London doesn’t lack shopping streets. In fact, with more than 6,500 shops and boutiques in the capital, there’s a shopping street for every kind of shopper – no matter where you’ll stay in the city or where our London tours will take you.
From busy avenues to long narrow streets or even hidden passages, you’ve got plenty to discover and hours to spend wandering in the busy shopping streets of London.
And with Christmas around the corner, it should inspire you to shop for your loved ones. We compiled a list and even created a map, so let’s dive in!
Oxford Street
Everyone has heard of Oxford Street; it’s on everyone’s bucket list! Londoners may avoid it at weekends because it gets crowded, but the variety of shops attracts many visitors. It’s Europe’s busiest shopping street, with around 300 shops selling technology, fashion, homeware, and lifestyle. The Christmas lights make the Oxford Street experience even more magical and delightful for families during the festive season.
Regent Street
Crossing Oxford Street, Regent Street is also one of London’s most prestigious shopping places and more upscale than her sister, with flagship stores and international brands. It is where you can find the Liberty department store, primarily selling luxury goods, women’s and men’s fashion, housewares and fabrics. And if you walk 10 to 15 minutes towards the Piccadilly tube station, you should find Fortnum & Mason, the Royal Family’s favourite shopping place, and famous for its gourmet food baskets.
Bond Street & Old Bond Street
On the West end of Oxford Street is Bond Street, the luxury shopping destination of the capital with shops like Alexander McQueen, Cartier, Dior and other iconic fashion brands. If not your cup of tea, try window shopping to admire the exquisite sets and decor changing each season. Jewellery experts, luxury boutiques and even shopping arcades are worth a glance during your stay in London.
Knightsbridge
Near Hyde Park, Knightsbridge is an upscale Victorian-style area with high-end restaurants and shops, such as the world-famous Harrods department store or Harvey Nichols, which Londoners usually prefer. You can also visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, which displays gorgeous decorative arts and exhibitions, while the Italianate London Oratory church hosts organ recitals.
Marylebone High Street
Marylebone High Street, or Marylebone Village, is one of London’s most appreciated shopping areas, with bespoke boutiques – some have been in the community for decades, and others recently opened. Every year, many events, like the Marylebone Food Festival, Marylebone Design District, Marylebone Summer Festival, and Marylebone Christmas Lights happen in this chic neighbourhood.
King’s Road (Chelsea)
From Vivienne Westwood to Mick Jagger or even punks, since the sixties, many artists have left their prints on this beautiful bohemian London street in the heart of Chelsea. You can find design curiosities, such as concept stores or fine art galleries, among other chic fashion and sports brands. Whatever you’re into, your shopping experience on King’s Road promises to be inspiring, and you may want to add a visit to the Saatchi Gallery to your afternoon!
Carnaby Street
Nestled behind Oxford Street in Soho, the excellent thing about Carnaby Street is that it is pedestrian, meaning no car can spoil your walk around, as there’s plenty to see and do! With food courts, traditional pubs and designer shops, it is a charming place that looks a bit like a village and usually gets crowded in the evenings and at weekends! Every Christmas, extravagant Carnaby Street lights and decor attract visitors to take gorgeous selfies.
Camden Market
Another pedestrian spot you can’t just miss during your stay is Camden Market, right next to Camden Lock, the former wharf on the Regent’s Canal. A paradise for Camden Town lovers who can enjoy delicious street food, including vegan, buy from creative jewellery makers or vintage sellers, and even home ornaments. It’s the perfect place for food lovers, second-hand addicts or artists looking for inspiration.
Camden Passage
This tiny street isn’t in Camden Town as we’d think, but in Islington. With very few shops, such as antiques or vintage shops and little restaurants, Camden Passage is a lovely street that Londoners like to keep a secret. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the Camden Passage Market displays things like old pictures, vintage luggage, collectables and bric-a-brac.
Brick Lane
Let’s now head east with another hipster shopping street to explore: Brick Lane! You may have heard of it or seen it yourself, but Brick Lane Market is another gem for street food lovers and retro shoppers. Similar to Camden Passage Market but much bigger in East London, it is a bustling shopping street that offers bric-a-brac, antiques, vintage clothes, stunning fabrics and kitsch collectables.
And to pursue the visit after your shopping, see London like never before with one of our unforgettable private tours that will leave you speechless.
