Things are constantly changing in London, where tradition and heritage exist alongside creativity and innovation. It’s no surprise that the city is also packed with craftsmen, designers and artisans. If you want to shop for the latest tech or forward-thinking fashions, London is the place to do it.
Enjoy a dose of retail therapy no matter what time of year you visit. Slip into some comfy shoes and get ready to discover some of London’s best shopping areas.
The Best Places to Shop in London
This sprawling city boasts many shopping areas, from flagship-studded roads to charming, cobbled streets lined with independents. Vintage shopping? No problem! Whether you prefer to sift through carefully curated antique clothing or rummage around mismatched racks, there are plenty of treasures to be found in London.
If you’re feeling spoilt for choice, we don’t blame you. Get started by considering these renowned shopping destinations in London:
Iconic London department stores
The city is also known for its dazzling luxury department stores; think Selfridges, Harrods and Liberty London. You don’t need to splash out a fortune to enjoy a day exploring these unique, historic shops. Look around at leisure, grab a coffee and soak up the atmosphere. There are plenty of art displays to see, too, from impressive windows to colourful installations inside. Browsing has never been so much fun!
1. Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the main roads in London’s desirable City of Westminster. It’s also the busiest shopping street in Europe! You’ll join around half a million visitors a day, so it helps to arrive early, around 09:00, before the crowds descend.
With 300 shops, Oxford Street’s popularity is no surprise. There’s a pleasing mix of high-street and designer brands to discover here, which means shoppers with various budgets can find stores to explore.
How much time you need to enjoy Oxford Street depends on the amount of shopping you can handle; there are plenty of stores to take up an entire day if you feel up to it. Any reluctant shoppers in your party could head to a nearby museum or gallery – there are lots to choose from. The Wallace Collection, The British Museum and The National Gallery are nearby. Sprawling Hyde Park sits at the end of Oxford Street, an easy alternative on dry days.
The famous thoroughfare runs from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch tube stations, making it easy to access from other parts of the city.
Selfridges flagship
Selfridges is a London landmark; its enormous flagship store is the jewel in the crown of Oxford Street. The Grade II-listed building was opened in 1909, after being designed and built as the headquarters for Selfridges & Co.
This luxury shopping giant is home to many mid-range and premium brands spanning fashion and jewellery to beauty, homewares, technology and food. Hungry? Selfridges London also has 20 different eateries and bars, including a tearoom, champagne and oyster bar, French and Taiwanese restaurants and a stunning rooftop Alto by San Carlo.
Planning to spend a few hours browsing? Send any uninterested family members to the Cinema at Selfridges, where three luxurious screens show all the latest blockbusters. It’s the first permanent department store cinema globally, offering cosy reclining armchairs, food on-demand and its very own cocktail bar!
More Oxford Street highlights
- Adidas
- Dr Martens
- French Connection
- John Lewis & Partners
- Mango
- Massimo Dutti
- Microsoft
- Next
- Nike
- Office
- Swarovski
- Tag Heuer
Planning your visit
Where: City of Westminster
Opening hours: Most shops are open from 09:00 to 20:00, and 21:00 or 22:00 on Thursdays
Train station: London Euston is 25 minutes away on foot, or Marylebone is 28 minutes away
Tube station: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street or Marble Arch
2. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is another of London’s beautiful shopping neighbourhoods, popular year-round for its many stores and eateries. The area comes into its own during the festive period when seasonal lights and decorations add to its unique charm. If you get the chance to visit Covent Garden at Christmas, grab it with both hands!
This famous shopping area is spread over the historic Piazza, Covent Garden Market, and the impressive surrounding streets. There’s something for everyone here, from London-based brands to global giants like Rolex, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Tiffany & Co.
Makers sell their wares from charming stalls inside the covered market. There are also plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink here, soaking up the unique atmosphere.
More Covent Garden highlights
- Aēsop
- Apple
- Chanel
- Charlotte Tilbury
- DECIEM
- Free People
- Glossier
- Hotel Chocolat
- Jo Malone London
- Lulu Guinness
- Michael Kors
- Mulberry
- Ray-Ban
- Reformation
Planning your visit
Where: West End
Opening hours: Most shops are open from 10:00 to 29:00 Monday to Saturday and 11:00 to 18:00 on Sunday
Train station: Crarring Cross is the closest train station to Covent Garden, and Waterloo is just 20 minutes away on foot
Tube station: Covent Garden tube station is just a short walk from the centre, while Leicester Square is also convenient
3. Bond Street
Bond Street is a shining jewel of Mayfair, one of London’s most expensive and desirable locations. The wider area is famous for its glamourous fashion, fine art, jewellery and antique shops.
Bond Street has attracted many of the world’s wealthiest residents and shoppers since the 18th century. Today, it’s just as beloved by celebrities, visitors and stylish locals for its wide array of prestigious designer shops. Think Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna and Tiffany & Co. Bond Street is also the home of The Ritz, one of London’s most famous luxury hotels, and many award-winning restaurants and bars.
