How to Spend a Luxury 24 Hours in Marylebone

Marylebone, with its boutique-lined streets, cobbled mews, and Tudor facades, is a pocket of London where it’s easy to lose track of time. With its air of small town charm, you’d hardly realise you're a notch north of Oxford Street. A wander through with a coffee and pastry in hand is enough to lift spirits in itself. This guide takes you through how to spend a luxury 24 hours in the area, whether you're a weekend visitor seeking a relaxing escape, or a Londoner wanting to play tourist and uncover new nooks of this corner of the capital. In just one day, you’ll experience the essentials: delicious meals, a dose of culture, a bit of pampering and plenty of shopping.

A Latte, Roll and a Stroll

We mentioned a coffee and pastry – truly, the best way to kickstart any day – and that’s exactly where we’ll begin our 24 hours. Marylebone boasts an abundance of spots to satisfy such cravings, but I’ll share two of my personal favourites for you to choose from.

If you're coming from the west, a short walk from Edgware Road station on Crawford Street leads you to Boxcar Baker & Deli. With its inviting blend of lush greenery and soft duck egg blue tones, it’s no surprise this café has become a hotspot for those seeking a photo-worthy backdrop. As spring settles in, the café’s outdoor tables spill beyond the striped awning, extending into the neighbouring pedestrianised space. The impressive selection of sweet and savoury pastries is available until sold out (so do make sure to arrive early!), with flavour combos ranging from potato and leek to a rhubarb, mascarpone, and pistachio. The iconic Pain au Chocolat and strawberry croissant, each with their signature zig-zag folds, are a must-try. The strawberry croissant, filled with a tangy strawberry compote, paired with their signature cinnamon bun latte is a combination not to be missed.

If you’re starting your journey from Baker Street station, wander down Chiltern Street until you spot the black-and-white stripes of Monocle Café. With a more global spin on baked goods, this café serves fluffy, Japanese-inspired cakes created by Chef Masayuki Hara, alongside some beloved classic buns. The almond bun is all the best pastries rolled into one. A cross between a cardamom and cinnamon bun, filled with the addictive marzipan paste of an almond croissant. I like to pair it with a vanilla cappuccino for a sweet start, before taking a leisurely stroll down Chiltern Street.

Take a Turn down Chiltern

Since 1993, when Francis Gelb was asked to design a knife, Sabre Paris has revolutionised the world of cutlery. Nestled in a charming corner on Chiltern Street, this tableware brand offers fully customisable sets. Whether you're upgrading your morning toast with a personalised butter knife or outfitting an entire dinner party with vintage tortoiseshell tableware (or whatever your heart desires), Sabre Paris is the place. The shop offers both ready-made sets and customisable options, where you can choose from a vibrant range of finishes and colours, tailoring both sides of cutlery handles to your style. While larger orders may require a bit of a wait, smaller pieces are assembled right in front of you on site.

The area around Chiltern and Dorset Street is home to a line-up of unique boutiques and shops. Another with a focus on bespoke is Dashing Tweeds (47 Dorset Street) bringing tweed into the 21st century. The colourful fabrics are sold by the metre for you to undertake your own creative project or, any style of jacket, trousers, skirts and waistcoats can be tailored in any of the eye-catching tweeds. For avid jewellery-wearers looking to add a new earring to their stack or to get a bespoke ring in the works, Kimaï (24 Chiltern Street) specialises in ready-to-wear contemporary jewellery pieces using lab-grown diamonds and 18k recycled gold. Consultations are also available to sketch out and create bespoke pieces with their knowledgeable designers.

