The Best Places to Go Shopping in London
Which cities do you automatically think of when it comes to dream shopping locations? Maybe Milan, New York, Paris. London is another that always gets a mention on lists of the best shopping cities in the world. There’s a huge variety of places to shop, whether you want to hunt for bargains at a local market or shop in luxury at an upscale boutique.
If you’ve got time to fit a shopping spree into your trip to London (or if you’re visiting the city specifically to shop), then here are some of the best areas, markets, and shops to check out.
Oxford Street – Prestige London Shopping
Oxford Street is perhaps London’s most famous shopping street (and probably the busiest!), and it has a great variety on offer – more than 300 shops, in fact!
As well as designer stores, it’s home to Primark’s flagship store if you’re looking for some bargain clothing, and there is a range of popular high street shops such as Topshop, H&M, and River Island. Buy a gift for the kids or shop for your own inner child at the Disney Store (the biggest one in the UK). And then there are department stores like House of Fraser and the famous Selfridges for a wide variety of goods.
Camden Markets
If you’re looking for something a little more independent and alternative, then Camden is a great option. You’ll find lots of unique, handcrafted items that make perfect gifts and souvenirs. Shop for vintage clothing and other styles when you want something different than the typical high street fare. There are lots of interesting shops and stalls to browse, all while checking out Camden’s exciting street art.
And if you’re in the area later in the evening, you’ll see the Electric Ballroom switch from a market to a nightclub.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden was home to a popular fruit and vegetable market for hundreds of years before it relocated south of the River Thames in the 1970s. The former market buildings are now used for a variety of shops, cafes, and other amenities.
The Jubilee Market and the Apple Market offer a wide range of goods from clothing, accessories, and homewares to souvenirs, antiques, and arts & crafts. The shopping streets surrounding the piazza and market halls also have a range of designer and high street stores, including Zara, Levi’s, Ray-Ban, and H&M.
Mayfair
Shop among London’s elite and celebrities in Mayfair, particularly on Bond Street and Savile Row. This upscale district isn’t short of designer fashion brands, expensive jewellery, and elegant perfume. Browse the likes of Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, and Tiffany & Co. It’s an exciting place for window shopping (and people watching) even if you can’t afford the luxury prices.
Regent Street – Luxury Shopping in London
Regent Street is located right next to Mayfair, with lots more shopping opportunities on offer. There’s plenty of luxury and designer stuff to find here, but it’s still a step down in price from Mayfair. As well as fashion from the likes of Anthropologie and Calvin Klein, Regent Street is home to the famous toy shop, Hamleys.
With seven floors filled with toys, games, and more fun things, Hamleys is every child’s dream (as well as a lot of adults). There’s something for every age and every interest, and they even do live demos so you can see and enjoy the toys while you shop.
Carnaby Street
If you’re looking for some fashion inspiration, then head into Soho where, a couple of streets over from Regent Street, you’ll find Carnaby Street. Home of the Mod fashion movement in the 1960s, you’ll still find some unique and vintage fashion brands located here. Go shoe shopping at OFFICE and Dr. Martens, shop for designer brands at Paul Smith and Brandy Melville, or get your sport and outdoor gear from Adidas or North Face. And there are plenty of pubs and cafés for when you need to stop and recharge.
Knightsbridge – Premier Shopping in London
Knightsbridge is home to the legendary Harrods department store, a popular attraction for tourists, whether they want to go on a shopping spree or just go window shopping. Harrods has pretty much anything you could want from a department store, and then there’s also Harvey Nichols for even more choice. Outside of the department stores, Sloane Street in Knightsbridge has lots of designer and high street stores to check out, including Gucci, Chanel, Dior, and Luis Vuitton.
King’s Road, Chelsea
Chelsea is now perhaps best known in the UK for the rich socialites from the reality TV show, Made in Chelsea. So, it’s no surprise that this area is another hotspot for shopping and designer brands. King’s Road is the standout choice here. There are some interesting boutique shops as well as big brands like Ecco, Kiehl’s, and Brandy Melville, and there are lots of high street brands to choose from, too. The Chelsea Antique Market is also located alongside King’s Road, where you can find some interesting and unique buys.
Brixton Market
This vibrant street market is located in Brixton, South London. You’ll find a range of fresh produce, particularly at the popular Farmer’s Market held on Sundays, as well as clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and much more. Brixton is a great multicultural area, so the market is well-known for its tasty African and Caribbean food, and these delicious smells often fill the air as you explore the market. It’s a great place to find a bargain or a unique souvenir to take home with you.
Brick Lane Market
If you love bartering and hunting for unique items at bargain prices, then Brick Lane Market is the London shopping destination for you. This large flea market is located in the East End of London. The main market runs every Sunday from 10am until 5pm, but other smaller markets are held on different days in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
You can shop for vintage clothing from Thursday to Sunday at the Vintage Market, browse antiques on Saturdays and Sundays at The Tea Rooms market, and try the Backyard Market on Saturdays and Sundays for a range of jewellery and accessories.
London shopping sprees with Airport Transfers UK
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