London area guide: Marylebone
The words "quaint" and "central London" don't often go together except maybe to describe Marylebone. This neighbourhood is a breath of fresh air, things seem to move at a slightly slower pace, and it’s disarmingly charming. Marylebone provides rare opportunities to linger – losing track of time browsing a bookshop, wandering through a gallery, or savouring a coffee while watching the city go by.
Its reputation as a high-end shopping destination can create an image of pretentiousness but for every posh boutique, there are plenty of unique and approachable restaurants, shops, and hidden gems.
Here is your area guide to Marylebone.
Shops
Daunt Books
No visit to Marylebone is complete without a peruse of Daunt Books' most beautiful location. Readers flock to this iconic bookshop for its stunning Victorian architecture and extensive selection of books. Organised by country, whilst Daunt specialises in travel literature, it carries the newest releases and many other genres.
The bookshop is also the backdrop for the annual Daunt Books Festival, which attracts authors from every genre to discuss their work.
Labour and Wait
For those who appreciate the simple pleasures of finely crafted objects, Labour and Wait offers the very best home goods, bath products, and clothing. The owners prioritise quality and design, ensuring their customers can find products that stand the test of time. From speciality gardening tools to old-school rotary pencil sharpeners, each item is carefully sourced and imbued with the nostalgia of a bygone era before mass-produced products and same-day delivery.
The French Pharmacy
If you've ever booked a trip to Paris just to buy skincare products at City Pharma, a trip to The French Pharmacy is a great alternative when you're not in the mood to cross the Channel. The pharmacy carries all the major French skincare and haircare brands to help you achieve chic, Parisian beauty.
It is also a fully functional pharmacy where you can pick up medicine or book treatments like facials and massages.
Restaurants & cafés
Monocle Café & Shop
From the trendsetters at Monocle magazine, this cafée serves great coffee and even better aesthetics. The tiny café is perfect for grabbing a latte or matcha to enjoy in the suntrap seats outside or taking with you as you peruse all Chiltern Street has to offer. Wander a few doors down to the Monocle shop, which sells meticulously curated home goods and accessories.
Boxcar Bakery
Boxcar Bakery is the ultimate Instagrammable brunch spot with pastries deserving of every perfectly staged iPhone photoshoot. You can't visit without trying one of their signature swirled pain au chocolat or savoury brunches. The clean, airy aesthetics and delicious pastries can draw crowds on the weekends, but they offer outdoor seating in the neighbouring square in front of St Mary's Church which is ideal for people-watching.
Fischer's
If you're looking for a change of pace from the modern, minimalist interiors of most London cafés, Fischers is an atmospheric Austrian café that will transport you from the streets of Marylebone to a cosy corner of Vienna. The family-owned restaurant serves traditional recipes and is decorated with vintage touches to make their guests feel right at home.
Indulge in their schnitzels and strudels to know firsthand why Maria von Trapp counted these dishes among a few of her "favourite things."
Orrery
Perhaps no other restaurant in the area captures the sophistication of Marylebone quite like Orrey. This French bistro and cafée offers a range of all-day elegant dining experiences. Head to the Orrery Epicerie and pick up a gourmet takeaway picnic, take it to nearby Regent's Park or enjoy a sunny day with a cocktail at the outdoor seating areas.
For something a bit more formal, the Orrery restaurant offers quintessential fine dining with white tablecloths and a menu of classic French dishes. The restaurant also features a lush outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your meal with a view of Marylebone Village.
Things to do
The Wallace Collection
Compared to the often overwhelmingly crowded National Gallery or Tate Modern, The Wallace Collection is a smaller, peaceful art gallery in a beautiful setting. The former stately home of Sir Richard Wallace, the building itself could easily be considered among the works of art. Take in the ornate architecture and exhibitions of 14th to 19th-century art, including multiple Rembrandts and Fragonard’s iconic work “The Swing.”
After wandering the galleries, head to the elegant pink courtyard for one of the best afternoon teas in London or to enjoy a light lunch.
Regent's Park
Yes, it might seem obvious to recommend one of the most popular parks in London, but Regent's Park is an essential part of enjoying Marylebone. Just a short walk from the High Street, it's the perfect place to enjoy your new books from Daunt with a treat from Boxcar or Orrery Epicerie. The park is a year-round oasis of natural beauty in the bustling city. This is my favourite spot to admire the cherry blossoms in the spring and the changing leaves in autumn.
If you're in the mood for a longer walk, head to Primrose Hill to get a great view of the skyline. Regent's Park is also home to the London Zoo, so don't panic if you hear lions roaring on your leisurely stroll.
Marylebone Farmer's Market
Every Sunday morning, Aybrook Street transforms into a vibrant farmer's market, bringing seasonal produce, artisan baked goods, and other organic foods to Marylebone. With over 75 vendors, there's enough variety to let you skip the supermarket shop and stock up for the week on local, sustainable groceries.
The market runs from 10:00 to 14:00 every Sunday and customers are highly encouraged to bring reusable bags to keep the market as plastic-free as possible.
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