15 Old Money Aesthetic Travel Destinations You’ll Love
There are places that exude everlasting elegance that melds opulent settings with storied pasts.
These places are examples of the “old money aesthetic,” each with an air of understated elegance, exclusivity and charm that makes you feel you’ve stepped out of a classic novel.
If you’re a traveler who loves a high-end detail and a sense of history, this guide will lead you through 15 places that capture the spirit of old money luxury.
From tranquil seaside escapes to grand urban hubs rich in the arts, destinations abound that exude sophistication at every turn.
Let’s look at where your travel dreams and the timeless class you crave meet.
1. The French Riviera, France
There’s nothing like a destination on the French Riviera for timeless luxury.
From the glittering seas of St. Tropez to the extravagant villas of Cannes, all corners of this destination emit an aura of exclusivity
Stroll Èze Village’s cobblestone streets or sip champagne while staring out at the Mediterranean — this is the old money getaway.
2. Lake Como, Italy
The appeal of Lake Como is its quiet waters surrounded by dramatic mountains and panoramic villas.
A-List celebrities like George Clooney love this destination but it goes way beyond just glamour.
Ride a boat across the lake, enjoy gourmet Italian dishes at lakeside cafes and immerse yourself in the tranquility of one of Europe’s most stylish getaways.
3. The Hamptons, New York, USA
With sprawling estates and a coastal chic feel, the Hamptons is the perfect blend of old-world charm and modernity.
Walk along the untouched beaches, wander through the small boutiques, and soak in the unhurried, sophisticated lifestyle of the place.
Be sure to try the farm-to-table dining experiences that make simplicity an art.
4. Oxford, England
Famous for its university and centuries-old architecture, Oxford borrows a timeless sophistication.
Wander through the ivy-covered colleges, have afternoon tea in fabulously historic surroundings and soak up the charm of this quintessentially British city.
It’s a heady brew of intellectual history tempered by non-affectation.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
With its antebellum mansions, cobblestone streets and centuries of history, Charleston exudes Southern charm.
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic district or eat in restaurants that seamlessly marry heritage to gastronomic perfection.
This is where old world elegance embraces warm, friendly hospitality.
6. Kyoto, Japan
You would find these treasures in Kyoto, an embodiment of peaceful simplicity oozing out of quiet temples, exquisite gardens and tea houses.
Discover a culture that embodies sophistication, from donning a kimono to tea-making ceremonies.
Kyoto’s traditions share an obsessive attention to detail that fits seamlessly with the old money aesthetic.
7. Gstaad, Switzerland
Gstaad: Where Winter Luxury Goes to the Highest SlopesKnown for its posh ski resorts, few places do winter luxury like Gstaad.
Revel in a classic chalet, hit the slopes and sip après-ski cocktails by the fire.
In summer, though, its alpine meadows and quaint village feel preserve Gstaad’s aristocratic allure.
8. Vienna, Austria
Vienna mixes imperial history with the echo and adoration of art, music and architecture.
Catch an opera performance, walk the grand boulevards and soak up the city’s legendary café culture.
It’s a setting in which opulence seems effortless and integral to the daily tapestry.
9. Capri, Italy
This gem of the Mediterranean features trendy piazzas, luxe boutiques and stunning views.
Go to the Blue Grotto, enjoy fresh seafood by the sea, and have limoncello as you watch the sun set behind the horizon.
Capri is an ideal fusion of glamour and nature.
10. Savannah, Georgia, USA
The Spanish moss-draped oak trees and stately mansions of Savannah take you back in time.
Take leisurely strolls amid the historic squares and riverside — or enjoy its lively food scene.
Its Southern classicism is elegant at its most casual.
11. The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds are pastoral perfection, with honey-hued stone cottages and rolling hills.
Stay at a country manor, visit local antique shops and enjoy hearty British meals by a roaring fire.
It’s a retreat that’s timeless as well as tranquil.
12. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik’s fortified walls and glimmering Adriatic waters give it an air of historical wealth.
Wander the medieval streets, cruise to nearby islands, or eat alfresco overlooking the ancient city.
Just the mix of history and Mediterranean beauty is a magnet.
13. Napa Valley, California, USA
Napa Valley is all about slow, opulent living, with sprawling vineyards and renowned wineries.
Enjoy wine tastings at historic estates, dine on gourmet farm-to-table meals and rejuvenate in peaceful spa retreats.
This is luxury grounded in simplicity and natural beauty.
14. Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s bewitching white-washed villages, azure waters and fabled sunsets immortalize romantic sophistication.
Sleep in a boutique cave hotel, eat on rooftop terraces and take in the island’s history and volcanic landscapes.
It’s a place where every moment feels ageless.
15. Bruges, Belgium
Dubbed the “Venice of the North,” Bruges is a storybook town of canals, cobblestones and medieval architecture.
You can go on a boat ride through the canals, visit delightful chocolate boutiques, and see the lacework this city is known for.
This combination of history and charm has a time travel feel, an immersion in an era of genteel elegance.
