
Just to the North of Europe’s busiest shopping street – AKA Oxford Street – lies Marylebone, a villagey-style borough which is characterised by chic restaurants, pretty side streets, indie boutique stores and cosy gastropubs. There’s plenty to see and do here, so without further ado, here’s our roundup of the best things to do in Marylebone:
1. Discover the eclectic art of The Wallace Collection
Kicking off this roundup of the best things to do in Marylebone is The Wallace Collection – a magnificent London house museum established back in 1897 which showcases exceptional 18th century paintings, sculptures, ceramics, furniture and exquisite suits of armour too.
Free to enter, a visit here is a great idea to while away the hours. Wander through 28 different exhibition rooms and stumble upon a whole host of opulent artworks. It’s also just a hop, skip and a jump from Oxford Street.
📍You’ll find The Wallace Collection at Hertford House, Manchester Square, London, W1U 3BN.
2. Play a cracking game of golf at Swingers
This multi-million pound course is a real joy to take a putt on – sorry. Taking over a vast former department store, Swingers offers a luxurious nine-hole course along with street food from some of London’s best vendors, such as Patty & Bun and Breddos Tacos.
It’s very la-di-da for a golf course, although due to the free-flowing cocktails (which can be caddied directly to the hole you’re currently tackling), strictly for adults only. Sign us up!
📍You’ll find Swingers at 15 John Prince’s Street, London, W1G 0AB.
3. Delve into the intriguing world of Sherlock Holmes and Watson
Another solid addition to our roundup of the best things to do in Marylebone here – the world’s first museum dedicated to the legendary literary character Sherlock Holmes. Situated on 221b Baker Street, one of the world’s most famous addresses, you’ll be able to take a step back in time and enter into a world of Victorian curiosities as you unearth many of the objects, letters and characters right from the detective’s most famous cases.
From handcrafted hats to beautifully-bound books, you’ll discover a treasure trove of hidden gems here, so this Marylebone museum is well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Speaking of Sherlock Holmes, if you’re looking for a bit of fun on an immersive experience, then don’t miss out on Sherlock: The Official Live Game.
📍You’ll find The Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221b Baker Street, London, NW1 6XE.
4. Find some hidden gems at Church Street Market
Looking for some antiques but not sure where to head? Well, you could do worse than making your way to Church Street Market. Packed full of produce – from clothing, to accessories and household goods to vintage jewellery – it’s also home to some quite frankly excellent antique stores where you’ll be able to find all manner of trinkets.
If you’re feeling peckish, you could also make your way to Marylebone Farmers Market. One of the capital’s flagship farmer’s markets, there’s always something new to find as the seasons change here, from the freshest asparagus in April to strawberries in May. Look out for excellent meat and poultry, game in season and free range sausages from local butchers and producers. It opens only on Sundays from 10am-2pm.
📍You’ll find Church Street Market at NW8 8DT and Marylebone Farmers Market at W1U 4DF.
5. Shop ‘til you drop in the area’s designer stores
Keeping on the shopping theme here, Marylebone is also a great neighbourhood to head to if you’ve got a bit of the old cash to splash. Celebrated for its elegant stores, designer fashion brands, art galleries, fine jewellery shops and antique stores, Bond Street is the destination for luxury shopping.
It marks the Southern border of Marylebone and is full to the brim with designer boutiques and stores, including Asprey, Cartier, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Asprey and Tiffany & Co. Oh we say!
6. Tuck into plates of pasta and more at Lina Stores
The latest instalment of Lina Stores swung open its doors earlier this year in the fashionable area of Marylebone Village, and it features a spacious all-day restaurant, a fully-stocked delicatessen and a cosy, downstairs bar.
Standouts on the menu include the ‘stracciatella ravioli’ – with datterini tomatoes, pine nuts and basil – and the ‘tagliolini al tartufo’ – a heavenly mix of 30-egg yolk tagliolini, black truffle, creamy butter and rich parmigiano reggiano. Finish up with a salted caramel chocolate mousse and a glass of dessert vino and you’ve got yourself a real winner here.
📍You’ll find Lina Stores at 13-15 Marylebone Lane, London, W1U 2NE.
7. Grab a pint or two in a traditional boozer
Us Londoners love ourselves a good old boozer, and luckily for you dear reader, there are more than enough to whet your whistle in this neck of the woods. If you’re looking for a traditional Victorian watering hole, make your way to the Golden Eagle or The Carpenters Arms – which is tucked just behind Marble Arch and is home to the London branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).
For something a bit more bougie, head to ‘The Marylebone’ (prizes for imaginative names there), The Grazing Goat or The Harcourt. If you’re looking some outstanding pub grub, head to The Cavendish. And if it’s history you’re after, then pull up a pew in The Barley Mow which has been open since 1791.
