10 Instagrammable places in Mayfair
*This experience at the Dorchester was gifted by hotels.com, but all views are my own.
📍Mayfair, London, UK.
Looking for the perfect Instagram spots in London?
Look no further than Mayfair.
Mayfair is arguably one of the prettiest, best-kept areas in London. Well, that’s not a surprise given its status and has the top spot on the Monopoly board. There are few places that you’ll always see on Instagram but you might not necessarily have known where it was.
If you’re coming from out of town and are looking for a location that’s within walking distance of tourist attractions, the West End, shopping and anything really, consider hotels near Mayfair, because whilst it’s amongst all the buzz, it can also be a bit quieter than other areas.
Dining
1. The Dorchester
You know us Brits love our tea, and I’m no exception, so when I was invited for afternoon tea at the Dorchester, there was no way I was missing it.
Built in the 1930s and recognised as one the world’s most prestigious hotels known for hosting Hollywood icons throughout history, you can’t imagine a hotel much more luxurious. Walking into the Promenade, you feel the glamour of the Golden Age wash over you.
The waiters and concierges were so amenable and helpful. This experience isn’t just about eating lunch and drinking tea; it’s about receiving the VIP treatment and dining in such a beautiful setting which makes it special. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, an afternoon tea at the Dorchester is simply something you have to do at some point.
2. Sketch
It’s no surprise that bloggers flock to Sketch in Mayfair to get a snap for their ‘gram thanks to its beautiful powder pink decor and velvet furniture. Plus it has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in London with two Michelin stars.
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Shopping
3. Fortnum and Mason
Okay, so I had to make a trip here. My friend introduced me to the cocktail salon hidden away in the men’s department. It’s a lot quieter and easier to get a comfy chair than its other bars. So, shhh don’t tell too many people about this secret!
It’s well worth a visit here around Christmas time! They have already opened up their Christmas shop. I couldn’t resist getting a tree decoration in the form of their iconic F&M wicker baskets. Expensive but worth it.
Whilst you’re there, stop for a sweet treat in this cute little pastel perfect 50s style ice-cream parlour. Guaranteed to get some really cute selfies here.
4. New bond street
Chanel. Prada. Saint Laurent. Louis Vuitton. Cartier. Tiffany. Name a designer. It’s on this street.
Whether you’re splurging or window shopping, taking photos down this beautiful street is free. So take a snap and upload it to the ‘gram and keep people guessing as to which one you’re doing 😉
5. Dover Street Market
It’s not really a market – not in the traditional sense. It’s not anything like Camden. It’s more a multi-brand retailer or a ‘concept store’ with installations of different boutiques and exhibition areas.
It was created by Rei Kawakubo of the label Comme des Garçons. It also sells streetwear and high-end designers like Gucci and Loewe.
Expect some quirky props like fluffy flamingoes that you can pose in front of!
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6. Burlington Arcade
My first memory of this small shopping lane was when I was a lot younger – we always saw a show at Christmas time after looking at all of the department store Christmas windows. Full of tiny tiny boutiques, it’s really quite a unique place to shop.
Back then, I never recognised any of the brands, but now there are more recognisable ones, like Manolo Blahnik.
Touristy spots
7. Speakers’ Corner on Hyde Park
At the top of Park Lane, I stopped by Speakers’ Corner. If you haven’t heard of this before, it’s basically an area of Hyde Park, where anyone can take their soapbox, and speak until their heart’s content. It’s open-air space for public speaking, debates and discussions.
I saw two interesting characters there this Sunday. An American man wearing a cowboy hat, boots and bootleg denim jeans speaking the word of God, contrasted with a eighty-something-year-old tattooed Eastender, Ronnie, accompanied by his shopping trolley which had a plastic bird perched on the handle.
If you have time I definitely recommend getting involved or just going to listen!
8. Buckingham Palace
Okay, it’s technically not in Mayfair, but it’s just a short walk and if you’re in the area, you might as well pop in to see if Her Majesty is home.
9. Shepherd Market
This has a bit of everything: eateries, shopping, cute houses – definitely a cute place for an outfit shot.
Whilst doing my research, I discovered that this was where Mayfair actually began.
In the 1730s and ’40s local architect, Edward Shepherd started a 15-day market and festival to become Shepherd Market Mayfair.
And you just have to go and see the Christmas lights there in December.
10. Marble Arch
Cute fountains and 19th-century architecture – such a photogenic spot. This was erected as the state entrance to Buckingham Palace. It’s just at the end of Oxford Street, so if you’re out doing some shopping around Westminster you may eventually reach it. It’s based on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris… see the similarities?
I hope you enjoyed this post! Has it inspired you to go to any of these places? Anywhere you would recommend? Leave me a comment 🙂 As always, thanks for reading!