You’re about to head to London - what should you buy? What are the best London souvenirs? Don't worry: I've got the answers!
Let’s face it – for some of us (myself included) shopping is one of the best things about travelling.
I love buying souvenirs for myself, but also for my loved ones, and if you're the same, then this is the post for you.
There’s a reason why London souvenirs are some of the most iconic and sought-after in the world.
From speciality teas to stunning artwork and everything in between, there is a London souvenir for every budget and taste.
Best of all – you don’t need to lug them around. You can actually get a lot of these London souvenirs online! I often purchase gifts online when I am shopping for my family that live abroad, so consider doing the same.
I always struggle with the weight of my baggage when I travel so this is a tip I've used to help make sure my luggage stays under the weight limit.
Below, I’ve rounded up a list of the best things to buy in London, from things I like myself, to items I have got the best feedback for from my friends and family.
What’s your favourite? Tell me in the comment section!
Why Trust Me?
As a tour guide, I spend a lot of time researching the best London souvenirs. That said, I'm a local, so I don't always see the world the same way tourists do.
But I always have an eye on our London Travel Tips Facebook for visitor suggestions and guidance.
It has more than 170K members and is growing every day. So, you don’t have to take my word for it!
These are the unique and special things that visitors to London love to buy.
1. Harry Potter Souvenirs
If you've come here via any of my Harry Potter-related posts, you'll already know that I am a big fan of the series so I am writing this section with plenty of first hand experience.
I've noticed that most Potterhead heads to King's Cross Station and Platform 9 ¾ to visit the Harry Potter shop to find great souvenirs featuring Hedwig, Hermione, Ron, and the professors. And I do think the shop is fantastic (in fact I talk about it in more detail in my post on visiting King's Cross).
But, for something extra special, I love to take my guests who love Harry Potter, on a walk down magical Cecil Court - which is the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
There, you’ll find one of my favourite shops in the whole city, Colin Narbeth & Son, a shop for people who collect rare coins and money.
They’ve printed two wonderful sets of magic money, that I haven't ever seen anywhere else. It's a truly special way to remember your time in magical London!
If you want to visit Cecil Court with me, join us on our Harry Potter walking tour and we will take you here!
If you're planning a trip to the WB Harry Potter Studios to do the Harry Potter Studio Tour, take note that I always set money aside to spend when I'm there. The shop is (very) expensive, but is filled with items you literally can't get anywhere else on the planet so I do think it's worth it to splurge sometimes.
2. A Book from the Word on the Water – The Canal Boat Bookshop
I - and most Londoners - are big readers. You'll see us all with books and various e-readers as we ride the Underground throughout the city.
And on our London Travel Tips Facebook page, one of the questions I see asked repeatedly is, "Where is the best bookstore in London?" Now, of course, there are lots to choose from but I always mention one that's a little different than what you might expect!
Usually moored at the lock by Coal Drops Yard, just behind King’s Cross and St Pancras Station, the Word on the Water Canal Boat Bookshop is the most unique book shop in Britain, selling a wide selection of classic literature, counter-culture gems, and travel guides.
I also think the prices are fair - I've never paid more than £15.00 for a paperback book there.
If you love bookshops, London doesn’t disappoint. Check out Foyle’s, Daunt Books, and Hatchard’s which are all favourites of mine.
And, even though it's part of a chain, I always like to mention Waterstones on Piccadilly if only because it is the largest bookshop in Europe! Every time I go in, I am overwhelmed by the sheer amount of books that surround me. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, consider stopping by just to see it...or just to have a cocktail on the top floor bar - you may well see me there!
3. A Stuffed Corgi from the Royal Collection Shop
We all know that Queen Elizabeth II was a huge dog lover – there wasn’t a dry eye in England (and mine were no exception) when her beloved corgis were brought out to see her funeral procession go past.
I think corgis will remind me of the late Queen for the rest of my life, and the same is true for many of my dog-loving friends. That means I think these plush toys are a great gift for anyone who admired the Queen and/or loves dogs.
I know stuffed animals are seen as gifts for children but trust me when I tell you that I have bought more than one of these for an adult who has given it pride of place on a shelf in their homes!
