London is a top shopping destination for people throughout the world.
But whether you’re looking to break the bank, or you’re pinching pennies, there’s a variety of districts in London ready to meet your retail needs!
The details in this post come from my knowledge as a local tour guide and resident of London who loves to shop!
I've also included some of the ideas from members of our popular London Travel Tips Facebook group.
The group has over 160k members and is made up of locals, tour guides, frequent travelers to the UK, as well as first-time visitors to London.
You don't need to become a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.
So, check out our group once you've finished reading this post!
- Oxford Street and the West End
- Soho and Mayfair
- The City and the East End
- Knightsbridge and Chelsea
- Marylebone Village
- Notting Hill
- London Markets
- Westfield London
- Tips from Locals and Travelers
Each shopping district or street in London has its own vibe and specialties.
So, read below to see where is the best shopping in London for your personal shopping experience.
Oxford Street and the West End
Oxford Street is considered the centre of London’s shopping world, London's shopping street.
Holding well over 300 shops, 4 underground stations, as well as flagship stores for numerous companies, Oxford Street is not only the busiest shopping location in London it’s the largest shopping district in existence.
Here you will find plenty of shops known around the world: Topshop, Selfridge’s, Debenhams, H&M, John Lewis, Uni Qlo, and the largest Primark in the world just to name a few.
Think of Oxford Street as London's High Street!
Clothing, accessories, shoes, or souvenirs, London’s most famous shopping street has it all.
Underground Stations: [East to West] Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Bond Street & Marble Arch
Bond Street
Bond Street is all about luxury! If you’re looking for high-end designer labels, this is where to go, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co, Michael Koors, Valentino…the list goes on.
Bond Street also holds the only Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch in the U.K.
If your budget won’t stretch to Bond Street, it is worth just walking down the road to peek into some of the most glamorous window displays in town.
Underground Stations: Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is famous the world over for its vibrant, flashing lights and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (the incorrectly dubbed "statue of Eros").
But, in addition to being a traffic hub, it's also surrounded by great shopping.
To the north of Piccadilly Circus is Regent Street - as we've detailed already.
It also edges on Soho which is full of funky independent shops, fascinating stores, vintage fabric, and clothing, as well as great nightlife.
To the West, is the street of Piccadilly itself, which is home to the stunning Fortnum & Masons - one of London's first department stores, erected in 1707, as well as Waterstones, one of the largest bookstores in Europe.
If you'd like to find out more about Piccadilly Circus and this beautiful part of town, make sure to join our Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Chinatown Tour or our Rock n' Roll Tour!
Nearest Tube Station: Piccadilly Circus
Regent Street
Perhaps the most atheistically pleasing of all the shopping districts listed here, Regent Street was designed by master architect Sir John Nash in the 19th century.
With huge sweeping vistas and different decorations throughout the year (including impressive Christmas displays), Regent Street is a picturesque place to spend your pennies.
Located here are ranges from the top end (Liberty of London and Ferrari) to fun and affordable.
Keep an eye out for Hamleys – the largest toy store in London and a must-visit destination for those traveling with children!
Often it is possible to visit Barbie, Captain John Sparrow and the like standing outside the shop and visiting is a sensory experience for people of all ages.
Underground Stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Covent Garden
Covent Garden has hosted a market for centuries and it is still operating to this day.
Market stalls with handmade goods and crafts as well as cheap clothing and souvenirs, Covent Garden’s Market provides a true London market shopping experience.
However, Covent Garden is also home to recognisable shops based here permanently (Apple and The Body Shop, for example) and is filled with cobbled roads, eclectic boutiques…and even one of the finest cheese stores in London (Neal’s Yard Dairy)!
A great place to ‘get lost’ Covent Garden provides good shopping for any budget and a variety of retail ranges.
Not only is Covent Garden one of the best shopping districts in town, but it also happens to be one of the best places to grab a bite to eat!
Underground Station: Covent Garden or Leicester Square
Soho and Mayfair
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street was the heart of swinging London in the 1960s and still offers quirky and glam shops, international brands, and unique one-of-a-kinds.
Boasting over 150 different shops and over 50 restaurants and bars, Carnaby is a great place to shop off the main roads of London and is a wonderful place to get lost!
With cobbled roads, small centres, alleys, and dead ends, Carnaby Street is on the edge of Soho and is a great destination for those who like to stumble upon interesting shops and bars during their visit.
Underground Stations: Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus
Savile Row
Home to the finest tailors in the country, Savile Row has been making bespoke suits for celebrities (and regular people!) for decades.
The shops here are all high-end and some of them are by appointment only so this isn't the place to come if you're countering your pennies!
In non-shopping related news, Savile Row is sometimes known as the venue of the final performance of The Beatles, who held a concert on a rooftop here in 1969.
Underground Station: Oxford Street
Burlington Arcade
Burlington Arcade is a trip back in time - a traditional London shopping arcade that's over 200 years old.
This is high-end and luxury shopping at its finest.
Billed as London's "first department store," the charming Arcade is worth a walk-through even if you don't intend to purchase anything!
