Shopping in London is as much a highlight as any famous monument or Michelin-starred restaurant
Built for superior shopping, London caters to every style and every taste, and shoppers are spoilt for choice at every price-point. Not only are the elite of the fashion design world artfully celebrated, but so are everyday high street favourites and amazing budget retailers that have some of their biggest branches in the capital. Wherever you shop, there is a grandeur to the experience that is distinctively London.
Explore Regent Street
Perfect for every style and budget, London’s Regent Street offers you a cross-section of the best shops in London. From Oxford Circus, where the H&M superstore overlooks the diagonal crossing, follow along Regent Street to experience other contemporary Scandinavian favourites like COS and & Other Stories, where modern and unique clothing and accessories are available at reasonable prices. Budget shoppers will delight in large outposts of Zara, Mango and Uniqlo, as well as the largest Zara Home store in London, all further along the street.
Those looking for British style will not be disappointed – everything from Barbour and Burberry and the superior English craftsmanship of Church’s footwear, to Penhaligon’s perfumers and the world-famous Hamleys Toy Store are along this stretch. And for the epitome of British style, take a slight side-step up Great Marlborough Street to the iconic Liberty Department Store. Quintessentially British in both its Tudor exterior and range of goods, Liberty is an anglophile’s dream destination. For a look at the strong history of craft at its heart, head to Liberty’s haberdashery department for a browse at some of the most covetable fabrics that have made the brand world famous.
Historic Selfridges
If you only have a short time and want a one-stop shop for contemporary fashion and accessories, visit Selfridges department store on Oxford Street. From the best of luxury fashion and designer accessories and homeware, to a beauty and fragrance hall that is truly world-class, a trip through Selfridges is a must. The iconic London store even boasts a gourmet food hall and 15 places to eat and drink between spending sprees. And be a part of history by entering Selfridges through the doors on Oxford Street at the corner of Duke Street - these are said to be the most-used doors in the world!
For a feeling of true London life, pop next door to the largest Marks & Spencer in London’s core. This flagship location of this British staple is the everyday destination for quality goods of all kinds that true Londoners depend on.
Big labels on Bond St
If you need to know where to shop in London for the best in high-end luxury fashion and accessories, London’s Bond Street is the home of most flagship locations of the designer world. With British brands old and new, from Mulberry and Burberry to Alexander McQueen to European and American luxury staples such as Chanel to Ralph Lauren, be armed with an empty credit card to make the most of your visit.
Harrods and Harvey Nicks
For the best shopping in London south of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge is a dream to explore. Anchored at one end by contemporary fashion department store Harvey Nichols, take Brompton Road south to experience true retail history. Along the route, visit Harrods – undeniably the world’s most recognisable department store with a rich and varied heritage – between the outposts of luxury brands and high street favourites alike that lead you to South Kensington and the hub of London museum district.
Museum gift shops
If you are exploring London museums, do not skip their gift shops. Not the standard souvenir outlets of most international museums, London museum gift shops tend to curate a collection of things to buy as unique and special as the art in the museums themselves. From the contemporary goods at the Tate Modern to the classic and beautifully diverse and stylish collections at the Victoria & Albert Museum shops, you will be hard-pressed to leave empty handed.
Don’t forget the mall
Mall shopping was taken to new heights when Westfield London broke ground in the city. Starting in London’s Shepherds Bush, Westfield reintroduced the glamour to the covered shopping mall experience by including shops for every budget alongside movie theatres and food courts. Followed up by a location in Stratford, Westfield bookends the city with the best in variety and style, all in a weather-proof haven, perfect for London’s rainier days. Whatever the weather, and whatever your budget, London is sure to present you with shopping gems that will make your visit truly magical.
