The city has innumerable streets that have countless luxury brands, and is filled with eye candies for Shopaholics. While shopping here may not be so cheap, it is definitely an experience worth having if you wish to glam up your wardrobe or home! So, the next time you take a trip to England, make sure you check out these best places to shop in London, especially after a Top Sights Tour.
Bond Street
Westfield
Westfield has two major shopping centres in London at White City and Stratford. Westfield London is home to high street favourites including Debenhams, Next, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser, along with luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, All Saints and Ted Baker. There’s also a cinema, gym, several bars and restaurants, all under one roof! If you’re a fan of shopping centres, don’t miss Westfield Stratford City in East London, which boasts 250 shops plus 70 places to dine, making it one of the largest shopping malls in Europe
Nearest Tube: White City or Shepherd’s Bush for Westfield London, and Stratford for Westfield Stratford City.
Carnaby Street
The birthplace of the fashion and cultural revolution during the Swinging 60s, the 13 streets that make up Carnaby are located between Oxford Street and Regent Street, and feature more than 100 brands and 60 restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs. Step under the iconic arch to find an intriguing mix of independent boutiques, heritage brands and new designer names, as well as a choice of cafes, restaurants, bars and great English pubs. Refuel at restaurant hub Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street.
Covent Garden
A visit to Covent Garden is a must, whether you intend to shop, sightsee or soak in the carnival atmosphere. The focal point of Covent Garden, the market, has dominated the area ever since the Middle Ages when monks tended their market garden here. Since the 19th century the market has expanded. Watch out for mime artists – harmless but irritating. The Garden is a mecca for shop-hoppers because of the variety available here. High Street outlets include Oasis, French Connection, Zara, Urban Outfitters, Hobbs, Marks & Spencer and Mango. Menswear is available at Diesel, Replay, Ted Baker and for the smarter guy, Paul Smith. There are a huge number of women’s fashion stores and Neal Street, which runs out of the Piazza, is probably the best shoe shopping street in the capital, with numerous trendy outlets including Office, Foot Locker and Size. Further options include Neal’s Yard, a quaint and colourful courtyard that’s worth a stroll through and Seven Dials, which is home to yet more high street stores. If you’re still keen to shop remember to pay a visit to the beautiful Apple Store which, located in a carefully restored 1876 building, is spread across numerous floors and makes shopping a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
King’s Road
In posh Chelsea’s King’s Road you’ll find an eclectic mix of chic boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and high-street staples, alongside a vast array of cafes and restaurants. It’s also a great place for inspirational interior design, with Peter Jones, Heal’s and Cath Kidston all vying for attention. Be sure to check out Duke of York Square: located just off the King’s Road, this tranquil square is home to more than 30 fashion and lifestyle retailers, including one of Europe’s largest Zara stores. You can also visit the store where punk was born in the 70s, Vivienne Westwood’s shop and a treasure trove of antiques at the Chelsea Antiques Market.
Knightsbridge
Visitors from around the world flock to Knightsbridge and Brompton Road to visit the illustrious shops and department stores. This is the place to go if you’re looking for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world’s fashion elite. Best known for Harrods and Harvey Nichols, you’ll also find big-name fashion designers on Sloane Street, as well as high-street brands such as Topshop opposite Harrods.
Savile Row
Known worldwide as the home of bespoke British tailoring, Savile Row is the place to come if you want a handmade suit crafted the old-fashioned way (with a price tag to match). Credited with inventing the tuxedo Henry Poole & Co – also the first Savile Row tailor – is still cutting cloth at No 15. Other big names include Gieves & Hawkes, Huntsman & Sons and Ozwald Boateng. On the corner of this “golden mile” of tailoring you’ll also find the flagship Abercrombie & Fitch store.
Camden
Camden is the ideal shopping destination for lovers of alternative clothing. Here you can find some of the most unusual London shops. Get off the Tube at Camden Town, walk along Camden High Street, and you’ll find plenty of stores selling gothic fashion and punk clothing, alongside tattoo and piercing parlours. Further ahead, Camden Lock Market has it all, whether you are looking for a perfect birthday gift or a souvenir, from hand-crafted jewellery, to vintage leather bags. And don’t miss the futuristic cyber clothing shop Cyberdog.
Notting Hill
Famous worldwide thanks to the film of the same name, Notting Hill offers a vast array of small, unique shops selling unusual and vintage clothing, rare antiques, quirky gifts, books and organic food. There’s the popular Portobello Road Market – a mile-long (1.6km) street with vibrant stalls set out daily. Nearby Westbourne Grove offers more high-end shopping, with stylish designer shops dotted between a mix of quirky boho boutiques, hip cafes and art galleries.