The Ultimate London Shopping Guide

For many visitors to London, a shopping expedition is an absolute must! London is, after all, THE shopping destination par excellence. There’s no better place than this metropolis for keeping up with the latest fashion trends! And it’s no coincidence that London hosts the Fashion Week twice a year. Little wonder this stylish city has been inspiring fashion heavyweights of the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen forever.

There are thousands of places to shop in London. The choice is immense whatever your gender, age, or budget! For a few ideas on where to go, see our London Shopping Guide featuring the best stores and markets the city has to offer.

Shopping in London

Given the countless shopping options available in London, it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. Below we explain what we consider the key to the perfect London shopping experience. Our London shopping tips include the best shopping districts, stores, and markets.

Popular London shopping districts

It goes without saying that there are lots of places to shop in London. We’ve compiled a list of the most important ones that should definitely be included in your “To Do” list.

The first thing you need to know is that most of the major London fashion stores are concentrated within a small radius, which means you can easily dedicate a whole day to shop hopping in London. However, there are two shopping tips that could make choosing the right stores a little easier for you:

If you’re in search of something a bit different, you should head for Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and Spitalfields Market in the East End, where you’ll find lots of alternative stores, vintage markets, and second-hand shops. If you want to see the famous Harrods department store, on the other hand, Mayfair is the place to go. Harrods is on Knightsbridge, to the south of Hyde Park.

Below we explain in detail what’s special about the individual shopping locations.

1. Soho

Soho is only a few yards from the famous shopping miles Regent Street and Oxford Street. If you want to shop in London’s trendiest district, Carnaby Street is the ideal starting point. Among the stores to be found here are Toms, SkinnyDip, Lazy Oaf, MAC, Cheap Monday, Pepe Jeans, Diesel, Büro, Vans, Puma, Havaianas, and The North Face – to name just a few! However, the one thing not to be missed in Soho is the Kingly Court shopping mall, which is home to countless stores, bars as well as restaurants.

Soho not only has some great shopping amenities but excellent restaurants as well. So for all you foodies and gourmets out there, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best restaurants in Soho – definitely one of our favorite haunts!

2. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of our favorite places in London for shopping, chilling and even having a drink. Located on the north bank of the Thames on a level with Waterloo Bridge, this district offers something for everybody and is definitely worth a visit. 🙂 For further information about Covent Garden, for example, directions for getting there, please see our article.

We recommend starting your shopping expedition at the market, also known as Apple Market, and then moving on to the famous stores. Among the well-known brands to be found at Covent Garden are Apple, Jo Malone, Mulberry, Sandro, Original Penguin, Godiva, Burberry, Pandora, Ash, Ray Ban, Kate Spade NY, Jigsaw, and Chanel.

Those of you who don’t want to spend quite so much money are sure to find what you’re looking for at the stores close to Covent Garden Market. These include Moomin Shop, MAC, The Body Shop, Massimo Dutti, Levi’s, Muji, and even TK Maxx.

3. Shoreditch & Spitalfields

We’ve grouped these two places together – firstly because they’re quite close to each other, and secondly, because they make a great combination if you want to spend a day shopping in East London.

Shopping in Shoreditch is a unique experience, as this district is home to lots of little boutiques, second-hand shops, and local arts and crafts. There are four things about this place that make it a must-do shopping location: the Boxpark pop-up stores, the little shops stretching from Old Street to the lower section of Brick Lane, the markets and vintage shops on Brick Lane, not to mention Old Spitalfields Market and the countless boutiques in the immediate vicinity.

If you want to explore London’s authentic shopping scene and go home with some stylish yet different clothes and souvenirs, this is the perfect shopping destination.

4. Knightsbridge

This district is mentioned here for one reason only: Harrods. No London shopping expedition would be complete without a trip to this London department store. It’s worth a visit even if you don’t want to buy anything. While you’re in the area, you can also wander in the fabulous Harvey Nichols store. Knightsbridge is the perfect place to shop in bad weather.

Best streets to shop in London

1. Shopping on London’s Oxford Street

There are over 300 stores on Oxford Street offering an incredible range of goods, which is why this is one of the most famous and most important shopping miles in London. Among the stores to be found here are & Other Stories, Top Shop, Omega, Zara, New Balance, Adidas, Coast, H&M, KIKO Milano, and Nike – to name just a few!

And for those of you with a penchant for department stores, Oxford Street is also home to the famous Selfridges. As you can tell, this is a perfect shopping location that offers something for everyone.

