Shopping In London
Shopping
Shopping in London is one of the most popular pastimes for visitors and locals alike. And it's no wonder given the huge range of shopping destinations across the capital, from high-end luxury boutiques and huge department stores to lively markets and vintage pop-ups. The key is to find the right shopping area for you, be it the bright lights and big brands of the West End, the quirky and outrageous fashion of Camden or the smart suits in Savile Row. Here are just a few of London's top shopping destinations well worth a visit.
Maridav/shutterstockOxford Street
Oxford Street is the ultimate London shopping destination, packed with high-street fashion, international brands, technology, homewear and much, much more. No wonder its streets are always crowded with bag-laden shoppers! Favourite destinations include a huge branch of Topshop, plus iconic department stores such as Selfridges, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
alice-photo/Shutterstock.comSelfridges
Selfridges' flagship London store is one of the world's finest department stores. It is six floors of fabulous fashion, pop-up concessions, electrical gadgets, stylish homeware and tasty food. But it's far more than just a shopping destination. It's also a social hub with events, bars, restaurants, cafes, art exhibitions and the odd rooftop party.
inavanhateren/Shutterstock.comPortobello Road Market
Head to Notting Hill on a Saturday, when the Portobello Road Market (claimed by some to be "the world's most famous market") is in full swing. The market is known for its antiques and collectables, but there's huge variety that goes beyond, ranging from second-hand clothing to fruit & veg, plus street food. The market closes on Sundays, but shops and restaurants are mostly open all days of the week.
Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock.comWe Built This City
This souvenir shop with a difference stays true to its self-asserted mission of 'revolutionizing London souvenirs' by packing its compact Soho outlet in 57 Carnaby Street full of non-banal pieces designed by local artists. There's something for everyone: music- and art-lovers, as well as those with a penchant for a particular area of the city.
LightField Studios/Shutterstock.comRegent Street
With its beautiful curved facades, listed architecture and elegant hotels, Regent Street is a cultural destination as well as a shopping hotspot. Top brands such as Liberty, Apple and Hamleys congregate here, alongside what is the largest Burberry store in the world.
Zoltan Gabor/Shutterstock.comLiberty
Instantly recognizable by its iconic mock-Tudor frontage, Liberty is a lavish design emporium located just off Regent Street. It first opened its doors in 1875, and was later crowned by Oscar Wilde 'the chosen resort of the artistic shopper'. Today it's best known for its elaborate fabric patterns, top-notch fashion, jewelery, beauty, furniture, toys, oriental rugs and much more.
Clare Louise Jackson/shutterstockCamden Lock Market
Located next to the picturesque canal, the Camden Lock Market is a must if you're into quirky, alternative and unique gifts, fashion and crafts. Comprising a mix of shops and stalls, the buzzing market has been attracting crowds of visitors since 1972. While you're in the area, make sure you visit the nearby Stables Market and Camden Market (formerly Buck Street Market).
Steve Barker/unsplashCovent Garden & Seven Dials
Covent Garden is famous for its street entertainment and covered markets: Apple Market, Jubilee Market and East Colonnade Market. Everything from British-made arts and crafts to jewelry and antiques can be found here. The area has many permanent shops too. From the ever-popular Disney Store to travel book shop Stanfords. Close by are two other unique London shopping destinations, Neal Street and Covent Garden's 'village' Seven Dials, a small agglomeration of streets packed with fashion boutiques, vintage shops, jewelers and design furniture stores.
David Sury/unsplash.comKnightsbridge
Knightsbridge and the surrounding areas of Chelsea and South Kensington are known for their high-end fashion and prestigious brands. On Sloane Street, you'll find Prada, Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Dolce et Gabbana, Fendi and many more top labels. The road intersects to the north with Brompton Road, home to the likes of Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and to the south with King's Road, where punk and other counterculture movements flourished in the 1960s. Today this is where you'll find a Vivienne Westwood shop and a Peter Jones department store.
JJFarq/shutterstockHarrods
Famous around the world, Harrods is a gold-and-green beacon in London's shopping scene. Inside the stunning store you'll find everything from homewares and kitchen essentials to books and beauty products. But most people make a beeline for the Harrods-branded gifts, fashion aisles and food hall — an ornate treasure trove of foodie delicacies and sweet treats.
Luis Coronel/unsplash.comBorough Market
London's Borough Market is unsurprisingly popular — it's been gaining momentum since the 12th century, after all — but those who arrive for an early lunch can take advantage of this London fixture's ample offering of street food from all over the world, followed by a stroll through the stalls vending local produce.
I Wei Huang/Shutterstock.comGreenwich Market
Packed with unique arts and crafts, Greenwich Market is the place to go for one-off, unique gifts and souvenirs. Browse handmade jewellery, natural beauty products, children's toys or antiques — you are sure to find something new every day. There are also permanent shops selling art, clothing and accessories, plus a good range of food stalls serving up delicious cuisine from around the world.
Clem Onojeghuo/unsplash.comSavile Row
A street in Mayfair, Savile Row has been synonymous with traditional bespoke tailoring since 1803. It remains a key player in the London fashion scene thanks to cutting-edge designers such as Richard James and Ozwald Boateng. For shirts, ties, hats and other accessories head for nearby Jermyn Street.
Pressmaster/Shutterstock.comMayfair
Mayfair is home to some of the world's most prestigious brands and luxury hotels, and is London's most exclusive shopping destination. Along Mount Street you'll find many luxury fashion and beauty brands, art and antiques dealers, as well as top restaurants. Other Mayfair retail residents include Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Jenny Packham, Balenciaga, Purdey and William & Son.
Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock.comWestfield London
Westfield London is a super-sized shopping and leisure destination in West London's Shepherd's Bush district. Inside this stunningly designed mall you'll find more than 265 luxury and high-street shops, from Debenhams to Dior (located inside luxury brand area The Village). There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to refuel at along the Southern Terrace, plus a 14-screen cinema, gym, spa, library and a packed program of special events in the central Atrium.
Syda Productions/Shutterstock.comWestfield Stratford City
The sister mall to the pioneering Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City has revitalized East London with its great brands, top restaurants and entertainment venues. Explore 250 shops and 70 dining spots, catch a film at the cinema, spend time with friends at the All Star Lanes bowling alley and try your luck at the grand casino. While you're there, look out for great views over the stunning Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park nearby.
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock.comHarvey Nichols Knightsbridge
Harvey Nichols, or Harvey Nicks as it's known locally, is a favorite among London’s fashionistas. Its flagship Knightsbridge store opened in the 1880s and today boasts a massive eight floors of fashion, beauty and lifestyle collections. The fifth floor is given over to the stylish Fifth Floor Restaurant, Cafe and Bar, plus a food market and wine shop.
David Lezcano/unsplash.com