INSIDE: Roam the Gnome’s Guide to the BEST London shopping areas around town.
Want to know ALL the best London shopping areas, the best places to shop in London for fresh food, or the London shopping district for clothes and fashion?
This is our ultimate guide to the best shopping in London.
You don’t need to go anywhere else.
We’ve even made a map for you.
Take a look for details below!
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THE INSIDE SCOOP: THE BEST SHOPPING IN LONDON
Correct at time of publication on Roam the Gnome. Please check with venue for updates. We apologise in advance if there have been any changes we are unaware of. All prices in British pounds, unless otherwise stated
Before you begin, here’s our London Shopping map where you can see these shopping areas in London marked for you.
You need at least a week to get around to all the different shopping areas of London, and a pot of cash saved up to buy all your treasures.
Our hot tip is to stay at one of these London hostels so you can save pounds on your accommodation and add it to your spending fund.
Image credit: Arne Byberg via Flickr CC BY 2.0
No.1: Oxford Circus shopping – the BEST Shopping Street in London
The Oxford Street shopping area is the centre of London’s shopping, a 1.5 mile precinct with over 90 flagship stores and high street brands, 500 restaurants, and a vibe like no where else in the world.
Find London fashion shops, luxury flagship stores, and top London brands including:
- Topshop
- Gap
- River Island
- Disney Store
- John Lewis
- Jo Malone London
- Mulberry
- Victorinox Flagship Store
- Next
- Zara
- Primark
- UK’s iconic department stores, including Selfridges, John Lewis & Partners, Debenhams, House of Fraser and Marks & Spencer.
Oxford street is home to the best shopping in London for clothes. The alt name is fashion street in London.
Oxford street London A40 crosses Regent Street, near Topshop.
Exit at the Bond Street station for a fabulous London shopping experience.
No.2: Regent Street shopping
Regent Street is the main thoroughfare through London towards one of Londons iconic green spaces, Regents Park.
(Travelling with kids, visit Regents Park to try all the playgrounds!)
Don’t miss the lanes and side streets running off Regent street.
You’ll find treasures and more cool London shops on Conduit Street, Mortimer Street, Princes Street, Carnaby Street, Great Marlborough Street and Brewer Street.
Find:
- Liberty London – famous for Liberty fabrics!
- Tory Burch
- Burberry
- Hamleys Toy store, the biggest toy shop in London
- Coach
- Kate Spade
- Ted Baker
- Longchamp
- J. Crew
- H&M home
- Boots Chemist
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- Kate Spade New York
- Anthropologie
- Timberland
- Zara Home
- Gap Kids
Regent Street is a top spot in London for shopping with kids.
RELATED: The ULTIMATE List of Things to Do in LONDON with Kids
No.3: Piccadilly Circus shopping
Another elegant shopping area in London, defined by the iconic British architecture, Piccadilly is home to heritage UK brands such as Fortnum and Mason, Cath Kidson, and the Dover Street market.
Plus, there’s Planet Hollywood, and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.
Picadilly Circus is at the southern end of Regents Street.
No.4: Knightsbridge London shopping
Home to London’s most famous department store, Harrods.
Plus Harvey Nichols.
This is the spot for posh shopping in London. Wander Sloane street too.
It’s close to the Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, one of London’s best playgrounds.
No.5: London Bridge shopping at Borough Market
Go to Borough Market, Britain’s most well known food market.
It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century. The present buildings were built in the 1850s. (Source.)
Pick up artisan chocolates, handmade cheese, deli meats, confectionery, olives and antipasto dishes, and freshly baked goods.
No.6: Covent Garden shopping
A collection of beautifully restored market buildings with an open air piazza where the annual Punch and Judy festival is held.
Home to Benjamin Pollocks Toy Shop filled with vintage style British toys, and the colourful world of Pylones.
Don’t miss the London Transport museum while you are here.
No.7: London West End, Leicester Square & Chinatown
Home to 30+ London museums and art galleries, and 40 British theatres, London’s West End is the perfect destination for anyone with an artist’s soul.
Shop in over 2000 different stores including the M&M’s world store and the LEGO store. You’ll be spoilt for choice.
London Chinatown is steps away too.
No.8: Old Spitalfields Market & Brick Lane Food markets
Check out our review of the best Brick Lane markets and vendors.
Brick Lane is home to Brits of every nationality, culture and language.
Find a multicultural community full of colour and life, with delicious food to share, music to play, and love to give.
Check out the markets at the Old Truman Brewery too.
Old Spitalfields market is just a few minutes walk.
This undercover market has lots of London Souvenir ideas.
No.9: Camden Lock & Camden Markets
Most famous for the eclectic Camden Lock Markets and the Camden market, the Camden Town area is full of creative types.
Take a wander by the Regents canal, visit London Zoo, and take a break at Primrose Hill playground.
READ MORE: The BEST London Playgrounds for Kids
No.10: Notting Hill & Portobello Road Markets
Don’t miss Portobello Road markets for antique shopping in London, plus bric a brac, London street food, London souvenirs and more.
Spend at least half a day, wandering around, from Westbourne Grove, and all the way up to Portobello Green.
Best day is Saturday.
Expect crowds.
No.11: Westfield London Shopping Mall
London’s central shopping centre, home to:
- fashion
- beauty and lifestyle stores
- lots of fresh food, and
- budget eateries for family travel on a budget.
This London shopping centre is worth your time if you have kids in tow especially.
Hot tip: Kidzania Indoor Play Centre
Don’t miss KIDZANIA LONDON, the indoor city for kids. (Review coming soon)
Check the offers page on their website to find discounts for food, and fun.
No.12: Leadenhall Market
Possibly London’s most beautiful undercover shopping area.
Go for the architecture.
Stay to shop.
Fun Fact: Harry Potter scenes were filmed here!
THE ULTIMATE LIST OF THE BEST SOUVENIRS FROM LONDON!
Now you know where to shop, here’s a complete list of all the things you can buy in London for friends & family, as well as fun London mementos to take home too.
Check out our Roam the Gnome guide to the best souvenirs in London.
Looking for MORE places to shop in London?
Click the blue links below for more London tips