London/Mayfair-Marylebone

Mayfair is named after a fortnight-long May Fair held from 1686 until banned from that location in 1764. (Previously, the May Fair was held in the Haymarket; after 1764, it moved to Fair Field in Bow). The area was owned by the Grosvenor family and much is still held by the Grosvenor Estate, having been originally developed for residences from the late 17 th century. Mayfair is an extremely well-heeled district, as symbolised by its appearance as the most expensive property on the London Monopoly board, followed closely by one of its main thoroughfares, Park Lane. The district includes several major up-market shopping streets, including Bond Street, Regent Street, Jermyn Street.
Dividing the two districts is Oxford Street, considered by many to be the 'high street', (i.e. main shopping street) of London. Here are to be found a number of sizeable department stores, including the famous Selfridges, as well as shopfronts for all the major brands.
Marylebone, to the north of Oxford Street, is larger and less grand than Mayfair but still home to some very desirable housing, as well major tourist attractions such as Madame Tussaud's Wax Works Museum, Baker Street and the fictional haunt of Sherlock Holmes, and—to the north—the wide open green spaces of Regent's Park (including London Zoo).

By Tube

There are many Tube stations in the area, making these districts extremely easy to access, with all sites of interest a maximum of 10-15 minutes walk from any Tube station:

• Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines).
• Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo and Victoria lines)
• Marble Arch (Central line)
• Baker Street (Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee and Bakerloo lines)
• Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines).
• Green Park (Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines).
• Edgware Road (Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines)
• Regent's Park (Bakerloo line)
• Marylebone (Bakerloo line)
• Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line)

The Tube is the best way to reach Oxford Street; although there are plenty of buses serving the area, the traffic congestion is pretty bad, and the wait can be lengthy. The Central Line runs pretty much directly beneath Oxford Street at this point, with four stations along its length: Marble Arch, Bond Street (also served by the Jubilee Line), Oxford Circus (also served by the Bakerloo and Victoria lines), and Tottenham Court Road (also served by the Charing Cross branch of the Northern Line). If you want to shop, go to either Marble Arch or Tottenham Court Road station and walk the length of Oxford Street to experience all it has to offer.
If possible, avoid Oxford Circus Tube Station, as its layout is confusing and it's also very busy; at times it can be difficult to get out of the station at all due to pedestrian congestion outside and access to the station is frequently closed on a temporary basis during the evening rush hour.

By train

Marylebone station is also a mainline rail station, the terminus for trains from Birmingham, Warwick, Banbury, Aylesbury and High Wycombe. It is one of the best preserved Victorian railway stations left in the capital. With Marylebone Road on the station's southern side, there is no shortage of buses.

By bus

• 23 & 7 travel up Edgware Rd and on towards Bayswater & Notting Hill.

Landmarks

• Marble ArchThis enormous arch was built in front of Buckingham Palace. In 1851 the expansion of the palace meant the arch could no longer remain where it was, so it was moved to this point on Hyde Park. It now stands rather sadly on a large traffic island, but the subway beneath the roads mean you can stop off at the Marble Arch on your way from Oxford St to Hyde Park.

• Regent's Park

  phone: +44 20 7486-7905
  Large open space very popular with Londoners and less visited by tourists than the other great city parks. A number of lovely lakes, an open air theatre, regular puppet shows, various sporting activities and some splendid ancient trees. There is also a cafe and play area next to the boating pond.

• ZSL London Zoo

  phone: +44 20 7722-3333
  address: Outer Circle, Regent's Pk, NW1 4RY
  London's main zoo located in the northern reaches of Regent's Park. Takes a very conservation-driven approach these days and always has great exhibits aimed at children. Opened in 1828 for scientific study, then to the public in 1847.

• London Central Mosque

  address: 146 Park Rd NW1
  Islamic Cultural Centre and the main mosque in London. Visitors are welcome but must be suitably attired. The Mosque runs classes, prayers, talks and events.

Wellington Arch

address: Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ

A grand neoclassical arch, designed by Decimus Burton and first erected in 1826 as a grand entrance to Buckingham Palace. From 1846 onwards, the arch was topped with a massive equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington - a major road widening of Piccadilly in 1882 was the opportunity to finally remove the over sized statue to Aldershot. The present magnificent statue Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War was placed on top of the Arch in 1912, and remains today the largest bronze sculpture in the United Kingdom, spectacularly lit at night. During the 1950s, the arch served as the smallest police station in the city, when it was occupied by ten constables, two sergeants and a cat! The arch was opened to the public for the first time in April 2001 after a £1.5 million restoration by English Heritage. (Wellington Arch is also available for corporate and private events - with dramatic views down Constitution Hill and across central London from the Arch's spacious balconies, Wellington Arch is a novel and unique place to impress your guests).

