Mayfair

Named after a raucous May fair banned in the 18th century for its unruliness, Mayfair is now the opposite — a discreet grid of Georgian squares, embassies, and private members' clubs that also happens to occupy the most expensive square on the UK Monopoly board. Bond Street and Savile Row anchor its reputation for luxury shopping and bespoke tailoring, while Berkeley and Grosvenor Squares provide leafy, quiet centrepieces. Shepherd Market, a small cluster of pubs and restaurants tucked behind the grand facades, offers a more human-scaled corner. It rewards slow walking rather than a checklist of sights — much of its appeal is architectural and atmospheric.