The Top 12 Things to Do in Marylebone London

Marylebone, nestled in the heart of London, exudes an elegance that captures the essence of both the city’s rich history and its contemporary flair. This charming neighbourhood is a treasure trove of activities, offering something for everyone, from the food enthusiast and the shopaholic to the culture vulture and the nature lover.

Marylebone is nestled in between the glamourous Mayfair and quirky neighbour, Paddington, and I, like most people, am guilty of never exploring the area fully.

Yes, I’ve been to Regent’s Park, Baker Street and Madame Tussauds, but I have never wondered about the streets of Marylebone, taking in its quaint village feel and experiencing all that it has to offer.

So, what are the top things to do in Marylebone London? We recently spent a whole weekend in the area, so I took the opportunity to explore it more and I was not disappointed, even on a cold and wet March Monday morning in London.

12 Things to Do in Marylebone

Let’s explore the top 10 things to do in Marylebone, ensuring your visit is as memorable as it is diverse.

1. Food and Drink

Love the aroma of freshly baked pastries, the sizzle of gourmet dishes or the clinking of wine glasses? Marylebone, and in particular, Marylebone High Street, has it all. With over 60 restaurants, cafes and pubs to choose from, you really are spoilt for choice.

You can either stick with Marylebone High Street and the lanes leading from it, or head to Chiltern Street with its distinctive red-brick Victorian architecture. I think the one thing that Marylebone does really well is eateries!

Pubs

Some of the best quintessential British pubs include The Marylebone, Angel in the Fields, Golden Eagle, The Prince Regent and Inn 1888. They are all worth a visit if you are after a proper British pint and pie.

Restaurants

Too many to mention, however, if you’re looking for some suggestions, Carlotta, Fischers, Orrery, La Fromagerie (for the best cheese), Taka Marylebone, Jikoni, Lina Stores and the Chiltern Firehouse are all highly recommended.

Cafe Culture

If it’s a quick bite to eat you’re after, check out one of the many Cafes that line Marylebone’s streets. Ottolenghi Marylebone, 31 Below, Paul Rothe & Son and Le Vieux Comptoir are all great places to grab a sandwich on the go. Monocle Cafe on Chiltern Street is a favourite of Instagrammers for its aesthetics!

2. Boutique Shopping

Marylebone High Street is a fashionista’s haven, lined with boutique shops offering everything from high-end fashion to unique homeware. Marylebone stands out for its concentration of boutique shops and quaint settings, making it the perfect destination if you want to do some afternoon shopping!

There are also plenty of shops in its adjoining lanes, with many showing seasonal displays and beautifully decorated windows which just adds to the charm of the area. At the weekend, Marylebone is also host to 3 markets, all worth a visit!

Some of the highly-rated shops and boutiques include:

• The Conran Shop – High-quality furniture, lighting and home accessories
• Daunt Books (a must-visit) – The most beautiful books
• Theory – Urban clothing
• FRAME – American Fashion Lifestyle Brand
• Sessun and Sezane – Clothing boutiques
• V V Rouleaux – Ribbons, trimmings, braids, flowers, and feathers 
• Caroline Gardner – Stationery and gift shop
• The White Company – Lifestyle products

Marylebone also has many charity shops such as Oxfam, Cancer Research and Barnardo’s, where you may just find a real bargain due to the location of the wealthy borough!

3. The Best Coffee Shops in Marylebone

You could spend a whole day in Marylebone itself, so you will need to grab a coffee to keep you going! Again, you are spoilt for choice, with coffee shops in abundance.

In particular, Hagen Espresso Bar, Daylesford Organic and Back on Track Coffee are great places to stop and watch the busy London world go by. Daylesford also sells bread, cheese, vegetables, fruit and meat, that are delivered daily from Daylesford’s organic farm in Gloucestershire.

4. Markets

If the boutiques are not enough to fill your shopping boots, Marylebone has 3 markets which people travel far and wide to attend.

Marylebone Farmers Market

Marylebone is one of London’s flagship markets and runs every Sunday on St Vincent Street, Aybrook Street and the top of Moxon Street.

There’s a huge range of fruit and vegetables, from Manor Farm, Perry Court Farm, Riverdale Organic Farm, Akiki Organics, Chegworth Valley, Wild Country Organics and the ever-popular Potato Shop.

Cabbages and Frocks Market

This is an open-air market that runs every Saturday on St. Marleybone Parish Church Grounds. The stalls include items such as vintage clothing, fresh produce and second-hand designer gear. The perfect place to grab a bargain!

Church Street Market

If you’re looking for a traditional London market, Church Street market is just the thing. With traditional fruit and veg and fish stalls, and plenty of antiques to choose from, it is a long-standing daily street market.

5. Marylebone’s Cultural Tapestry

Along with all the restaurants and shopping, Marylebone has a rich cultural fabric. The Wallace Collection invites you to explore its world-renowned artworks, while Wigmore Hall offers an intimate setting for classical music enthusiasts. There are also numerous galleries dotted around the area such as Jaggedart and the Royal Academy of Music.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is also situated in Portland Pl, Marylebone. It is open to the public and is home to a library, bookshop, café and brasserie. Entry is free and tours of the building and exhibitions run daily.