In addition to these cuties, the Royal Collection Shop has loads of other limited-edition gifts and souvenirs to purchase.
You can find this shop at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, among other places. The prices at the Royal Collection shops can be a bit steep BUT they sell items you literally can't get anywhere else, and they always come beautifully wrapped so I have bought a few special occasion gifts there before.
This includes my prized possession: a small throw cushion made from the same fabrics used to furnish some of the furniture at Buckingham Palace. I bought that 22 years ago and it's still on my couch!
4. The Cockney Rhyming Slang Dictionary from the Museum of London
Don’t trip as you go down the apples and pears! Would you like a cup of Rosie Lee? Did you pay the Duke of Kent?
Confused? I just used Cockney rhyming slang for stairs, tea, and rent – and there are more than 6000 more traditional East End slang terms in this dictionary.
Sometimes guests on my tours will ask me if people really do speak in Cockney rhyming slang and the answer is absolutely YES. I very rarely hear anybody having a full conversation while using it but a lot of the terms are thrown into daily conversations that you'll overhear while you're visiting - especially if you spend any time in the East End. (Maybe you'll hear some on our East End Street Art Tour or our East End Food Tour).
If you'd like to purchase this book, you'll find this and more at one of my favourite gift shops in the city at the Museum of London. (Note that as I write this in 2025, the Museum is currently closed as it is moved to new premises so check their website before you go).
5. A Box of Spices from Spice Mountain at Borough Market
I always hear the stereotype that Britain has bad, or bland, food. And I am always trying to convince people that this is no longer the case!
The UK is a multicultural society with a love for foods from around the world.
After all, the unofficial national dish is Chicken Tikka Masala!
I'll admit that I am not a brilliant cook, but I am massively helped along by repeated trips to Spice Mountain at the legendary Borough Market. If I'm going to make a curry (or a British version of a Thanksgiving feast), this is always my first stop and the little boxes and bottles make fantastic stocking stuffers.
Plus, going to Borough Market is always worth doing, even if I'm not looking for anything in particular. I like to go to sample cuisines, buy treats and go gift-shopping for my foodie friends.
6. Jewellery from the Victoria and Albert Museum
One of my favourite museums in London (and my second-most recommended after The Museum of London), The V&A is world-renowned for its fashion and design collection spanning centuries and continents.
I am a total magpie so anything sparkly catches my interest, and the jewellery on display here is unrivalled. The various pieces are absolutely stunning, drawing influence from antiquities, renaissance art, art nouveau, and the arts and crafts movement.
And, in addition to the find jewellery on display, there is also a fair amount available for purchase in the gift shop. Again, I find the price point to be on the higher side, but I truly believe the work is top-quality and are a unique option for a special occasion gift or souvenir.
I really love buying things to wear when I am travelling abroad, as every time I put on that garment or accessory, I will always think back to my trip to where it was purchased.
7. A Map of London from Stanfords
I sometimes get young visitors on my tours who have literally never used a paper map before (and who can't believe I used to print off directions from map quest to go and visit my friends back in the dark days of the new millennium). But for those of you who are still holding on to the past, I want to share with you one of my favourite London shops!
Stanfords, located in Covent Garden since 1853, is the biggest map and travel bookshop in the entire world.
Of course, you can buy a handy map or travel guide for your time in London (or for the next destination on your trop) but what I love the most are their niche, vintage and unusual maps. In fact, I have an old style world map hanging above my dining room table that I bought there 5 years ago.
8. Tea and Biscuits from Fortnum & Mason
On any blog post I write about Fortnum & Mason, I am at great pains to point out how much a strongly recommend a visit while you are here in town.
Fortnum & Mason is a legendary London department store that specialises in food, home decor and tableware.
They’re particularly known for their afternoon tea (my favourite in all of London - you can get more information on in my Afternoon Tea blog post) as well as enviable wine cellar.
They also sell what are probably my most-purchased gifts for my friends who live abroad: delicious British biscuits (cookies), chocolates, and various varieties of tea all sold in beautiful boxes, tins and containers. My sister in particular loves when I bring her treats from F&M as she always keeps the packages to reuse for various things in the future.
