Best shopping destinations in London

Get a dose of retail therapy by exploring the best shopping areas in London. Streets across the capital are lined with independent boutiques, big-name shops and emerging brands.
Two people smile at each other and laugh in front of a Tube station on Oxford Street in London.
Friends shopping on Oxford Street in London. ©David Parry/New West End Company.

Shopping in London is hard to beat, from districts full of flagship stores to cobbled courtyards showcasing local designers.

Put on some comfy shoes and prepare to discover some of the best shops in London with this guide to the capital’s best shopping areas. Here's where to shop in London.

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. Here's a flavour of Oxford Street shopping:

  1. Go on an exploration of legendary department store Selfridges and then chill at its very own cinema once you’re all shopped out.
  2. Be blown away by the scents of vegan-friendly products at LUSH, one of the biggest stores in the country and a wonderfully fragrant Oxford Street shop.
  3. Look for big brands all in one place at famous department store John Lewis & Partners.
  4. Peruse vintage-inspired threads, home decor and more at Urban Outfitters.
  5. Grab bargain fashion pieces at Primark’s massive flagship store, perfect for cheap shopping in London.
  6. Check the latest trends at Zara which has its flagship on Oxford Street.
  7. Find all manner of toys and accessories featuring 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 Malini and Mulberry.

Nearest Tube stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road

Regent Street

View of Regents Street at night with row of Union Jack flags.

Stroll 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.

  1. Get lost on the many floors full of toys and games in kids' haven Hamleys.
  2. Pick up luxury gifts or splash out on something special for yourself at Liberty London, one of the prettiest shops in central London.
  3. Snap up the latest tech must-haves at the Apple Store.
  4. Shop for sustainable fashion pieces at & Other Stories, H&M’s luxurious sister store.
  5. Fancy a bit of boho-chic? Anthropologie on Regent Street fulfils your needs for home decor, womenswear and more.
  6. Pick up a foldable bag or two to match your mood or the season at Longchamp London.
  7. Break up your shopping trip with a stop at Aesop for a relaxing facial.

Top tip: Refuel at Sabor or Heddon Street Kitchen on nearby Heddon Street, a hidden gem for foodies, serving everything from tapas to vegan grub.

Nearest Tube stations: Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus 

St James’s and Piccadilly

Piccadilly Circus at dusk, with the statue of Eros in the foreground, and a red London bus and the iconic wall of LED lights in the background.

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.

  1. Go back in time at one of the world’s first shopping arcades, Burlington Arcade, gaze into the windows in glamorous Piccadilly Arcade and walk through the eclectic shops of the Princes Arcade.
  2. Find the latest bestsellers 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.
  3. Discover the latest trends at uber-cool Dover Street Market.
  4. Visit Smeg's flagship store at St James’s Market which shows off beautiful cooking appliances and a living wall – an ideal selfie spot!
  5. Ace English style with shirts from Harvie & Hudson and Charles Tyrwhitt, blazers at Hawes & Curtis, and lace-ups at John Lobb and Church’s.
  6. Kids – and kids at heart – won't be able to resist stepping into The LEGO Store by Leicester Square.
  7. Pop into M&M’s World which has more than 100 flavours in stock.
  8. Seek out special jewels at Bentley & Skinner.

Top tip: Explore charming St James's Market, which is full of top-notch eateries, such as Scully St James's and Toba.

Nearest Tube stations: Piccadilly Circus and Green Park 

Bond Street and Mayfair

People walking past glass window shop fronts on Bond Street in London's Mayfair.

Whether you want to splash out on the best in designer clothes or just love luxury window shopping, Bond Street and Mayfair are the places to go for extravagant retail therapy and celeb-spotting.

Arguably two of London’s most exclusive shopping areas, they're home to big names and labels seen on runways.

  1. Shop for sparkly additions to your wardrobe at the Tiffany & Co flagship on Old Bond Street and get your piece engraved to truly make it your own.
  2. Refresh your wardrobe at luxury fashion store Browns.
  3. Visit Burberry on Bond Street, the home of the iconic check.
  4. Go for the famous monogrammed pieces of Louis Vuitton.
  5. Peek inside shops in nearby South Molton Street, which boasts French fashion boutiques including Maje and Claudie Pierlot, or try on contemporary jewellery at Annoushka.
  6. Walk the labyrinth-like corridors of Grays Antique Markets on Davies Street, featuring antiques and artefacts spanning hundreds of years.
  7. Mark a special occasion with a new pair of heels from Christian Louboutin on Mount Street.