2. Regent Street

Regent Street is in the West End and was London’s very first shopping mile. Today, it’s one of the most popular shopping streets in London. Among the famous fashion labels to be found here are Burberry, Calvin Klein, Mulberry, Polo Ralph Lauren, Barbour, Hollister, and Michael Kors. If you want to go shopping while you’re in London, Regent Street is just the place!

3. Bond Street

For those of you with a penchant for luxury and exclusivity, Bond Street is an absolute paradise! This street, which runs parallel to Regent Street and at right-angles to Oxford Street, not far from Mayfair, is home to all the luxury labels and one of the most expensive shopping miles in London. It’s well worth a visit even if you don’t intend to buy anything!

Among the countless stores to be found here are Victoria’s Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, Montblanc, Canali, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Chloe, Moschino, Hermès, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier. Bond Street is also famous for being home to the finest jewelry stores in town.

The best London department stores

1. Harrods

No London shopping guide would be complete without Harrods. It’s possibly Europe’s most famous department store, if not the world’s, and an absolute must for anyone on a shopping trip to London. Harrods occupies an impressive traditional building in the heart of Knightsbridge and has more than one million square feet of retail space dedicated to clothing, accessories, and gifts. It carries the major national and international brands as well as housing a food hall and an unusual art exhibition.

I would recommend allowing yourself plenty of time to explore this department store with its inimitable exotic design and atmosphere. You can purchase some great souvenirs here, for example, the famous Harrods shopping bags. There can be no better souvenir of a shopping trip to London!

• Price: ££ – £££££
• Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge
• Website: www.harrods.com

2. Selfridges

Selfridges is a popular department store on Oxford Street. Here you’ll find clothing, accessories, and cosmetics from all the well-known brands as well as several cafés and restaurants. The store even features a rooftop bar. Selfridges is particularly attractive during the Christmas period on account of the beautiful decorations, original window displays, and countless special offers. If you’re in London between November and Christmas, be sure to drop by.

• Price: ££ – £££££
• Address: 400 Oxford Street
• Website: www.selfridges.com

3. Westfield

I would only recommend Westfield if you can spare a little more time for shopping, as in good weather exploring the streets of London is more fun than visiting a shopping mall. However, Westfield is a good place to shop in bad weather.

All the major fashion labels have stores here, including COS, Chalcedon, Hugo Boss, Accessories, Calvin Klein, Clarks, Camper, Adidas, Nike, Levi’s, Prada, All Saints, Topshop, Burberry, Diesel, GAP, Kate Spade NY, and Louis Vuitton. You’ll also find make-up and cosmetics brands such as Bobbi Brown, Kiko, Kiehl, L’Occitane, Lush, Rituals, and the best of Apple, Bose, or Dyson.

In short, this place is home to an endless number of shops catering to all tastes and budgets, as well as dozens of cafés and restaurants, and even movie theaters.

• Price: £ – ££££
• Address: Ariel Way Shepherds Bush LONDON W12 7GF
• Website: https://uk.westfield.com

4. Boxpark in Shoreditch

We’re big fans of Shoreditch! And Boxpark is one of our favorite shopping malls in London. It’s not only extremely unusual but eco-friendly as well, as it was built from recycled shipping containers. Here you’ll find everything you could wish for on a shopping expedition: restaurants, bars, leisure facilities, cultural centers and, above all, unusual shops.

It’s the shopping amenities that we want to focus on here. Boxpark is home to countless little boutiques that carry their own brands as well as the trendiest labels the fashion scene has to offer. The idea behind this shopping mall is clear: to bring together the best local brands and the trendiest international labels. This makes for an unbeatable shopping experience, complemented by various cultural events and interesting restaurants.

• Price: £ – £££
• Address: 2-10 Bethnal Green Road
• Website: www.boxpark.de

5. Harvey Nichols

Harvey Nichols is a luxury department store in London selling men’s and women’s fashion. If you’re on the lookout for something extra special, I can recommend a trip to Harvey Nichols. As one of the finest department stores in London, it’s definitely worth a visit. Among the brands carried by Harvey Nichols are Boss, Diesel, Dior, Eton, Gucci, Mac, Paul Smith, and Valentino – among many others!

If you’re interested in buying this type of gear or you’re simply in need of some inspiration, Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge is just the place.

• Price: £ – ££££
• Address: 109-125 Knightsbridge
• Website: www.harveynichols.com

Best London Stores

1. All Saints

I love browsing in All Saints because of the attractive shop design. However, I have to admit that I rarely buy anything there.

