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Hidden Places & Spaces

London

The best tips for a short break on the Thames: fine dining restaurants, world-class museums, exclusive shopping and the best hotels in London.

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Written by Stephanie Kleinlein 02.04.2024

Hidden Places & Spaces: Discover London’s Secret Side

London is full of famous sights. But the true magic of the city often lies beyond Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. In winding alleys, charming neighborhoods, and small shops, you’ll find places even many Londoners hardly know. Unique shops, stylish boutique hotels, cozy pubs, and cultural gems await here to make a weekend by the Thames unforgettable. Be inspired by our tips and discover a London that is authentic, surprising, and full of character. Perfect for anyone seeking a city break with special moments.

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Shopping in London

We advise shopping kings and queens to not miss out on these shops that sell special goods and are exceptional places into the bargain. Find ingenious ideas in rooms that might appear in a historical novel and dress as posh as the monarchs who strolled through today’s retail spaces centuries ago. One of the most established gentlemen’s outfitters is as traditional as it gets.

Shops in London

Definitely not gender neutral but a shop for real gentlemen: Trunk is a trendy London men’s clothing store with fashion and accessories from all over the world.

This designer department store offers trendy luxury labels in a medieval Tudor dynasty building. You are what you wear, and that is certainly fine and dandy in such a setting.

Incredibly unique: Daunt Books is an Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries and charming skylights on Marylebone High Street.

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Hotels in London

Truly regal and not a bit outdated – that’s what your stay is like in London’s best hotels. In Europe’s most important financial center, the hotels excel in terms of service, food, and design. Even higher standards are in place for Platinum Card members: For example, late check-out, an experience voucher worth USD 100, and breakfast for two go without saying here.

Hotels in London

Trendy – sorry! – pleasantly peaceful nights. In the hip Soho district, the Ham Yard hotel combines British style with the design and lifestyle needs of Gen X, Y and Z.

For modern nomads who feel at home everywhere: With the Royal Opera House on its doorstep and New York interior design, the NoMad is a truly cosmopolitan choice.

 

Next door to their royal highnesses. In aristocratic Belgravia, The Goring is almost adjacent to the walls of Buckingham Palace. Knightsbridge and Mayfair are not far away.

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Restaurants and cafés in London

A cup of coffee – sorry! – tea, a first-class Chinese dinner, or a varied menu in London’s coolest district, Soho. These are our culinary suggestions for a weekend trip. After visiting these establishments, you will definitely be relaxed and fit for more exciting activities in the not-so-small British metropolis.

Cafés and restaurants in London

So sweet! Just the outside of the Monocle Café is enough to attract all those who love coffee and cake or simply a lush breakfast or brunch. Located in beautiful Marylebone.

Very funny! Another address in London that you should know apart from 10 Downing Street. A fantastic restaurant with a different menu every day in the middle of Soho.

One award after the other. Shortly after its opening, the Chutney Mary was selected as UK’s Best Indian Restaurant, and now Restaurant of the Year.

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Special places

Find out everything you’ve always wanted to know about us humans at the largest museum of cultural history. Enjoy the tranquility and parks in Britain’s little sister to Venice and enjoy inspiring artworks in the house of one of the greatest cartoonists and satirists of his time. These are our three sightseeing tips for two to three days in London.

Special places in London

Beyond national borders: The British Museum is dedicated to the history of mankind and is the world’s largest museum of its kind with 8 million exhibits.

Punch illustrator Edward Linley’s former home in Kensington is now a museum of Victorian and Middle Eastern art. Advance booking of tickets recommended.

This picturesque canal area is in the middle of an affluent residential district. Boat trips and romantic walks will make you forget that you are in the middle of a city.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Some of the most beautiful hidden spots include Little Venice with its canals, the artist houses Leighton House and Sambourne House in Kensington, as well as charming neighborhoods like Marylebone.

Beyond the British Museum, lesser-known gems like Leighton House with its oriental interiors or Sambourne House with Victorian charm are well worth a visit.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Those seeking peace should travel during the week.

With Fine Hotels + Resorts, you enjoy breakfast, potential room upgrades, and credit. You also have access to over 1,550 lounges worldwide.

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