Top tip: While in the area, don’t miss out on some gourmet treats at Mercato Mayfair, a 200-year-old converted church that's now a flavour-packed food hall, or soak up the vintage Parisian atmosphere at Hideaway.

Nearest Tube stations: Bond Street, Green Park and Piccadilly Circus

Westfield

Birds-eye-view of the interior of a modern shopping mall showing many people walking between shops and the glass fronts of retail outlets.

Fancy an all-day spree at a shopping centre? Head to Westfield, which has two major shopping centres in London: White City and Stratford. With more than 250 shops each and over 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.

  1. Check out high-street favourites including Next, Marks & Spencer and John Lewis.
  2. Splash out on luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, AllSaints and Ted Baker.
  3. Shop the latest influencer collabs at makeup lovers’ heaven Morphe at Westfield Stratford, its only store in London.
  4. Get a killer look from House of CB at Westfield Stratford, a go-to for celebs such as the Kardashians.
  5. 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 stations: White City and Shepherd's Bush for Westfield London, Stratford for Westfield Stratford City

Carnaby

People walking thorugh Carnaby Street, with blue skies above.

Step under the iconic arch on Carnaby Street to find an intriguing mix of independent boutiques, heritage brands and up-and-coming designer names. The 13 shopping streets that make up Carnaby include more than 100 brands, plus 60 restaurants, bars, cafes and pubs.

  1. Find French fashion with an urban twist at IKKS Paris.
  2. Snap up a piece of statement jewellery at The Great Frog, producers of the original skull ring worn by Johnny Depp and Keith Richards.
  3. Hang out at Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club flagship UK store, a place for space-inspired men’s fashion.
  4. Browse upscale fashion at British brand Aubin.
  5. Experience Carnaby's legacy as a fashion hub in the 1960s and 1970s with iconic brands such as Dr. Martens and Fred Perry.
  6. Try on trainers for size at the UK flagships of Adidas Originals and Puma.
  7. 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 stations: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus

Covent Garden

Covent Garden Piazza

Search for hip fashion, unique gifts, rare sweets and one-off handmade jewellery around Covent Garden. Stock up on the latest urban streetwear, funky cosmetics and shoes on Neal Street and 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.

  1. Create your own skincare regimen from scratch with Deciem, where cult brand The Ordinary is sold.
  2. Browse dainty luxurious jewellery at magical The Alkemistry.
  3. Lose yourself in the luxury of Charlotte Tilbury's makeup at her first flagship store. 
  4. Stock up on Britain’s favourite brew – tea – at traditional Whittard of Chelsea or luxurious Mariage Frères.
  5. Pick up American-style essentials at Polo Ralph Lauren on King Street.
  6. Find your new arm candy at Bucherer, a Swiss watchmaker.
  7. Enjoy an innovative shopping experience at Tiffany & Co Style Studio, where play and interaction are a part of the shopping experience.

Top tip: Explore London’s transport system through vintage exhibits and gallery installations at the London Transport Museum.

Nearest Tube stations: Covent Garden and Leicester Square

Seven Dials

Colourful alley of small shops at Neal's Yard in Covent Garden

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.

  1. Discover independent shops, cafes, restaurants and bars in picture-pretty Neal's Yard.
  2. Shop for eccentric body candy at Tatty Devine on Neal Street and design a personalised name or speech bubble necklace.
  3. Lovers of retro fashion should have a peek at Vintage Threads.
  4. Pick up sustainable denim at Nudie Jeans or make a date with the repair team to fix your over-loved items.
  5. Grab some classy and quirky stationery at Choosing Keeping.
  6. Four-legged furry companions can even grab a new fit! Take them to BOW WOW London on Earlham Street.
  7. Discover a new holy grail of ethically made products at Neal's Yard Remedies in Covent Garden, the brand's original home.
  8. 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 stations: Covent Garden and Leicester Square

King's Road, Chelsea

A bright pink cafe front with a large floral feature over the door.

Find an eclectic mix of chic boutiques, unique labels, designer shops and high-street staples alongside picture-pretty cafes and restaurants in the posh King's Road in Chelsea, one of the best shopping streets in London.

  1. Mooch around locals’ go-to store Peter Jones for designer clothing and homeware.
  2. Check out Duke of York Square, a tranquil square just off the King's Road that's home to more than 30 fashion and lifestyle retailers, including one of Europe’s largest Zara stores.
  3. Visit the store where punk was born in the 1970s: Vivienne Westwood Worlds End.
  4. Explore pieces from contemporary designers Bimba Y Lola and Scandi fashion brand Ganni.
  5. Find new doses of interior inspiration at Designers Guild’s flagship store.
  6. Fall for the animal-inspired beachwear at Bluemint boutique, just around the corner from The Saatchi Gallery.
  7. Take the kids on a shopping spree at Trotters, the perfect place for a wardrobe refresh, a haircut and even a shoe-fitting!