Underground Station: Piccadilly Circus
Brick Lane
Brick Lane, also known as the "Curry Mile," tends to be known for its foodie links rather than for shopping but there are some real hidden gems here!
Brick Lane is home to numerous shops selling vintage clothing, second-hand clothes, handmade jewelry, and more.
Some of these shops have row upon row of clothes to explore and you never know what treasures you might uncover!
And, best of all, once you're done shopping there's no shortage of places to go to have a bite and a drink afterward.
Underground Station: Liverpool Street or Aldgate Station
One New Change
One New Change is almost like a high street in a single building.
All the clothing brands you expect to see like H&M, Hobbs, Mango, Reiss, The Body Shop, etc. are all present and accounted for.
The real draw of the building, however, is the incredible views of St. Paul's Cathedral and the City that you can enjoy by taking the lift to the top.
Underground Station: St. Paul's
The Royal Exchange
Located in the heart of London’s financial district, the Royal Exchange previously hosted the centre of commerce for the City of London.
Today, however, the Royal Exchange hosts a variety of luxury shops, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, and Gucci…just to give an idea.
Luxury restaurants and champagne bars are great places to take a shopping break.
And the location of the Royal Exchange, the opposite side of town from London's other shopping centres, means it is oftentimes not as busy as the better-known shopping locations of London.
Underground Station: Bank
Knightsbridge and Chelsea
Shopping in Knightsbridge is definitely not for those travelling on a budget!
Here you will find some of the most prestigious and famous retail and fashion names in the world, Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Agent Provocateur, and even Christian Louboutin – this district is all about high fashion.
Knightsbridge is also home to two of the best-known department stores in Europe: Harvey Nichols and Harrods.
Harrods is worth browsing even if guests do not have the intent to buy, and goods in their food halls can oftentimes be affordable.
After a bit of shopping in beautiful Knightsbridge, what better way to finish your retail experience than by visiting the most luxurious department store in the world - Harrods!
Underground Station: Knightsbridge
Kings Road
In the heart of Chelsea lies the Kings Road - a singular stretch of eclectic shops, clothing boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
From high fashion at shops owned by names as recognisable as Vivienne Westwood to antiques at the Chelsea Antiques Market, King’s Road is a broad mix of different types of shops and stores.
A true London shopping experience, King’s Road is a destination for celebrities in London as well as locals and tourists alike.
Not only is Chelsea a great area to celebrity-spot and shop, but it's also a great London district for literary lovers.
Chelsea is an area jam-packed with locations associated with some of the world's best-known writers.
We've composed a helpful Self-Guided Literary Tour of London that will take you not only past the shops but also through history as you check out the homes of celebrated authors from throughout history, such as Oscar Wilde, George Eliot, Mark Twain, and Bram Stoker.
Underground Station: Sloane Square
Sloane Street
Sloane Street is the place to come for luxury brands - you won't find anything easily affordable on this street!
Think Dior, Chanel, Bulgari, Valentino, Versace, Gucci, Fendi, and Armani - and that's just to name a few.
The street is also dotted with fine-dining restaurants and luxury hotels.
At the top of Sloane Street sits the iconic department store, Harvey Nichols, and at the bottom sits Sloane Square and Peter Jones, a high-end John Lewis that offers eight floors of fashion, food, home goods, and anything else you can imagine!
Underground Station: Sloane Square or Knightsbridge
Marylebone Village
Marylebone isn't as famous as some of the other neighbourhoods on our list. but it is definitely one to consider visiting if you are a shopping lover!
Located near Baker Street, Marylebone is primarily residential but Marylebone High Street is jam-packed with trendy cafes, unique restaurants, and plenty of shops.
From clothing to home goods to fancy groceries, Marylebone boasts dozens upon dozens of shops to explore.
Also, check out their website to find seasonal events like their fabulous Summer Fair.
Underground Station: Baker Street or Regent's Park
Notting Hill
One of London's most famous neighbourhoods, Notting Hill is an upscale locale featuring numerous fancy bars and restaurants as well as luxury shops.
But, there are gems to be found for those not wanting to break the bank.
Affordable pubs, the iconic Portobello Road Market (more info below), unique boutiques, and high street shops mean there's something here for everyone - regardless of your budget!
If you want to explore Notting Hill, consider joining us on our Notting Hill Markets and Culture Tour!
Underground Station: Notting Hill Gate
London Markets
Here are some of the best markets in London.
For even more market shopping take a look at our post, 18 Best London Markets for Street Food, Antiques, Flowers and more.
Camden Market
Located in Northwest London on the bank of Regent’s Park, Camden Market is a series of open-air and indoor markets, along with food stalls, retail shops, bars, and restaurants.
Open every day of the year (aside from Christmas), the weekends are still the best time to visit as that is the only time to guarantee all the stalls will be open.
For those who are adventurous, off-beat, or just a little bit quirky, Camden is the place to head.
In Camden, vintage shops, piercing parlours, and tattoo artists reside alongside stalls selling food from all around the world.
Home to a thriving counter-culture community, Camden is a haven for those who are fans of the extreme and outlandish.
An explosion of colors and textures, art, and antiques, Camden Market is a bustling complex well worth a visit.
