London

One of London’s wealthiest and most desirable neighborhoods, Belgravia is filled with picturesque private squares, elegant Georgian townhouses, luxury boutiques, and well-preserved traditional pubs. Long the domain of aristocrats and celebrities, Belgravia is within a stone’s throw of some of London’s most respected cultural institutions, from the Natural History Museum to Westminster Cathedral.

Venture across town to the heart of trendy East London on a Saturday and be rewarded with one of London’s best outdoor markets. The site of a farmers’ market for centuries, the current incarnation hosts a collection of the city’s best farm stands, bakeries, artisan food stalls, craftsmen, artists, and more amidst a festive atmosphere. The rest of the week, the street is still lined with independent bookstores, cafés, pubs, design shops, and galleries.

Founded in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries of London, this serene apothecary garden along the River Thames boasts a vast collection of plants from around the world, originally planted for the purpose of herbal medical remedies. In addition to hosting educational classes and events, the garden is also home to one of the city’s loveliest cafés, open in warmer months.

While Buckingham Palace may be the most famous London residence of the British royal family, Kensington Palace, located in the expansive gardens of Hyde Park, feels more intimate and approachable. Built in the 17th century, the palace has long doubled as a residence and museum, and its restaurant in Queen Anne’s Orangery is one of London’s most elegant.

A maze of narrow streets in the heart of London, the neighborhood of Soho vacillated for centuries between a respectable aristocratic neighborhood and a dodgy entertainment district. Nowadays, it’s one of the city’s trendiest areas, crammed with award-winning restaurants, designer boutiques, trendy cocktail bars, long-standing pubs, and independent theaters and music venues.

An impressive example of Victorian architecture, the Royal Albert Hall was commissioned as a concert hall by Queen Victoria, in honor of her beloved late husband, Prince Albert. Nearly 150 years since its opening, the hall has evolved into a cultural center, hosting musical performances and events of all sorts, and is home to a number of acclaimed restaurants, bars, and tea rooms.

Near the thin, western tail of the Serpentine Lake, within the legendary green oasis of Kensington Gardens in Hyde Park, lies one of London’s most vibrant art centers. The Serpentine Gallery features a changing program of pioneering exhibitions and events in a space where London society once took their afternoon tea. Each summer, while ground-breaking artists are displayed inside, the work of an architect is featured outside in a temporary pavilion.

Opened in 1852 by Queen Victoria as part of the “Albertopolis” complex of cultural institutions, the Victoria & Albert Museum is one of the foremost museums of art and design, housing extensive collections of textiles, photography, furniture, ceramics, jewelry, and more from around the world. Rotating exhibitions and events cover everything from engineering to theater to musical traditions.