6. Museums and Attractions

Marylebone is home to the world-famous Baker Street, so the area does museums and attractions well! We have already mentioned The Wallace Collection and Wigmore Hall, but some more famous attractions include;

Madame Tussauds London – One of London’s most iconic attractions, this offers visitors the chance to come face-to-face with lifelike wax figures of their favourite celebrities, historical icons, and fictional characters.

Sherlock Holmes Museum – Dedicated to the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes, this museum is situated at 221B Baker Street, the fictional address of Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson.

Regent’s Park – While not a museum in the traditional sense, Regent’s Park is an attraction in its own right and borders the Marylebone neighbourhood. This Royal Park offers beautifully landscaped gardens, sports facilities, and an open-air theatre.

London Zoo – Regent’s Park is also home to the London Zoo, one of the oldest scientific zoos in the world, which houses a diverse collection of animals and conservation programs.

St Marylebone Parish Church – Although it is an active place of worship, it is also of interest to visitors due to its beautiful architecture and historical significance.

The church has been a site of Christian worship for over 900 years, and the current building, dating from the 18th century, is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. The church hosts concerts and events, adding to the cultural fabric of Marylebone.

7. The Green Spaces of Marylebone

Although Marylebone is in the centre of London, as with most London neighbourhoods, it has a wealth of open and green spaces you can visit.

The obvious one is Regents Park with its beautifully landscaped gardens and boating lake However, if you fancy somewhere closeby and quiet, head to secluded spots like Paddington Street Gardens or Portman Square.

8. Architectural Marvels

Marylebone’s streets are a showcase of architectural splendour, with Georgian terraces and elegant Victorian facades. The best way to see the architecture is to walk the streets! Buildings such as St Marylebone Parish Church, Wigmore Hall and Marylebone Station are all shining examples of the beautiful architecture in the area.

I particularly enjoyed the architecture of the streets themselves, especially Chiltern Street with its red brick buildings and the old Fire Station.

9. A Night Out

You’ve made it through the day, do you have the stamina to go into the night in Marylebone? Of course you do! One of the best ways to spend an evening is to find a British pub and soak in the atmosphere.

However, there are plenty of cocktail and hotel bars that are well worth a visit including;

• The BoTree Bar
• El Bar de Cavita
• Lavo
• 28°- 50° By Night

If you want to spend the evening not in a bar, how about going to the Everyman Cinema on Baker Street, where they serve food and cocktails on luxury sofa seating, or The Regent Street Cinema which is considered the birthplace of British cinema.

11. Where to Stay

Marylebone, like most London neighbourhoods, does hotels really well! We stayed at the magnificent Landmark London when we stayed in the area and I cannot recommend it enough. The Winter Garden, set in the middle of the hotel under an atrium is worth a visit alone.

Our Top 3 Picks: Hotels in Marylebone

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Landmark London
✔️ Stunning glass-roofed atrium
✔️ Spa & Health Club
✔️ The best breakfast we’ve ever had!

↳ Book it

#2 PICK

The Marylebone Hotel
✔️ Located in the heart of the village
✔️ 108 Brasserie and 108 Pantry
✔️ Gym & Pool

↳ Book it

#3 PICK

Montagu Place Hotel
✔️ Boutique Hotel
✔️ Restored Georgian features
✔️ Great location

↳ Book it

10. Wellness Retreats in Marylebone

Most of the spas in the area are connected to the hotels. We visited the Wellness and Spa Centre at the Landmark Hotel whilst we stayed there. However, if you are staying at a hotel that doesn’t have a pool or spa, here are some wellness retreats;

• Chuan Body + Soul at The Langham Hotel
• The Spa at the Beaumont Hotel
• London Marriott Hotel Park Lane
• The House of Elemis – 2 Lancashire Court, Mayfair, London W1S 1EX

12. Hidden Gems of Marylebone

Carousel

Available for private hire and parties, Carousel also hosts its own weekly evening dining experiences, with chefs from around the world sampling unusual cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere.

Jamie Aston

Luxury florist and design school, Jamie Aston specialises in event and bridal flower arranging courses.

The Beatles Store

Next door to the Sherlock Holmes Museum is the London Beatles Store. This is a must for fans of the iconic band. It is a treasure trove of Beatles memorabilia, from vinyl records to quirky collectables. 

Wimpole Mews

If you love a London Mews as much as I do, it’s worth just quickly popping along to Wimpole Mews. It is the location of many of the pivotal moments of the infamous Profumo Affair during the tumultuous sixties.

It’s evident that this London neighbourhood gem offers a diverse range of things to do, from restaurants to cinemas, spas and just a good walk about!

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or simply in search of the unique and the exquisite, Marylebone promises a delightful escape into the heart of London’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the bustling city of London, let the charm of Marylebone guide you to unforgettable moments and hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered. I need to go back as I definitely didn’t get to experience all the wonderful things that it has to offer.