Shopping in London: The best streets and shopping centres
Published on 24 September 2024 Last updated on 24 December 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off
Shopping in London attracts many visitors every year. The British capital boasts a diverse selection of shopping streets, markets, and malls. You’ll find both international brands and typically British shops, spread across neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. In this blog post, I’ll explain where to shop in London and which streets and areas are worth visiting.
Famous shopping streets in London
London has several shopping streets, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Below, you can read more about the most popular areas.
1. Oxford Street
Oxford Street is approximately two kilometers long and one of London’s busiest shopping streets. Here you’ll find major department stores like Selfridges and Marks & Spencer, as well as international fashion chains like Zara, H&M, and Primark. Because the street is easily accessible by tube and centrally located, you can easily visit Oxford Street and combine it with other shopping areas.
2. Bond Street
Bond Street is known for its luxury shops and designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. The street is approximately 800 meters long and is close to Oxford Street, making it easy to combine a visit to the luxury shops with a stroll through the city center.
3. Sloane Street
Sloane Street is located in Chelsea, an area known for its exclusive appeal. Shops like Gucci, Prada, and Cartier are located here. The street is generally quieter than other well-known shopping streets, allowing you to stroll among the shops in peace.
4. Regent Street
Regent Street is a wide street, approximately 1.3 kilometers long, connecting Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. Here you’ll find major department stores like Hamleys and the Apple Store, as well as fashion and lifestyle shops. Thanks to the wide pavements, you can walk comfortably, even on busy days.
5. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is located in Soho and consists of several smaller streets. Originally known for fashion and music, the neighborhood now boasts a mix of brands like Monki, Scotch & Soda, and independent boutiques. Because the street is pedestrianized, you can stroll leisurely past the shops. There are also several cafés and restaurants where you can take a break.
Winkelcentra in Londen
Besides its high streets, London boasts several modern shopping malls that offer a wide range of shops under one roof. They’re ideal if you want to combine multiple stores or prefer indoor shopping in inclement weather.
1. Westfield Stratford City
Westfield Stratford City is located in East London and boasts approximately 250 stores, including John Lewis, Apple, and Hamleys. There are also more than 70 dining options. The indoor shopping center is easily accessible by public transport and offers a convenient alternative in bad weather.
2. Winkelen in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is popular with tourists and boasts shops from well-known cosmetics and personal care brands such as Dior, MAC, NARS, and Aveda. There are also markets and specialty shops. Street performers and historic buildings bring the area to life, combining shopping with culture.
Christmas shopping in London
In November and December, London visibly transforms with Christmas lights and decorations. Strolling down shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street, you’ll see festively lit shop windows and hear Christmas music in many places. During this time, shopping areas are bustling with tourists and locals doing their Christmas shopping.
Shopping in London on Boxing Day
Boxing Day falls on December 26th every year and marks the start of the sales season. Many shops offer discounts on clothing, accessories, and other products. The city center can be busy, as both tourists and locals head out to snag deals. If you enjoy shopping, Boxing Day is a great time to visit various shops in London.
Is shopping in London worth it?
Yes, shopping in London is definitely worth it. I’m a regular shopper myself, so I know exactly where to find the best shops. Oxford Street boasts large department stores and international chains, while Bond Street and Sloane Street primarily feature luxury brands. Regent Street and Carnaby Street offer a mix of well-known brands and small boutiques, allowing you to stroll around at your leisure and quickly visit your favorite stores.
The shopping areas are close together and easily accessible by tube or bus. Shopping centers like Westfield Stratford City also make it easy to visit multiple stores under one roof. Whether you’re looking for fashion, cosmetics, or toys, London offers plenty of options for a full day of shopping.
My tips for shopping in London
Finally, I have a few practical tips.
1. Travel by tube
Most well-known shopping areas, such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden, are close to tube stations. This makes it easy to visit several neighborhoods in one day without much walking.
2. Go shopping on a weekday
If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to shop Monday through Friday. Popular streets like Oxford Street and Bond Street are often very crowded on weekends.
3. Pay attention to opening hours
Most shops open around 10:00 or 10:30 am and close between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Opening hours are often longer during the holidays, such as Christmas. It’s wise to check which shops you want to visit beforehand.
Edward
Hi, I'm Edward and I love city breaks. Over the past few years, I've visited many cities in Europe and the US, and on Cities To Travel, I share my personal experiences, practical tips, and recommendations to help you plan your next city break.
