London has several distinct shopping areas and shopping streets, many of which have their own themes or specialities. Shopping in London is exciting and varied: from luxury goods in Mayfair to quirky finds in Covent Garden, to large shopping centres such as Westfield and famous London department stores including the likes of Harrods. You can easily spend an hour, an afternoon or a whole day browsing shops in London.
Here’s our guide to the best shops in London for your ultimate London shoppingexperience.
Oxford Street
The heart of London shopping, bustling Oxford Street has more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores: here you can find some of the best shopping in London. Home to the legendary Selfridges, it also boasts a range of famous department stores such as John Lewis and Debenhams scattered among every well-known high street chain imaginable. Grab some bargain fashion at Primark’s massive flagship store, and check the latest trends at Topshop in Oxford Circus. Get off the beaten track by slipping into a side street, such as St Christopher’s Place and Berwick Street, where you’ll find some real treats.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road
Regent Street and Jermyn Street
An impressively elegant shopping street, Regent Street offers a good range of mid-priced fashion stores alongside some of the city’s oldest and most famous shops, including Hamleys, Liberty andThe Apple Store. Nearby, historic Jermyn Street is renowned for men’s clothing shops and is so typically British it’s enough to bring out the old-fashioned gent in anyone! Jermyn Street is particularly well known for its bespoke shirt makers such as Benson & Clegg and shoe shops including John Lobb.
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus
Bond Street and Mayfair
Whether you want to splash out on the very best in designer clothes or just love luxury window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the ideal places to go for some extravagant retail therapy. Popular with celebrities on a spree, this is probably London’s most exclusive shopping area, home to big names, including Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Neighbouring South Molton Street boasts iconic fashion store Browns.
Nearest Tube: Bond Street or Piccadilly Circus
Westfield
Westfield has two major shopping centres in London at White City and Stratford. Westfield London is home to high street favourites including Debenhams, Next, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser, along with luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, All Saints and Ted Baker. There’s also a cinema, gym, several bars and restaurants, all under one roof! If you’re a fan of shopping centres, don’t miss Westfield Stratford City in East London, which boasts 250 shops plus 70 places to dine, making it one of the largest shopping malls in Europe
Nearest Tube: White City or Shepherd’s Bush for Westfield London, and Stratford for Westfield Stratford City.
Carnaby Street
The birthplace of the fashion and cultural revolution during the Swinging 60s, the 13 streets that make up Carnaby are located between Oxford Street and Regent Street, and feature more than 100 brands and 60 restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs. Step under the iconic arch to find an intriguing mix of independent boutiques, heritage brands and new designer names, as well as a choice of cafes, restaurants, bars and great English pubs. Refuel at restaurant hub Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
Covent Garden
Whether you want hip fashion, unique gifts, rare sweets or one-off handmade jewellery, Covent Garden is a great place to explore. Stock up on the latest urban streetwear, funky cosmetics and shoes on Neal Street, check out imaginative arts and crafts at Covent Garden Market or just window shop around the stores. Don’t miss Floral Street, Monmouth Street, St Martin’s Courtyard, Shorts Gardens, Seven Dials and picture-pretty Neal’s Yard for a true taste of London’s most distinctive shopping area.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square
King’s Road
In posh Chelsea’s King’s Road you’ll find an eclectic mix of chic boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and high-street staples, alongside a vast array of cafes and restaurants. It’s also a great place for inspirational interior design, with Peter Jones, Heal’s and Cath Kidston all vying for attention. Be sure to check out Duke of York Square: located just off the King’s Road, this tranquil square is home to more than 30 fashion and lifestyle retailers, including one of Europe’s largest Zara stores. You can also visit the store where punk was born in the 70s, Vivienne Westwood’s shop and a treasure trove of antiques at the Chelsea Antiques Market.
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
Knightsbridge
Visitors from around the world flock to Knightsbridge and Brompton Road to visit the illustrious shops and department stores. This is the place to go if you’re looking for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world’s fashion elite. Best known for Harrods and Harvey Nichols, you’ll also find big-name fashion designers on Sloane Street, as well as high-street brands such as Topshop opposite Harrods.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge