Are you looking for the top things to do in Marylebone, London? Then this guide to the attractive London district is for you!
Marylebone lies north of bustling Oxford Street and upmarket Mayfair, south of Regent’s Park, east of Paddington, and west of Bloomsbury. It’s a smart yet laid-back area, with an authentic neighbourhood feel.
The district offers a smart high street, lots of independent shops, and a great range of restaurants and cafes. Located north of often-frenetic Oxford Street, it also offers a pleasing, peaceful contrast to busier parts of the city. Yet there are several major sites of interest in the vicinity.
Detailed here is all you need to know to plan your visit to Marylebone in London. From what to see and where to eat or shop to Marylebone accommodation options and more, this article has you covered.
Read on, so you can wonder no more about what to do in Marylebone!
Who is Marylebone best for?
- Art fans
- Architects
- Antique seekers
- Classical music lovers
- Sherlock Holmes aficionados
Top 10 Things to Do in Marylebone
Marble Arch
Marble Arch stands proudly by the northeastern corner of Hyde Park, where Mayfair and Marylebone meet. John Nash designed it in 1827, originally as a state entrance to Buckingham Palace.
In white marble, the handsome arch is a must for your London landmarks photo collection. You could start there, before heading northeast into Marylebone after visiting the arch, and perhaps Hyde Park, Mayfair or Oxford Street too.
Frameless Immersive Art Experience
Just north of Marble Arch and on the fringes of Marylebone is the Frameless Immersive Art Experience. It offers the UK’s biggest multi-sensory encounter, with over 40 artworks you can really connect with.
This is a fully interactive experience quite unlike any gallery you’ve visited before. Once you’ve had enough of the sights, sounds, and moving and 3D images, you can visit the gift shop or cafe bar on site.
Click here to buy tickets for the Frameless Immersive Art Experience (also included in the London Pass)
Madame Tussauds
As a tourist seeking Baker Street things to do, you cannot miss Madame Tussauds. It’s a waxwork museum displaying famous faces recreated in wax, from historic figures to celebrities.
There’s over 150 figures to see, including British royals, musicians, movie characters, and more. It’s perennially popular, and the original Madame Tussauds, dating back to 1835 when Marie Tussaud first started displaying wax figures. Maybe that’s why the attraction seems like part and parcel of the history of Marylebone.
Click here to buy tickets for Madame Tussauds
Sherlock Holmes museum
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional detective takes centre stage at this museum, famously located at 221B Baker Street. The interior reflects the Victorian setting of the books, while the first floor study brings the character to life.
Click here to book Sherlock Holmes museum tickets plus a walking tour
Sherlock Holmes walking tour
If the Sherlock Holmes museum isn’t enough – or if you’d rather get out in the fresh air – you can take a Sherlock Holmes walking tour in London. There are several options to choose from, including specific detective themed tours, or more general sightseeing walks.
You could take a two-hour tour of the locations featured on film in the Sherlock Holmes TV series starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Alternatively, book a tour of London’s top 30 sights which ends at the Sherlock Holmes museum, and includes an entry ticket.
Click here to book a Sherlock Holmes walking tour
Click here to book a walking tour plus Sherlock Holmes museum tickets
Wallace Collection
This Marylebone museum is known primarily for paintings, but also offers sculptures, furniture, ceramics, and even armour. French paintings from the 18th century are a particular speciality. It’s named after collector Sir Richard Wallace, and located at Hertford House, the London townhouse of the Marquesses of Hertford.
You can also find a pretty courtyard and a cafe on the premises. The museum is free to enter, and open seven days a week.
Wigmore Hall
Wigmore Hall is famous for its fantastic acoustics, and is among the best places in the world for classical music concerts. Spanning from past times to the present day, some very talented musicians play here.
The Bollinger International Song Competition is also held here every two years. Why not discover what’s on when you’ll be in London?
Royal Institute of British Architects
The Royal Institute of British Architects is open to all, and it’s located on Portland Place in Marylebone. It’s housed in an impressive Romanesque, listed building, for starters. On site you’ll also find a cafe, a bookshop, a library, and the architecture galleries.
Swingers Crazy Golf
Housed in a building that was once a department store, Swingers lies just north of Oxford Street, on the southern edge of Marylebone. It’s a swish mini golf course for adults.
As well as playing crazy golf, you can get street food and cocktails here, while DJs keep the cool tunes spinning.
Paddington Street Gardens
This green space is one of the hidden gems of Marylebone, as many Londoners don’t even know it’s there. There are two gardens, one on each side of Paddington Street. The bigger one, to the south, has a kids’ playground.
Paddington Street Gardens are perfect for picnicking, and also offer grassy areas, shady London Plane trees, floral displays, and a bandstand.
Where to Stay in Marylebone
If you’re seeking hotels near Marylebone station, read on to find options for all budgets.