Just the other side of Sabre at 38 Chiltern Street is Niwaki. This is the kind of shop that your stumble upon and come out with an unexpected buy that you didn’t know you needed, or even existed. Bringing a Japanese take on gardening and homeware with innovative tools that derive from blacksmithing traditions. You never know what you’ll find in Niwaki. A clean-cut magazine shop can never hurt to pop your head into and flick through some pages. Shreeji Newsagents, AKA Marylebone’s specialist newsagent since 1982, sits the other side of the road at 6 Chiltern Street. The space is filled from ceiling to floor with an obscure mix of covers. Doubling up as a café, this could be your spot to grab your second refreshment of the day. With coral cushioned seating out front, take a leisurely sit with a matcha and flick through your fresh and glossy purchase.

A lesson in Aromatherapy

At 16 Chiltern Street, you’ll find anatomē, a sanctuary that greets you with a soothing sea of scents the moment you step inside. The aroma here is gentle and calming—so much so that it almost lulls you into a state of drowsiness. For anyone struggling to drift off, I highly recommend a visit to anatomē for a sleep masterclass. No need for a booking—just walk in and chat with one of their team members. They’ll help you identify the root cause of your sleep issues and match you with the perfect aromatherapy oils to promote better rest. Personally, I’ve always had trouble sticking to a bedtime routine, which led to frequent wake-ups during the night. After a session, I was introduced to Somali Frankincense oil, which I now incorporate into my nightly ritual. Read more about anatomē in our article on the Best Products for a Deeper Sleep here.

Lunch: Clarette

After all that aromatherapy, it's time to wake up and treat yourself to lunch at Clarette, the modern French restaurant and wine bar on Blandford Street. With its charming atmosphere, guests are bathed in a soft pastel glow through stained-glass windows, while al fresco seating is tucked just beyond the Tudor-style walls. Since my last visit, the menu has had a spring refresh, which I’m sure is just as delicious. I began with a perfectly balanced steak tartare, accompanied by crisp bread. The gherkins were just the right amount, bringing a tangy, pickled bite that cut through the rich, salted beef and egg yolk mixture.

For my main, I had a hearty pot of velvety mashed potatoes and ultra-moist chicken breast smothered in a creamy gruyère sauce—like a warm, comforting hug in a dish. I was so full after that, we could only manage half of the warm Chocolate Moelleux for dessert, which, paired with a generous scoop of pistachio ice cream, was surprisingly light for a chocolate treat. Now, it's been given a seasonal twist, served with vanilla ice cream and coconut crumble. If you’re in the mood for a tempting midday glass of wine, Clarette is the place. With vintage bottles lining the walls and a knowledgeable sommelier on hand, you’ll be guided to something special to pair with your meal.

A moment of pampering

Taking a moment for some pampering is a must during these 24 hours. For a manicure that’s a cut above the rest, head to Show Me Your Nails on Seymour Place, where you’ll experience a treatment unlike any other. As I write this, I’m wearing a three-week-old gel manicure from this salon, and it still looks as fresh as the day I had it done. When I walked in, my nails were on the brink of breaking, and my cuticles had long outgrown their boundaries. The technician worked wonders, gently tidying my cuticles with impressive precision, and applying builder gel to my damaged nails, giving them a new lease of life. The colour options are fantastic, including cat eye polish – a magnetic gel that creates a shimmering, reflective effect. I went for a pink-hued gold that resembles velveteen as I move my fingertips in the light. Not into nails? Treat yourself to a blow-out or a pre-emptive hair colour refresh and pop into Daniel Galvin on George Street, aka the resident hairdressers of the King of Colour. Read our article with Daniel Galvin’s Senior Style Director, Lino Carbosiero MBE on the secret to the late Queen’s hair here.

Dinner: Zoilo

After a beautifying refresh, it’s time for dinner. Zoilo, the Argentinian restaurant on Duke Street with its raw brick walls and chic, intimate atmosphere. The space is softly illuminated by flickering candles on the tables and warm overhead lighting. For sharing, here’s my recommended order. Start with the Beef Carpaccio, Burrata & Winter Tomatoes, and Sea Bream Ceviche “aji amarillo.” The Carpaccio is easily among the best I’ve ever had, with pickled mushrooms adding a tangy contrast and Pecorino lending a nutty finish. For the main, we shared the Rib Eye off the grill, served with Chimichurri sauce. I asked for it medium-rare, and at a steakhouse, there’s always a worry it’ll come out much rarer than expected. But this was perfect – a tender pink centre, with a smoky, blackened crust that was beautifully complemented by the vibrant chimichurri. By this point, you’ll likely be too full for dessert, but if you’re looking for a little evening lift, an espresso martini is always a fool proof choice.

