Baker Street

The Basics

Beyond its famed fictional resident and his dedicated museum, Baker Street offers a mix of historical highlights, destination-worthy restaurants, and classic Georgian architecture. The road, which links Regent’s Park at the north with the teeming Oxford Street shopping area to the south, was created in the 18th century and attracted the well-to-do. Today, it’s particularly popular among tourists. Baker Street is just steps from in-demand destinations the likes of Madame Tussauds and Selfridges.

Baker Street can be discovered on various Central London guided itineraries, from Sherlock Holmes-themed excursions to tours via Tube. Given its central location, it’s also easily accessible for independent travelers.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Sherlock fans can spy a statue of the detective right out front of Baker Street Station, where Baker Street meets Marylebone Road.

• Baker Street Station, which dates to 1863, is one of the oldest stations on the London Underground network.

• In addition to Sherlock Holmes, Baker Street has been home to high-profile individuals ranging from Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger to Dusty Springfield.

How to Get There

To access the northern edge of Baker Street, take Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, or Jubilee lines to Baker Street Station. To access its southern edge, take the Central line to Marble Arch, or take the Central line or Jubilee line to Bond Street. Baker Street is served by multiple bus lines, including the 2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 113, 139, 189, 205, 274, and 453. It can also be reached by taxi, on foot, or by bicycle.

When to Get There

Baker Street is best known for its museums, tourist attractions, and restaurants, so it’s best to visit during normal opening hours to take advantage of the area’s major draws.

Nearby Highlights

Baker Street is both a destination in its own right and valued for its proximity to other top London sights. In addition to Oxford Street and Regent’s Park, the thoroughfare is just steps from the wax sculptures at Madame Tussauds, art at the Wallace Collection, books and browsing at independent Daunt Books, and more.

Ways to explore

Beyond its famed fictional resident and his dedicated museum, London’s Baker Street offers a mix of historical highlights, destination-worthy restaurants, and classic Georgian architecture. The road, which links Regent’s Park at the north with the teeming Oxford Street shopping area to the south, was created in the 18th century and attracted the well-to-do. Today, Baker Street is also just steps from popular tourist destinations, including Madame Tussauds London and Selfridges.

Baker Street can be discovered on various London guided itineraries, from Sherlock Holmes-themed excursions to sightseeing tours by tube. Given its central location, it’s also easily accessible for independent travelers.

Accessibility

Baker Street is generally flat and wheelchair-accessible, though it can get crowded. Various buildings may require steps to enter.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, sunglasses

What to wear

Light jacket, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Littering

Amenities

Restrooms at Baker Street station, shops, cafés, restaurants

Address

Baker Street is centrally located, not far from Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. If there isn’t time in your itinerary to walk, it’s easy to travel by tube or bus.

Driving

While you can drive, it’s not recommended. In addition to heavy traffic, you’ll likely have to deal with congestion charges and possible emissions fees. If you do need to drive, there are several underground paid car parks nearby, but not directly on Baker Street.

Public transportation

To access the northern edge of Baker Street, take the Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, or Jubilee lines to Baker Street station. To access its southern edge, take the Central line to Marble Arch, or the Central or Jubilee lines to Bond Street. Baker Street is served by many bus lines, including the 2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 113, 139, 189, 205, 274, and 453.

Best times to visit

Come on weekday mornings to avoid crowds at the Sherlock Holmes Museum and other attractions—evenings work, too. Afternoons can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Best days to visit

Tuesday through Thursday tend to be the least crowded days to visit. If you want to avoid long wait times at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, arrive when the museum opens (typically 9:30am).

Best months to visit

April to May and September to October tend to offer pleasant weather and smaller tourist crowds.

Special events

While the street itself doesn’t hold events, guided tours run every day, including the London Transport Museum’s "Baker Street: The World’s First Underground" guided tours. Nearby Regent’s Park has shows at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre throughout the summer months.