Grosvenor SquareNicknamed Little America, it was the long-time home of the American Embassy (which in 2018 moved to Nine Elms across the river), and a statue of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Museums and galleries

• Apsley House

  phone: +44 20 7499-5676
  address: 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London, W1J 7NT
  The former home of the 1st Duke of Wellington, boasting an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture, medals and swords.

• Handel & Hendrix in London

  phone: +44 20 7495-1685
  address: 25 Brook St W1K 4HB
  Home to the baroque composer George Frideric Handel from 1723 until his death in 1759. Some of the greatest classical music ever composed was done so at this address. The museum charts Handel's life and works and offers recitals of music in the magnificent setting of the period rooms. By contrast, next door was home to Jimi Hendrix when he lived in London in 1969, and entry to this top floor flat is included.

• Madame Tussauds

  phone: +44 871 894 3000
  address: Marylebone Rd, NW1 5LR
  Madame Tussaud's is a world famous waxwork museum, best known for its Grand Hall, with a collection of international royalty, statesmen and world leaders. Visitors generally report that the entrance fee does not warrant the selection of waxworks on show, which rarely resemble the celebrities. Also, there is usually a long queue stretching down the road.

• The Royal Academy of Arts

  phone: +44 20 7300-8000
  address: Burlington House, Piccadilly
  The Royal Academy no longer has a permanent exhibition space, instead hosting art exhibitions. Notable exhibitions have included the paintings of Monet, contemporary art associated with the theme of apocalypse, and Aztec art. Each Summer, the Royal Academy plays host to a Summer Exhibition, displaying 1,200 new works by established and new artists selected by the academy, most of which are available for visitors to buy. Each member has to donate a work of art, so over the years, the academy has built a sizable collection. Exhibitions are invariably excellent, and it is worth paying for audio guides, if they are not included. Visitors should book tickets in advance, as exhibitions are often very popular - particularly shortly after opening.

• Sherlock Holmes Museum

  phone: +44 20 7935-8866
  address: 239 Baker St, NW1 6XE
  Discover mementos of this famous fictional detective.

• Wallace Collection

  phone: +44 20 7563-9527
  address: Manchester Square, W1U 3BN
  The Wallace Collection is one of the world's finest private art collections, the best known of which is Frans Hals's work The Laughing Cavalier. Other artists on display include Rembrandt, Titian, Poussin, and Reynolds. Well worth escaping to after the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street.

• Mayfair Point

  address: 34 South Molton St
  Located just above Bond Street tube station, Mayfair Point provides office services, from single desk hire through to contracted large office space ideal for small businesses wanting to work in a prestigious location in London.

• Curzon Mayfair

  phone: +44 20 7495-0500
  address: 38 Curzon St
  Retro 1970s decor, a relaxing bar area and comfortable seating combine with a great art-house billing, easily one of the best cinemas in London.

• London Friday Night SkateGroup street skate every Friday night.

• Sunday StrollGroup street skate.

• Regent's Park Open Air TheatreDuring the summer, a perfect afternoon can be had by taking a picnic in Regent's Park followed by seeing a production at the Theatre.

Oxford Street, which has been a shopping mecca and London's primary shopping street since 1908, will max out your credit card and will provide you with a store for anything you need. Virtually all of the major British retail chains have their flagship branches along Oxford Street.

• Selfridges

  address: 400 Oxford St, W1A 1AB
  Worth a visit for its food hall; it also has a great selection of bottled beers.

• John Lewis

  phone: +44 20 7629-7711
  address: 300 Oxford St, W1C 1DX
  Good for fabrics, knitting supplies, haberdashery, other crafts, furniture, and home wares in general.

Intersecting Oxford St proper is Regent St, which houses the famous Liberty department store, again worth a visit for fabrics and home furnishings. Also interesting is the House of Fraser (formerly Dickins & Jones) department store.

• Liberty

  address: Regent St, W1B 5AH

The eastern boundary of the area is marked by Tottenham Court Road, which is London's famous area for specialist electronics, hi-fi and computer equipment shops - most of these are concentrated near the southern half of the road, whilst the northern half is famous for its furnishing stores.
If your taste is for mainstream designer label goods, try Bond Street. Synonymous with international designers and luxury goods, it is a great way to experience London's finest at its best. The street is recognized as the premier location for shopping in London, and perhaps the world, featuring brands and designer labels recognized the world over.
Savile Row is synonymous with perhaps the highest quality men's suits in the world. There are many bespoke tailors to chose from, most of whom are behind quite discreet shop fronts. If you feel like really treating yourself, nothing could be more London than a suit from Savile Row and a shirt from Jermyn St.
Marylebone High Street and the side streets running off it have a range of upmarket specialised shops, in particular for food.

