How To Spend One Day In Chelsea

Home to luxury boutiques, high-end restaurants and world-renowned galleries, Chelsea has come a long way from its 1960s bohemian beginnings. Whether you’re staying in the area or just passing through, discover everything Chelsea has to offer with our guide to Sloane Square and beyond. Here’s how to spend 24 hours in the neighbourhood.

Breakfast on Pavilion Road

We start our day on the cobbled Pavilion Road, a stone’s throw from Sloane Square Tube station. With a village feel, this tranquil haven is the ideal place to start a day of sightseeing. Wellness enthusiasts can kickstart the morning with a yoga or spin class at boutique studio KXU, nestled halfway down Pavilion Road and conveniently located next to local brunch favourite Granger & Co (be sure to try the ricotta hotcakes). Directly opposite lies Hans Bar & Grill, a stylish spot that serves up traditional brunch fare and breakfast cocktails, while vegans can get their fix at nearby Wulf & Lamb. Be sure to pick up one of Bread Ahead’s cult doughnuts and a flat white from The Roasting Party while you’re there. Still hungry? Pavilion Road is also home to a handful of artisan food shops, where you can find organic fruit and vegetables, cheese and fine wine.

People walking on Pavilion Street in Knightsbridge

Morning wander in Sloane Square

Saatchi Gallery hosts various exhibitions throughout the year

Afternoon on the King’s Road

No trip to Chelsea would be complete without a saunter down the world-famous King’s Road, built by King Charles II to provide a direct route from Hampton Court to London. There, you’ll find a wide variety of independent boutiques, designer offerings and high street staples. Bookish types can’t miss John Sandoe Books, a labyrinthine spot brimming with literary gems, while antique hunters can jump on the 211 bus and explore the delights of The Furniture Cave, a three-storey emporium at the end of the King’s Road featuring paintings, ceramics and silver. You’ll also find Vivienne Westwood’s quirky shop, designed to resemble a pirate ship. You can’t miss the huge clock on the front, but don’t rely on it for the time – look closely and you’ll notice the hands spinning backwards.

Head to Chelsea Embankment

From there, head back up the King’s Road and down towards the river. Chelsea Embankment, which stretches to the south overlooking Albert Bridge, is the spot for a late afternoon stroll. If the sun is shining, The Chelsea Physic Garden, founded in 1673, is a stunning botanical garden steeped in history and well worth a visit. History enthusiasts can also check out the nearby Royal Hospital Chelsea, whose grounds are transformed every May for the iconic Chelsea Flower Show.

People relaxing at Chelsea Physic Garden, London, England

Working your way back towards Sloane Square, take a moment to appreciate the pastel-hued houses and blue plaques that commemorate famous Londoners who once resided in Chelsea’s leafy streets.

Discover Chelsea’s picturesque pastel houses

Dine in Chelsea’s finest

There’s no better way to round off a day of culture SW3-style than an aperitif in one of the area’s pubs or bars. Sip on innovative cocktails at JuJu or Eclipse or enjoy a pint of local ale in The Phene or The Phoenix – all firm Culture Trip favourites. When it comes to dining options, you’re spoilt for choice. From laid-back local favourite Kurobuta to the pan-Asian-inspired Eight Over Eight (don’t miss the lychee martinis) and Italian stalwart La Famiglia, there’s something for everyone.

The Phoenix serves up delicious food in the heart of Chelsea

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.