Marylebone, London: A complete guide to the best things to do

Admire the soaring shelves and oak-panelled galleries within Daunt Books, one of London’s most famous bookshops. Soak up the Edwardian charm of this gorgeous space and you’ll soon see why it’s a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

Pick out a new book from one of the three sprawling floors before heading to the reading room for a moment of calm. Dedicate a quiet morning or a leisurely afternoon to exploring the thousands of titles, from blockbuster novels to fascinating memoirs, travel guides and maps. Plenty of children’s books are on offer, too, and the friendly staff are always on hand to provide recommendations. 

Best for: Literature lovers and anyone looking for a picture-perfect London destination
Good to know: Talks, workshops and events are held regularly across all the Daunt bookshops in London and beyond, so don’t forget to check out the Daunt events schedule.

See famous artworks like never before at FRAMELESS. Using a combination of digital projections, visual effects and breathtaking soundscapes, this immersive experience reimagines world-renowned pieces from artists including Rembrandt, Monet and Van Gogh.

Wander through dreamlike worlds in the Beyond Reality gallery, which is inspired by the work of surrealist artists such as Gustav Klimt and Salvador Dalí. Marvel at mind-bending shapes in the Art of Abstraction section before heading to the Colour in Motion space, where motion-tracking technology brings vibrant artworks to life in front of your eyes.  

After your visit, browse the gift shop and explore the Café Bar, which serves up drinks, snacks and afternoon tea. If you’re in the mood for even more art, Marylebone is the perfect place to be – Moco Museum, a popular spot showcasing modern and immersive art, is next door to FRAMELESS. 

Best for: An immersive, art-filled journey with plenty to discover
Good to know: Find insider tips and recommendations in our Frameless behind-the-scenes review.

Discover exquisite art, sculpture, furniture, porcelain and more at The Wallace Collection, a national museum which first opened to the public in 1900. Admire the many treasures on show as you wander through 28 breathtaking rooms. 

Art lovers will be thrilled to see oil paintings by famous figures including Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt and Van Dyck, while antiques fans are sure to be impressed by decorative pieces such as gold wine cups and a bronze clock. Also on display is a dazzling collection of military arms and armour, including a jewelled dagger and an embossed shield. 

Best for: Classical art and sculpture
Good to know: The Wallace Collection is free to enter, with no tickets required.

Don period costume and meet actors dressed as Jane Austen’s beloved book characters at The Jane Austen Experience. You’ll be guided through the elegant world of Regency England, learning about Austen’s family life, her illustrious career and her incredible legacy.

See the famous Austen wax figure up close, try writing letters with a quill and ink, and sample Regency-inspired delights including biscuits and perfumes. Devote plenty of time to browsing the gift shop, where you’ll find an array of gorgeous souvenirs such as stationery, homeware and cloth-bound editions of Austen’s novels. 

Best for: Jane Austen fans and anyone interested in the Regency era
Good to know: The experience lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Immerse yourself in more than 200 years of history at Lord’s Cricket Ground, one of London’s most famous sports venues. While matches and events are seasonal, there is always an opportunity to embark on a Lord's tour and enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse of this famous cricket destination.  

Uncover the illustrious past of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) as you explore the stadium, visiting the world-famous Long Room and stepping onto the iconic Players’ Walk. You’ll also have time to explore the MCC Museum and see the legendary Ashes Urn up close. 

Best for: Avid cricket fans and anyone captivated by sports history
Good to know: Tours run every day, with the exception of major match days and other events.

Enjoy incredible productions in an intimate setting at Marylebone Theatre. Since opening in 2022, this neighbourhood spot has won a coveted Olivier Award for Best Family Show. It also holds regular workshops and youth theatre classes. 

Current shows at Marylebone Theatre include The Smile of Her – an autobiographical play created by Oscar-winning actress Christine Lahti – and Tartuffe (Remixed), a comedy starring acclaimed actor and director Mark Rylance. Whether you book a matinee or an evening show, don’t forget to visit the theatre’s cafe and bar for snacks, drinks and sweet treats. 

Best for: Innovative theatre productions in a casual setting
Good to know: The auditorium opens 30 minutes before each performance starts.

Ask any Londoner where to eat in Marylebone and it won't take them long to recommend St John. While you can find smaller St John outposts in Liverpool Street, Smithfield and Neal's Yard – along with three St John bakeries across the capital – Marylebone is the brand's biggest and most beloved location. Book a long lunch or an evening meal if you're looking for a treat, but don't fret if your itinerary is already packed, as you can always drop in between 9am and 12pm for coffee and light bites. 

While lunch and dinner menus at St John are updated daily, you can expect plenty of crowd favourites including oysters, venison and mackerel, not to mention an enduringly popular Welsh rarebit dish served with freshly baked sourdough. There's no better place to try refined British dishes and time-honoured recipes; just make sure to stay for pudding, when you'll have the chance to sample Eccles cakes, warm madeleines and peach trifle. 

Best for: A special-occasion meal
Good to know: St John offers a corkage option for visitors wishing to bring their own wine to drink during their meal. A takeaway wine list is also available for those who want to buy wine from the restaurant and drink it at home.