- £££ – The Landmark London | 5* | Restaurant, bar, gym, pool, & spa | On Marylebone Road
- ££ – Doubletree by Hilton | 4* | Bar, gym, & 24-hour reception | Near Marble Arch
- ££ – Holiday Inn Oxford Circus | 4* | Bar & 24-hour reception | In central Marylebone
- ££ – Gunmakers Marylebone | Restaurant, bar, & room service | Near Baker Street
- £ – Hyde Park Radnor Hotel B&B | WiFi & 24-hour reception | In Paddington
Where to Eat in Marylebone
From laid-back London cafes and pubs to Michelin-starred fine dining, here are some of the best places to eat in Marylebone.
Marylebone pubs
Like Belgravia, Marylebone is one of those London districts awash with traditional London pubs.
Options include the Carpenters Arms, the base of the London branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA); the Grazing Goat, a pub with rooms; the Golden Eagle, with red banquettes; the Cavendish, a popular gastropub; the historic Barley Mow; and of course The Marylebone, which specialises in cocktails.
Marylebone streets
As well as Marylebone High Street, other neighbourhood thoroughfares are good places to seek out great food. Try Chiltern Street, Marylebone Lane, and St Christopher’s Place, plus the surrounding streets.
Lina Stores
If you’re looking for Italian in Marylebone, look no further than Lina Stores on Marylebone Lane. It’s a deli and Italian restaurant, selling and serving high quality fare.
Pachamama Bar & Kitchen
Fresh British produce is transformed into Peruvian dishes at this popular restaurant and cocktail bar in Marylebone.
Chiltern Firehouse
Chiltern Firehouse is a posh, luxurious hotel. You can experience it, without paying five star prices, by dining at the award-winning restaurant. Ideal for a special occasion.
Trishna
Whether your priority is finding an Indian in Marylebone or eating at a Michelin-starred establishment, you’ll get both at Trishna. The menu comes from the southwest coast of India, so expect lots of perfectly presented dishes featuring fish, coconut, and spices.
Where to Shop in Marylebone
Forget the shops at Marylebone station when you can shop at a range of local markets, on the neighbourhood high street, and even at a Beatles store and one of the best bookshops in London.
Church Street Market
This friendly market is Westminster’s biggest, and offers a glimpse into the lives of local people. It’s the place to pick up fresh produce and artisan foods from Monday to Saturday. You can also buy clothes, accessories, household goods, and hot food here.
Alfies Antique Market (+ Alfayez Market)
Around 100 dealers occupy this art deco property just off Lisson Grove. It’s London’s largest vintage market. On the lower ground floor you’ll also find a more recent addition in the form of Alfayez Market, which specialises in Middle Eastern antiquities.
Marylebone Farmers Market
Open for business between 10am and 2pm on Sundays, this local farmer’s market is a foodies’ favourite.
Marylebone High Street
The neighbourhood high street is lined with shops, particularly those selling clothing and homeware. You can also wander down the side streets to find more independent and unique retailers.
Other Marylebone streets
There are more Marylebone streets offering an appealing selection of shops, too. Try Chiltern Street, St Christopher’s Place, and Marylebone Lane.
Daunt Books
This big store is one of London’s best-loved bookshops. There’s an array of titles to choose from, including travel books, which are the store’s speciality.
London Beatles Store
Next to the Sherlock Holmes museum on Baker Street is the London Beatles Store, selling all sorts of Fab Four merchandise, vinyl, and memorabilia.
Christmas in Marylebone
If you’re visiting in November, look out for the Merry Marylebone lighting switch-on and shopping event. As well as the illuminations, there are stalls selling food and drinks, plus all sorts of gifts – from clothing and accessories to homeware and lifestyle items.
How to Get to Marylebone
Underground stations
- Marylebone – Bakerloo line
- Baker Street – Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, and Metropolitan lines
- Edgware Road – Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines
- Marble Arch – Central line
Train stations
- Marylebone
What Will You Do in Marylebone?
Marylebone is home to not only Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, but also a range of other appealing streets. The former is where you’ll find both the Madame Tussauds waxwork attraction and the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
This part of London is much more peaceful than the areas immediately south, and has a neighbourhood vibe. Packed with lovely cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops, and markets, plus some top-drawer art, architecture, and venues, this is a part of London that’s well worth getting to know!
Read next – London area guides
- Things to do in Covent Garden & Holborn
- Things to do in Tower Hill and Tower Bridge
- Things to do in Westminster (including Victoria/Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square)
- Things to do in Kensington (including South Kensington)
- Things to do in Greenwich
- Things to do in Mayfair
- Things to do in the City of London
- Things to do in Southwark & Bankside
- Things to do in Leicester Square and Soho
- Things to do in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia
- Things to Do in Belgravia & Knightsbridge
- Things to do in Notting Hill
- Things to do in East London (Shoreditch & Spitalfields)
- Things to do in Paddington
- Things to do in Chelsea
- Things to do in Battersea
- Things to do in Piccadilly Circus
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