More Bond Street highlights
- BOSS
- Bottega Veneta
- Bulgari
- Burberry
- Cartier
- Chanel
- Dior
- Dolce & Gabbana
- FENDI
- Gucci
- Hermès
- Jimmy Choo
- Louis Vuitton
- Mulberry
- Prada
- Ralph Lauren
- Rolex
- Valentino
Planning your visit
Where: Mayfair
Opening hours: Generally, 10:00 to 19:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 to 18:00 on Sundays
Train station: Charring Cross train station is just 23 minutes from Bond Street on foot
Tube station: Bond Street, Oxford Circus and Green Park
4. Carnaby Street
For all the spectacle of Bond Street without the hefty price tag, you might prefer Soho’s Carnaby Street. Unlike many of London’s famous shopping streets, Carnaby is pedestrianized, which means you can stroll along at leisure, enjoying the colourful window displays and installations without getting in the way.
Carnaby Street is packed with fashion and lifestyle stores, including flagships of many brands you’ve heard of and a few UK firsts. It’s also a diverse dining destination, home to more than 60 cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs.
Liberty London
This famous street is also home to a London icon: Liberty London! The department store was established in 1875 and moved to its beautiful mock-Tudor building in 1924. Head here to browse luxury clothing, home furnishings and – of course – Liberty fabrics. Whether you visit to shop or just to look around, you’re sure to be impressed by what you find inside.
More Carnaby Street highlights
- Adidas
- Barbour
- Birkenstock
- Fred Perry
- GANNI
- Levi’s®
- Liberty London
- Ray-Ban
- Sweaty Betty
- The Kooples
- Timberland
- Vans
Planning your visit
Where: Soho
Opening hours: 10:00 to 19:00 Monday to Saturday, and 12:00 to 18:00 on Sundays
Train station: Euston is a 29-minute walk, while King’s Cross St Pancras and Charing Cross are also nearby
Tube station: Oxford Circus and Picadilly Circus, both around 3 minutes walk
5. Harrods
Harrods, in Knightsbridge, is just as much an attraction as a department store. The London landmark boasts 160 years of history, today home to over 5,000 luxury brands spread across seven floors. Explore fashion, jewellery, fragrance and homewares, including collections from many iconic designers.
Food and drink at Harrods
The famous Harrods food hall occupies most of the ground floor. The grade II-listed space is packed with delicious food and drinks, a coffee roaster, chocolatier and more, offering bespoke treats and unbeatable produce. Harrods also has many restaurants, making it a perfect destination for shopping and lunch. Visit the pizzeria, sushi bar, pan-Asian restaurant or the elegant Harrods Tea Rooms for a meal to remember.
More Harrods highlights
- Acne Studios
- Alexander McQueen
- Balenciaga
- Balmain
- Chopard
- Christian Louboutin
- Diptyque
- Guerlain
- La Mer
- Loewe
- MiuMiu
- Moncler
- Omega
- TAG Heuer
- TOM FORD
Planning your visit
Where: Knightsbridge
Opening hours: 11:00 to 19:00 Monday to Wednesday, 11:00 to 20:00 Thursday to Saturday and 11:30 to 18:00 on Sundays
Train station: London Victoria is a 23-minute walk from Harrods
Tube station: Knightsbridge tube station brings you right outside Harrods
6. Westfield London
There are two large Westfield centres in London, one in Shepherd’s Bush in West London and another in Stratford, East London. Westfield London refers to the Shepherd’s Bush centre, which is easy to get to by bus, tube or train from the city centre. It’s an excellent place to shop, eat and meet, boasting more than 260 high-street retail brands, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities all under one roof.
More than shops!
The beautiful glass-roofed atrium hosts various arts and educational events, adding to your shopping day when you choose to spend it here. There’s also a 14-screen Vue cinema, a perfect alternative for any reluctant shoppers. Not to mention two outdoor play areas, an All-Star Lanes bowling alley, Puttshack mini-golf, a Gymbox gym and Natura Bissé spa!
More Westfield London highlights
- Apple
- Bershka
- Breitling
- Charlotte Tilbury
- Clarks
- Coach
- Cos
- Foot Locker
- Guess
- H&M
- Holland & Barrett
- John Lewis & Partners
- Louis Vuitton
- Next
- Nike
- Prada
Planning your visit
Where: Shepherd’s Bush
Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00 Monday to Saturday and 12:00 to 18:00 on Sundays
Train station: Shepherd’s Bush train station is on Westfield London’s doorstep
Tube station: Shepherd’s Bush is the closest tube station to Westfield London, while White City, Wood Lane and Shepherd’s Bush Market are also close
Getting Around London’s Shopping Areas
Once you’re in London, the easiest way to get around is by tube. Starting your journey outside the city? You might need to take a National Rail train to one of Central London’s many stations first. London Euston, King’s Cross St Pancras, Charing Cross, Waterloo, Marylebone and London Victoria are good options.
When you’re in Central London, you’re never too far from an underground station. Even just one or two stops can save precious minutes, not to mention all the energy you’ll need for shopping!
To head over to North or East London – areas like Shoreditch and Dalston are renowned for vintage treasures – you might need to hop on a London Overground service. These trains also stretch to Camden, Islington and Hampstead.
Taking the train to London?
Planning on spending some time in the capital of England and want more information on travelling to London by train? Start your journey now! Travelling to London by train is simple due to the high-speed rail connections operated by 28 major train companies across the UK. You can travel to London from some of the most popular cities in the UK, including Bristol to London (1h 35m), Birmingham to London (1h 21m) and Oxford to London (47m).
Need more information about travelling to London by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to London.