Lady’s Guide to Things to Do in Mayfair, London

Mayfair, London is synonymous with luxury. Hotels, shops, tailors, and purveyors of the finer things in life aspire to new levels of hedonism here. Everything is immaculate, from the streets to the gardens and squares. But this London neighborhood isn’t just a display case. It’s a living part of the city, and there are a lot of things to do in Mayfair. Today I want to share my favorites with you.

Things to Do in Mayfair

There’s enough to do in this part of central London to fill a few weeks. From the Royal Academy of Arts to the high-end boutiques and fine dining scene, Mayfair has a lot to offer.

But there’s more to it than just the glitz on the surface, and over the years I’ve discovered some of the best things to do in Mayfair.

Mayfair Parks, Squares, and Gardens

Starting with the green ones. Mayfair is bounded on two sides by some of London’s biggest and best parks. With Green Park to the south and Hyde Park to the west, there’s no shortage of places to get outdoors around here.

But the neighborhood itself has a lot to offer in the way of flora, too. One of my favorite little parks in Mayfair is Brown Hart Gardens.

Elevated above street level, this oasis has everything from benches and plants to its own cafe. I like coming here on sunny days to sit outside and revel in the city’s warmth.

Not far from Brown Hart Gardens, Mount Street Gardens is another of my favorite green spaces in Mayfair. Tucked away between Mount Street and South Street, it flies under the radar.

With long lines of benches, flower beds, and sculptures, this secret garden is a peaceful haven from the urban chaos of London.

Elsewhere in Mayfair, Berkeley Square and Grosvenor Square are two of the most famous of their kind in the city. Surrounded by luxurious showrooms and apartment blocks, they’re pleasant to wander through on a Mayfair walk.

Mayfair Bars and Pubs

But sometimes I’m in the mood for more than just wandering, and there’s no shortage of things to do in Mayfair when it comes to entertainment.

The neighborhood has me covered with places like Mr Fogg’s Residence. It’s one of my favorite travel-themed bars in London, and always whisks me off on Phileas Fogg’s travels around the world (although I usually spend less than 80 days at a time here).

Just up the street, the Coach and Horses pub is one of the most attractive pubs in London. Built in the 1770’s, it’s not only rich in history but also a joy to behold both inside and out.

Perhaps the most famous pub in Mayfair is The Punchbowl. Formerly owned by Madonna’s ex, Guy Ritchie, this 18th-century watering hole has lots of old-world charm and good food to go with it.

I’ve spent many an evening at The Punchbowl with friends, and whether we drink downstairs or eat upstairs, we always have a good time.

Streets and Mews

When I’m not wandering through parks or enjoying pubs, I’m exploring Mayfair’s streets.

There are a lot of beautiful ones in this London neighborhood, from quiet mews to busy thoroughfares. Seeing them is one of the best things to do in Mayfair.

My favorite trio in the area is Avery Row, Lancashire Court, and Brook’s Mews. Nestled together off Bond Street, these little lanes are full of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

I always find somewhere new when I visit, and I love the atmosphere around them. It makes me feel like I’ve traveled back in time.

Another place I enjoy exploring is Shepherd Market. This is a world within Mayfair, and feels like a self-contained village full of pubs, galleries, and coffee shops.

Mayfair Shopping

And speaking of shops, I couldn’t write about things to do in Mayfair without mentioning the main reason many people come here.

The shopping is some of the best in the city, what with it being bordered by Oxford Street to the north and Regent Street to the east.

Within the neighborhood, things get even better. Bond Street is known for its luxury goods shops, South Molton Street is a pedestrianized shopping heaven, Savile Row is known the world over for men’s tailoring, and Mount Street is mouth-watering.

Add to that historic gems like Burlington Arcade and the Royal Arcade, and there’s beauty to be found both inside and outside the stores.

This is particularly true during the Christmas season, when the shopping arcades are decked out with festive decor.

Places to Eat

If I’m hungry, Mayfair has no shortage of places to eat. From famous restaurants like Le Gavroche to corner cafes and coffee shops, this area is rife with deliciousness.

Add to that Mercato Mayfair, a food hall housed in a former church, and this part of London has it all.

But what I really love about Mayfair is its afternoon teas. From Claridge’s to The Dorchester and Brown’s Hotel, I’ve sampled a range of the area’s offerings. The luxury hotels here really know how to do it right.

Mayfair, London

There are plenty more things to do in Mayfair, but once I’ve finished these my head is spinning from overindulgence. It’s okay though, because I know this part of the city will have new gems to reveal next time I head over.

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