Mayfair

The Basics

The obvious starting point for a walking tour of Mayfair is Grosvenor Square, named after the Grosvenor family, who still own a good portion of the neighborhood. Shoppers make a beeline for Bond Street, and the area around Berkeley Gardens is filled with bars and restaurants.

Sightseeing tours of Central London often make a stop in Mayfair. Admire the lavish architecture on a walking tour, spot film locations fromDownton Abbey, visit the neighborhood’s renowned chocolatiers, or spend a night at one of London’s most extravagant hotels—the Ritz, the Dorchester, the Four Seasons, and Claridges are all found in Mayfair.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Mayfair is one of London’s most popular foodie destinations, with top restaurants including Nobu, Michel Roux Jr.’s Le Gavroche, Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Grill, and the Michelin three-star Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester.

• Most bars, restaurants, and nightclubs in Mayfair have a strict dress code, and dinner reservations are essential.

• Shops along Bond Street typically open between 9:30am and 10am and close around 6:30pm or 7:30pm.

How to Get There

The district of Mayfair is located between Oxford Street, Piccadilly, and Regent Street in Central London, and runs along the eastern border of Hyde Park. The closest tube stations are Bond Street (Central and Jubilee lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines).

When to Get There

Head to Mayfair during the day to shop, make an appointment at The Ritz or The Dorchester for afternoon tea, then join London’s elite at celebrity-studded nightclubs like Mahiki in the evening hours. Thursday is late shopping night along Bond Street, when shops typically stay open until 9pm or 10pm, while the most atmospheric time to visit is during the Christmas season, when the neighborhood is strung with festive lights.

The Shops of Mayfair

The district’s principal shopping streets include the world-famous Bond Street, home to Balenciaga, Christian Louboutin, Jenny Packham, and Marc Jacobs, among others; and Saville Row, renowned for its exquisite men’s tailoring. The elegant Royal and Burlington shopping arcades are also full of luxury boutiques, while New Bond Street is famed for its auction houses, including the ever-popular Phillips and Sotheby's.

Ways to explore

The obvious starting point for a walking tour of Mayfair is Grosvenor Square, named after the Grosvenor family, whose company still owns a good portion of the neighborhood. The area around Berkeley Gardens is filled with bars and restaurants representing London’s famously diverse culinary scene.

Sightseeing tours of Central London often stop in Mayfair. Admire the lavish architecture on a walking tour, spot film locations from Downton Abbey, visit the neighborhood’s renowned chocolatiers, or spend a night at one of London’s most extravagant hotels—the Ritz, the Dorchester, and Claridges are all in Mayfair.

Accessibility

Mayfair’s sidewalks are ramped (albeit crowded), and most establishments have step-free access, though it’s always best to check in advance.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Make sure your valuables are secure in this super-crowded area of London.

What to wear

Mayfair’s sophisticated reputation and Michelin-star restaurant scene mean people tend to dress to impress in this part of the city.

Not allowed

Most hotels don’t allow smoking.

Amenities

Hotels, restaurants, stores, bars

Address

Mayfair is set between Oxford Street, Piccadilly, and Regent Street in Central London, and runs along the eastern border of Hyde Park. Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses nearly always stop here.

Driving

Whatever you do, leave the car at home when visiting Mayfair, which is infamous for its limited parking, heavy traffic, and daily £15 Congestion Charge.

Public transportation

The closest tube stations are Bond Street (on the Central and Jubilee lines) and Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines). You can also head to Oxford Circus on the Central or Victoria line, as the shopping street connects to Bond Street in Mayfair.

Best times to visit

Mayfair is a top dining destination, so come in the evening for dinner at one of the many swanky restaurants.

Best days to visit

Avoid Sundays, when the area is packed and shops have limited hours.

Best months to visit

Mayfair looks particularly pretty during the holiday season, when its luxury boutiques have fabulous window displays.

Special events

Many Mayfair fashion stores host special events during London Fashion Week in September.