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Shopping in London: The best streets and shopping centres
Shopping in London attracts many visitors every year. The British capital boasts a diverse selection of shopping streets, markets, and malls. You’ll find both international brands and typically British shops, spread across neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. In this blog post, I’ll explain where to shop in London and which streets and areas are worth visiting.
Famous shopping streets in London
London has several shopping streets, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. Below, you can read more about the most popular areas.
1. Oxford Street
Oxford Street is approximately two kilometers long and one of London’s busiest shopping streets. Here you’ll find major department stores like Selfridges and Marks & Spencer, as well as international fashion chains like Zara, H&M, and Primark. Because the street is easily accessible by tube and centrally located, you can easily visit Oxford Street and combine it with other shopping areas.
2. Bond Street
Bond Street is known for its luxury shops and designer brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. The street is approximately 800 meters long and is close to Oxford Street, making it easy to combine a visit to the luxury shops with a stroll through the city center.
3. Sloane Street
Sloane Street is located in Chelsea, an area known for its exclusive appeal. Shops like Gucci, Prada, and Cartier are located here. The street is generally quieter than other well-known shopping streets, allowing you to stroll among the shops in peace.
4. Regent Street
Regent Street is a wide street, approximately 1.3 kilometers long, connecting Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. Here you’ll find major department stores like Hamleys and the Apple Store, as well as fashion and lifestyle shops. Thanks to the wide pavements, you can walk comfortably, even on busy days.
5. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is located in Soho and consists of several smaller streets. Originally known for fashion and music, the neighborhood now boasts a mix of brands like Monki, Scotch & Soda, and independent boutiques. Because the street is pedestrianized, you can stroll leisurely past the shops. There are also several cafés and restaurants where you can take a break.
Winkelcentra in Londen
Besides its high streets, London boasts several modern shopping malls that offer a wide range of shops under one roof. They’re ideal if you want to combine multiple stores or prefer indoor shopping in inclement weather.
1. Westfield Stratford City
Westfield Stratford City is located in East London and boasts approximately 250 stores, including John Lewis, Apple, and Hamleys. There are also more than 70 dining options. The indoor shopping center is easily accessible by public transport and offers a convenient alternative in bad weather.
2. Winkelen in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is popular with tourists and boasts shops from well-known cosmetics and personal care brands such as Dior, MAC, NARS, and Aveda. There are also markets and specialty shops. Street performers and historic buildings bring the area to life, combining shopping with culture.
Christmas shopping in London
In November and December, London visibly transforms with Christmas lights and decorations. Strolling down shopping streets like Oxford Street and Regent Street, you’ll see festively lit shop windows and hear Christmas music in many places. During this time, shopping areas are bustling with tourists and locals doing their Christmas shopping.
Shopping in London on Boxing Day
Boxing Day falls on December 26th every year and marks the start of the sales season. Many shops offer discounts on clothing, accessories, and other products. The city center can be busy, as both tourists and locals head out to snag deals. If you enjoy shopping, Boxing Day is a great time to visit various shops in London.
Is shopping in London worth it?
Yes, shopping in London is definitely worth it. I’m a regular shopper myself, so I know exactly where to find the best shops. Oxford Street boasts large department stores and international chains, while Bond Street and Sloane Street primarily feature luxury brands. Regent Street and Carnaby Street offer a mix of well-known brands and small boutiques, allowing you to stroll around at your leisure and quickly visit your favorite stores.
The shopping areas are close together and easily accessible by tube or bus. Shopping centers like Westfield Stratford City also make it easy to visit multiple stores under one roof. Whether you’re looking for fashion, cosmetics, or toys, London offers plenty of options for a full day of shopping.
My tips for shopping in London
Finally, I have a few practical tips.
1. Travel by tube
Most well-known shopping areas, such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Covent Garden, are close to tube stations. This makes it easy to visit several neighborhoods in one day without much walking.
2. Go shopping on a weekday
If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to shop Monday through Friday. Popular streets like Oxford Street and Bond Street are often very crowded on weekends.
3. Pay attention to opening hours
Most shops open around 10:00 or 10:30 am and close between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. Opening hours are often longer during the holidays, such as Christmas. It’s wise to check which shops you want to visit beforehand.
Edward
Hi, I'm Edward and I love city breaks. Over the past few years, I've visited many cities in Europe and the US, and on Cities To Travel, I share my personal experiences, practical tips, and recommendations to help you plan your next city break.
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Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced city trip enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of cities across Europe and America. On Cities To Travel, I share personal experiences and practical tips to help you plan your next city trip. Have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
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