• Aspreys

  phone: +44 20 7493-6767
  address: 167 New Bond St, W1S 4AY
  One of the most famous luxury jewellers anywhere in the world. At least have a look in the window

• Burberry

  address: 21-23 New Bond St, W1S 2RE
  Visit the flagship store on Bond St and look at the famous check.

• Fortnum and Mason

  phone: +44 20 7734-8040
  address: 181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER
  World famous as grocers to the British Royal Family, Fortnum's original store has been here in Piccadilly since 1707.

• Grays Antique Markets

  phone: +44 20 7629-7034
  address: 58 Davies St & 1-7 Davies Mews, W1K 5AB
  A remarkably diverse collection of antique and collectibles dealers all under one roof adjoining Bond St station. Certainly the best option in central London for visitors interested in collectibles in particular.

• Hamley's

  address: 188-196 Regent St, W1B 5BT
  Largest toy store in England, and the World, with over seven floors. One could spend hours here.

• Liberty

  phone: +44 20 7734-1234
  address: Great Marlborough St, W1B 5AH
  The flagship, original store of the world famous British brand. Lovely old building and great fun to browse in Liberty even if you are not going to buy something!

• Cad & the Dandy

  phone: +44 20 7283-1975
  address: 12 Savile Row, W1S 3PR
  Remarkable bespoke & made to measure suit tailors for men. Fine English fabrics. Also offer men's wedding suit tailoring. Design your suit using their online designing tool.

Budget

• Maroush

  address: Edgware Rd
  A chain of Middle Eastern food including; belly dancing at night.

• MigenPan-Asian food at budget prices. The owner has his supplies shipped in from the Far East, and declares his secret is always using chillies from the country of the dish. If you are stuck for choice, try the agedashi-dofu (deep-fried tofu with dipping sauce).

• Paul

  address: Marylebone High St
  French patisserie and bakery with some seating available.

• Sea Shell of Lisson Grove

  phone: +44 20 7224-9000
  address: 49-51 Lisson Grove, NW1 6UH
  A premium fish and chip shop that has some seating as well as dishing up hundreds of take-away packages every day. Londoners travel miles to order here. The effort is well and truly worth it.

Mid-range

• Carluccio's

  phone: +44 20 7935-5927
  address: St. Christopher’s Place
  Creative Italian cuisine, enjoy a bottle of pinot grigio at the bar while waiting for a table to free.

• Giraffe Burgers and CocktailsWorld food at great prices. Great for children

• Tapa Room

  address: Marylebone High St
  With the more formal Providores restaurant upstairs.

• MEATliquor

  phone: +44 20 7224-4239
  address: 74 Welbeck St, W1G 0BA
  American dive bar offering great burgers. No reservations.

Splurge

• Aubaine Mayfair

  phone: +44 20 7499-8171
  address: 31 Dover St, W1S 4ND
  French brasserie of some repute. Two storey restaurant.

• Le Gavroche

  phone: +44 20 7408-0881
  address: 43 Upper Brook St, W1K 7QR
  World famous, multiple-Michelin-starred, restaurant run by Michel Roux Jr.

• Coco Momo

  address: 70 Marylebone High
  Trendy and upbeat atmosphere with an extensive cocktail list.

• Jetlag

  phone: +44 20 3370-5838
  address: Under the iconic BT Tower
  International cocktail bar delivering cocktails from around the world with Japanese and global inspired food menu. Also a cinema screen showing high definition sport and can be hired out for special functions.

• Low Life

  address: Marylebone
  Basement bar with DJs.

• The Volunteer

  address: 247 Baker St
  A great pub for a relaxed evening. Great atmosphere and a minute walk from Baker Street Tube.

• Windsor CastleA local pub popular with the London Business School crowd.

• Sam Smith PubsSam Smith's pubs are some of the cheaper places to drink in Marylebone as they mostly sell their own beers brewed in Yorkshire.

• The Angel in the Fields

  address: 37 Thayer Street

• The Dover Castle

  address: 43 Weymouth Mews

Budget

• Oxford Street Youth Hostel

  address: 14 Noel St
  A busy, vibrant hostel, not a place for a quiet break. Self-catering kitchen. 2-4 bed rooms.

Mid-range

• 20 Hertford Street Apartments

  address: 20 Hertford St, W1J 7RX

• Holiday Inn Oxford Circus

  address: 57-59 Welbeck St
  A clean hotel.

• Holiday Inn London Regents Park

  address: Carburton St, W1W 5EE
  The hotel is near attractions including Madame Tussauds and has a restaurant and bar. It is also close to Tube and railway stations.

