Mayfair is one of the most prestigious and rewarding areas in all of London. Located within the City of Westminster and nestled between Hyde Park to the west and Green Park to the south, it sits in one of the most coveted positions in central London. Oxford Street borders it to the north, Regent Street to the east, Piccadilly to the south, and Park Lane to the west, placing virtually everything London has to offer within easy reach.
The neighbourhood is rich in history, exceptional in its dining and shopping, and genuinely varied in what it offers visitors. Whether you are planning a day trip, a weekend stay, or a longer visit, this guide covers the best things to do in Mayfair so you can make the most of every hour. If you are considering staying in the area, our Mayfair serviced apartments are positioned at the heart of the district, putting every attraction in this guide within a short walk.
A Brief Overview of Mayfair
The name Mayfair derives from a fifteen-day fair held in the area every May, dating back to 1686, which brought traders, animals, and entertainers to what is now Shepherd Market. When the fair relocated to Bow in East London in the 1760s, the land was opened for development. Sophisticated townhouses were built, shopping districts were laid out, and Grosvenor Square emerged as the centrepiece of Georgian society, a five-acre public space of elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens that still stands today.
Today, Mayfair is home to some of London’s most recognised luxury hotels, including Claridge’s, The Connaught, and The Dorchester. Its streets have been walked by royalty, film stars, and artists for centuries. Jimi Hendrix famously lived on Brook Street, steps from the former home of George Frideric Handel. That combination of cultural depth, beautiful architecture, and present-day prestige is what makes Mayfair unlike anywhere else in London.
Beyond what to see and do, Mayfair’s appeal comes from its history and its standing as one of London’s most sought-after addresses. Read why Mayfair is London’s most desirable address for the full story.
Mayfair Shopping: From Bond Street to Burlington Arcade
Mayfair is one of the world’s great shopping destinations, with a range that stretches from the global flagship stores of Bond Street to the independent boutiques of Shepherd Market and the bespoke tailors of Savile Row.
Bond Street
Bond Street is the undisputed centrepiece of Mayfair shopping. Both Old and New Bond Street are lined with the flagship stores of the world’s most recognised luxury brands, including Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Tiffany and Co. It is an ideal destination for serious shopping or equally enjoyable for window shopping at a genuinely world-class level. Bond Street station, directly beneath the street, serves the Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines, making it one of the most accessible shopping destinations in London.
Burlington Arcade
Established in 1819, Burlington Arcade is one of London’s most historic and atmospheric covered shopping galleries. Its glass-roofed walkway connects Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens and is patrolled by Beadles, the arcade’s uniformed custodians, who have maintained the tradition of good order since the arcade opened. The forty-seven shops inside specialise in luxury timepieces, vintage jewellery, cashmere, and bespoke accessories. Burlington Arcade is described by many visitors as the jewel of Mayfair shopping, and it is hard to disagree.
Savile Row
Savile Row is the global home of bespoke men’s tailoring. Heritage houses that have been dressing royalty, politicians, and celebrities for generations line this short street, and a visit is worthwhile even for those not commissioning a suit. The craftsmanship on display in the window dressings alone reflects centuries of tradition that cannot be found in the same concentration anywhere else in the world.
South Molton Street and Shepherd Market
South Molton Street is a fully pedestrianised shopping street within Mayfair, offering a curated mix of independent boutiques and select luxury retailers in a relaxed, unhurried setting. Shepherd Market, a short walk away, is Mayfair’s most characterful corner: a pedestrian-only village of narrow mews lanes, small independent shops, classic cafes, and neighbourhood pubs with an atmosphere that feels distinctly apart from the grandeur of Bond Street. It is one of the best-kept secrets in central London.
Art and Culture in Mayfair
Mayfair has one of the highest concentrations of art galleries and cultural institutions of any neighbourhood in London. Whether your interests run to classical European painting, contemporary exhibitions, or decorative arts, the area rewards time spent exploring its cultural offerings.
The Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly is one of London’s most significant cultural institutions and one of the defining attractions of Mayfair. Its ever-changing programme of exhibitions spans painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the annual Summer Exhibition, now over 250 years old, is the world’s largest open submission contemporary art show. The RA’s collection of works by founding members, including Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Constable, is also accessible within the permanent galleries. For full exhibition listings and booking information, visit the Royal Academy of Arts official website before your visit.
