Frequently asked questions about ultimate guide to shopping in london - famous streets & markets
Why is shopping in London a famous tourist activity?
<p>London boasts some of the world's most incredible shopping streets! Think of iconic destinations like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street. These streets bring together everything a shopper could want - from high-end luxury boutiques to popular brands and department stores. </p>
Which is the most famous shopping street in London?
<p>The most famous shopping street in London is Oxford Street. It's a bustling, mile-long stretch packed with over 300 shops. You'll find everything there, from high-street fashion chains to world-renowned department stores catering to a wide range of budgets and styles.</p>
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Jam-packed with picture-perfect department stores, lavish designer boutiques, vibrant flea markets, and big-name retailers, London is one of the world’s greatest shopping destinations. If you're wondering where to shop in London, we've got you covered. Check out our handpicked guide featuring the best places to go shopping in London. Read on to know more!
The legendary Portobello Road Market is not only one of the best places to shop in London — but also one of the city’s main tourist attractions.
With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, Portobello Market is filled with more than 1,500 stalls, making it the world's largest antique market!
While meandering through the market’s stalls, you’ll come across vendors selling a wide range of items, including stamps, jewelry, furniture, vintage clothing, fresh produce, delicious street food, and freshly baked goods.
After experiencing the vibrancy of Portobello Road, be sure to wander around the colorful streets of Notting Hill, where the market is located. This Insta-worthy neighborhood captivates visitors with its charming pastel-hued houses, plush restaurants, and upscale boutiques, especially around Westbourne Grove.
Open for over 170 years, Covent Garden Market was once home to a world-famous fruit and vegetable market. Now, this vibrant indoor space is a cornucopia of shops in London offering unique goods such as jewelry, prints, watercolors, hand-knitted clothing, and homeware.
Want to take your tastebuds on a global tour? Then, you'll be happily surprised while visiting Covent Garden Market. Aside from being home to an array of stalls, the market is home to over 20 restaurants, where visitors can enjoy culinary experiences from different countries — from India to Italy.
Oxford Street is one of the most happening shopping spots in London. Running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus, this bustling street is dotted with over 300 stores catering to every style and budget.
Here, you’ll find a good mix of major department stores, including the iconic Selfridges & Co., and flagship stores of big brands such as Adidas, Zara, Accessorize, Bershka, and Calzedonia, to name just a few.
Tip: Oxford Street is usually packed with crowds of locals and visitors. So, if possible, avoid the shopping street during peak hours (from 5 pm to 6 pm, and on Saturday afternoon).
Westfield London is the largest covered shopping center in London. The mall has a retail floor area of 1,600,000 sq ft and features over 320 stores of different categories such as fashion, jewelry and watches, lifestyle and entertainment, and health and beauty.
Some of the well-known stores you’ll find at Westfield London are Adidas, H&M, Apple, Lego, Flying Tiger, and Levi’s. This London shopping center also boasts a selection of luxury retailers, which includes high-end stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Versace, and Prada. Shopping in London doesn't get better than this!
Experience the quintessential buzz and excitement of shopping in London with a visit to Bond Street. Since the 18th century, this 0.5-mile street has been revered throughout the world for its elegant stores of prestigious brands like Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Fendi, Tiffany & Co, and Alexander Mcqueen.
In and around Bond Street, visitors will also find famous art institutions, such as the Royal Academy of Arts and the Gagosian Art Galleries, posh restaurants like Cecconi’s, and elegant private clubs.
And that’s not all! Some of London’s finest hotels are located close to Bond Street. So, if you’re a luxury-loving traveler seeking to level up your trip, be sure to book a cozy stay in the 5-star Brown's Hotel, known for its award-winning fine dining, and peaceful spa. The hotel is located just a 3-minute walk from Bond Street, meaning you’ll be able to indulge in some serious retail therapy during your stay.
Carnaby Street is a pedestrianized shopping street located on the corner between Oxford Street and Regent Street. Scattered across the area there are branches of famous fashion brands such as Levi's, Puma, Vans, Diesel, Muji, The North Face, and Dr. Martens.
Besides the stores, there are several pubs and cafes around Carnaby Street. The most famous in the area is Shakespeare's Head, which opened in 1735 and belonged at that time to some distant relatives of William Shakespeare.
The sheer variety of options at Carnaby Street makes it a worthwhile addition to the best spots for shopping in London.
Indulge in the ultimate shopping in London experience at Harrods, a London icon since 1849. This worldwide famous department store (the largest in the UK), is set within a listed 19th-century building that occupies a 5-acre site and 1.1 million sq ft of retail space.
Harrod’s seven floors are smothered top to bottom with 330 retailers selling luxury items of designer clothing, jewelry bridalwear, accessories, electronics, health and beauty items, home appliances, and houseware.
Some of the high-end brands you can expect to find at Harrods include Balmain, Burberry, Moncler, Loewe, Baccarat, and Fornasetti, among others.
Home to acclaimed food halls and restaurants, this legendary department store is also a wonderland for foodies. For a taste of British tradition, head over to Harrods Tea Room and treat yourself to London’s most famous afternoon tea.
Built in 1819 as the main street for shopping in London, Regent Street runs for approximately 0.8 miles and it's known for its delightful mix of stores.
Along the street, there’s a series of Grade II-listed buildings that are home to famous flagship stores like Tory Burch, Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade, and Marc Jacobs. Regent Street is also dotted with distinctive department stores, including the luxurious Liberty London store.
Are you visiting London with the kids? Then, be sure to take them to Hemsley, London’s oldest and largest toy store.
Established in 1951, The Chelsea Antiques & Fine Art Fair is the longest-running antique fair in the UK. The fair happens twice a year in the Chelsea Old Town Hall, a historical building known for its grandiose architecture and history.
Here, antique collectors, interior designers, and art enthusiasts gather to marvel at (and buy) a wide variety of antiques, such as jewelry, furniture, carpets, tapestries, clocks, ceramics, and fine art.
Sloane Street
Best For: Designer Labels
📍 Location
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea SW1X 9PJ. Get Directions
Planning a day of shopping in London? Beautifully situated in an upscale neighborhood comprising Saatchi Gallery, Royal Court Theatre, and Victoria & Albert Museum art galleries, Sloane Street is lined up with an array of very selective high-level luxury brand stores.
Here, you’ll come across many high-end brands like Valentino, Gucci, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent, Chloe, and Valentino, as well as delectable cafes, restaurants, and landmark hotels.
<p>The best shopping in London depends on your interests! Bookworms will love the hunt for antique finds, fashionistas can score designer brands, and home decorators can find unique pieces. Foodies can indulge in London's gin scene while souvenir hunters can score quirky market finds.</p>
What is the best way to get around while shopping in London?
<p>The London Underground is a great option, with many stations situated close to shopping areas. Buses are another affordable choice.</p>
