London has hosted countless icons throughout history, but very few have left as enchanting a mark on the city as Marilyn Monroe. In 1956, at the peak of her career, her four-month visit to London with her new husband Arthur Miller remains vivid in the city’s memory. As Marilyn’s 100th birthday on June 1 approaches, it’s the perfect time to retrace her steps through London’s streets. Here is your Marilyn-themed London itinerary to relive the magical atmosphere of 1956 today:
An Iconic Lunch at Claridge’s
After press conferences in London, Marilyn would head straight to Claridge’s in the heart of Mayfair. It is known that on July 16, 1956, during lunch there, she enjoyed Scottish salmon, turkey, and fruit while showering her husband Arthur Miller with kisses between bites.
You can visit Claridge’s today with the same elegance and reminisce about that day. Who knows — perhaps while sitting at your table, you’ll imagine hearing her famous “boop boop be-doop” whisper.
A Theatre Night in the West End
Marilyn was a true theatre enthusiast. During her London visit, she attended numerous plays:
- Palace Theatre: She watched Brecht back then; today Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on stage. We’re certain Marilyn would have adored the Harry Potter world if she were alive!
- Harold Pinter Theatre: She attended the premiere of her husband Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge.
Quaglino’s
After the gala, they sipped their drinks at this venue, which remains open and as stylish as ever. The perfect spot to end the night with a cocktail in true Marilyn style.
Floris: The Queen’s Scent, Marilyn’s Passion
One of the most intriguing stops during Marilyn’s London trip was the historic perfumery Floris on St James’s Street. Upon hearing that Queen Elizabeth II wore perfumes from this brand, Marilyn immediately visited the shop.
“Marilyn purchased ‘Rose Geranium Toilet Water’ from Floris and loved it so much that three years later she ordered six bottles sent to her hotel in California.”
You can still buy this same-recipe perfume from Floris today. While the price is somewhat “iconic” (around £220 per bottle), that’s perhaps the cost of smelling like Marilyn.
A Lime Bike Tour in the Park
During her London visit, Marilyn was gifted a bicycle, and the photos of her riding near Windsor became iconic. You can modernize this memory by renting a Lime bike and cycling around St James’s Park, enjoying the sunshine. Don’t forget to put on your sunglasses and pose with your hair flying in the wind!
Marilyn Stops Special to 2026
While you’re in the city, don’t miss these special events this year:
- National Portrait Gallery: The exhibition “Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait” runs from 4 June to 6 September 2026.
- National Theatre: Stop by the statue of Sir Laurence Olivier in his Hamlet costume. Though their relationship was a bit “frosty,” the chemistry between this duo in The Prince and the Showgirl went down in cinema history.
- Madame Tussauds: No tour is complete without a photo next to her wax figure.
Marilyn loved London, and London loved Marilyn. As we approach her 100th birthday, this itinerary lets you feel the elegance of that era while discovering some of the city’s most stylish spots.
