The OWO brings together one of the city’s most fascinating historic buildings with the understated glamour of Raffles.
Set inside the beautifully restored Old War Office in Whitehall, the hotel occupies a building that once housed some of Britain’s most powerful government figures, including Winston Churchill.
What I love about Raffles London is the contrast between its history and its modern character. The atmosphere feels grand and distinctly British, but the experience is much more contemporary, with beautifully designed rooms and suites, an impressive collection of restaurants and bars, and the city’s first Guerlain spa.
You can book your stay at Raffles London at The OWO here.
Hotel Café Royal
Few hotels in London have quite the history of Hotel Café Royal.
This iconic address has been part of London’s social and cultural scene since 1865. Over the years, it has welcomed everyone from royalty and artists to writers and musicians, with David Bowie famously holding his final Ziggy Stardust dinner here.
Today, the hotel brings that extraordinary history together with contemporary luxury. Its grand heritage spaces sit alongside beautifully designed rooms and suites, while the legendary Oscar Wilde Lounge remains one of the most atmospheric places in London for afternoon tea or a drink.
You can book your stay at Hotel Café Royal here.
The Connaught
One of London’s most timeless luxury hotels, The Connaught has been at the heart of Mayfair for more than a century.
Originally opened in 1897, this elegant hotel is known for its beautifully understated interiors, exceptional service and wonderfully discreet atmosphere.
There’s a sense of heritage throughout, but it never feels stuck in the past, since the hotel has evolved into one of London’s most sophisticated addresses while retaining its unmistakable English character.
You can book your stay at The Connaught here.
At Sloane
A more intimate take on London luxury, At Sloane is a beautifully designed boutique hotel in the heart of Chelsea.
Set just moments from Sloane Square and from the same owners as Hotel Costes in Paris, this elegant townhouse-style hotel feels worlds away from the grand scale of London’s traditional five-star addresses.
Its location is one of the biggest draws. You’re perfectly placed for exploring Chelsea and Knightsbridge, with the boutiques of King’s Road, the galleries of Walton Street and the shops around Sloane Street all close by.
You can book your stay at At Sloane here.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
A true London classic, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park occupies one of the city’s most enviable positions, overlooking Hyde Park in the heart of Knightsbridge.
The hotel has a wonderfully elegant sense of place, combining classic British grandeur with the refined service and contemporary sophistication that Mandarin Oriental is known for.
Its location is hard to beat. Harrods, Sloane Street and the boutiques of Knightsbridge are all just moments away.
You can book your stay at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park here.
Other beautiful hotels worth considering include: The Landmark London, Milestone Hotel Kensington and The Lanesborough.
Where to Eat: Restaurants I Love
If you’re looking for a classic London experience, The Ritz is always a wonderful choice. Whether it’s afternoon tea or a more formal meal, everything feels wonderfully timeless and elegant, the kind of place that makes even a simple occasion feel special.
For breakfast, I love At Sloane. It has a more intimate, relaxed feel than some of London’s grand hotels, and it’s a lovely way to start the day before exploring Chelsea
For a special occasion, Gymkhana is one of my favourites. The food is exceptional, with refined Indian cooking (they have two Michelin stars!) in a beautifully atmospheric Mayfair setting. It’s glamorous without feeling overly formal, and definitely somewhere I’d recommend booking in advance.
Celeste in Notting Hill is another favourite. I love the neighbourhood atmosphere and the fact that it feels like a local favourite.
Latine in Mayfair is one of the newer places I’m excited about. It brings together French technique and Latin American flavours, with a beautiful setting tucked away on Lancashire Court.
The food is creative without feeling gimmicky, and the atmosphere becomes more lively as the evening goes on, making it a great choice for dinner and drinks.
GAIA is another favourite when I want something a little more glamorous and energetic. The Greek and Mediterranean-inspired menu is made for sharing, and the atmosphere is always lively, also perfect for a long dinner that turns into drinks.
For a classic dinner, Savoy Grill is hard to beat. One of London’s great historic restaurants, it has that old-school glamour and sense of occasion that makes it feel quintessentially London.
And for drinks afterwards, The Connaught Bar is one of my favourites. It’s elegant, intimate and effortlessly sophisticated and the perfect place to end an evening in Mayfair.
The Ultimate List of Elegant Things to Do in London
I always like to say that London is a universe of it’s own because there is just so much to do here.
Here is my list of my favorite things to do in London.
1- Visit Buckingham Palace
A cliché, I know. But it has to be done!
Wander through the magnificent State Rooms, admire the royal collection, and take a moment to explore the surrounding gardens. If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to check whether the palace is open for its seasonal tours.
BOOK: Buckingham Palace Entry & Changing of the Guard Tour
2. Brunch at The Ritz London
A must-do at least once.
The (pink!) dining room is pure old-world glamour, the service is flawless, and every detail, from the fine china to the live piano, feels like a movie.
This has to be one of my favorite dining experiences.
3. Enjoy a Dinner Cruise on the Thames
See London from a completely different perspective with an elegant dinner cruise along the River Thames.
As the city lights begin to sparkle, cruise past some of London’s most famous landmarks, including the London Eye, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral. The food was actually really nice when I went.
