Welcome to Mayfair, London’s pinnacle of elegance and culture. This historic district is where heritage blends seamlessly with modern luxury. From Michelin-starred dining and world-class shopping to picturesque parks and cultural landmarks, Mayfair offers something for every discerning visitor.
At MCR London, our Mayfair serviced apartments place you at the very heart of this prestigious neighbourhood, within walking distance of everything listed here.
Where is Mayfair?
Mayfair occupies the western side of central London, bounded by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the east, Piccadilly to the south and Park Lane to the west, with Hyde Park directly across the road. Soho lies east, St James’s south, Marylebone north and Belgravia and Knightsbridge to the south west.
It is one of the most central districts in London and one of the easiest to walk. The whole quarter can be crossed on foot in around twenty minutes, and most of what visitors come for sits within it.
A short history of Mayfair
Mayfair takes its name from the annual fair once held here every May, on the ground now occupied by Shepherd Market. The fair was known for being noisy and disorderly, and it was eventually pushed out as the area was developed for a very different clientele.
From the early eighteenth century the land was laid out as a residential estate, largely under the Grosvenor family, whose name survives in Grosvenor Square. The great garden squares and the terraces around them date from this period, and the district has been associated with wealth ever since. It is the reason Mayfair sits on the most expensive square of the Monopoly board.
What is unusual about Mayfair today is how much of that residential character remains alongside the commerce. Behind Bond Street and Piccadilly, the mews and side streets are quiet, and the squares still function as gardens rather than thoroughfares.
Landmarks: History and Culture at Your Fingertips
Buckingham Palace
A 10-minute walk from Mayfair’s heart, Buckingham Palace is a must-see. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a timeless spectacle, and the Palace itself is steeped in royal history. From Green Park station, take the park exit and follow signs to the Palace.
Hyde Park
Just a 5-minute walk from Mayfair, this iconic park offers tranquil green spaces for a jog, a stroll, or a picnic. Don’t miss the Serpentine Gallery or boating on the lake. Walk west from Mayfair along Park Lane.
Royal Academy of Arts
A cultural gem just 8 minutes away, offering an ever-changing lineup of world-class exhibitions. Walk along Piccadilly — the grand entrance is near Burlington House.
Dining: A Culinary Journey Through Mayfair
Sketch
With Michelin stars and an iconic pink-themed Gallery dining room, Sketch is both a feast for the palate and the eyes. The afternoon tea here is legendary.
The Wolseley
Situated on Piccadilly, this grand café serves impeccable British and European classics. Perfect for breakfast or an elegant afternoon tea.
Sexy Fish
For a lively atmosphere and standout Asian-inspired seafood. Their cocktails are as creative as the décor.
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
A seafood institution, pairing fresh oysters with champagne in a refined setting.
Shopping: Luxury at Every Turn
Bond Street
Synonymous with luxury, Bond Street is home to Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier, and other world-renowned brands. Look out for seasonal window displays that are as impressive as the merchandise.
Savile Row
Renowned for bespoke tailoring. Where you’ll find some of the world’s finest custom-made suits.
Burlington Arcade
This historic shopping arcade features high-end accessories and unique finds. Don’t miss the uniformed beadles, the arcade’s iconic guards.
Fortnum & Mason
A London institution offering gourmet food, fine teas, and extravagant gift hampers.
Hidden Gems: Discover Mayfair’s Secrets
Shepherd Market
Shepherd Market is the closest thing Mayfair has to a village. A small network of narrow pedestrian lanes tucked between Curzon Street and Piccadilly, it stands on the site of the original May Fair and still feels separate from the streets around it.
The scale is the appeal. The buildings are low, the lanes are too narrow for through traffic, and the cafes and restaurants put tables out across the paving. It is a short walk from Green Park station and easy to miss entirely if you do not know it is there, which is much of why regular visitors are fond of it.
Brown Hart Gardens
An elevated public garden offering a peaceful escape above street level. Off Duke Street, a short walk from Bond Street station.
Grosvenor Square
One of London’s largest and most picturesque squares, surrounded by embassies and historic buildings.
Handel and Hendrix in London
Two musicians separated by two centuries lived next door to one another on Brook Street. George Frideric Handel occupied number 25 from 1723 until his death, and Jimi Hendrix lived in the flat at number 23 in the late 1960s. Both homes have been restored and are open to visitors, and the pairing is one of the more unexpected things in Mayfair.
