Carnaby Street

The basics

Bridging the gap between Oxford Street and Soho, Carnaby Street is a must for shoppers, with over 100 shops and dozens of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Visit as part of a London walking tour or bike tour of central London, hop off to snap a photo by the distinctive yellow arches at either end of the street, and spot the plaques commemorating mod-fashion pioneer John Stephen and The Small Faces (outside No. 1 and No. 52, respectively).

Things to know before you go

• Most shops along Carnaby Street are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday from noon until 6pm.

• Free Wi-Fi is available at the Kingly Court shopping area.

• Carnaby Street is a pedestrianized area, and most shops and restaurants are wheelchair accessible.

• From holiday-themed to foodie-focused to music-inspired, Carnaby Street Tours offer specialty experiences tailored to every interest.

How to get there

Carnaby Street is located in Soho, central London, within a few minutes’ walking distance of Oxford Street and Regent Street. The closest underground stations are Oxford Circus (Victoria, Bakerloo, and Central lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines).

When to get there

There’s always something going on around Carnaby Street, from live music and street festivals in summer to festive entertainment and light displays over the holidays. Popular events include the Carnaby Style Weekender Festival in May, Soho Music Month in June, and Pride in London in June or July. While you don’t typically need Carnaby Street tickets, you may need to purchase them for specific festivals or events.

Shopping on Carnaby Street

The main reason to visit Carnaby is the shops, and there are plenty to choose from, including many independent fashion, home, and beauty boutiques and British brands like Ben Sherman, Paul Smith, and Lyle & Scott. Just steps away, Great Marlborough Street adds to the charm with Liberty London, a must-visit for its distinctive mock-Tudor facade and curated selection of fashion and home goods.

Another highlight is the small shopping arcade of Kingly Court, home to some of London’s most unique young designers, vintage stores, and jewelry boutiques, as well as a cluster of cafés and restaurants. Look out for pop-up shops and street stalls during the summer and Christmas holidays too.

Ways to explore

Bridging the gap between Oxford Street and Soho, the retail paradise of Carnaby Street has more than 140 shops and dozens of bars, cafés, and restaurants. Visiting as part of a London walking or bike tour helps you spot plaques commemorating fashion pioneers and reveals more about the street’s rich history than you’d get in the guidebook. You can also disembark a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to snap a photo by the distinctive arches at either end of the street or hone in on its musical heritage on a rock ’n’ roll walking tour of Soho.

Accessibility

Step-free access and flat and even walkways make Carnaby Street fully accessible. However, it’s often extremely crowded.

Age limits

None

What to pack

A raincoat or umbrella, as Carnaby Street is open-air and London is famously prone to showers.

What to wear

Your most fabulous outfit to match London fashionistas’ street style

Not allowed

Vehicles

Amenities

Shops, cafés, restaurants, British pubs, public restrooms

Address

Carnaby Street is in Soho, central London, within a few minutes’ walking distance of Oxford Street and Regent Street. You’re likely to stumble upon it while exploring Soho, a labyrinth of streets hailed as one of London’s coolest neighborhoods.

Driving

Carnaby Street is completely pedestrianized, so you’ll need to make use of London’s public transportation system to get there. It’s easy to flag down black cabs on Oxford Street and Regents Street that adjoin it, though.

Public transportation

The closest underground station is Oxford Circus on the Victoria, Bakerloo, and Central lines; it’s a 2-minute walk away via Argyll Street. Piccadilly Circus tube station on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines is less than a 10-minute walk away, too.

Best times to visit

For a relatively crowd-free shopping experience, arrive from mid-morning when the shops first open. To experience the buzzing after-work atmosphere in the bars and pubs, arrive around 6pm.

Best days to visit

Carnaby Street is crowded every day, but it’s particularly heaving on Saturday and Sunday. The nightlife scene is best on Thursdays.

Best months to visit

Soho shines brightest in summer, when sunny weather lends itself to al fresco dining and drinking.

Special events

Popular events include Soho Music Month in June and London Pride, held at the end of June or the beginning of July. Carnaby Street hosts pop-up shops and sample sales year-round; check its website for the full schedule.