Shopping in London is hard to beat – from areas full of flagship stores, to cobbled courtyards showcasing local designers, these are some of the best places to shop in London.
So, put on some comfy shoes and prepare to discover some of the best shops in London with our guide to the capital’s best shopping areas.
Oxford Street
Wander along Oxford Street – one of the most famous London shopping streets – which is home to more than 300 shops, designer outlets, high-street chains and landmark stores.
- Go on an exploration of legendary department store Selfridges – then chill at its very own cinema once you’re all shopped-out!
- Be blown away by the scents of vegan-friendly products at LUSH, one of the biggest stores in the country.
- Look for big brands all in one place at famous department store John Lewis.
- Peruse vintage-inspired threads, home decor and more at Urban Outfitters.
- Grab some bargain fashion at Primark’s massive flagship store.
- Check the latest trends at Zara on Oxford Street.
- Find all manner of toys and accessories based on your favourite Disney characters at The Disney Store.
Top tip: Get off the beaten track by slipping into a side street, such as St Christopher's Place, home to boutiques including Platform and Velvet by Graham & Spencer.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus, Bond Street or Tottenham Court Road
Regent Street
Stroll through one of the most elegant shopping streets in London, Regent Street, which offers a good range of mid-priced fashion stores alongside some of the city's oldest and most famous shops.
- Get lost on the many floors full of toys and games in kids' haven Hamleys.
- Pick up luxury gifts or splash out on something special for yourself at Liberty London.
- Snap up the latest tech must-haves at The Apple Store.
- Shop for sustainable fashion pieces at & Other Stories, H&M’s luxurious sister store.
- Fancy a bit of boho-chic? Anthropologie on Regent Street fulfils your needs for home decor, womenswear and more.
- Pick up a foldable bag or two to match your mood (or the season!) at Longchamp London.
- Break up your shopping trip with a stop at Aesops for a relaxing facial.
Top tip: Refuel at Sabor or Heddon Street Kitchen at nearby Heddon Street, a hidden gem for foodies, serving everything from tapas to vegan grub.
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus
St James’s
Nearby, historic St James's is renowned for its high-end fashion and art boutiques, some of which even have the royal seal of approval. Venture along Piccadilly to stop at stylish department store Fortnum & Mason, or explore the shops of Jermyn Street.
- Go back in time at one of the world’s first shopping arcades, Burlington Arcade; gaze into the windows in glamorous Piccadilly Arcade; or walk through the eclectic shops of the Princes Arcade.
- Find the latest best-sellers at Waterstones Piccadilly, the biggest book store in London – or peruse Hatchards, one of the city's oldest dealers which still hosts literary events and book signings.
- Discover the latest trends at uber-cool Dover Street Market.
- Don't miss a visit to Smeg's flagship store at St James’s Market, where there are beautiful cooking appliances and a living wall – an ideal selfie spot!
- Ace English style with shirts from Harvie & Hudson or Charles Tyrwhitt, blazers at Benson & Clegg or Dunhill, or lace-ups at John Lobb and Church’s.
- Kids (and kids at heart) won't be able to resist stepping into The LEGO Store by Leicester Square. Or hop over the street to M&M’s World, which has more than 100 flavours in stock!
- Seek out special jewels at Bentley & Skinner.
Top tip: Explore charming St James's Market, which is full of top-notch eateries, such as Aquavit and Ikoyi.
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus or Green Park
Bond Street and Mayfair
Whether you want to splash out on the very best in designer clothes or just love luxury window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the places to go for some extravagant retail therapy and celeb-spotting. Arguably two of London’s most exclusive shopping areas, they're home to big names and labels you’ve likely seen on runways.
- Shop for sparkly additions to your wardrobe at the Tiffany & Co. flagship on Old Bond Street – get your piece engraved to truly make it your own.
- Wander around long-running department store Fenwick for fashion, beauty, homeware and more, or refresh your wardrobe at iconic fashion store Browns.
- Visit Burberry on Bond Street, the home of the iconic check.
- Or go for the famous monogrammed pieces of Louis Vuitton, just a few blocks away.
- Peek inside shops in nearby South Molton Street, which boasts sustainable lifestyle brand So Just Shop, or try on contemporary jewellery at Annoushka.
- Walk the labyrinth-like corridors of Grays Antiques at Davies Street, featuring antiques and artefacts spanning hundreds of years.
- For an even more extravagant experience, or to mark a special occasion with a new pair of heels, head to Mount Street where you can bag Balenciaga and Christian Louboutin items.
Top tip: While in the area, don’t miss out on some handheld treats at Mercato Mayfair, a 200-year-old converted church, which is now a flavour-packed food hall. Or soak up the vintage Parisian atmosphere at Hideaway.