Mount Street and Mount Street Gardens
Mount Street is where Mayfair’s residential character and its shopping meet. The red terracotta buildings along it house galleries, jewellers and food shops, and the small garden behind, Mount Street Gardens, is one of the quietest places to sit in central London.
Getting around Mayfair
Mayfair is ringed by Underground stations on every side, and no part of the district is more than about ten minutes from one.
• Bond Street on the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines sits at the northern edge, and the Elizabeth line puts Heathrow within reach directly
• Green Park on the Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines is on the southern boundary
• Oxford Circus on the Central, Bakerloo and Victoria lines is at the north eastern corner
• Marble Arch on the Central line serves the north west
• Hyde Park Corner on the Piccadilly line is at the south west, closest to Belgravia
Walking is usually quicker than any of them within the district itself. Buckingham Palace is around ten minutes from Berkeley Square, Hyde Park is immediately across Park Lane, and Covent Garden and Soho are both comfortably walkable to the east.
The best time to visit Mayfair
Mayfair is busiest on weekday afternoons, when Bond Street and Piccadilly are at their most crowded, and noticeably calmer on Sunday mornings, which is the best time to walk the squares and the mews. Spring and early summer are the most pleasant for the garden squares, and Burlington Arcade and the Bond Street shopfronts are worth seeing in December when they are decorated.
Unlike the West End immediately east, Mayfair does not become uncomfortable in peak season. Step one street back from the main shopping routes and it stays quiet all year.
Why Mayfair is the Perfect Base
Staying in Mayfair is not just about location — it’s about lifestyle. Effortless access to London’s top attractions, unmatched dining, and a rich cultural tapestry. At MCR London, our serviced apartments in Mayfair match the prestige of the neighbourhood itself — from elegant townhouses to luxurious apartments — with personalised services including concierge, daily housekeeping, and flexible check-in. Stays are typically from three nights, though this varies by residence and season.
To enquire or reserve your Mayfair apartment, contact us at +44 7399 993232 or [email protected].
Frequently asked questions about Mayfair
Where is Mayfair in London?
Mayfair is in central London, bounded by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the east, Piccadilly to the south and Park Lane and Hyde Park to the west. It sits within the City of Westminster.
What is Mayfair known for?
Mayfair is known for luxury shopping on Bond Street, bespoke tailoring on Savile Row, its Georgian garden squares, its art galleries and auction houses, and some of London’s best known restaurants. It is also the most expensive square on the Monopoly board.
Why is Mayfair called Mayfair?
The name comes from an annual fair held here each May, on the site now occupied by Shepherd Market. The fair was eventually moved on as the area was developed as a residential estate in the eighteenth century.
Is Mayfair a good area to stay in London?
Mayfair is one of the most convenient bases in central London. Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Soho, Covent Garden and Oxford Street are all walkable, five Underground stations surround the district, and the Elizabeth line at Bond Street connects directly to Heathrow. The side streets are quiet in the evenings despite how central it is.
What is the difference between Mayfair and Knightsbridge?
Both are luxury districts and they sit close together, separated by Hyde Park. Mayfair is more central and more mixed, combining shopping, galleries, restaurants and offices with residential streets. Knightsbridge is more concentrated around its department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols in particular. Mayfair is the better base for the West End, Knightsbridge for Chelsea and South Kensington.
What is there to do in Mayfair?
Walk Bond Street and Burlington Arcade, visit the Royal Academy of Arts, see Handel and Hendrix on Brook Street, explore Shepherd Market and the garden squares, and eat well across the district. Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace are both a short walk away.
How do you get to Mayfair?
The nearest Underground stations are Bond Street, Green Park, Oxford Circus, Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner. Bond Street is on the Elizabeth line, which runs direct to Heathrow.
Is Mayfair walkable to Buckingham Palace?
Yes. Buckingham Palace is roughly ten minutes on foot from Berkeley Square, through Green Park.
Where should I eat in Mayfair?
Mayfair has one of the highest concentrations of well known restaurants in London. Sketch, The Wolseley, Sexy Fish and Bentley’s are among the best known, and Shepherd Market and Mount Street both offer smaller places with more of a neighbourhood feel.
How long do you need in Mayfair?
A full day covers the shopping streets, the Royal Academy and the main squares at a relaxed pace. Visitors staying in Mayfair tend to use it as a base and walk out into the rest of central London from there.
