We love shopping in London but know how difficult it is to know where to begin! Here we’ve compiled a list of ten of our favourite or must-visit stores, shopping centres, markets, or streets, in the hope that it can help guide you in the right direction! Make sure you check out our Exclusive Deals section to see if there are any deals you can swipe up for these places too!
1. Westfield Shepherd’s Bush (Hammersmith & Fulham) – Westfield Shopping Centre is located in Shepherds Bush, housing many stores and restaurants including luxury and designer brands. It has everything that you could possibly need, all housed under one roof! The retail floor area is 150,00m² which is the equivalent to about 30 football pitches and after an extension in 2018, the shopping centre became the largest in the UK and Europe.
2. Selfridges (City of Westminster) – Opened in 1908 by Harry Gordon Selfridge, the Oxford Street department store is the flagship store of Selfridges & Co. Selfridges is world renowned as one of the finest department stores and is set out over six floors. Throughout the store, there are many different brands and departments. For example, in their denim department, the largest in the world of its kind, you can find over 60 different brands including Primark and Christopher Kane. If you find yourself peckish there are also eleven places for you to stop off and have a bite to eat!
3. Harrods (City of Westminster) – Arguably one of London’s most famous stores, Harrods, is the largest department store in Europe. Boasting in luxury and unparalleled service, the store has over 330 departments across its 5-acre site in Knightsbridge, well and truly living up to their motto of ‘Omnia Omnibus Ubique’ which is Latin for ‘all things for all people, everywhere.’
4. Harvey Nichols (City of Westminster/Kensington and Chelsea) – Harvey Nichols opened in Knightsbridge in 1831. For over 100 years, the store has built up a reputation for having expertly curated and sourced fashion and beauty; as well as food and wine. All Harvey Nichols stores are renowned for having opulent food markets, cafes, brasseries and restaurants.
5. Portobello Road Market (Kensington and Chelsea) – Now home to one of London’s most famous markets, Portobello Road is no longer a just a road connecting Notting Hill and Kensal Green together. The area has transitioned from being ‘run down and shabby’ to being a fashionable upscale area to live and shop in the capital! The market is most known for its range of antiques and vintage clothing.
6. Old Spitalfields Market (Tower Hamlets) – Built in 1876, Old Spitalfields Market houses many stalls as well as many well-known chain restaurants. The stalls are varied, selling anything from antiques to current fashion items. Hand-crafted items such as wooden toys and bespoke dresses are also on offer.
7. Camden Market (Camden) – Camden Market (also known as ‘Camden Lock’) is a collection of large markets located in Camden Town. These markets consist of Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, Camden Lock Village, Buck Street Market:’ The Camden Market’, Electric Ballroom, and Inverness Street Market. These markets are home to many stalls that sell anything from crafts and clothing to bric-a-brac and fast food. These markets mainly operate at the weekend, however, a number of stalls do operate throughout the week.
8. Oxford Street (City of Westminster) – Running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch, Oxford Street is Europe’s busiest shopping streets, as well as being a major road in the City of Westminster. It attracts more than half a million visitors each day, despite competition from nearby shopping centres. There are approximately 300 shops along Oxford Street, all ranging in prestige. There is something for anyone and every one, on any budget!
9. Carnaby Street (City of Westminster) – Carnaby Street is renowned for its aid in the ‘Mod’ fashion revolution that came to fruition in the 60s. It is home to many independent fashion stores; perfect for those looking for a vintage find! There is also a range of novelty and lifestyle shops. The pedestrianised street is a must-visit tourist spot too!
10. Bond Street (City of Westminster) – Bond Street is a high-end shopping street located in the West End. The area was mainly built up in the early 1700s and since then has built up its reputation of entertaining the upper-class and fashionable retail. The street boasts a collection of exclusive designer brands including Chanel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co.
These are just some of our most-loved shopping spots and we know that you’re going to love them too! Let us know if we’ve missed out any of your favourite places or if you’ve visited any of the ones we’ve mentioned as we’d love to hear about your experiences!