Located just off Oxford Street and a stone-throw away from Soho, Mayfair is one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in all of London. Whether it’s the bougie boutiques of Bond Street or some of the capital’s best culinary hotspots, we’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to spectacular things to do in Mayfair, so we thought we’d round up some of our faves.
From historic pubs to must-visit hidden gems, keep scrolling for some inspiration if you’re keen on discovering London’s much-loved Mayfair and its appreciation for the finer things in life.
1. Indulge in a heavenly feast at Mercato Mayfair
London is mad for food halls, and it doesn’t get much better than Mercato Mayfair, especially if you’re looking for the capital’s most beautiful offerings. Indulge in cuisines from across the globe in this stunning converted church, restored with beautiful precision and an appreciation for its foundational design.
It’s a total treat for the taste buds, and the gorgeous architecture is easy on the eyes too, making it an unmissable, immersive culinary experience if you’re a London foodie. Boasting two floors of drool-worthy options, a rooftop terrace, and a wine cellar, you could spend breakfast, lunch, and dinner savouring this magnificent hidden gem on the edges of Mayfair.
📍 St. Mark’s Church, North Audley Street, W1K 6ZA.
2. Relish in the history of art at the Royal Academy of Arts
If you’ve got an inkling for art, be sure you pay a visit to the Royal Academy of Arts. Possessing an impressive collection of works by renowned artists, wander the free displays or check out one of their enthralling paid exhibitions, with a continuous line-up of fascinating exhibits delving into different themes and topics.
The gallery has been operating for over 250 years, with an undeniable driving force to showcase the best of the best from the art world. Complete your visit with a pitstop at their adorable cafe before treating yourself to some gifts at the shop. For more information on their current exhibitions, visit the RA website.
📍 Burlington House, Piccadilly, W1J OBD.
3. Dine at one of London’s prettiest restaurants sketch
Mayfair is known for its fine dining, and one of its most famous (or viral) restaurants is sketch. Famed for their stunning interiors and Instagrammable toilets, book a table at this adored hotspot to witness the spectacular design elements that have made this place so beloved.
As for the food, expect some mouth-watering dishes served up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After all, sketch is the creation of restaurateur Mourad Mazouz, along with celebrated chef Pierre Gagnaire, so you know you’re in for an absolute treat. For more information on the restaurant’s iconic design, click here.
📍 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG.
4. Enjoy a couple of pints at The Punchbowl
If fine dining is out of the question, perhaps one of Mayfair’s local pubs will wet your whistle. One of the area’s favourites is The Punchbowl, which is a cosy watering hole in the heart of the district that’s beloved by many and steeped in fascinating history, being one of Mayfair’s oldest pubs. There’s also some interesting recent history, with this place previously owned by Madonna and Guy Richie before the divorce.
Expect an unbeatable selection of beers, ales, and beverages, as well as fantastic pub grub that’ll sort out those comprehensible cravings. There’s even a whimsical Whiskey Room if you’re looking for the perfect place for a nightcap.
📍 41 Farm Street, London W1J 5RP.
5. Browse the beautiful boutiques of Bond Street
Considered the ultimate shopping destination for many, particularly the rich and famous, Bond Street has been a legendary London landmark for centuries. From British designers like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood to international brands like Fendi, Versace, and Ralph Lauren, all of the major fashion designers have a shop on this exclusive street, so keep that in mind if you’re looking to treat yourself. Check out or all-encompassing guide to Bond Street by clicking here.
6. Enjoy a designer cup of coffee at Ralph Lauren
All of this luxe shopping is thirsty work, and you deserve a designer beverage to help swallow the fact that you’ve just spent way too much money. Ralph’s Coffee is one of London’s most unique coffee shops as it’s nestled inside Ralph Lauren’s gorgeous location on New Bond Street, serving up coffee, cocktails, bar snacks, and shared plates.
Whether you’re craving an iced latte or you’re mad for matcha, be sure to check out one of the city’s swankiest coffeehouses, especially the next time you’re in the Mayfair area. If you’re always on the hunt for a top-notch coffee shop, check out our all-encompassing London coffee guide.
📍 1 New Bond Street, W1S 3RL.
7. Explore London’s gorgeous Royal Parks in and around Mayfair
The district of Mayfair is enveloped by London’s famous Royal Parks, so it would be rude to leave them out of this round-up of all the marvellous things to do in the area. From Green Park to Hyde Park, spend the day exploring the gorgeous green spaces that define our city.
From beautiful gardens to wonderful walking trails that boast spectacular views of the London skyline and its iconic landmarks, we recommend kicking things off in Hyde Park, before heading southeast to Green and St. James’s Park.
8. Enjoy Mediterranean delicacies at the beautiful Bacchanalia
Another one of London’s prettiest restaurants, Bacchanalia will magically transport you and your tastebuds to Rome. With totally OTT and opulent design elements, this Baroque-style restaurant is a work of art in itself, without even mentioning the food.
Enjoy a breathtaking feast for the senses, with a jam-packed menu of Mediterranean dishes and delicacies on offer. You can expect unmatched artistry that perfectly compliments the amazing ambience, subtly telling the ancient story of Bacchanalia.
📍 1-3 Mount Street, London, W1K 3NA.
9. Art hop around the best galleries in Mayfair
We mentioned the Royal Academy of Arts earlier in the round-up, but there’s so much more to Mayfair’s thriving art scene. From private collections to public displays, bougie shops and beyond, our favourite galleries in Mayfair that we think are worth checking out include Hauser and Wirth, Halcyon Gallery, Stephen Friedman Gallery, and Victoria Miro. For our comprehensible round-up of London art galleries, click here.
10. Treat yourself to afternoon tea at Claridges
Since Mayfair is such a prestigious sector of the capital, you can count on some fantastic afternoon teas in the area, dare we say some of the best in London! One of the undisputed queens of afternoon tea is Claridges, the glamourous five-star hotel on the corner of Brook Street and Davies Street.
This British staple doesn’t get much better, following the traditional combination of sweet and savoury with finger sandwiches, perfect patisserie, and freshly baked scones. To book your afternoon tea at Claridge’s, click here to visit their website. However, this is just one of the many incredible tea rooms at our disposal here in London.
📍 Brook St, W1K 4HR.
11. Visit London’s most unique museum by visiting Handel & Hendrix House
Celebrating the lives of two remarkable musicians, Handel & Hendrix is a captivating museum in Mayfair that delves into the lives of German-born British baroque composer George Frideric Handel and the legendary American rock singer-guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Although extremely different to one another and with hundreds of years between them, both of these ground-breaking performers were Mayfair residents, living in flats that now house this incredible museum.
From an insightful exhibition space all on Hendrix and his music to relicks from Handel’s old London home, it’s definitely one of the city’s lesser-known museums that needs to be seen to be believed.
📍 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB
12. Channel your inner royal at St. James’s Palace
St James’s Palace is the most senior royal palace in London, and it has been a residence of Kings and Queens of England for over 300 years, up until Queen Victoria. Although you can’t openly visit the palace, its grand exterior is worth seeing and you can explore both the Chapel Royal and Queen’s Chapel on select dates throughout the year, as well as rare, exclusive tours. Click here for more information.