Sleep Tight

For a luxurious stay in the area, both The Nobu Hotel London Portman Square and The Zetter Marylebone are top-notch options. However, if you're after something a little more under the radar, The Prince Akatoki on Great Cumberland Place is a standout choice. This 5-star boutique hotel offers a refined escape for those seeking simple luxury. Awarded by Forbes Travel Guide, it’s grounded in the principles of Japanese hospitality, with minimalist design and natural finishes throughout, creating a serene retreat amidst the hustle of central London. Down in the basement, The Malt Lounge boasts an impressive collection of over 100 whiskies, perfect for a nightcap before heading to bed. Alternatively, indulge in one of their Signature Japanese-inspired cocktails before showering with Malin & Goetz products and tucking into crisp white sheets. 

Brunch: AvoBar

Good morning – time for breakfast! We're heading back to Chiltern Street to Avobar. With a menu full of Erewhon-style smoothies and dishes featuring avocado as the star ingredient, this is a breakfast that makes you feel health-conscious from the get-go. The sweet potato ‘toast’ is a standout. Topped with a drizzle of chilli oil, sliced avocado, and your choice of egg. The ‘toast’ is a thick, griddled slice of sweet potato that’s both hearty and wholesome—so good I could have easily had seconds. The smoothies are equally functional, tailored to boost your immunity, enhance your skin glow, or sharpen your brain power—whatever you need, there’s a smoothie for it.

Feeling Bookish

If you’ve spotted tote bags featuring the iconic outline of Daunt Books being slung over shoulders around London, you’ve probably noticed that this Marylebone gem has become something of a local celebrity. If you’re a book lover, it’s definitely worth a visit, but be warned—it gets crowded on weekends, so aim for an early start. While you're in the area, take some time to explore Marylebone High Street, which is lined with luxury shops perfect for picking up a new outfit, trinket, or simply browsing.

For something a bit more under-the-radar, check out Veranda Books on Seymour Place. This independent bookstore, run by language scholars Alison and Leo, offers a curated selection of international literature and translated novels, with a focus on political and thought-provoking works. It’s a haven for serious readers and those who follow global affairs. Just next door, pop by Isabel Manns. Specialising in silk womenswear and accessories, Isabel offers customisation options, whether it’s tweaking a ready-to-wear piece for the perfect fit or creating a bespoke silk outfit, all beautifully embellished to your personal taste.

An Artful Afternoon

We wrap up our 24 hours with a healthy dose of art—whether you’re drawn to striking modern pieces or a rich collection of historical armour and oil paintings, Marylebone has it all. For the latter, make your way to The Wallace Collection, and don’t forget to wander through the nearby Portman Square as you go. The building itself is a work of art, a palatial treasure trove of masterpieces ranging from intricate sculptures and suits of armour to exquisitely decorated plates and 18th-century French paintings. Take a seat on the plush red velvet and lose yourself in the high ceilings and grandeur of this regal wonder.

On the opposite end of the art spectrum, yet equally captivating, is Moco Museum. Home to some of the biggest names in street and modern art—including Damien Hirst, Dame Tracey Emin, Banksy, and Jean-Michel Basquiat—this gallery offers an electrifying contrast to traditional collections. With sister museums in Amsterdam and Barcelona, Moco Museum London has quickly gained popularity since its summer 2024 opening, thanks to its concentrated collection of notable names. Expect not just iconic works but also innovative digital art and playful immersive installations, lending a more hands-on experience to bring the day to a close.