A guide to shopping in London… yes, yes, yes!
Everyone who came to visit while I lived in London made sure to leave time to shop. Personally, I’m a fan of little night browsing, but I will never say no to a full day either!
Like any metropolis, there are a few options on where to shop; from the famous streets to the malls. Your style, budget and time set aside will determine which one should be added to your itinerary. I’ve broken it down in the guide below and listed the best shopping destinations in London.
If the goal is to find as many brands as possible under one roof and go out on an all-day spree, then Westfield is the answer.
With over 250 shops, they are one of the largest shopping centres (or malls to you Americans) in Europe. Although both locations are considerable in size, White City offers a wider variety of labels, from high street brands (Primark, H&M, Zara…) to ultra-luxury (Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Prada, Jimmy Choo…). Here’s a full list of the brands available: White City & Stratford.
They are equally easy to access via the tube, and open every day from 10am to 9pm (11am to 6pm on Sundays). If you want to shop til you drop, head here!
Closest Tube Stations: White City or Shepherd’s Bush for Westfield London, Stratford for Westfield Stratford City
Located in the West End and known as one of the most elegant shopping destinations in the UK, this 1-mile avenue is always buzzing with shoppers.
In recent years, the previously ultra-high-end brands have made room for some more modest-priced labels making the experience accessible to a wider crowd. Among the new names are Anthropologie, Ted Baker, Superdry, Apple…
The classic toy shop Hamley’s still has pride of place among the Georgian buildings and is a must-see if you are visiting with kids. It was built in 1881 and has been lighting children’s imaginations ever since!
Closest Tube Stations: Piccadilly Circus & Oxford Circus
Stretching from the corner of Hyde Park all the way down to Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in the world and will be feature in every guide to shopping in London! Although situated perpendicular to Regents Street, this one and a half mile stretch offers a larger variety of stores for all budgets. If you want it, Oxford Street will have it.
Flanked by huge Primarks on each end, it’s also home to H&M, Mango, Zara, Nike, John Lewis, Timberland… and many (many) more!
Perfectly situated in the centre near Bond Street station is Selfridges, which has won the Best Department Store in the World Award more than 4 times. Opened in 1909, it carries everything from boutique labels to big brands. It also has a large homeware range, tech department and fine jewellery section.
Once your feet are screaming and your stomachs rumbling, there are plenty of options hidden just off Oxford Street.
Closest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Marble Arch & Tottenham Court Road
Home to London’s wealthiest residents, Mayfair offers a refined, sophisticated and elegant shopping experience with a touch of eccentric thrown in.
I recommend it for those who would like to treat themselves and who love a bit of window shopping. You can also try your hand at celeb-spotting (I am useless at it, sadly…).
If you’re not sure where to start head for Mount Street and take a stroll down there… you will get an instant feel for the neighbourhood.
If you’re travelling with people who aren’t window shoppers, you can reassure them the architecture will keep them mesmerised while you steam up the windows…. And if the Georgian Buildings don’t do the trick, the cars certainly will! Trust me!
Nestled around The Connaught, Claridge’s and Berkeley Square, you’ll find some of the most exclusive labels in the world. I’m talking about the ones that evoke a sigh when you hear a mention of them, such as Tiffany & Co, Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Hermes, Dior…
The area is also home to the famous Savile Row, which is a must-see for any suit lover. The iconic boutiques have been in business since the early 1900s and are still family-owned to this day. They are experts in custom tailoring and creating bespoke suits for the Royal Family.
Closest Tube Stations: Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Green Park
Situated between Mayfair and Charing Cross, St James’ is often overlooked, being only a few steps from the destinations named above.
The historic boutiques are still thriving thanks to the approval of one very important customer… the Royal Family.
If you are looking for a classic British shopping experience, Jermyn Street Fashion Walk will melt your heart. Most businesses have been serving for almost a century, and newcomers are vetted extremely carefully to keep the traditional feel this lane offers. See all the British Brands here.
If the name Jermyn Street is unfamiliar to you, don’t worry. You have probably heard of its neighbour instead; Fortnum & Mason.
Opened in 1707, F&M is famous for its delicate selection of teas, chocolates and quintessentially British products. Even if only window shopping, the decor is worth the trip inside!