This delightful eatery has been run by the same family since it opened in 1900, and it remains one of the most visited delis in the neighbourhood. Whether you're craving a delicious breakfast, a failsafe lunch or a hearty afternoon snack, you can find it all here. And if you're looking for foodie gifts and souvenirs, you can browse a dazzling array of jams, jellies, chutneys and preserves.

The shop may have a retro feel, but the food is made fresh every day – and it happens to be so popular that you'll usually find a line of hungry visitors waiting outside the door. 

Best for: Unbeatable sandwiches and great foodie gifts
Good to know: Queues usually move quickly, but plan a mid-afternoon visit for the best chance to nab a snack without having to wait.

Originally located in Peckham, this renowned South African restaurant has recently found a new home in Marylebone. You're sure to be impressed by the menu, which spotlights traditional braai cookery (grilling food on a wood or charcoal barbecue), but you'll find yourself just as dazzled by the earthy, stylish interiors. Whether you're visiting for lunch, dinner or drinks, you'll be tempted to push back your plans and stay a while. 

Begin your meal with show-stopping snacks including spiced biltong and fresh bread served with homemade butter. Make sure to arrive with an appetite: when the time comes to order a main course, seafood lovers will be keen to try the scorched mackerel and grilled tiger prawns, while beef sirloin, pork chops and lamb will delight any meat-eater. (Grilled hispi cabbage is, however, available for vegetarian diners.) No matter how much you order, don't forget to leave room for the famous Kudu 'Kit-Kat' – a dessert combining kumquats with burnt marshmallows.  

Best for: A decadent South African feast in a chic location
Good to know: If you can't decide what to order, splash out on the 'Best of Kudu' menu, which is chosen by the chef.

Originally known as Marylebone Park, this sprawling space now occupies a 410-acre stretch of the capital. With so much to explore, it can be tricky to choose just a few things to do in Regent’s Park, but we recommend jumping in a pedalo on the Boating Lake, admiring London’s largest collection of roses in Queen Mary’s Garden, or taking a stroll up Primrose Hill to enjoy stunning views of the city. 

In the mood for adventure? Get a taste of the animal kingdom at ZSL London Zoo, or prepare to be transported to far-off worlds from your seat at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. You can catch a performance at this acclaimed outdoor venue from July until mid-September every year. 

Best for: Fresh air and a touch of tranquillity
Good to know: Pedestrian gates at The Regent’s Park are open from 5am to 9pm daily; Primrose Hill is open 24 hours a day.

If you're short on time but keen to get outside, head to Paddington Street Gardens, which are split into two small parks on either side of Paddington Street. Both offer the perfect spot for people-watching, a picnic in the sunshine, or a quick breath of fresh air. 

Look out for 18th century memorials and tombstones in the North Garden, which originally served as a churchyard. In the South Garden, you can admire the elegant floral displays and handsome bandstand. 

Best for: A simple stroll to break up a busy day of sightseeing
Good to know: The gardens open at 8am daily, but closing times vary; you can find them on the Westminster City Council website.

Get up close to world-famous celebrities at Madame Tussauds, snapping plenty of photos with impressively lifelike wax figures. 

Spot plenty of VIPs on the red carpet at the Awards Party zone, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Harry Styles and Zendaya. Step into the Royal Palace and greet King Charles III and Queen Camilla before exploring the Culture Capital, where you’ll see figures including Harry Kane and Lewis Hamilton. 

Kids will love venturing through the Star Wars zone and the Marvel Hall of Heroes, while thrill-seekers can look forward to the nail-biting Chamber of Horrors ride. From historical heroes to modern-day icons, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at this popular attraction. 

Best for: An A-list experience with great photo opportunities
Good to know: We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred timeslot. Alternatively, choose a Flexi Fast-Track Ticket to guarantee priority entry at any time.

Step into the shoes of the world’s most famous detective and spend a day solving crimes at the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Located at 221b Baker Street – the official address of Sherlock Holmes in the renowned book series by Arthur Conan Doyle – this spot is ideal for an action-packed adventure that kids will love. 

Behind the museum’s handsome Georgian façade, a host of curiosities await. Dive into Holmes and Watson’s most famous cases, see authentic Victorian artefacts up close and learn about the history of London under the guidance of friendly museum experts in period costumes. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop, which is home to the largest collection of Sherlock Holmes gifts and memorabilia in the world. 

Best for: Fans of crime novels, London history and Victorian literature
Good to know: Visitors are welcome to take photos inside the museum, but filming is not permitted.

See Marylebone from a new perspective on a guided walking tour. Music fans will be captivated by a Beatles walking tour spanning Marylebone, St John’s Wood and Abbey Road – including the iconic Abbey Road crossing – while kids will be thrilled to visit locations from the Paddington stories during a Paddington Bear walking tour. (Highlights include the famous Paddington statue as well as Mr Gruber’s Antiques Shop, which you'll recognise from the Paddington films.) 