8. Amble through leafy Regent’s Park
Named after the Prince Regent (AKA King George IV) – whose nickname was *ahem* ‘the playboy prince’ – Regent’s Park is a lovely, Grade I-listed Royal Park which is home to Central London’s largest outdoor sports area, a boating lake, an outdoor theatre and leafy gardens with over 12,000 roses to boot.
It’s also home to the ZSL London Zoo – the oldest scientific zoo in the world – so you can see if you can spot the resident lions, painted dogs, giraffes, camels and penguins as you go for a wander. If you fancy a nice view, make your way to the summit of Primrose Hill – which holds the title of being the most scenic view in London.
9. Bag some Beatles merch at this charming shop
Stocking the largest selection of Beatles merch in the capital, the London Beatles Store is an absolute must for fans of the Fab Four. From all the band tees your heart desires to pins, badges, posters, and more, don’t miss out if you’re riddled with Beatlemania—regardless if you’ve been there since the beginning or are only now discovering their music!
There are even rare items and signed products, making it an essential spot for dedicated stans of The Beatles, and collectors alike. For more information on this charming shop, click here to read our full article.
📍You’ll find the London Beatles Store at 231-233 Baker St, London NW1 6XE.
10. Witness more wonderful art at Lisson Gallery
We previously mentioned the Wallace Collection, but there’s even more fantastic art to see in Marylebone at the more contemporary offerings from Lisson Gallery. As one of the most influential art institutions in the world, with galleries across the globe, expect a diverse range of contemporary works including sculptures, paintings, installations, and beyond.
Recent exhibitions have spotlighted artists such as Anish Kapoor, Sean Scully, and Hiroshi Sugimoro. Its central location in Marylebone makes it a beloved hotspot for local art lovers and visiting tourists alike, so be sure to pay this place a visit the next time you’re in the area.
📍You’ll find Lisson Gallery at 67 Lisson Street London, NW1 5DA
11. Have the purr-fect time at Java Whiskers Cat Café
Located on Great Portland Street, Java Whiskers Cat Café is a safe haven for cat lovers and fans of all things feline. This cosy café allows visitors to enjoy a cup of coffee or afternoon tea, while spending time with adorable rescue cats and kittens.
Speaking of, there’s a Kitten Lounge and a Cat Lounge, both exuberating absolute comfort and featuring lots of new friends to meet and greet. Besides Marylebone, Java Whiskers Cat Café have another location in Shepherd’s Bush, giving us Londoners easier access to playtime with kitty-cats!
📍You’ll find Java Cat Café at 105 Great Portland St, London W1W 6QF.
12. Get into the groove at the Royal Academy of Music Museum
On the edges of Regents Park, this lesser-known museum is an absolute must-visit for music enthusiasts and aspiring performers. The Royal Acadamy of Music Museum is a treasure trove of musical history, boasting a stunning collection of historical instruments, as well as playing host to regular exhibitions and events. Best of all, it is free to visit, making it a great option for those looking after the pennies and the pounds.
From witnessing stringed wonders like the Viotti ex Bruce Stradivari violin, or catching one of the Academy’s renowned concerts, visit their website for more information and their full lineup of exhibitions and events.
📍 1–5 York Gate, Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5HT.
13. Stock up on goodies at the Marylebone Farmer’s Market
Every Sunday, the Marylebone Farmer’s Market transforms the local area into a bustling hub of fresh produce and artisanal delights. Located on Aybrook Street, this vibrant market is a safe haven for food lovers, offering a wide variety of s seasonal fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats, and beyond.
Each stall is manned by local farmers and producers, making it one of the best ways to support local businesses in the capital. For our full round-up of farmers markets in London, click here.
📍You’ll find the Marylebone Farmer’s Market at Aybrook Street, London W1U 4EW, taking place on Sundays only.
14. Dine among magnificent palm trees at The Landmark London
If Kew Gardens and Buckingham Palace had a love child together, it might look a little something like the Winter Garden restaurant at The Landmark London Hotel. Boasting a towering glass dome roof that dwarfs even the majestic palm trees here, the dining area of this five-star Marylebone hotel will quite literally stop you in your tracks.
You can opt to dine on a three-course or a la carte menu, with options including roasted rack of Cumbrian lamb, seared potato terrine and native lobster thermidor – oh darling! As you’d expect in this glamorous spot, the wine and cocktail list are pretty damn extensive, and there’s even a live pianist soundtracking your evening. Date night perhaps?!
📍You’ll find The Landmark London at 222 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 6JQ.
15. Catch a classical gig at Wigmore Hall
Considered to have one of the best acoustics for classical music in the whole of Europe, Wigmore Hall is quite possibly the place to go in town if you’re looking to catch a classical gig.
With a capacity of around 550, it’s a spacious place whose focus is on great musical works – from the Renaissance to contemporary jazz and new commissions from today’s most exciting composers. Check out their listings page for further information – it’ll be a magical night that you won’t likely forget in a hurry.