BOOK: Dinner Cruise on the River Thames
4. Coffee at Somerset House
There’s something so peaceful about grabbing a flat white and sitting in the courtyard, especially on a quiet weekday.
5- Visit the Warner Bros. Studio
If you love Harry Potter, you need to take a tour of the Warner Bros. Studio.
There you cn explore the original sets, costumes and props used throughout the films, from the Great Hall and Diagon Alley to the Hogwarts Express. Allow several hours to properly enjoy the experience, and don’t leave without trying a Butterbeer.
BOOK: Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour
6. Explore Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath
Step beyond London and discover three of England’s most captivating destinations, each with its own blend of history and beauty.
BOOK: Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip
7. Shopping at Harrods
If you love shopping as I do, you simply cannot come to London and not reserve at least one afternoon to get lost at Harrods.
The beauty halls are my happy place, and I never skip the food hall for a little treat. It’s extravagant in the best way.
8. See the Christmas decor at Fortnum & Mason
Stepping inside Fortnum & Mason during the holidays feels like being in a Christmas storybook.
The windows, the giant advent calendars, the festive teas… it’s magic. I always leave with something cute and a few boxes of tea.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester or Claridge’s
No London itinerary would be complete without afternoon tea. For an especially memorable experience, choose between the timeless elegance of The Dorchester or the Art Deco glamour of Claridge’s. Expect beautifully presented pastries, delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and, of course, plenty of tea.
9. Watch a Show in London’s West End
Spend an evening immersed in the magic of London’s West End.
I recommend grabbing dinner at The Savoy beforehand, and my favorite shows to see so far have been Mamma Mia and Moulin Rouge.
10. Enjoy a Michelin-Starred Dinner
London is heaven when it comes to Michelin-starred restaurants. Some of my favorites to visit include Gymkhana, The Ledbury, Petrus, and Evelyn’s Table.
11. Breakfast at Sloane Hotel
Tucked away in Chelsea and part of the Costes group, this spot has that understated luxury vibe I love.
The atmosphere is elegant and intimate, perfect for a quiet breakfast or lunch. You must absolutely order the French toast – it’s so delicious!
12. Get lost for hours in the British Museum
The British Museum is home to an extraordinary collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Greece to Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
Take your time wandering through its grand galleries, discovering iconic treasures and remarkable stories at every turn.
BOOK: British Museum Guided Tour with Priority Entrance
13. Walk through Hyde Park
No trip to London is complete without a visit to Hyde Park. I recommend grabbing a matcha or coffee at Café Kitsune or at the coffee shop at The Peninsula and walking from there.
Grab Lunch at The Colbert
For a quintessentially Parisian lunch without leaving London, head to Colbert in the heart of Sloane Square. This charming French brasserie is perfect for a leisurely lunch, whether you’re stopping in for a classic dish and a glass of wine or settling in for a long afternoon of people-watching.
14. See the beauty of Kensington Palace
So worth the trip. The palace is gorgeous and filled with history, and the gardens are unreal. Have afternoon tea there for an even more special time.
BOOK: Kensington Palace Tour, Guard Change & Afternoon Tea
15. Drinks at The Connaught Bar
One of the chicest spots in London. It’s moody, elegant, and their martini trolley is everything.
16. Spend a weekend in the Cotswolds
If I need a countryside reset, this is where I go. Rolling hills, honey-stone cottages, cozy pubs, and some of the dreamiest hotels in England.
Some of my favorites include The Greenway Hotel & Spa, Whatley Manor, Dormy House Hotel, Cowley Manor Experimental, and The Painswick.
You could also book a Cotswolds Villages Small Group Day Tour
17. Spend a weekend at Estelle Manor
Speaking of the Cotswolds, Estelle Manor is one of my favorite hotels I have ever stayed at.
Set on a 60-acre private estate, this Grade II listed country house has been transformed into a luxurious retreat with 108 rooms and suites, four restaurants, and one of the most impressive wellness facilities in the UK.
18. Have a private Photoshoot in London
This is one of my favorite ways of making memories that you will take with you forever after your trip.
BOOK: Private Photoshoot in London
19- Catch a Film at Electric Cinema, Notting Hill
One of London’s oldest cinemas, Electric Cinema in Notting Hill combines old-world charm with luxurious touches, including plush armchairs and sofas. It’s the perfect spot for a cosy afternoon or a date night.
20. Spend an afternoon at the V&A Museum
It’s like wandering through an archive of beauty, fashion, design, jewelry, ceramics. I always leave inspired. The museum café is gorgeous too, make sure to go to the central courtyard on a sunny day.
21. Dinner at the Historic Café Royal
End the evening at Café Royal, one of London’s most storied addresses.
Steeped in history and famous for its glamorous interiors, it has long attracted artists, writers, royalty and celebrities.
Enjoy dinner surrounded by old-world grandeur before lingering over cocktails and soaking up the atmosphere.
That’s a wrap! I hope you enjoyed this guide to London. For more elegant places to visit in the city, make sure to follow me on Instagram. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for a custom itinerary or restaurant reservations.