London Luxury City Guide: As one of Europe's oldest cities, London has a long history dating back to the time of the Romans. Since those days of yore, London has become a cultural epicenter, filled with luxurious clubs, an active theatre, a multitude of museums and attractions, and some of the best high-end shops and designers in the world.
Whether you like to see a city by day or night, London's medieval boundaries encompass an extensive array of architectural landmarks, from bridges and towers to some of the most luxurious homes in the world, including palaces. Visit these landmark attractions by day and then indulge at night at some of the world's best restaurants and nightclubs.
City Scene:
The Bishop's Avenue in Hampstead, North London is the most exclusive residential area in the city. Also known as Millionaire's Row, and more recently, Billionaire's Row, the area is home to such wealthy families as the Saudi Arabian royal family and other immensely wealthy personages. Close by, you can find some elegant restaurants and small theaters as well as bars and clubs.
In Downtown "Royal" London, you'll find an array of luxury hotels, including the five-star Sofitel St. James London in Piccadilly. In the area and nearby, you can also find Buckingham Palace and its straight-faced guards. While in the area, explore Savile Row, home to a variety of upscale men's tailor shops and Bond Street, a high-end shopping Mecca with shops from British designers like Alexander McQueen to Burberry and more.
Must Sees & Do's:
A city as old as London has more than a few sites to see, from the new to the ancient. Get a taste of history by taking a tour of the Tower of London, which has taken a turn as a fortress, palace, prison, arsenal and jewelry vault throughout its 900 year history. Walk along the Tower Bridge and check out London's modern City Hall. Then head to the Victoria & Albert Museum to check out some of the oldest artifacts from important cultures throughout history.
For a modern take, hop aboard the London Eye, which provides 360-degree views of the entire city of London in one of the world's tallest observation wheels. For a glimpse at celebrity, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum has lifelike statues of everyone from the Bard to the Beatles and beyond.
As London is also where the world's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare, performed, you'll want to see a play in London's Covent Garden or visit Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. While in the West End, you can also explore The British Museum, Theatreland, Dickens House Museum, The British Library and other treasures along some of the historic streets in the area.
Wining and Dining:
Although the British aren't well-known for their food, London is still home to many of the world's top chef’s restaurants, like bad boy chef Gordon Ramsay. You can also eat at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, which combines one of the world's best chefs with one of the world's best-known hotels.
After dark, grab a drink and a dance at Club Aquarium, London's only club with a pool. The indoor swim area features a huge pool and adjacent hot tub, and is open during all hours for all events.
For a diverse array of nightlife options, head to Trafalgar Square with its theaters, night clubs, restaurants and museums. It is also where England unofficially heralds in the New Year and can be seen in many films as an iconic representation of the city.
For the VIP:
While staying in London, enjoy some of the same royal treatments as its resident VIPs, the British Royal Family with these fine services:
Let Bon Vivant take care of the details while you enjoy your stay at some of the 5-star hotels the city has to offer. Bon Vivant can do anything from arranging your travel to translating business documents, and they also save you the hassle of making dinner arrangements.
While London may be known for its bright red double-decker buses, enjoy your own tour of London with Luxury Chauffeur Driven London Tours. Check out Big Ben, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral and Nelson's Column on a custom tour in your own private car.
Although an island nation, London's location is just a hop skip and a jump away from Europe's other famous cities, and Private Jet Charter can get you there discretely, in comfort and in style.
The JustLuxe City Guides have been created for you, our discerning readers, to highlight the most sophisticated, the most popular and the most elegant locations in every destination.
Our local concierge continuously strives to ensure we feature the best of the best in luxury services, dining, hotels and more. Every city offers new things to enjoy, cultures to immerse yourself in and sights to see. We have sought out the best places to see, be seen or just be.
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