This British brand specializes in jeans and leather and anything made from combinations of the two – always featuring sober colors and understated cuts. It’s actually quite hard to describe the type of clothing on sale there… underground, hipster, New British? Just to give you an idea of what I mean: almost everything is brown, gray, or black. All Saints stores are always worth a visit, if only on account of the shop design. There are at least 10 branches of All Saints in Central London alone, so you’re sure to find one wherever you happen to be.

• Type of shop: Retailer
• Price: ££-£££
• Address: 240 Regent St., Soho
• Website: https://de.allsaints.com

2. Liberty’s in Carnaby

The first thing that strikes you about this store is the building: a half-timbered Tudor-style house on one of London’s most famous streets.

No shopping expedition to London would be complete without a visit to Liberty’s. It may be an exclusive brand, but it’s also an institution. The other special thing about Liberty’s is that it carries its own fabric range. That means you can buy fabrics by the yard that you won’t find anywhere else. If you want to add some British flair to your own home, you can arrange for your chairs to be re-upholstered there. Visitors to Liberty’s typically purchase scarves or cushions made from bespoke fabrics. This is an unusual, inspirational store that needs to be put on your bucket list.

• Type of shop: luxury British brand + multi-brand cosmetics
• Price: ££ – ££££
• Address: Regent St, Soho
• Website: www.libertylondon.com/uk/

3. Fortnum & Mason

The ideal port of call for souvenir hunters Fortnum & Mason is a mecca for tea, jam, and British confectionery. I have to confess to adoring this store. In my opinion, all visitors to London should call a branch of Fortnum & Mason. This is a very up-market store so prices are high, but the quality is simply unbeatable. We just love the peach-flavored black tea. I can also highly recommend chocolate chip cookies. 🙂

• Type of shop: traditional products and gifts
• Price: ££
• Address: 181 Piccadilly
• Website: www.boxpark.de

4. Absolute Vintage

This cult store in Shoreditch is a must for fans of second-hand clothes and anyone in search of gems from the past. Absolute Vintage is a London icon and timeless classic in a trendy location. But is vintage fashion really only for alternative people and hipsters? OF COURSE NOT! If we’re honest with ourselves, every trend comes back in fashion sooner or later, and in an age when we consume fashion like fast food, second-hand clothing is not only original and economical but also eco-friendly.

I won’t lie: you’ll have to do a bit of digging to find something really worth buying, but there are some true gems hidden away in this little time machine.

• Type of shop: second hand
• Price: £ – £ £ £ £
• Address: 14 Hanbury Street
• Website: www.absolutevintage.co.uk

5. TK Maxx

We weren’t sure whether to include TK Maxx on this list. However, we didn’t want to keep it from you, as we know there are lots of people (including my mom!) who just love this store. The product range includes home accessories, clothing, and toys, as well as lots of practical items.

Don’t expect to find any special brands here. This store specializes in ordinary clothing at much-reduced prices. If you’re looking for a dress to wear at a wedding or a special gift, this store can prove extremely useful. However, many of the items on display are also available from the London markets, where I personally find shopping much more fun.

• Type of shop: chain store
• Price: varies considerably
• Address: Ariel Way, Shepherds Bush
• Website: www.uk.westfield.com/london

5. Dover Street Market

Dover Street Market is certainly worth a visit, though the gear on sale here isn’t always affordable for regular folk like us. This famous boutique (not a market, despite the name) which oozes with charm and originality, provides a multi-brand experience featuring garments from some of the world’s most prestigious designers. Balenciaga, Alaïa, Calvin Klein, Comme des Garçons, Loewe, Nina Ricci, Celine, and Hussein Chalayan are just a few of the labels to be found at this unusual store in the heart of Mayfair. A trip to Dover Street Market is a great experience for all fashionistas.

London Outlets

1. London Designer Outlet

Bargain hunters need to look no further than the London Designer Outlet, as here you can buy branded goods at big discounts.

The London Designer Outlet is situated in Wembley Park. Retailers here sell branded goods from the previous season’s collections at reduced prices, making this place well worth a visit. Among the brands on sale at the London Designer Outlet are Adidas, Bench, Converse, H&M, Levis, Nike, Replay, Samsung, and Timberland – to name just a few.

The London Designer Outlet is the ultimate outlet center in London and I would recommend it to all price-conscious shoppers.

Address: Wembley Park Blvd., Wembley HA9 0QL, United Kingdom

2. Bicester Village

For an out-of-town shopping experience, it’s best to head for Bicester Village, a good hour’s drive from London. This mall sells lots of high-end brands at big discounts, so you can shop for designer goods at affordable prices.

