Numerous shopping streets and areas in London are famous for having their own specialties and themes. You can have a varied shopping experience by visiting different stores in all parts of the city. They range from shopping luxury goods in Mayfair to searching quirky finds in Covent Garden along with the sky-high shopping centers like Westfield and most famous London department stores like Harrods. Time just goes by while shopping in London streets. You will be taking a suitcase full of clothes on your way back home after your shopping spree in London.
Here Are the Top Places to Indulge in Shopping in London
1. Oxford Street
Oxford Street in London is the first stop for almost every tourist who is on a shopping spree. You can buy from any luxurious and high-street brand. You will have whatever the brand or fashion your name. Oxford Street has stalls that sell all the latest designs of clothes as a vast collection including footwear, toy shops, kids wear, watches, jewelry, accessories, bookstores, cosmetics, travel bags, sportswear, and whatever you think of buying. You can also visit Oxford Street’s famous departmental stores like John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks and Spencer, Selfridges and more. This street is full of flagship stores by the world’s famous brands. The crucial shopping street extends long from Marble Arch to Tottenham Road which is why there will be more than one store of each brand on this street. It is the heart of London’s shopping and one of the busiest streets in London having more than 300 shops covering everything a shopaholic needs. However, the street does not really clear opening and closing hours as different shops follow varied working hours but you should be able to enjoy to the fullest by visiting it between 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. One more thing to know is that the street will almost be closed by 6:00 pm on Sundays. But it is good for tourists that it is open throughout the week.
2. Covent Garden
The beautifully designed Covent Garden in London is another great stop for shopping. Just like all the famous shopping streets in London, Covent Garden is home to top brands from all over the world. You will also see a Jubilee market in addition to where you can see unique little things to by that can be really intriguing. If you are tired of shopping and trying out outfits, you can head to some amazing and famous pubs, restaurants, and cafes for a break that is worth it. From fashion wear to special souvenirs, Covent Garden is a paradise for those who want to shop and enjoy it. It will be a true and iconic London shopping experience. You will fall in love with handmade jewelry, street style culture, cosmetics, arts and crafts, and so much more that it is difficult to resist buying them. Tom Ford, Moleskine, Hobbs, Aram, paperchase, and an infinite more range of brands are lined up in Covent Garden and that will be great to start exploring. It is quite famous for funky cosmetics and trending urban streetwear for affordable prices. If you had already shopped enough, window shopping can be fun too along Monmouth Street, St Martin’s Courtyard, Floral Street, Neal’s Yard, and Seven Dials to explore the true essence of London shopping experience. Along with shopping, you will enjoy the cultural aspect of Covent Garden. You can also visit events at the Royal Opera House or The Theatre Quarter. Covent Garden is open from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm all through the week but each shop usually has its own timing fixed.
3. Regent Street and Jermyn Street
Regent Street and Jermyn Street are one of the few shopping places in London where you can find a great collection of clothes from a wide range of brands. These are home to some of the oldest stores in London that offer not-so-expensive fashion for its visitors. If you want to glam up your London Fashion Week or try some typical British fashion, it is the best place to head to without a second thought. Some of the most famous brands in Regent streets are Hamleys, Liberty, and John Lobb. The historic Jermyn street is just nearby and is famous for men's clothing typically British fashion. It is well known all around the world for its bespoke shirt makers like Benson & Clegg. Regent Street is West End’s one of the best options for shopping and the perks are that you can also visit its finest restaurants, art galleries and spas too. The smartest thing about this street is that it has a mobile app that helps you while you shop. The apps are Regent Street Shopping and Walking Tour that will be useful guides while you are there. They also have their very own gift card that can be used at restaurants and bars beside the shopping stores. Just like any other shopping street in London, these streets are also open throughout the week from 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening.