Underground Station: Camden Town
Borough Market
For the gastronomists among you, Borough Market is your surefire stop for delicious and authentic London food and drink.
One of the oldest markets in London, Borough Market operates on a wholesale level on weekday mornings and is open to the public for commercial trade on weekday lunchtimes and all day on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Located under beautifully architected structures dating from the 19th century to the 1930s, Borough Market can be found in Southwark, just below the River Thames.
Originally focused on fruit and vegetables, Borough Market now sells nearly any kind of edible delight one can imagine, showcasing local purveyors from all over the United Kingdom and Europe.
Food is available to eat as soon as you buy it, or you can purchase a multitude of ingredients to create your own meal at home.
From bakeries to butchers, confectionaries to charcuterie, seafood to spices, dairy to drinks - whatever you choose to indulge in, we guarantee you will not leave Borough Market with an empty stomach!
Let us show you the best that the Market has to offer on our Borough Market and Maltby Street Food Tour!
Underground: London Bridge
Portobello Road Market
The largest antique market in the entire world, Portobello Road Market showcases over 1,000 dealers in one localised area in the west of London.
The antique showcases at Portobello are a Saturday operation, with many stalls opening at 8:30 or 9:00 am and oftentimes packing up by 4 pm.
Easily the busiest market in London, it is best to visit Portobello first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
100’s of stalls, stands, shops and arcades are located along Portobello Road, providing some of the most unique antique items available in the capital.
Bric-a-brac, jewelry, art and artifacts, crystal, silver and gold, books or clothes - whatever you may be after, you are sure to find it at Portobello.
On Saturdays, there are also a number of food trucks and stalls set up so that you may refuel with delicious delights whilst you shop!
Portobello offers the opportunity to come face-to-face with some of London’s most experienced market operators who will be more than happy to haggle and bargain with anyone who is up to the task!
If you want to explore Portobello Market, consider joining us on our Notting Hill Markets and Culture Tour!
Underground Station: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove
Leadenhall Market
Located in the City of London, Leadenhall Market is a true treasure.
Leadenhall is a covered market and the ornate rooftop, as well as the cobbled floors, were designed in 1881 and are nearly all original, although there was some redecoration done in the 1990s.
Leadenhall Market is only open Monday - Friday as most of the trade here comes from the thousands of office staff who work in the offices of the City.
Most of the shops here are upscale - again, fitting in with its location in the financial district.
But, there are also affordable stores as well as great options for lunch, which makes it worth a stop.
Aside from Leadenhall's offerings, it is also well known for playing the role of Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter films!
If you want to know more about that, check out our page on Harry Potter in London.
Our Self-Guided Audio Tour, found on the page, includes a stop here so make sure to download it before you go!
Underground Station: Monument, Aldgate, Liverpool Street
Spitalfields Market
There has been a market in Spitalfields for over 300 years and the newest version is entirely covered and filled with myriad shops, stalls, and restaurants.
The Victorian structure holds a number of smaller markets within, including street food, antiques, second-hand books, and handmade goods just to name a few.
This is a great place to grab a bargain and a bite all at the same time.
In the heart of the East End, Spitalfields Market has seen a lot of history, some of which you can experience if you join us on our tours!
Our East London Food Tour encapsulates the story of this vibrant section of London's East End, as told through the amazing food and drink your guide will share with you.
The bohemian and immigrant cultures here have also led to a booming street art scene which we'd be happy to introduce you to on our Street Art and Graffiti Tour.
And for those who like things a bit darker, a number of Jack the Ripper's victims lived and died along the nearby streets and our guides will show you where it all played out on our Jack the Ripper Tour.
Underground Station: Liverpool Street
Westfield London
Yes, these are just regular shopping malls. Asian and European visitors are big on Westfield although Americans aren't too impressed since they have them everywhere!
The newest additions to the London shopping scene, London's two Westfield malls - Shepherd's Bush and Stratford - are two of the largest urban shopping centres in all of Europe.
Located entirely indoors, they also make excellent places to browse and shop when the London weather isn’t too cooperative!
Both Westfields are divided into two parts – the standard shopping areas and the luxury departments.
This means there are the standard names you’d expect to see (Marks & Spencer, House of Fraser, Debenhams, Primark) as well as top labels known the world over (Jimmy Choo, Tag Heuer, and Ted Baker).
With over 275 shops in each, more than three dozen places to eat overall, as well as seasonal ice rinks and cinemas, the Westfields are one-stop shops for a retail day out.
Underground Stations: Shepherd's Bush, White City, Stratford
Tips from Locals and Travelers
I hope that the information on shopping in London has been helpful. Here are more tips from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group.
Many tourists shop for souvenirs on their trip. Here one traveler to London asks about souvenir shopping.
Group members offer up some great advice.
Markets are favourites of Londoners and delight travelers who visit for the first time.
And if you need a few more markets to check out, Andres seems to have covered them all!
Looking for the best shops to buy tea?
If you are looking for vintage and antique items, Portobello Road and Camden Passage are recommended.
This shopper is for looking for arts and crafts, rather than vintage items.
Check out our London Travel Tips Facebook group for even more suggestions!
