Best Things To Do in Fitzrovia, London

Located north of Oxford Circus and Soho, Fitzrovia is a small London neighborhood that often gets missed. With many cool boutique and luxury hotels nearby, and a lot of amazing dining options for all types of eaters, the central area is an ideal home base for travelers coming to London. Whether you're looking for a quick coffee in a former Victorian restroom or you want to explore one of London's less visited museums, Fitzrovia is worth adding to your itinerary.

01 of 10

Drink at The Nest

The Nest at the Treehouse Hotel — Courtesy of the Treehouse Hotel

Address

14-15 Langham Place, London W1B 2QS, UK

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Phone +44 20 3988 4271

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Located at the recently opened Treehouse Hotel, discerning visitors will find The Nest, a rooftop bar that serves food and hosts regular DJs. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, the bar is a great place to meet up with friends or plan a date night with your significant other. Expect a wait during the summer months when guests want to take advantage of the 360-degree views of London, and be sure to arrive before 8 p.m. (the bar is only for hotel guests after that). Opt for one of the cocktails, which use local ingredients from the surrounding areas, or try a non-alcoholic option, an important inclusion on any drinks menu these days.

02 of 10

Dine at ROVI

Address

59 Wells Street, London W1A 3AE, UK

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Phone +44 20 3963 8270

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Ottolenghi is an important name in London dining, and the chef's Fitzrovia outpost is not to be missed. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant serves mostly small shared plates featuring both familiar and eclectic ingredients. There is a focus on vegetables, so vegetarians will be at home here (although there's plenty for meat eaters). With seasonal and unique cocktails, you can also just pop in for a quick drink. Be sure to make a reservation when visiting in the evening or on a weekend.

03 of 10

Visit the Cartoon Museum

Address

63 Wells Street, London W1A 3AE, UK

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Phone +44 20 7580 8155

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London is full of undiscovered museums, one of which is the Cartoon Museum in Fitzrovia. The museum celebrates British cartoons, caricatures, comic strips, and animation, with many historic artifacts and books on display. Re-opened in 2019 with a new design, the museum has a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibitions. Check the online calendar for upcoming special events, which occur regularly for both adults and families. Those under 18 are free, so be sure to bring the kids.

04 of 10

See a Show at the Dominion Theatre

Address

268-269 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1T 7AQ, UK

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Phone +44 20 7927 0900

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Built in 1929, West End's Dominion Theatre is a beautiful place to see a play or musical. Sitting on the edge of Fitzrovia near Tottenham Court Road, the Grade II-listed Art Deco theatre features touring productions, live music, and special events. It has a vast history, having a Charlie Chaplin association and playing host to the "The Judy Garland Show." Check the venue's website for upcoming productions and events.

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05 of 10

Visit Pollock’s Toy Museum

Address

1 Scala Street, London W1T 2HL, UK

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Phone +44 20 7636 3452

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Pollock's Toy Museum first started in 1956 in a single attic room above Benjamin Pollock's Toy Shop in Hoxton. Now located in Fitzrovia, the collection features Victorian toys (think dolls, teddy bears, and toy soldiers), and displays are tailored towards older children and adults. It's closed Sundays and bank holidays; last admission begins at 4:30 p.m. Don't miss the museum's small shop, where you can score a memorable souvenir.

06 of 10

Grab a Bite at Bao Fitzrovia

Address

31 Windmill Street, London W1T 2JN, UK

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There are several incarnations of Bao throughout London, but the Fitzrovia location takes reservations for the downstairs dining room. There are often lines down the block, but once inside, you'll see why the restaurant is so popular. The menu features several types of bao buns, in addition to other memorable Taiwanese dishes, and it's truly delicious. Be sure to order the Taiwanese fried chicken chop along with your selection of baos. The restaurant's selection of drinks, which ranges from tea to Asian-inspired cocktails, is also strong.

07 of 10

Explore the Grant Museum of Zoology

The Grant Museum Of Zoology Houses A Collection Of Weird And Wonderful Artefacts — Peter Macdiarmid / Getty Images

Address

Rockefeller Building, 21 University Street, London WC1E 6DE, UK

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Phone +44 20 3108 9000

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Those interested in animals should head to the Grant Museum of Zoology, a natural history museum that's part of University College London. Featuring 68,000 zoological specimens, it's got all sorts of interesting and strange items on display, including a collection of brains, dodo bones, and a so-called "jar of moles." The museum was first established in 1827 by Robert Edmond Grant and opened to the public in 1996. Free tours are available weekly and can be booked on the museum's website. Entry to the exhibitions is free for all visitors.

08 of 10

Take a Class at Frame

Address

25-33 Berners Street, London W1T 3LR, UK

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Phone +44 20 3375 1936

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There is no lack of fitness studios around London, but Frame (which has several locations) does things with the sort of enthusiasm you can't deny. The colorful studio offers a vast array of classes—from yoga to dance rave to pilates—and it's reasonably priced compared to the rest of London's gyms. It has a community feel, which is great for solo travelers, and the yoga classes are especially recommended for those who feel the stress or fatigue of travel. Upstairs, the coffee shop is great for a pick-me-up.

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09 of 10

Indulge at Circolo Popolare

Address

40-41 Rathbone Place, London W1T 1HX, UK

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Come hungry to Circolo Popolare, an opulent Italian restaurant from the Big Mamma restaurant group (which first originated in Paris). The dishes here are massive and indulgent, perfect to share with a family or group of friends. It's open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and you should arrive early to score a table (reservations are available, but very limited). Whenever you go, don't forget to order dessert. You may not be able to finish it, but you'll appreciate its size and scope.

10 of 10

Grab a Coffee at Attendant Fitzrovia

Address

27A Foley Street, London W1W 6DY, UK

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Did you ever imagine you'd go for a latte in an old public toilet? If so, you can live that dream at Attendant Fitzrovia, a coffee shop located in a former men's toilet that was built in 1890. The café serves Attendant Roastery coffee drinks, breakfast, brunch, and lunch items. There are no reservations, so you'll have to turn up and hope for the best, especially on weekends. Don't skip out on the avocado toast, which comes with a variety of toppings and feels slightly less generic than other versions.