Guide to the Best Places for Shopping in London

A centre of trade for thousands of years, London has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the world’s shopping capitals. Enjoy the best shopping in London with the help of our guide. Discover the best department stores, high street brands, boutique shopping, and vintage and charity shops in the UK capital.

Best London Shopping Departments 

The capital’s finest department stores are world-renowned for offering some of the best places for shopping in London. Head to these grand retailers for your retail therapy:

1. Harrods

A London institution, Harrods is the best-known and most-visited London department store. Shop for luxury items of clothing, jewellery, bridalwear, electronics, packaged gifts, home appliances, houseware, musical instruments, pet accessories, health and beauty products, toys, groceries, restaurants, and cafes, and much more.

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL

2. Selfridges

Voted the world’s best department store, Selfridges offers a luxurious shopping experience. Browse (and buy) your way through fashion, health and beauty products, jewellery and watches, homeware, technology, and fine foods. The famous store stocks high-end as well as more affordable brands, and it offers six floors of amazing dining options.

Address: 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

3. Liberty

Liberty London is a high-end department store that offers London shopping steeped in British heritage. You’ll find luxury fabrics, stylish homeware, amazing beauty products, designer clothing and accessories, haberdashery, and food and wine hampers.

Address: Regent Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH

4. Fortnum & Mason

A historic high-end department store, Fortnum & Mason offers fine foods, unique homewares, beauty products, fashion accessories, and fragrances. Fortnum & Mason also boasts the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and The Parlour.

Address: 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1A 1ER

5. Harvey Nichols

The Harvey Nichols flagship store in Knightsbridge is known for expertly curated collections of luxury brands across women’s and men’s fashion, childrenswear, beauty, and food, wine, and hospitality. You’ll also find several restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a spa and a salon in store.

Address: 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ

Best Shopping Areas in London by Street

If high street brands are part of your idea of the best London shopping, you won’t be disappointed by what awaits you in these famous locations.

1. Oxford Street

A London shopping street that has achieved world fame, Oxford Street has an array of high street brands, selling everything from accessories and clothing to toys and watches. Among the brands on Oxford Street are Nike, Zara, Adidas, the Disney Store, Watches of Switzerland, Stradivarius, Swarovski, and French Connection.

2. Regent Street

Fashion and beauty shine on Regent Street. Wander down this graceful street and enjoy London shopping at brands such as Anthropologie, Calvin Klein, Burberry, Ferrari, Hackett London, Hamleys Toy Shop, Hugo Boss, Kurt Geiger, L’Occitane, Mappin & Webb London, Penhaligon’s, and the Savile Row Company.

3. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is as famous for its beautiful architecture and entertaining street performers as it is for top high street brands, making it a shopper’s paradise. Among the stores you’ll find are Alex Monroe Jewellery, APM Monaco, Chanel, Joseph Cheaney & Sons, Claudie Pierlot, Dior Beauty Boutique, Diptyque Paris, Guerlain, Moleskine, TAG Heuer, Tiffany & Co. Style Studio, and Tom Ford.

Best Shopping Areas in London for Boutiques

If you love boutiques, you’ll be delighted to know that these areas offer some of the best shopping places in London:

1. Notting Hill

Notting Hill’s boutiques offer everything from Californian fashion labels to handcrafted Japanese homeware. Have a nose around L’Appartement Sézane in Westbourne Grove, Caramel in Ledbury Road, Native & Co. on Kensington Park Road, and Sophie Glass on Ladbroke Grove. 

2. Shoreditch

Shoreditch offers some of the most eclectic London shopping, so you’ll find everything from fashion and beauty to homeware. Head to fabulous boutiques such as Aida Boutique, Aimé, Sessùn Shoreditch, Le Boutique Bazaar, Modern Society, MILK Concept Boutique, and Goodhood.

3. Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street is another famous London shopping street. This pedestrianised area is renowned for offering independent boutiques, British heritage labels, bespoke jewellery, independent boutiques, one-off concepts, and more. Shop at boutiques such as Muji, Toms, Superga, Liars & Lovers, Skinny Dip, Sherry’s, and Jack Wills.

Best Shopping Areas in London for Vintage & Charity Shops

Some of the best London shopping experiences are to be enjoyed in vintage and charity shops, known across the pond as ‘thrift stores.’ Find the best of them below.

1. Camden Market

Combining the former Camden Stables and Camden Lock markets, the Camden Market is a treasure trove of vintage fashion, handmade jewellery, gorgeous accessories, and unusual gifts.

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

2. Potobello Road Market

The Portobello Road Market is a great place to hunt for vintage clothing, but the road’s also line with an array of shops, many of which offer vintage clothing and goods, and some of which are charity shops that never disappoint. Head to Portobello Green for the Vintage Clothing Market, which is open from Friday to Sunday.

Address: Portobello Road, London W10 5TY

3. Brick Lane Vintage Market

Brick Lane Vintage Market is a must-see for lovers of all things vintage. Browse the wares of specialists from across the UK and Europe, and find clothing, accessories, homeware, and more from between the 1920s and 1990s.

Address: 85 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

Tips for Having the Best London Shopping Experience

Make the most of your time in the capital with our tips for the best London shopping experience:

Notting Hill’s boutiques offer everything from Californian fashion labels to handcrafted Japanese homeware. Have a nose around L’Appartement Sézane in Westbourne Grove, Caramel in Ledbury Road, Native & Co. on Kensington Park Road, and Sophie Glass on Ladbroke Grove. 

• Plan your route in advance to save time and cover more ground
• Take advantage of discounts and promotions, especially during sale seasons
• Carry a reusable shopping bag to reduce plastic waste
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers for changing weather
• Carry a bottle of water in your bag so ensure you stay hydrated
• Stop off for lunch and try one of the top restaurants in London central near Fraser Suites Queens Gate

FAQs for the Best London Shopping

What’s the best place for shopping in London if I’m looking for a mix of food and fashion?

Covent Garden combines high street shopping with fantastic dining options, making it one of the best shopping areas in London for a well-rounded experience.

What are the best times of year to shop in London for discounts?

London’s major sales typically happen during the post-Christmas/New Year period (Boxing Day sales) and in the summer (July/August). These are great times to explore the best shopping areas in London for discounts on high street and luxury items.

Are London’s top shopping areas accessible by public transport?

Yes, the best shopping areas in London like Oxford Street, Knightsbridge (for Harrods), and Covent Garden are all well-served by public transport, including buses and Underground stations.

Are there any late-night shopping options in London?

Many stores in central London, especially in popular areas like Oxford Street and Covent Garden, offer late-night shopping on Thursdays. Check specific store hours for details.

Can I find eco-friendly or sustainable shopping options in London?

Yes, London is home to several sustainable shops and brands. Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and markets like Spitalfields are known for eco-friendly and ethically-sourced products, making them best places for shopping in London for conscious consumers.

Are there specific areas known for budget-friendly shopping?

For budget shopping, head to areas like Camden Market and Portobello Road, which offer affordable vintage and thrifted items. Oxford Street also has many high street brands with budget-friendly options.