4. The King’s Road
The King’s Road is a place that you will regret not going while you are on your shopping expedition in London. From buying antiques to exploring chic fashion, it is all easy in The King’s Road. You can buy unique labels to add to your wardrobe and the place has some of the best stores lie Duke of York Square, Chelsea Antiques Market, Vivienne Westwood, and more. Duke of York Square was where punk started in the 70s and Vivienne Westwood’s shop is a treasure of antiques. The posh area of The King’s Road called Chelsea's King's Road, you can visit the best chic boutiques you have ever seen, world-famous designer shops, unique labels, and luxurious, high-end staples. You can also take a break from shopping by hanging out in the vast array of cafes and restaurants. If interior design is your thing, it will be a great experience at this place with Peter Jones, Cath Kidston, and Heal’s. But this is not the place if you are looking for clothing at affordable prices. It takes high-limit credit card customers to shop without a thought in The King’s Road. This is the place where celebrities visit for their shopping and you might just meet your favourite of them. This place is open daily from 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening except for Sunday when it opens at 12:00 pm and gets closed at 6:00 pm.5. Carnaby Street
The swinging fashion revolution of the 60s began in Carnaby Street and is still of the best places to shop in London. The street still resembles the ‘mod’ modernist movement by British teenagers who tried breaking away from parents denying tradition to adapt bolder styles and edgy rock music. You can explore some of London's hidden gems for shopping. Carnaby Street is actually made up of 13 streets starting from Oxford Street to Regent Street comprising of more than 100 stores of different brands and 60 cafes and restaurants. You will see everything from ancient to modern. If you are a vegan lover, this place has plenty of vegan cafes where you can take a much-needed break from your shopping. Some famous stores of varied brands in Carnaby Street are Cheap Monday, Paul Smith, Carnaby London, Liberty, and more. The Kingly Court which is the ultimate destination for food lovers who shop in Carnaby Street is busy even to date and its beautiful courtyard is only open during the summer. The street like every other London fashion street opens at around 10:00 in the morning to around 6:00 in the evening and the timings of different shops vary.6. Notting Hill and Portobello Market
The movie named Notting Hill is the first thing anyone would think of when they hear this name and that makes Notting Hill area more famous in London and all across the world. Apart from being the name of a super hit movie, Notting Hill is the ultimate hub for shopping in London for every shopaholic. This place is full of unique vintage stores and high-end designer boutiques that display and sell the best mix of boho and chic fashion. In addition to this, all of them come for cheap prices so you might just enjoy buying all that you like. Aimé, The Merchants, Dolly Diamond, Odabash, and more are some of the best fashion brands here. Notting Hill is also home to a vast collection of small shops selling unusual and vintage clothing, antiques, books, quirky gifts, and organic food. London’s popular Portobello Market in Notting Hill with vibrant stores dates back to the 1800s. You can see stores with music, bread, fruits, antiques, clothes, and more. Though the market is organized on Fridays and Saturdays, other smaller markets are open throughout the week. The markets follow different opening and closing hours but you can get everything you want between 9:00 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. However, some specific vendors open their business at 7:00 am itself.7. Bond Street and Mayfair
Regardless of wanting to grab the London’s best fashion outfits or indulging in window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the best places among more best places for shopping in London. Every brand you could name will be there and this place is quite popular among celebrities. Some of its famous stores are Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co, and more. The best designers in the world have their stores here and you can also enjoy a luxurious window shopping among the most ideal places for extravagant shopping therapy. The neighboring street to Bond Street and Mayfair is South Molton Street that is home to London’s best iconic store ever, Browns. This elite street also boasts of its antique stores and art galleries. While you are here, you must not miss a visit to the grand Ritz and Sotheby’s, which is the world’s most famous auction house. This place is open daily from 9:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening from Monday to Saturday but whereas during Sundays, shops start opening at 12pm and get closed at 6 pm.8. PICCADILLY
Piccadilly at the center of London welcomes a huge number of tourists and shopaholics every day. One would not miss the store of Fortnum & Mason while in Piccadilly. It does not matter what your budget is or choice of shopping is because Piccadilly has something for everyone. It is rich in luxurious offerings and the high-street clothing too. The restaurants here offer dishes from a wide range of cuisines from all around the world and you can also have some fun at the bars. In whole, Piccadilly is the first place in London for those who seek quality, class, culture, and aesthetics. It will be open between 10:00 in the morning to 8:00 in the evening from Monday to Saturday but it starts at 12:00 pm and closes at 6:00 pm on Sundays.