• The Leonard Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7935-2010
  address: 15 Seymour St, W1H 7JW
  Offers central London accommodation from grand suites to individually decorated bedrooms near the shops of Oxford Street and Bond Street and local attractions.

• Lincoln House Hotel

  address: 33 Gloucester Pl
  A three-star accommodation a few minutes from Madame Tussauds, Sherlock Holmes museum, Hyde Park corner.

• Langham London

  address: 1C Portland Pl, Regent St
  Opened in 1865 as Europe's grand hotel, the Langham still retains its elegance and charm with luxuriously furnished rooms and spectacular views.

• The Montcalm Hotel

  address: Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch
  120 bedrooms and suites with all marble bathrooms, a minute's walk from Hyde Park, Marble Arch and Oxford Street shopping.

• Holiday Inn London - Mayfair

  phone: +44 871 942 9110
  address: 3 Berkeley St, W1J 8NE

Splurge

• Claridge's

  phone: +44 20 7629-8860
  address: 49 Brook St
  A London institution for those in the know. On the corner of Brook street and Davies street. Famous for serving traditional afternoon tea and hosts the Fera restaurant.

• The Connaught Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7499-7070
  address: Carlos Pl
  Suites and rooms individually designed by Guy Oliver. Home to the restaurant of Hélène Darroze, a Michelin-starred French chef.

• Dorchester Hotel

  address: Park Ln
  One of the most prestigious five-star luxury hotels anywhere in the world owned by the Brunei royal family. If you have to ask the rates, you probably can not afford to stay here.

• Grand Residences by Marriott

  address: 47 Park St

• Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill

  phone: +44 20 7486-5800
  address: 30 Portman Sq
  Five-star hotel with 444 rooms and suites. The hotel is host to Locanda Locatelli Michelin star Italian restaurant.

• London Marriott Hotel Marble ArchLess expensive than some of the other hotels in the area. It is on a side street, so it is a little quieter. The rooms are reasonably sized, the beds have been upgraded. The hotel is in a district that has a lot of Middle Eastern shops and restaurants. People can be seen smoking hookahs in the cafes in the neighborhood. Very close to the shopping on Oxford St. Rooms have high speed internet at £15 per day.

• London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor SquareIn the heart of Mayfair, adjacent to Hyde Park and a stroll from Oxford St and Bond St. It was built as a large townhouse.

• Park Lane Mews Hotel

  phone: + 44 207 493 7222
  address: 2 Stanhope Row, Park Lane, W1J 7BS
  A luxury four-star hotel. Minutes walk to Knightsbridge, Oxford Street, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Regents Street and Hyde Park. Combines the charm of a traditional boutique hotel with modern facilities.

• The Mandeville Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7935-5599
  address: Mandeville Pl, W1U 2BE
  Modern amenities including LCD flat-screen TV, iPod docking stations, and WiFi access.

• The Ritz Hotel London

  phone: +44 20 7493-8181
  address: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR
  One of the London's great hotels for more than a century. Located on Piccadilly over-looking Green Park. If you cannot afford to stay here (likely), then a splurge on afternoon tea is recommended. Dress appropriately though otherwise you will not get past the door.

Whilst Oxford Street is one of the most safe streets in central London, there are, however, a few things to be aware of:
Crowds Oxford Street is very busy most days of the week, and can be unbearably so during the weekends - the areas around the junction with Tottenham Court Road, Marble Arch and Oxford Circus in particular. If you are in a hurry, be a Londoner and avoid the crowds by diverting via the back streets which run parallel to Oxford Street - plus you have the advantages of stumbling upon little gems such as restaurants, cafes and bars that are off the beaten track! You should be careful though, as pickpockets do sometimes lurk in these streets.
Begging and "The Clipboard People" Most homeless people asking for money won't and don't usually physically accost you, however, you will see them selling the "Big Issue", which is a magazine published by a homeless charity. "The Clipboard People" are usually students who have been recruited by a charity to waylay passersby and ask if they want to sign up to their charity. Please remember that you are not obliged to purchase either product although "The Clipbard People" are usually far more persistent and will try and attract you in a more aggressive manner. To get rid of these people just say "No" firmly or ignore them.
Targeting If you are a young woman on her own you may become targeted by young men working in the t-shirt shops who wish to invite you for a meal and become quite persistent or young men saying that they have "seen you around" and want to know your name. Firmly tell them "No" and walk away, they should leave you alone. If you do have to pass by one of the shops where you have been targeted, usually expect nothing more than a cat-call. Remember if you do feel harassed, please call the Police.
Buses at night It is safer for the lone traveller to sit downstairs and towards the front. It is inadvisable to sit at either the back, (as these seats are monopolised by youths), or upstairs. If you must sit upstairs it is not recommended that you sit at the back.