The numerous brands available at Bicester Village Outlet include Boss, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Escada, Hackett, Levis, Mulberry, Tissot, Versace, etc.

For brands like these, it can be worth venturing outside London to shop. However, I would only really recommend it if you’re staying in London for several days and have already explored the well-known parts of the city.

• Bicester Village Shopping Trip by Train from London

Address: 50 Pingle Dr., Bicester OX26 6WD, United Kingdom

3. Burberry Outlet

If you’re keen on owning something from Burberry, look no further than the Burberry Outlet in London! Goods here are reduced by 30-60%. The Burberry Outlet is in the East End of London and is very easily accessible.

This is a great place to shop, and with a bit of luck, you can purchase popular designer products at very good prices. They’ll still be quite expensive, no doubt, but you’ll pay considerably less than the recommended retail price. If you’re a believer in this brand, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for and go home with some fabulous goods.

Address: 29-31 Chatham Pl., London E9 6LP, United Kingdom
What’s cheaper in London than in Germany?

In London, traditional British specialties can be bought at very reasonable prices. The British are of course known for their excellent beverages, be it British tea or traditional Scottish whiskey.

Delicacies such as these are reasonably priced in London, and you can take them back home with you as a reminder of your trip to Great Britain.

In other respects, prices in London are similar to those in Germany, so don’t expect to pick up bargains everywhere you go. However, if you’re on the lookout for some traditional British souvenirs in London, you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.

London’s markets

1. Borough Market

Borough Market is situated in the borough of Southwark on the south bank of the Thames. It’s one of the city’s oldest food markets. With more than 160 food stalls and artisan products, it’s also one of the London markets with the richest tradition and bustles with activity, particularly around midday. Just to give you an idea of how old Borough Market is, it celebrated its thousandth anniversary in 2014! This is the perfect place for some refreshments after a visit to Tower Bridge and The Shard. You’ll get a good idea here of what everyday life is like for the Londoners.

2. Camden Market

Camden Market is one of those extraordinary places that help make London one of the most popular cities in the world. Since the 70s, Camden Market has grown into a big street complex reminiscent of an oriental medina, albeit with British flair. Here you’ll find stalls selling antiques, arts and crafts and a wide range of food products, as well as some very unusual bars. Camden Market is the perfect destination for anyone who likes wandering through markets on the lookout for little souvenirs.

3. Brick Lane Sunday Market

We’d now like to tell you about one of our favorite places in London: Brick Lane Market. If you follow our blog, you’ll no doubt have noticed that we adore Shoreditch and Brick Lane and just love shopping in London, 😀 which is why this London street is a paradise for us! It’s the numerous markets that have made this place so attractive to bargain hunters, foodies, and art lovers alike.

Brick Lane opens up a world of possibilities, featuring attractive cafés, edgy boutiques, the best second-hand shops in town, fashionable restaurants and, above all, the best markets London has to offer. It’s well worth shopping here if you want to pick up some unusual items at affordable prices. Take some inspiration from the flair of Brick Lane and enjoy a very different London shopping experience.

4. Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields Market, situated only a few yards from Liverpool Street, is one of London’s oldest markets and of course one of our favorites. This covered market in Central London dates back over 350 years. The goods on offer here include clothing, accessories, antiques, food, etc. This place is particularly popular with Londoners but doesn’t get too crowded. Unlike Brick Lane or Portobello Road Market, Old Spitalfields Market is open every day and is a genuine insider tip.

Our London shopping tips

• Take a look at the museum shops, as they sometimes have attractive and practical items that make great mementos. It’s generally easy to find original and interesting souvenirs in places like these.
• Visit at least one of the markets in town. They’re characteristic of London, and it’s fun to spend a few hours browsing the stalls in search of a great souvenir of your trip to London.
• Venture into shops you wouldn’t normally find in your hometown. One of the best things about traveling is discovering new things and ideas. With a bit of luck, you’ll also pick up a few real bargains.
• Ask the locals! The best way of finding out about London is to chat with the Londoners. If you want to know the best place to shop in the vicinity of your hotel or apartment, simply ask the staff there. Another option is to ask the waiter at the café where you have breakfast. In our experience, the locals are really friendly and helpful, and who better to give you some insider tips about London than the Londoners themselves? 😉

We trust this article has provided you with an overview of the numerous shopping locations in London. We hope you enjoy your next trip to London and pick up some great bargains! 😉

While London is fantastic for fashion shopping of any kind, it’s also home to other brilliant shops, such as the London Disney Store, M&M Store, Build A Bear, and the London Lego Shop.