9. BRIXTON MARKET
Brixton Market in London is one of the few shopping places in London where you will feel a local and vibrant vibe. If you think it is just like any other market in London, you are mistaken. It is located on Electric Avenue and has various stores that sell home wear, food, and many more essential goods. Mostly, people who visit Brixton Market go to The Farmer’s Market which was actually started just in 2009. The most interesting thing about this Framer’s Market is that it sells Caribbean and African produce that also includes live African snails. The most famous things that people line up to buy from here are free-range meat and biodynamic fruits. Unlike the rest of the markets in London, this place is open between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm on Wednesdays and on other days, it starts at 8:00 in the morning and closes at 6:00 in the evening but remains closed on Fridays and Sundays.
10. CANARY WHARF
Canary Wharf is located in the Docklands of London and is home to the most important and leading businesses in the United Kingdom. It has got a sleek and modern touch that stays open every day for shopaholics roaming through the streets of London. It is home to more than 120 shops comprising of five shopping centers around the famous Canada Square. When you visit this place, you will see stores of all the major high-street chains of clothing in the world and there are also a pretty good number of designer shops. You will see the names of big brands like Oasis and Zara along with the popular lady’s store Myla and the most famous fragrance store called Jo Malone. If you take care of not stepping into Canary Wharf during the lunch-hour rush on weekdays, you can have the most chilled-out shopping experience in London. Canary Wharf has a unique set of opening and closing times. It is open between 9:00 am and 7:00 pm from Monday to Wednesday, between 9:00, am and 8:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. However, it opens at 10:00 am on a Saturday morning and 12:00 pm on Saturdays but closes at 6:00 pm.
11. HARRODS
Harrods is a shopping Paradise for luxury shopaholics and is one of the best places in London to shop. You will see a huge number of stores that have a great collection of merchandise and the most famous brands. There is also a fine chain of restaurants at this place to rejuvenate yourself for the rest of your shopping expedition. No other place in London beats Harrods in popularity and luxury. The legendary Harrods is famous all around the world as it offers the best shopping experience that its visitors ever had or will ever have. You can also have an exciting personalized shopping experience with a personal shopper’s help. This personal experience can be overwhelming and anyone will just love it. Harrods opens at 10:00 am in the morning and closes at 8:00 in the evening whereas, on Sundays, it opens at 11:30 am and closes at 6:00 pm.
12. SLOANE STREET
Sloane street boasts stores of very selective brands that shopaholics loving high-level luxury will enjoy. It is precisely the definition of luxury shopping in London. You will see stores of big brands like Valentino, Tom Ford, Chloe, Gucci and many more in the same street. Top world-class brands like Giorgio Armani, Rag & Bone, and Marni have more than one of their flagship stores in Sloane Street. These stores sell the finest merchandise collection of brands in London. If you want to buy some excellent products that add elegance to your wardrobe collection while shopping in London, Sloane Street is where you must head to. You can also visit the Royal Court Theatre and the Victoria & Albert Museum in Sloane Street. This area is open from 10:00 in the morning to 7:00 pm in the evening from Monday to Saturday. Most of the vendors close stores on Sunday but some of them remain open.
13. KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Every fashionista wandering through London Streets for shopping must visit Knightsbridge. There are a huge number of department stores and shops featuring top-notch brands that are every Shopaholic's favorite. You should visit this place prepared to tolerate the crowds of tourists and visitors. Topshop, Harvey Nichols, and other brands are some of the most famous stores in Knightsbridge. You can also visit interesting illustration shops and if you are searching for up-to-the-minute trends, this must be your destination. The Knightsbridge Estate has its own fame among London's best retail destinations since the 1900s for its en vogue styles. It opens at 10:00 in the morning and closes at 8:00 in the evening. However, on Sunday, it is open between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
14. WESTFIELD
Westfield has centers in the two most prominent locations in London, one at White City and another in Stratford. People visit this place for their high street favorites like Next, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer and many more including world-class luxury brands such as Ted Baker, Louis Vuitton, All Saints, Jimmy Choo, and others. Along with these stores, there are also a cinema theatre, gym, cafes, pubs, and restaurants to relax during your shopping trip. Westfield in Stratford of East London is home to almost 250 shops and 70 diners which makes it one of the largest shopping malls in Europe. However, Westfield London is a proper American-style shopping mall where you will have everything under one roof. A place called The Village in this shopping mall seems like a place of its own and is famous for its designer fashion by popular artists and the champagne bar. It is also called the ‘bourgeois’ for being the most famous high-class retail zone of the area. Westfield opens at 10:00 in the morning and closes at 10:00 at night from Monday to Saturday and on Sundays, it is open from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
15. CAMDEN MARKETS
The ideal shopping destination for shopaholics and fashionistas who love alternative clothing is Camden Market. The most unusual London shops are found in Camden Markets. While walking along Camden High Street, you will find a wide range of stores that sell gothic fashion and punk clothing. Besides the clothing, there are also various parlors for tattoos and piercings. If you are looking for gifts or planning on buying souvenirs, Camden Lock Market is perfect. Everything is available there, from handmade jewelry, crafts, and arts to vintage iconic leather bags. Cyberdog in Camden Market is famous for selling futuristic cyber fashion collections. The complex of Camden Markets includes six markets in total namely Inverness Street Market, Buck Street Market, Camden Lock Village, Stables Market, Electric Ballroom, and Camden Lock Market. You are mistaken if you think Camden Markets are home to world-famous chai stores or high-street brands. The Electric Ballroom is not exactly a market but is a nightclub that has been there since the early 1950s. At night, Camden Market turns out to be a thrilling performance venue during weekends where you can have fun after a tiring shopping trip. Camden Markets are open daily from 10:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening.
16. ONE NEW CHANGE
One New Change is the most important retail development in the City of London and is also a major shopping center in the area. It is located nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral which you can add to your visit after your shopping. One New Change includes almost 60 restaurants and shops that are the best high-street retailers. You must not miss Barbecoa, the best barbecue restaurant in London for a fine and luxurious dining experience. Bread Street Kitchen is one such restaurant for a great experience. Most of the shopping locations in the City of London remain closed on weekends but One New Change is different. This vibrant area is open every day without a holiday. It opens at 10:00 in the morning and closes at 7:00 in the evening from Monday to Wednesday and Friday. However, it gets closed at 8:00 pm on Thursdays. On weekends it follows different timings. On Saturdays, it starts at 10:00 in the morning while on Sundays, it starts at 12:00 pm and closes at 6:00 in the evening.
17. BOXPARK
Boxpark is the ultimate destination for a perfect “green” shopping experience. Interestingly, it is a pop-up mall where they market themselves, the first of its kind in the world. This famous Boxpark location is in Shoreditch and is made of refitted and stripped shipping containers that make it more special. The pop-up mall like this basically means that it can be relocated to different places, unlike a typical building. They keep shifting locations and you can know more about the up-to-date locations and other locations through their website. It started in 2011 and besides being a “mall”, Boxpark is a venue for various interesting and fun events including some art shows. You must visit all corners of Boxpark for a complete Boxpark experience. It remains open throughout the week and opens from 11:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday of a week. However, on Sundays, it opens at 12:00 pm and closes at 6 pm.
18. BRICK LANE MARKET
If you have a special interest in flea markets, Brick Lane Market is your destination in the city of London. It is one of the largest flea markets in the British capital and you can find all kinds of things here including bric-a-brac clothing and antiques. Negotiating with vendors and leaving with a bargain are the most exciting things while shopping in Brick Lane Market. There are five most amazing markets in Brick Lane where you can indulge in your best shopping session. It includes Vintage Market, Sunday UpMarket, Backyard Market, Tea Room, and Boiler House Food Hall. After a long shopping trip, you can relax and have tasty food at the best curry restaurants behind the stalls. However, you can have the best of Brick Lane Market only on weekends when every shop will be open from 11:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening. Vintage Market will be open on Fridays too and it is important to remember that each shop follows its own timings.