And if I really want to treat somebody, I will also pick up a beautiful tea cup or traditional mugs to accompany the special tea I have bought for them.
Oh, and if you don't make it to Fortnum & Mason while you're in town, you can buy their goods at Heathrow Airport on your way home! (Another location on this list where you very well might spot me on my way to visit family).
9. A Hat!
I know that some people don't like wearing hats, or think that they don't look good in them, but I promise you that's just because you haven't found the right one!
One of my favourite places for headwear is the Last Stop for the Curious, a stall in Spitalfields Market that sells wonderful hats of all kinds, from top hats to fedoras and everything in between. I own no less than three from these guys.
The owner, Colin Rosie, is a dapper chap who is always dressed to the nines and I see him there all the time. I love that he’s always happy to offer advice and suggestions for the best hat for your needs!
Now, if you REALLY want to splash out, considering visiting the oldest hat shop in the country: Lock and Co. I will likely never be able to afford anything from there - not that it stops me going inside for a look around... because this is where Kate Middleton, Princess Diana, the late Queen and our current King all did/do their hat shopping!
10. Liberty Print Fabric
Another topic that comes up a lot on our London Travel Tips Facebook page is the topic of classic department stores. A lot of people have this image in their head of grand British shops lining the London roads, selling various luxury goods - and to a large extent I still find this to be true!
Perhaps one of the most famous of the great London department stores is Liberty, a Tudor revival department store located a few metres from Oxford Circus in Soho that attracts fashionistas and Londoners with good taste.
They’re famous in particular for their Arts & Crafts William Morris-inspired prints, which feature on fabric, books, dinnerware, bags, and so much more.
The fabulous goods on offer at Liberty are largely outside of my budget but their fabrics department is where I like to go when purchasing gifts for my creative seamstress friends. I'm always able to buy a few meters of unique (and sometimes one of a kind) fabrics to surprise my friends with - without breaking the bank.
11. Vintage duds from A London Market
Because I am busy splashing out on fancy treats at Fortnum & Mason and the V&A shop, I have to stick to a budget when it comes to other areas in my life - like fashion!
Shopping for vintage clothing in London is fun, whether I'm doing it to save a few quid, or if I'm just looking for something a bit unique.
There are almost countless places to buy vintage clothes in our city but my top choice is always the ever-eclectic Brick Lane. This iconic London Street is home to many famous vintage shops, including Blitz, Beyond Retro, the Backyard Market, Atika, and Hunky Dory. It's my first stop on any vintage shopping mission I happen to be on!
On the other side of town, however, there are still some treasures to find. Every Saturday, Portobello Road in Notting Hill transforms into a massive street market selling every type of antique you can imagine.
And, of course, there's always Camden Market, which is open 7 days a week for browsing! I particularly love the food stalls at Camden and the canal that you can sit on while eating so I sometimes make an entire afternoon of my time there.
12. Antiques from Portobello Road Market
There's not much more I can say about what is certainly one of the most famous markets in the entire world! Vintage food tins, rare coins, knick-knacks and collectables, furniture, and so much more. You’re going to need a bigger suitcase…
(Note that I always go early as that Market gets VERY crowded as the day goes on and I find that a lot of shops pack up earlier than you would expect).
13. Chocolate from Dark Sugars
This list I am putting together is basically a collection of all of my favourite things...the next of which is chocolate!
Without a doubt, my favourite chocolatier in London is Dark Sugars. They have locations on Brick Lane and in Greenwich, and is run by Ghanaian British chocolatier Nyanga and her business partner John the Chocolate Man.
They specialise in gorgeous truffles and decadent hot chocolate, made from shavings of milk, white, and dark chocolate. When it's the summertime I make sure to stop by the Brick Lane location as they also feature hand-made ice cream that is some of the best in the city.
I find it almost overwhelming to shop there because there are just so many different things to try. And in my many years of visiting, I've tried almost everything which means I am well equipped to recommend the best thing they sell: the liquid sea salt caramel truffle. I can't actually describe how incredible they are...just go get one (or five).
If you want to explore Dark Sugars with me, consider signing up to our East London Food Tour to experience some of the most delicious bites in the city.
