London is one of the most iconic cities the world has ever known. It exudes elegance, heritage, and culture like nothing else. Many of the landmarks are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. However, it blends in with some of the modern icons of today, making it one of the highly desired destinations for luxurious travelers. Or if you want to enjoy London like a luxury traveler, you can certainly do that too.
What if you’re planning a trip of a lifetime and the English capital is the destination of choice? Lucky for you, you can do these x things while you’re there. Once you set foot in London, the biggest challenge is what to do first.
1. Stay at An Iconic Luxury Hotel
London has many PrivateUpgrades hotels where you can get the best deal on a place where you can stay for the duration of your trip. Imagine staying in a place where diplomats and celebrities once stayed. You may be spending nights at The Langham, Claridge’s, or somewhere else. Either way, your home away from home may be the perfect place not only to sleep, but also to enjoy awesome views of the city and a fine-dining experience that can really get the taste buds going.
2. Enjoy Afternoon Tea
If there is one thing that is the epitome of British culture, it’s afternoon tea. You can take part in the experience yourself and in style. Be sure to check out places like The Savoy, The Ritz, or Fortnum & Mason, all of which are the best places where you can enjoy not just tea but also sandwiches and pastries that could match well with it as well. If you are someone who appreciates British culture, enjoying this in particular in London of all places is a dream come true.
You may have been touring the city during the morning in anticipation of this moment. But nevertheless, it may feel like one of those moments you have waited for your entire life. Afternoon tea in a luxury setting just might be the highest point of your entire London experience.
3. A Private Charter Cruise On The Thames
Why go on riverboats that will be packed when you can opt for a private charter cruise on the Thames? A luxury yacht or an Edwardian boat might just be the vessel of choice whenever you want to take in the breathtaking views of the London skyline on the water. See The London Eye, Big Ben, and the Tower Bridge from one of the best vantage points in the entire city. If you are staying at a luxury hotel, you can ask the concierge where you can find these private charter cruises.
Most cruises also offer some nice extras such as onboard dining, private guided tours, and so much more. Not only will you get to see some of the iconic sites of London, but you’ll also get to enjoy it all in style. Who knows, you might want to see some of those sites up close once you disembark from your chartered cruise. A ride on The Eye to see the city from above? If you’re not afraid of heights, that may as well be a resounding yes.
4. Enjoy Shopping Like A Royal on Bond Street
If you have heard of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or 5th Avenue in New York City, then meet the London equivalent, which is Bond Street. You’ll be shopping at some of the most iconic brands such as Cartier, Hermes, Chanel, and more. There may also be some British brands that may be great additions to your wardrobe, such as Burberry and Saville Row. If you truly want to elevate the shopping experience, your hotel concierge may be able to hook you up. Some hotels may even have partnerships with these flagship stores where you can experience a fashion preview, where you can view some of the upcoming collections before the world might ever know about it (just as long as you keep it a secret, of course).
5. Fine-Dining That Is Elite Level
Obviously, London is never without options for fine dining that is world-class. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is one of the best places that may seem like the obvious no-brainer choice. In addition, Core by Clare Smyth and Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library) are also other choices. Enjoy a luxury dining experience put together by celebrity chefs that will really give your taste buds something to remember. Some of the London neighborhoods, such as Mayfair and SoHo, have limitless options for fine dining, making it a challenge (and probably a good problem to have) when it comes to what you feel like eating.
What’s on the menu on your first night? How about the next? See what we mean?
6. Escape To The English Countryside
If you are considering a bit of an escape for the day, the English Countryside just might be a good place. Why not make it a chauffeured experience with a private driver? See the concierge to see what options are available for exploring places like Windsor Castle or even a day trip to the Cotswolds. You can explore the area without having to rely on crowded public transportation options.
A private chauffeured vehicle just might be the type of transportation you need. Tour the Castle and be back in London later that day for dinner and whatever excitement might come your way that evening.
Final Thoughts
London is a city that just might be one of the dream destinations for luxury travelers. If you think about it, this is the place where class and elegance set the stage for a high-end experience like nothing else. You can book a place that can be considered your home base for the days you’ll be in the city and then go out exploring. Whatever is on your itinerary that day, know that you’ll have a luxury hotel that could be the place to relax and unwind after a busy day of enjoying what London has to offer.