Closest Tube Stations: Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Green Park
Everybody knows Covent Garden and London shopping guide is complete without a visit!
Built in the 19th Century and located within walking distance of Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square, the covered shopping experience comprises three separate markets, each with its own distinct personality.
Floral Street is around the corner from the busyness and offers a more curated selection of retail shops. You can find finely crafted handbags at Radley and Mulberry, and browse upmarket UK fashion labels Ted Baker, Orlebar Brown and Paul Smith.
Closest Tube Stations: Covent Garden and Charing Cross
I’ll be honest with you… I’m not edgy enough for Carnaby Street!
Located between the refined Regent Street and the quirkiness that is Soho, it is a blend of prim and proper meets rock and roll.
The area has a long-standing relationship with music, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie all having curated their talent in local venues before making it big.
Walking down the cobblestone alleyways you’ll see a mixture of UK and international fashion labels, all doing their best to stand out using crazy window displays. The odd newcomer may also have made it to the streets, determined to make a name for themselves by offering a unique shopping experience.
A recent film to watch before visiting this area to really get an idea of the times is “Cruella”. A small part of the film is also based in Liberty’s (although sadly not filmed on site).
Heading North up Carnaby itself, turning left at the end, you will be presented with, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful buildings in London; Liberty’s.
Specialising in luxury homeware, fashion and fabric, Liberty London has been in business since the 1870s and is one of London’s most iconic stores. Unlike its counterparts Selfridges and Harrods (don’t worry I will get to this one in a bit), Liberty offers a more boutique experience. The store produces a range of fabrics and homeware that are sold under its own named label and make excellent gifts or souvenirs. You’ll also walk away holding the infamous purple Liberty’s bag!
Closest Tube Stations: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus
Speaking of rock and roll, Camden also made its name during the guitar era. Although slightly gentrified nowadays, it’s still the main shopping destination for lovers of alternative clothing, unusual shops and vintage finds.
You’ll come across plenty of stores selling gothic and punk fashion alongside hand-crafted jewellery and vintage leather items. One thing to remember, you will not find any chain stores in the main market.
The experience can get confusing and you can very easily get lost, but that’s half the fun! To give you some bearings, there are 3 main markets; Union Street, Lock Market and Stables Market.
You can’t miss Cyberdog, a DJ, rave & space costume gone wild shop with extremely loud music. The initial store upstairs is just the introduction so dive deeper into this LED world by taking the escalators to the basement and head down the stairs again for the over 18s experience.
Union Street can be a little hit or miss but worthwhile during the weekends. There is a mixture of over-the-top fashion, London-themed souvenirs and dress shops. If you arrive from Camden Station, you will naturally walk past it on the way to the other two.
Lock Market is lovely and full of arts & crafts with beautiful handmade jewellery which offers very good gift-buying opportunities.
Stables Market is where Camden comes into its own. Here are the vintage leather jackets, rock’n’roll outfits straight from the 70s next to antique furniture and old military equipment. My main advice when you’ve got to this part is to get lost and wander around! If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon the entrance to the underground market.
Arrive hungry! The food stalls are incredible! My personal favourite is the breaded chicken at any of the Chinese stalls…. Just ugh! So good (and cheap!)
Closest Tube Stations: Camden Town, Chalk Farm and Camden Road
A guide to shopping in London is never complete without a mention of Harrods.
Situated in Knightsbridge, the recognisable department store is stunning inside and out. You can’t miss the detailed facade, complimented with emerald awnings and perfectly spaced, oversized flags. I always suggest taking a moment to look a the outside before rushing in to discover eight floors filled with the finest food, fashion, tech and homeware.
It will be extremely busy no matter the time of day. The earlier you get there, the better, but still don’t expect it to be empty! I’d spend most of my time in the food hall and Egyptian room if you are not searching for anything in particular.
Occupying almost one million square feet, Harrods awakens all of your senses the moment you step inside. All the displays, decor, staff and every detail in between are perfectly over the top, making it a unique experience.
Personally, I head straight to the food hall and spend my time walking around being inspired by the way it is presented. Even the non-foodies can appreciate the finesse that has gone into this incredible space. Here’s a map to help you find all the departments you need/want!
Closest Tube Stations: Knightsbridge and South Kensington
I think I may need to do a massage post after this one!
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