14. A Tea Set from Twinings Tea Shop
One of my favourite stops on my City of London Tour is the Twinings Tea Shop. It's been located on Strand since 1706, and it just keeps getting better and better.
I know I sang the praises of Fortnum & Mason but if you are on a stricter budget, then Twinings is your next best bet.
They sell a wide variety of tea gifts, as well as lovely London-themed teacups, teapots, and saucers. They also do special occasion tea - like the one they created for the coronation of King Charles III. Sinead and I were lucky enough to go and sample it - which you can see in the video below.
I also like recommending a visit to Twinings because the staff are so friendly and are always excited to give me a tasting tour through the world of tea history.
Also, if you struggle with the weight of your baggage while you travel like I do, keep in mind that tea barely weighs a thing! So I can pack plenty of it when I'm going to visit my friends who live in the US.
15. A Christmas Ornament from Selfridges
Another one of London's iconic department stores is Selfridges. It's one of the most famous and, aside from John Lewis, is the one that my local friends and I shop at the most.
It’s filled to the brim with a mix of luxury goods and affordable brands, with a sumptuous food floor in the basement.
And just like how I enjoy a visit to Liberty during Christmas, the Selfridge's Christmas store is truly something to behold! My favourite thing is to go see their innovative and unique Christmas window displays.
But I always make sure to head inside, too, because the store is always decked out in lovely decorations - which you can buy to decorate your own home! I own a few Christmas baubles that I've bought here throughout the years.
If you're a big fan of Christmas and holiday decorations then consider a visit to one of London's classic Christmas Markets for more ornamental offerings!
16. A London Underground Cushion from the London Transport Museum
I love the London Underground - and not ironically! Most Londoners have a love/hate relationship with the tube but I believe the 'love' side always outweighs the other.
My home is filled with quite a few London Underground themed decor items - and so are the homes of many of my London based friends.
And one of the most iconic parts of the tube network is the upholstery used on all the various lines. The fabrics on the London Underground are much-loved, instantly evoking the history of the world’s largest subway system.
The patterns, printed on moquette (thick, durable fabric), are available at the London Transport Museum in all kinds of quirky souvenirs, including sofa cushions. I love that they also carry items made from old fabrics that don't exist any more - I have two throw cushions made from old District Line fabric that they no longer use.
It's not just pillows though, I've also seen things like neckties, socks, baby bibs, umbrellas...and the list goes on! There's definitely something for every one at this gift shop, which makes it one of my favourites in the city.
17. Paddington Merch from the Paddington Station Shop
Another question I get asked a lot from my visitors is, 'Where can I buy a Paddington Bear?' I think the answer is pretty obvious!
Paddington has become a symbol of the public’s love of the late Queen - and of London in general. You'll find Paddington Bear merchandise all over but I think the best place to buy it is, of course, Paddington Station.
You can get all kinds of Paddington merchandise from the Paddington Bear shop there. I've seen books, stuffed animals, clothing, luggage, and more.
18. British Riding Clothing from Barbour
I'll tell you a secret: I've never actually ridden a horse. But that doesn't mean I don't want to look like I haven't! If you've ever wanted to evoke the effortless country appeal of the British Nobility (and I do), then look no further than the iconic Barbour.
Barbour on Regent Street is THE place for waxed jackets, tweed, and outdoor attire that will have you looking ready for a fox hunt on an ancestral estate.
Coats, hats, boots, riding gear, trench coats – you’ll fit right in!
19. An Umbrella from James Smith & Sons
London has an (often, but not entirely, undeserved) reputation as a very rainy city. This means all of us locals have at least one - if not five - umbrella. And people here go all out: I've seen ones that light up, ones in the shape of animals, and even ones that have daggers hidden in the handle (yes, really).
And what better way to commemorate your visit to our rainy city than with a beautifully crafted umbrella to take home?
Sure, you can grab a cheap and cheerful Union Flag umbrella from any souvenir shop, but James Smith & Sons is a world-class shop that has been making and selling them since 1830.
Even better, they come with a lifetime guarantee! This is one umbrella you won’t want to leave on the tube (but don't feel bad if you do - I've lost about a dozen that way).