Top tip: Snap photos of the beautiful cakes and enjoy the fairy-tale feel of Peggy Porschen.

Nearest Tube station: Sloane Square

City of London

Birds-eye-view of twisting staircase, lifts and shops in the centre of a modern shopping centre.

Shop to your heart's content in the City of London, a historic district that's home to shopping centres in beautiful buildings. Pick up high-end and high-street items among stunning skyscrapers and ancient buildings. 

  1. Bag sparkly gifts at Fraser Hart, located in the biggest shopping centre in the area, One New Change.
  2. For a full luxe experience, The Royal Exchange is the place to go. Find classic shoes at Crockett & Jones, tasteful timepieces at Omega and 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 stations: Bank and St Paul's

Knightsbridge and Belgravia

A photo outside of the London Harrods department store with a classic red phone box to the side of the shot. Image courtesy of visitlondon.com/Jon Reid

Flock to Knightsbridge and Belgravia to check out high-end shops and department stores. These areas are a good place to go for prestigious brands and up-to-the-minute trends from the world’s fashion elite.

  1. Spend hours exploring the upscale boutiques within neighbouring shopping icons Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
  2. Wander along Sloane Street for big-name designers and high-street brands.
  3. Stock up on high-street favourites, such as Lacoste and Ted Baker.
  4. Shop for classic designer threads from labels such as Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Hermès.
  5. Pick up inspiration from the leading lights in interior design and hunt for upscale antiques along Pimlico Road and Ebury Street.
  6. 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 a man named Cedric, whose debt is still unpaid despite all the donations!

Nearest Tube stations: Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and Victoria

Greenwich

A couple stand in the street looking at the entrance to Greenwich Market.

From market finds to discounts on top brands, Greenwich is a great spot for some retail therapy any day of the week.

  1. Head to Outlet Shopping at The O2 in Greenwich Peninsula for great deals on designer goods. You can find up to 70% off the likes of Adidas, Calvin Klein and Hackett.
  2. Hunt for treasures every day of the week at Greenwich Market, a great place for unique and handmade gifts. Find arts and crafts on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, and antiques and collectibles on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
  3. Check out the bimonthly Royal Arsenal Farmers' Market packed full of local producers at nearby Woolwich on the second and last Saturdays of every month.

Top tip: Pick up a snack from the many street food vendors and delis at Greenwich Marketfrom Ethiopian treats and English food to pizza and pancakes.

Nearest Tube station: North Greenwich. Greenwich is also served by river bustrainbus and DLR services from central London.

Camden

The colourful shop façades of Camden Market

Camden is the ideal London shopping destination for lovers of alternative clothing and unusual London shops. Discover stores selling gothic and punk fashion alongside tattoo and piercing parlours.

Camden Lock Market mixes souvenirs with hand-crafted jewellery and vintage leather items. Here are a few other shops to have on your radar.

  1. Don’t miss futuristic cyber clothing shop Cyberdog.
  2. Find one-of-a-kind gifts, such as a message-in-a-bottle necklace, at Trinity Camden.
  3. Discover a treasure trove of retro pieces in one of the many vintage shops, including Camden Vintage, A Dandy in Aspic and Teddy Boy.
  4. Create a personalised gift at Photo Typewriter.
  5. Browse sustainable fashion, homeware and accessories at Buck Street Market.
  6. 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.
  7. Get your Instagram feed popping at Turkish De-Light, the ultimate spot for lamps.
  8. Teleport back to the 1940s and 1950s as you browse through the racks of The Arc.

Top tip: Grab a treat at Chin Chin Labs, which crafts its ice cream using liquid nitrogen.

Nearest Tube station: Camden Town

Coal Drops Yard

Two friends shop together at 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 used to store coal during Victorian times, the traffic-free arches now hold concept stores from emerging and well-known indie brands.

  1. The style-curious can explore cutting-edge labels, such as A.P.C.
  2. Catch high-fashion catwalk shows and product launches at 18montrose.
  3. Enjoy a free lifetime repair service with every pair of jeans purchased at the Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.
  4. Head to the Botanical Boys flagship store to pick out a luscious terrarium and fancy foliage.
  5. 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 station: King's Cross St Pancras

Find out where else is famous for London shopping with this full guide to London shopping. Find new favourites at the 101 best shops in London and discover places for late-night shopping.

Don't forget to swing by London's best markets and lavish department stores full of designer labels and independent brands.