Nearest Tube: Bond Street, Green Park or Piccadilly Circus
Westfield
Fancy an all-day spree at a shopping centre? Flock to Westfield, which has two major shopping centres in London: White City and Stratford. With more than 250 shops each, and more than 80 places to grab a bite, Westfield’s shopping centres are some of the largest shopping malls in Europe. Here’s a taster of what you can find...
- Check out high-street favourites including Next, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser.
- Splash out on luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, AllSaints and Ted Baker.
- Shop for the latest influencer collabs at make-up lovers’ heaven Morphe at Westfield Stratford; its only store in London.
- Get the killer look from House of CB at Westfield Stratford, a go-to for celebs such as the Kardashian family.
- Seek out fabulous, bold and trendy fashion at affordable prices with Scandinavian label Monki.
Top tip: Challenge your friends to bowling at All Star Lanes or see a movie at the Vue Cinemas.
Nearest Tube: White City or Shepherd's Bush for Westfield London, and Stratford for Westfield Stratford City
Carnaby
Step under the iconic arch on Carnaby Street and you’ll find an intriguing mix of independent boutiques, heritage brands and up-and-coming designer names. With more than 100 brands, plus 60 restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs among the 13 shopping streets that make up Carnaby.
- Find French fashion with an urban twist at IKKS Paris.
- Snap up a piece of statement jewellery at The Great Frog, producers of the original skull ring worn by Johnny Depp and Keith Richards.
- Hang out at Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club flagship UK store, a place for space-inspired men’s fashion.
- Browse upscale fashion at British brand, Aubin.
- Experience Carnaby's legacy as a fashion hub in the 1960s and 1970s with iconic brands such as Dr. Martens and Fred Perry.
- Try on trainers for size at the UK flagships of Adidas Originals and Puma.
- Who said you can't always get what you want? Pick out your favourite Rolling Stones-themed fashion finds at RS No.9 Carnaby, the band's first flagship store.
Top tip: Refuel at one of the many restaurants at three-tiered foodie hub Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus
Covent Garden
Perhaps you’re on a search for hip fashion, unique gifts, rare sweets or one-off handmade jewellery? Then Covent Garden is a great place to explore. Stock up on the latest urban streetwear, funky cosmetics and shoes on Neal Street or check out imaginative arts and crafts at Covent Garden Market.
Don't miss Floral Street and St Martin's Courtyard for a true taste of London's most distinctive shopping area.
- Create your very own skincare regimen from scratch with Deciem, where cult brand The Ordinary is sold.
- Browse dainty, luxurious jewellery at magical The Alkemistry on Floral Street.
- Lose yourself in the luxury of Charlotte Tilbury's make-up at her first flagship store.
- Stock up on Britain’s favourite brew – tea – at traditional Whittard of Chelsea or luxurious Mariage Frères.
- Pick up American-style essentials at Polo Ralph Lauren on King Street.
- Find your new arm candy at Bucherer, the Swiss watch maker.
- Enjoy an innovative shopping experience at Tiffany & Co. Style Studio, where play and interaction are a part of your shopping spree.
Top tip: Explore London’s transport system through vintage exhibits and gallery installations at the London Transport Museum.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square
Seven Dials
Have a wander through the seven streets of Seven Dials, a hub of more than 90 lifestyle-themed stores and 50-plus independent food spots. This neighbourhood connects Covent Garden and Soho and is one of the coolest shopping areas in London.
- Discover independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in picture-pretty Neal's Yard.
- Shop for eccentric body-candy at Tatty Devine on Monmouth Street. Have a go at designing a personalised name necklace or speech bubble necklace.
- Lovers of retro fashion will want to have a peek at Vintage Threads.
- Pick up some sustainable jeans at Nudie Jeans or make a date with the repair team to fix your over-loved items.
- Grab some classy and quirky stationery at Choosing Keeping.
- Even your four-legged furry companion can grab a new fit! Take them to BOW WOW London at Earlham Street.
- Discover a new holy grail of ethically made products at Neal's Yard Remedies in Covent Garden – the brand's original home.
- Try on snazzy sandals at Birkenstock.
Top tip: Grab a spot at Seven Dials Market and feast on street food bites within a former banana warehouse.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden or Leicester Square
King's Road
Find an eclectic mix of chic boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and high-street staples, alongside picture-pretty cafes and restaurants in posh Chelsea's King's Road.
- Mooch around locals’ go-to store Peter Jones for design, clothing and homewares.
- Check out Duke of York Square: located just off the King's Road, a tranquil square home to more than 30 fashion and lifestyle retailers, including one of Europe’s largest Zara stores.
- Visit the store where punk was born in the 1970s: Vivienne Westwood Worlds End.
- Explore pieces from contemporary designers Bimba Y Lola or or Scandi fashion brand Ganni.
- Interior design lovers can find new doses of inspiration at Designers Guild’s flagship store.
- Fall for the animal-inspired beachwear at Bluemint boutique, just around the corner from The Saatchi Gallery.
- Taking the kids on a shopping spree? Trotters is the perfect place for a wardrobe refresh, a haircut and even a shoe-fitting!