20. Toys and Games from Hamleys
In the same vein as the Paddington Bear question, I also get asked a lot about where to buy gifts for kids in London. And, honestly, there is just one answer: Hamleys. This huge toy store is a wonderland for children (or for the young at heart).
With seven floors loaded with more than 50,000 different toys for sale, you can wander around for hours. I love to go in during Christmas when they have different window displays, and staff dressed like real life dolls trying out the latest toys and gadgets. It's a bit like Willie Wonka!
For the best gifts for kids, Hamleys should be top of your list.
London Souvenir Shops and More
I know that sometimes I want to pick up something a little cheesy for my friends abroad, like a Union Flag magnet, a Big Ben keychain or a tea towel with a picture of the King. If you're looking for those sorts of 'traditional' souvenir shops, you'll find them everywhere! My favourites are London Red Bus gifts near the Tower of London and Cool Britannia on Oxford Street.
If you want something a little bit different then I've compiled a short list here of some potential options that I have either bought myself, or that my local friends have bought. This way you can really shop like a Londoner!
- You’ll find tons of cheap souvenir shops around Chinatown and Piccadilly Circus
- Funky vintage markets and hipster must-haves in Shoreditch and Spitalfields
- Luxury department stores like Harvey Nichols and Harrod’s in Knightsbridge
- Cool boutiques in Covent Garden and Soho (I like Ollie Quinn and Glossier)
- Beatles gifts at St. John's Wood Tube Station near Abbey Road (just one stop from Baker Street Station)
- Shoes and Cosmetics on Carnaby Street (I've noticed a lot of the independent shops are slowly being replaced by chains but there's still enough independent boutiques to make it worth it)
- Famous bookshops along Charing Cross Road
- Punk and goth clothing (and a lot more) in Camden Town
- Excellent quality souvenirs at the museum gift shops (especially the Tate Modern, the British Museum and the Tower of London)
- Children’s toys at Hamleys on Regent Street
- Haute couture on Bond Street
- Bags, wallets, backpacks and more from Cath Kidston on Piccadilly (These aren't personally my style but they are VERY popular with locals)
- Independent shops for art and cool clothing on the King's Road in Chelsea
- Chain stores galore on Oxford Street - also a location for football (soccer) merchandise, such as Manchester United kits
- Go for a full day out at Westfield Stratford and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush shopping centres (And I do mean full day! With restaurants, cinemas and bars I have made this a day out more than once)
Famous Department Stores in London
I mentioned above that I am often asked: “What are the most famous stores in London?”
So here is a little list of the ones I think are worth visiting:
- Hamleys – The iconic 7-story toy store on Regent Street that will delight children of all ages
- Liberty – Stunning department store in a beautiful mock-Tudor building near Carnaby Street, famous for their fabric patterns
- Selfridges – Grandeur and deluxe shopping on Oxford Street, with a delicious food hall in the basement (Keep an eye out for their sales, I have got huge bargains at the end of seasons)
- Harrods – Where the richest of the rich do their shopping, also known for their food hall
- Harvey Nichols – Another iconic Knightsbridge department store known for fashion and luxury, with a mix of established brands and indie labels
- Heal’s – Housewares and furniture since 1810 at this Tottenham Court Road stalwart (I have some side lamps from here that I love)
- Fortnum and Mason – A department store filled to the brim with luxury food items and edible gifts (and, as mentioned, my favourite choice for afternoon tea)
- John Lewis – Solidly middle class, this is a sensible choice with high-quality products (Out of every place on this list, I probably shop at John Lewis the most. It's great for home decor, kitchen appliances, clothing, perfume, Christmas decorations, linens, towels...I could go on. I swear they're not sponsoring me!)
- Marks & Spencer – These days, M&S is more known for their food halls, but this is still a favourite British place to buy underpants, bedsheets, and other practicalities (I've noticed their ads are geared toward an older demographic but I still think their stuff is quality)
What do you think about my list of famous places to shop in London? What would you add – what did I miss? Leave your comments below.
Remember to share this article with anyone visiting London in the future – it’s the perfect hint for them to bring you back a great souvenir!