Mayfair’s Art Galleries
Beyond the Royal Academy, Mayfair is home to an exceptional concentration of commercial art galleries, particularly along Cork Street, Albemarle Street, and the surrounding streets. Halcyon Gallery on New Bond Street exhibits a strong programme of contemporary works from both established and emerging artists. The density of galleries in this part of Mayfair makes it ideal for an afternoon of leisurely browsing, with no admission charge required to visit most commercial spaces.
Handel and Hendrix in London
Brook Street in Mayfair is home to one of London’s most distinctive museums. The adjoining townhouses at numbers 23 and 25 were the residences of George Frideric Handel, who lived there from 1723 until he died in 1759, and Jimi Hendrix, who occupied the upper flat next door in 1968 and 1969. The museum explores the lives of both men and the remarkable coincidence of their connection to the same address across two centuries.
Green Spaces and Hidden Gardens in Mayfair
Mayfair is exceptionally well-served by green space for a district of its density and prestige. The combination of the Royal Parks on its borders and several smaller hidden gardens within the neighbourhood itself means there is always a quiet outdoor retreat within easy reach.
Hyde Park and Green Park
Hyde Park, bordering Mayfair to the west along Park Lane, is one of the largest and most varied of London’s Royal Parks. The Serpentine Lake offers boating in the warmer months, the park hosts outdoor concerts seasonally, and the open lawns provide a natural release from the surrounding city. Green Park, to the south, is smaller and less formal, offering a direct walking route to Buckingham Palace and a pleasant stretch of mature trees and open grass that is particularly beautiful in spring.
Mount Street Gardens
Mount Street Gardens, tucked between Mount Street and South Street, is one of Mayfair’s best-kept secrets. A peaceful walled garden with flower beds, sculptures, and benches, it offers genuine tranquillity in the middle of one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods. On sunny days, it fills with office workers and visitors looking for a welcome break from the streets. The Church of the Immaculate Conception, which borders the garden, is itself a striking example of Victorian Gothic architecture worth a brief visit.
Grosvenor Square and Brown Hart Gardens
Grosvenor Square is the largest of Mayfair’s historic garden squares, with wide lawns, mature trees, and ornamental planting across its five acres. It has a rich history as a diplomatic hub, once home to the American Embassy, and features several significant memorials. A short walk away, Brown Hart Gardens is a smaller elevated garden above a former electricity substation, with benches, plants, and a cafe that makes it an ideal spot for a quiet coffee or a brief rest mid-afternoon.
Where to Eat and Drink in Mayfair
Mayfair’s dining scene is among the most varied and accomplished of any neighbourhood in London, ranging from early-morning cafes and food markets to Michelin-starred fine dining establishments.
Breakfast and Coffee
For early mornings, Queens of Mayfair on South Audley Street offers well-made coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Ralph’s Coffee in the Ralph Lauren boutique on Bond Street adds a stylish dimension to the morning routine. Both are well-suited to a start before a day of shopping or gallery visits.
Lunch and Casual Dining
Mercato Mayfair, housed inside St Mark’s Church on North Audley Street, is one of the most atmospheric lunch destinations in the area. Spread across four floors of a converted church, it brings together food vendors from multiple cuisines in a setting that is genuinely unlike any other food market in London. Burger and Lobster on Bread Street and 34 Mayfair on Grosvenor Square are strong choices for a more substantial midday meal.
Afternoon Tea
Mayfair is arguably London’s finest destination for afternoon tea. Claridge’s on Brook Street delivers the quintessential hotel afternoon tea experience in its Art Deco ballroom. Sketch on Conduit Street offers a more theatrical take with its distinctive pink interiors. Both require booking and represent two of the best afternoon tea experiences in the capital.
Fine Dining and Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Mayfair is home to a significant concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Helene Darroze at The Connaught champions seasonal, sustainable cooking from one of France’s most celebrated chefs. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester is one of the most formally accomplished dining experiences in London. Sexy Fish on Berkeley Street offers a more theatrical atmosphere with high-quality Japanese-influenced dishes and a resident DJ in the evenings.
Bars and Pubs
Mayfair’s bar scene balances old-world atmosphere with modern sophistication. Mr Fogg’s Residence on Brook’s Mews is a travel-themed cocktail bar inspired by the adventures of Phileas Fogg, offering one of the most distinctive drinking experiences in central London. The Red Room at The Connaught is a quieter, more refined option. For something more traditional, The Punchbowl on Carlos Place is a classic Mayfair pub with 18th-century origins and an old-world atmosphere that offers a genuine contrast to the surrounding luxury. Shepherd Market Wine House, tucked into the lanes of Shepherd Market, offers a well-curated wine list in a relaxed neighbourhood setting.
