The smart, definitive guide to Mayfair, London

Things to do in Mayfair

What's on in Mayfair

With its hallowed position at the top of the Monopoly board, London’s Mayfair is undoubtedly best known for being a ‘little bit posh’. Areas like Savile Row, Bond Street, and the Burlington Arcade do little to dispel the myth, but don’t let this put you off. When other parts of London are heaving, Mayfair remains relatively calm, so it’s definitely worth a visit. Part of the Borough of Westminster, Mayfair houses over 20 art galleries, many of which have free exhibitions on and they are always less crowded than the bigger art galleries in town. 

When you’ve had your fill of art, then turn your attention to Mayfair’s other well known offering: designer shops. If you can’t resist picking yourself up a little treat, it’s always worth having a quick peek inside Brown’s Labels for Less store or keeping an eye out for the designer sample sales which frequently take place in the area.

Although Mayfair can seem rather intimidating with all its private members clubs', hotels, and expensive restaurants, don’t be disheartened. The atmosphere here is actually very relaxed. Shepherds Market is an old London gem nestled into this part of town, lined with pubs, small restaurants, and shops. The younger crowd head off to clubs like Mahiki whilst the older crowd are more likely to be found in the Dover Street Wine Bar.

Mayfair Venues

• Timothy Taylor Gallery
  Best for: the hottest contemporary painters. 
• Mahiki
  Best for: Pretending you’re in Hawaii when you’re actually in a London Club.
• White Cube II
  Best for: Seeing some of the most talked about, sometimes controversial, art work.
• Dover Street Wine Bar
  Best for: A bit of late night jazz and, of course, a great selection of wines.
• Scream London
  Best  for: Seeing art work by Ronnie Wood and pals.
• Bonhams
  Best for: The public viewings which take place before the high-publicity auctions.
• ICA
  Best for: An Art show, watching a film or seeing your favourite band play, the Institute of Contemporary Art is an ever changing space that accommodates it all.
• Photographer's Gallery
  Best for: Anyone interested in contemporary photography.

How to get to Mayfair
By Tube: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner
By Bus: 15, 22, 9, 19, 38, 2, 16, 82,
24-hr Buses: C2, 14, 36
For more Mayfair travel information please see Transport for London.