If you fancy swapping Marylebone’s scenic streets for a more mysterious setting, claim your spot on a Hidden London tube tour of Baker Street. Dating back more than 160 years, this tube station is one of the oldest within the London Underground network – and a tour will grant you exclusive access to disused areas that aren’t usually open to the public. 

Best for: A blend of culture, sightseeing and history
Good to know: You can find out more about the Beatles walking tour in our Beatles walking tour review.

Occupying a former banking hall within The Langham hotel, The Wigmore is a handsome location for an evening drink. Think traditional pub fare with a refined twist: wines are available on tap, and the drinks menu features a selection of 'hoptails' combining classic cocktail ingredients with craft beers. (Don't miss the Black Cherry, which contains Kahlua, Disaronno, cherry and Guinness.) Fruit punch is served in gleaming pewter cups, and other non-alcoholic offerings include house lemonade and iced tea. 

Tuck into bar snacks alongside your drinks – British staples such as scotch eggs and buttered crumpets are available until 9pm – or opt for a heartier meal from the a la carte menu, which is curated by renowned chef Michel Roux. Roast dinners are the star of the show every Sunday, and indulgent sharing platters are designed for groups of eight people or more. 

Best for: An elevated pub experience
Good to know: Roast dinners are served from 12.30pm to 5.30pm every Sunday.

This stylish neighbourhood spot has developed a stellar reputation since it opened in 2021. Treat yourself to an indulgent dinner, visit for drinks, or drop in for a snack – small plates are available all day. (For diners looking for family-friendly restaurants, a separate 'bambini' menu is also on offer for kids.) 

Although lunch and dinner menus change frequently at The Italian Greyhound, you can count on plenty of Italian delights including arancini, burrata and ravioli, plus a popular selection of pizzas. Classic roast dinners are available on Sundays, and cocktails are served at the bar every day. Our top tip? Stop by on a weekday afternoon to make the most of aperitivo hour, when selected drinks cost just £7 each. 

Best for: Italian cuisine with a British twist
Good to know: Aperitivo hour runs between 4pm and 6pm Monday to Friday.

Tucked away within The Prince Akatoki London – a five-star hotel just a stone's throw from Marble Arch – is The Malt Lounge, a stylish cocktail bar that makes a fantastic addition to any Marylebone itinerary. With sleek wood interiors and a dazzling array of whisky, wine, sake and other spirits, it offers the perfect retreat after a day spent exploring the capital. 

You'll find more than 100 different whiskies lining the shelves of The Malt Lounge, including plenty of famous Japanese brands. Cocktail-lovers can enjoy signature drinks featuring homemade syrups and premium varieties of sake, while sushi, sashimi, gyoza and grilled meats are on the menu for anyone feeling peckish. You can even treat yourself to afternoon tea combining British classics with Japanese flavours; think katsu coronation chicken sandwiches and matcha scones. 

Best for: Indulgent drinks and bold Japanese flavours
Good to know: Children are welcome at The Malt Lounge between 5.30pm and 6.30pm daily.

London may be something of an urban jungle, but check into Treehouse Hotel and a serene, nature-inspired stay is guaranteed. This sustainability-focused spot is awash with greenery, natural light and plenty of rustic touches, creating the feeling of a quiet escape in the heart of the city. 

Each room is brimming with whimsy; you'll spot brightly coloured furnishings and soft toys on each bed. Elsewhere, the cosy charm is replaced by something even more playful; just cast your eye over the Mexican-inspired dining room at Madera Restaurant, the on-site eatery, or admire the boho interiors in The Nest, a breathtaking rooftop bar. Enjoy a packed roster of events, themed evenings and afternoon teas in the hotel, or head out to explore Marylebone – the hotel is just five minutes from Oxford Street, with Selfridges, Regent's Park and Liberty London on the doorstep. 

Stroll through Marylebone Village and you'll soon come across The Marylebone, a five-star boutique hotel. After a busy day of adventures, retreat to this elegant establishment for drinks at the Cocktail Bar or a glorious meal at 108 Brasserie, a restaurant renowned for its extensive all-day menu and magnificent sunday roasts (although the weekend brunch is just as popular). 

Escape to your luxurious room – or one of the hotel's famous Terrace Suites – but not before checking out the fitness facilities at the on-site Third Space Health Club, which encompasses a gym, spa area and an 18-metre swimming pool. 

Best for: Modern comfort in a trendy area
Good to know: The hotel also offers private dining, as well as providing a variety of meeting spaces.

No matter what your London itinerary looks like, Hilton London Metropole makes an excellent base for exploring. Located less than a mile away from Hyde Park and impressively close to Paddington Station, it offers a range of room types to suit families, solo travellers and everyone in between. 

Enjoy a meal in the hotel restaurant, sip cocktails at one of two different bars, or sample canapés and drinks in the Executive Lounge. Fitness fans can even squeeze in a quick workout at the on-site gym. 

Best for: Families and busy travellers
Good to know: Families can choose between a variety of different room types including twin and king connecting rooms, two-bedroom suites and family rooms with a sofa bed.