📍You’ll find Wigmore Hall at 36 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 2BP.
16. Savour the flavours of Peru at Pachamama Bar & Kitchen
Taking its name from an ‘earth mother’ goddess revered by the indigenous peoples of the Andes, Pachamama Bar & Kitchen is all about fab Peruvian food using the best of British ingredients.
Standouts on the menu include the seafood platter – which incorporates grilled prawns, octopus, squid, scallops, sea bass fillet, roasted lemon, sourdough and Mediterranean butter – the Peruvian fried chicken and the charred sweet potato with flavoursome ají panca butter. Wash it down with a pisco sour and gorge on some churros and you’ll practically find yourself in heaven on ‘earth’. Sorry… They even do a bottomless brunch here too – and you know how much we love one of them.
📍You’ll find Pachamama Bar & Kitchen at 18 Thayer Street, London, W1U 3JY.
17. While away the hours reading at Daunt Books
Rounding off this list of the best things to do in Marylebone is Daunt Books – a picture-perfect bookshop that’s designed for those with a real case of the travel bug. Housed in a former Edwardian bookshop built in 1910—which is believed to be the world’s first custom-built bookshop—the building flaunts some bloody gorgeous skylights and long oak galleries.
It was bought by James Daunt in 1990 and specialises in travel books and literature. All books are arranged by destination, so be prepared to feel some wanderlust! They also regularly have talks and lectures here too – Tracy Chevalier and Mick Herron are just two of the authors who have recently spoken.
📍You’ll find Daunt Books at 84 Marylebone High Street, W1U 4QW.
18. Learn more about Marylebone by walking the Wonderpass
For a quick lesson on Marylebone, head down the Wonderpass for information and small galleries dedicated to the area. What is usually quite a seedy experience quickly becomes a lot of fun with artwork and quirky facts on display throughout.
And heck, it’s not often that an underpass makes the list of fab things to do in a neighbourhood, so that’s surely worth a visit in its own right, right? It’s also vibrantly immersive, making it a beloved spot to snap up some pics for the ‘gram!
📍You’ll find the Wonderpass outside Baker Street station at 134 Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5JY.
19. See what’s on at beloved fringe theatre The Cockpit
The Cockpit is a unique performance space in Marylebone known for its fringe theatre. Hosting a variety of live performances including gripping dramas, improv comedy, musical performances, and beyond, its intimate setting provides an up-close and personal experience with the performers and their unmissable productions.
So, whether you’re looking for some well-earned entertainment or want to reignite your love for theatre, The Cockpit is the place to be. Find out more information, including their full lineup of productions and events, by visiting their website.
📍You’ll find The Cockpit on Gateforth St, London NW8 8EH.
20. Eat some legendary fish and chips at The Seashell of Lisson Grove
The Seashell of Lisson Grove is a quirky institution in Marylebone that’s famed for their drool-worthy fish and chips. Shortly after the First World War, dining rooms within the restaurant’s storied rooms opened for business, preparing and serving up cooked fish. This continues to be the case over 100 years later, so be sure to keep this hotspot in mind the next time you fancy a chippy tea or lunch – and there’s takeaway available too if you’d prefer to tuck in at home.
📍You’ll find The Seashell of Lisson Grove at 49-51 Lisson Grove, Marylebone, NW1 6UH.
21. Snap a selfie with famous faces at Madame Tussauds
Although viewed as a favourite for tourists, the world-famous Madame Tussauds is nestled smack-bang in the centre of Marylebone. This iconic attraction offers a blend of history, celebrity, and interactive entertainment, allowing you to marvel at the lifelike wax figures of global stars and historical figures.
From Lady Gaga and The Beatles to the royal family, sports stars, and beyond, strike a pose with your favourite celebrities, and take part in several other immersive experiences available at Madame Tussauds. There’s a Marvel Super Heroes 4D film and even a Spirit of London ride, which takes you on an enchanting journey through the capital’s rich history. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
📍You’ll find Madame Tussauds on Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR.
22. Eat out or stay the night at Chiltern Firehouse
If you’re looking to treat yourself to something extra special, the Chiltern Firehouse is a must-visit for foodies, tucked away in a charming corner of Marylebone. Housed inside a beautifully restored 19th-century fire station, this uber-chic hotel and restaurant exudes an air of delicious glamour that goes unmatched.
The kitchen, helmed by renowned chef Nuno Mendes, serves up inventive dishes that blend traditional flavours with a contemporary flair. With its stylish interiors, cosy courtyard, and a (sometimes star-studded) bar that’s perfect for unwinding with crafty cocktails, the Chiltern Firehouse offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the city, and it’s even better if you get the chance to stay the night.
📍You’ll find Chiltern Firehouse at 1 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7PA.
So there you have it – 15 of the best things to do in Marylebone. From shopping in designer stores to watching some classical music in one of the country’s most esteemed venues, there’s something for everyone here. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself there and see for yourself!