London’s high life: Exploring England’s capital in style
Brimming with elevated experiences, London promises captivating culture, divine dining, and upscale shopping.
By Joanna Tweedy | July 30, 2025
Enjoy England’s capital city through a more refined lens. With its world-class galleries, museums, palaces, and landmarks, London is the perfect place for a getaway that exudes culture and class. Balance days spent sightseeing with sophisticated dining, strolls in regal parks, and decadent shopping excursions. Here’s how to enjoy an unforgettable visit to London.
Historic thoroughfares
One unexpected delight of a stay in England’s largest city is that, if you pick the right home base, many of its best-known destinations, including the South Bank and Westminster, are within walking distance. When you stay at NoMad London, Covent Garden, the capital’s famous cobblestoned piazza dating back to the 1630s, is just moments away on foot. Make your way across the street to the majestic Royal Opera House, where the rooftop bar offers the perfect spot for a glass of champagne. Housed in the former Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police Station, character-filled NoMad London majors on relaxed elegance, with knowledgeable staff on hand to curate your itinerary. For a personalized experience, your concierge can arrange a British Museum visit, afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, or even some retail therapy in Knightsbridge.
Nuanced fine dining
A renowned hub for global cuisine, cosmopolitan dining adventures are easy to come by in London. More than 80 restaurants boast at least one Michelin star, cozy gastropubs abound, and even the street food can be a cut above, as exemplified by the specialty artisans at Borough Market. Cap a day of exploration at Twenty8 NoMad, conveniently located within NoMad London. Enjoy an expertly crafted aperitif from their martini list, with tantalizing options ranging from a traditional Dry Martini to the fruit-forward Strawberry Vesper Martini. Inspired by both vintage New York bistros and French brasseries, this award-winning restaurant’s menu is filled with opulent comfort food, with dishes including steak frites and lobster pasta, and soft serve ice cream for dessert. Or take a table at The Library, the hotel's atmospheric eatery, for light bites, seasonally-inspired cocktails, and a glass of wine — including sparkling from local vineyards.
Unwind in style
For a truly relaxing day, plan a stroll in one of London’s charming green spaces, such as Kensington Palace’s beautifully manicured grounds. Later, ask your concierge to arrange a rejuvenating spa experience close to NoMad London; the Aire Ancient Baths invite you to bathe by candlelight in thermal waters. For an equally indulgent evening back at your hotel, head to Side Hustle. Once a police station, this modern take on the traditional British Pub beckons guests with embossed-leather walls and mahogany booths while serving up small plates influenced by Latin American and Southern Californian cuisine, such as Padrón peppers, tacos, and seabass ceviche, with a range of creative agave-based cocktails to sip on. When you’re ready to call it a night, retreat to your stylish-yet-comfortable room, thoughtfully imbued with warm character and a home-like feel from the contemporary artwork and unique period furniture. With nightly turndown service, you’ll be well prepared for a truly restful slumber.
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
NoMad London
Located in the former Bow Street Magistrates Court and Police Station opposite the historic Royal Opera House, the NoMad London pairs award-winning dining and drinks with stunning views. Our transformed historic building offers 91 rooms and 16 suites of unique, elegant accommodations nestled in the heart of Covent Garden.
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