Chelsea has long had a reputation as one of the most affluent areas in London. After all, it’s home to some seriously wealthy residents, and boasts some of the capital city’s best shops and restaurants. So if you’re planning to visit London and you want to splash some cash, then Chelsea is the perfect destination for you. Whether you’re going to party all night or shop till you drop, take a look at this guide to the very best places to visit in this beautiful part of London.
A Shopper’s Paradise
It’s no secret that Chelsea is a shopper’s paradise. After all, the streets are full of incredibly stylish residents. King’s Road is considered to be one of the best shopping streets in the capital, and it is here you’ll find locals and tourists browsing in the designer boutiques. It’s dotted with plenty of pubs and cafés too, so you can spend easily spend a leisurely day there. Sloane Street is another fantastic shopping destination, and leads you all the way up to neighbouring Knightsbridge.
Local Attractions
Shopping aside, there’s plenty of other things to do in Chelsea. It’s home to the Saatchi Gallery, where you’ll find the super-rich taking in some of the world’s best modern art. If you’re a football fan, head to Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC, last season’s Premier League champions. If you want to leave the rush of the city behind, Chelsea Physic Garden is a wonderful place for a romantic summertime stroll.
Dining Out
Chelsea has a really vibrant culinary scene, and you’ll find some fantastic restaurants here. Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is perfect for serious foodies with its Michelin Star rating. The Five Fields is a hidden gem serving up fantastic French-inspired cuisine. If you want something a little more relaxed though, you’ve got plenty to choose from too. Big Easy specialises in seafood and barbecue, and it’s like a little corner of the USA in the middle of London. Or you can eat some incredible burgers and steak over at Hache – a meat lover’s paradise!
Party Spots
You’re in the right place for a brilliant night out too. The Pig’s Ear and The Builders Arms are quirky gastropubs with warm, welcoming atmospheres. The Rumi Lounge is a great place to head to if you like cocktails – and its location on King’s Road makes it a good place to start your evening. As far as nightclubs go, you’ve got a pretty good selection. Raffles is an exclusive, members-only club where you’ll spot royalty and celebrities alike. Juju is fantastic too – and a great place for a private party.
Staying the Night
Of course, it’d be silly to just limit yourself to one day in the area. There are plenty of hotels, so you can extend your stay in Chelsea for as long as you like. The Sloane Square Hotel boasts beautiful décor in a great locating for some shopping, while the Sydney House Hotel is housed in a stunning Victorian mansion with a cosy bar for guests to drink in. If you really want to go all out though, head to the Chelsea Harbour Hotel. It may be a little pricey, but its riverside location and incredible spa make it well worth the money.
Enjoy Chelsea In Great Company
So there you have it – your guide to the very best of Chelsea! We’ve only just touched on what makes this such a great part of London, and you’ll probably discover some favourite places of your own. If you’re planning to visit by yourself, why not an VIP model to show you around? You can spend the afternoon shopping, dancing the night away or getting to known each other in a plush hotel room. Whatever you’ve got planned, there’s no need to be lonely while you’re doing so. So what are you waiting for? There’s so much to see and do, and some great company to be had too.
Gary Martin is a research consultant for the UK travel site Go2London. He loves London and can often be found in clubs and bars around the West End and Chelsea.