Top tip: Snap away at the beautiful cakes and enjoy the fairytale feel of Peggy Porschen cafe.
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square
Stop by the City of London, an historic neighbourhood that's now home to quality shopping centres. Pick up high-end and high-street items among stunning skyscrapers and ancient buildings.
- Bag sparkly gifts at Fraser Hart at the biggest shopping centre in the area, One New Change.
- For a full luxe experience, The Royal Exchange is your place to go. Find classic shoes at Crockett & Jones, tasteful timepieces at Omega or men's accessories at Tateossian.
Top tip: Refresh yourself after a morning’s shopping with lunch at the Fortnum & Mason restaurant in the central courtyard of The Royal Exchange.
Nearest Tube: Bank and St Paul's
Knightsbridge and Belgravia
Flock to Knightsbridge and Belgravia to check out high-end shops and department stores. This is a good place to go if you’re looking for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world’s fashion elite.
- Spend hours exploring the upscale boutiques within neighboring shopping icons Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
- Wander along Sloane Street for big-name designers and high-street brands.
- Give in to temptation at the flagship store of Rococo, a favourite for chocoholics on Motcomb Street.
- Stock up on high-street favourites, such as Lacoste or Ted Baker.
- Shop for classic designer threads from labels such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Hermès.
- Pick up inspiration from the leading lights in interior design and hunt for upscale antiques along Pimlico Road and Ebury Street.
- Be tempted by fragrances wafting from Elizabeth Street fragrance shops Jo Loves and Les Senteurs.
Top tip: Find stacks of banknotes on the ceiling and walls of The Grenadier pub. Legend says this pub is haunted by Cedric whose debt is still unpaid despite all the donations!
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and Victoria
Greenwich
From market finds to discounts on top brands, Greenwich is a great spot for some retail therapy any day of the week.
- Head to ICON Outlet at The O2, in Greenwich Peninsula for great deals on designer goods. You can find up to 70% discount at the likes of Adidas, Calvin Klein and Hackett.
- Hunt for treasures every day of the week at Greenwich Market, which is a great place for unique and handmade gifts. Find arts and crafts on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, or antiques and collectibles on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
- If you're shopping for foodies, check out the bi-monthly Royal Arsenal Farmers' Market packed full of local producers at nearby Woolwich, on the second and last Saturdays of every month.
Top tip: Take a break to pick up something from the many street food vendors and delis at Greenwich Market, from Ethiopian treats and English food to pizza to pancakes.
Nearest Tube: North Greenwich. Greenwich is also served by quick routes from central London via river bus and train, with bus and DLR services also available.
Camden
Camden is the ideal London shopping destination for lovers of alternative clothing and unusual London shops. You’ll find plenty of stores selling gothic and punk fashion, alongside tattoo and piercing parlours; while Camden Lock Market mixes souvenirs with hand-crafted jewellery and vintage leather items. Here are a few other shops you’ll want to have on your radar…
- Don’t miss futuristic cyber clothing shop Cyberdog.
- Shop for intricate jewellery at Dapri Dainty Jewels or find one-of-a-kind gifts (such as the message in a bottle necklace) at Trinity Camden – at Camden Market.
- Discover a treasure trove of retro pieces in one of the many vintage shops, including Camden Vintage, A Dandy in Aspic and Teddy Boy.
- Create a personalised gift at Photo Typewriter.
- Browse sustainable fashion, homeware and accessories at Buck Street Market.
- Pick up some crystal magic for your home at UR Handcrafts & Crystals, natural cosmetics from Read/The/Label and magical objects from Let’s Jam – all at Camden Lock Place.
- Get your Instagram feed popping at Turkish De-Light, the ultimate spot for lamps.
- Teleport back to the 1940s and 1950s as you browse through the racks of The Arc.
Top tip: After framing all the street art with your phone, escape to Chin Chin Labs, where ice cream is crafted using liquid nitrogen.
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Coal Drops Yard
Check out one of the newest kids on the block of London shopping destinations – Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross. Once coal stores during Victorian times, the traffic-free arches now hold concept stores from emerging and well-known indie brands.
- The style-curious can explore cutting-edge labels, including Wolf & Badger and A.P.C.
- Catch high-fashion catwalk shows and product launches at 18montrose.
- Enjoy a free lifetime repair service with every pair of jeans purchased at the Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.
- Head to the Botanical Boys flagship store to pick out a luscious terrarium and fancy foliage.
- Or select a candle to cosy up your space at Earl of East.
Top tip: Relax with indulgent treats at the cafe and chocolate shop run by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, Le Chocolat.
Nearest Tube: King's Cross St Pancras
Find out where else is famous for London shopping with this full guide to London shopping, pick of the 101 best shops in London, and discover places for late-night shopping.
And don't forget to swing by the city's quirky markets and lavish department stores, full of designer labels and quirky independent brands.