Hungry for more recommendations? Our guide to restaurants and bars in Mayfair covers everything from Michelin-starred dining to relaxed neighborhood spots.
Nearby Attractions Within Walking Distance of Mayfair
Mayfair’s central location means that several of London’s most significant attractions are within easy walking distance. Buckingham Palace and the entrance to St James’s Park are approximately fifteen minutes on foot from the southern end of the district. The Royal Academy of Arts is on Piccadilly at Mayfair’s southern boundary. Marble Arch and the north-eastern corner of Hyde Park are a short walk from Oxford Street.
For visitors wanting to explore London more broadly from a Mayfair base, the neighbourhood’s transport connections are excellent. Bond Street and Green Park stations, between them, cover six Underground and Elizabeth Line routes, providing fast access to virtually every part of the city. For a full overview of the best ways to get around the area, read our Mayfair transport guide, which covers public transport, chauffeur services, and cycling options in detail.
If Green Street has caught your eye, our guide to a weekend near Green Street shows how to make the most of a short stay in this corner of Mayfair.
Where to Stay in Mayfair
To experience Mayfair at its best, staying within the neighbourhood itself makes a genuine difference. At Luxury London Listings, we offer a collection of modern luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Mayfair. Our properties are positioned within minutes of Bond Street, Green Park station, Piccadilly, and Regent Street, placing every attraction in this guide within a comfortable walking distance.
Our apartments are suited to couples, families, business travellers, and those seeking an extended stay in central London. Each property is professionally managed and finished to a high standard, combining the privacy and space of a self-contained apartment with the quality and convenience of a premium central location.
If a serviced apartment suits your stay better than a hotel, our guide to serviced apartments in Mayfair covers what to look for and where to find them. Ready to book your Mayfair stay? View available Mayfair properties or explore our Mayfair apartment collection to find the right property for your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mayfair best known for?
Mayfair is best known for its luxury shopping on Bond Street, Savile Row bespoke tailoring, Michelin-starred restaurants, and world-class art institutions, including the Royal Academy of Arts. It is also one of London’s most prestigious residential districts, home to several of the capital’s finest hotels.
Is Mayfair worth visiting for a day trip?
Yes. Mayfair is compact enough to cover a great deal on foot in a single day. A well-planned day could include Bond Street shopping, a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts, lunch at Mercato Mayfair, a walk through Mount Street Gardens, and evening drinks at Mr Fogg’s Residence or dinner at one of the neighbourhood’s many fine dining options.
What are the hidden gems in Mayfair?
Shepherd Market is widely considered Mayfair’s best-kept secret, a pedestrian village of narrow lanes and independent shops that feels completely removed from the surrounding luxury. Mount Street Gardens and Brown Hart Gardens are two small urban retreats that are often overlooked by visitors. The Handel and Hendrix Museum on Brook Street is another highlight that many visitors miss.
What is the best time of year to visit Mayfair?
Mayfair rewards a visit at any time of year. Summer brings the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition, outdoor concerts in Hyde Park, and the best conditions for walking and cycling. Winter sees some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in London, particularly on Bond Street and South Molton Street. Spring is beautiful in the Royal Parks, when the gardens around Green Park and Mount Street are at their most colourful.
Is Mayfair good for families?
Yes. Hyde Park provides excellent space for children with playgrounds, boating on the Serpentine, and open lawns. The Royal Academy of Arts runs family-focused events alongside its main exhibitions. Selfridges on Oxford Street, a short walk from Mayfair, is popular with families. Mayfair’s safe streets and central location also mean that family-friendly attractions across London are easily reachable by Tube from Bond Street or Green Park.
How do I get to Mayfair?
The most convenient Tube stations for Mayfair are Bond Street, which serves the Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines, and Green Park, which serves the Piccadilly, Victoria, and Jubilee lines. Multiple bus routes run along Oxford Street, Piccadilly, and Park Lane. From Heathrow Airport, the Elizabeth Line provides a direct journey to Bond Street in approximately forty minutes.
Luxury London Listings specialises in professionally managed serviced apartments in Mayfair and across central London. For more information about our properties or to discuss your visit, contact our team, and we will be glad to help.
