London’s best shopping streets

Shopping

London sits firmly in its lofty position as one of the world’s top shopping cities. Whether you’re looking for the world’s most celebrated fashion designers or small independent boutiques, there’s something for everyone. The difficulty is in knowing exactly where to find the best shopping areas. So we’ve done the homework for you which leaves you free to shop until you drop.

London’s big stores

With the exception of Selfridges, we’d give Oxford Street a miss and head straight for Regent’s Street more elegant stores such as Liberty’s and Hamleys.   Dip behind Regent Street to Carnaby Street for a whole host of independent shops, restaurants and bars. Then cross back over Regent Street, stroll down past the Savile Row tailors and into Piccadilly, home to Fortnum & Mason’s flagship store.

Easter shopping at London's luxury Fortnum & Masons in Piccadilly
Fortnum & Masons, Piccadilly

Bling and big name fashion designers

Don’t miss Burlington Arcade, an upmarket covered walkway between Piccadilly and Bond Street. Bond Street is lined with some of the world’s most prestigious brands such as Burberry, Tiffany, Gucci, Dior and Cartier.

Window shopping

Knightsbridge is also on the must-visit list of London’s shopping streets, largely thanks to the glitzy shop windows and enticing interiors of Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Head down Sloane Street where haute couture shops include Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Valentino until you reach Sloane Square.

There's everything from sushi to champagne at Harrods indulgent food hall
Don’t miss Harrods stunning food hall!

Upmarket high street names & interior design

Sloane Square is dominated by Peter Jones department store (and the more luxurious Tiffany’s) at the start of the King’s Road. Opposite Peter Jones, the Duke of York pedestrian precinct houses several upmarket high street names and restaurants while further along the King’s Road, the boutiques and high street fashion names give way to interior design and furniture stores.

Boutiques and independent retailers

Spend a leisurely hour or two in the lovely Daunt Books shop in Marylebone High Street
Daunt Books, Marylebone High Street

Marylebone High Street remains one of London’s most appealing high streets, with cafés and specialist food stores intermingling with high end independent retailers and a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. Find bookshop heaven in the fabulous Daunt Books, an Edwardian bookshop with a long galleried main room, conservatory-style ceiling and, at the far end, a magnificent stained glass window.

Iconic Notting Hill is famous for the film of the same name and the world’s second biggest carnival. Home to celebrities and some very well-heeled London families, this fashionable neighbourhood is, not surprisingly, another good spot for designer boutiques and smart restaurants, mainly along Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road. Portobello Market (Saturdays) – antiques, fashion, clothing, street food – stretches for two miles but the locals tend to head for organic produce, bread, cakes, fruit, vegetables and fish at Notting Hill Farmer’s Market.

One of our favourite independent shops for gifts is Cosmo China where you can choose traditional handpainted ceramics and add your own personal message.

Get personalised china and gifts in Cosmo China, London
Visit Cosmo China for personalised gifts

Trendsetters

More independent shops, famous names and a young buzzy atmosphere dominate at Spitalfields.  The original fruit and flower market had a complete overhaul in 2003 and is now a hub for young designers. Sunday market stalls offer vintage accessories, bags and handmade clothes but there is also a good selection of smart shops and eateries.

Nearby Brick Lane is more like the original Spitalfields, a sprawling market crammed full of pile-it-high stalls, retro furniture, quirky shops and curry houses. Visit on a Sunday.

Fashionistas

No overview of London’s shopping areas would be complete without mention of Covent Garden. There are plenty of big brands in the streets around the market, but don’t miss Neal Street. Top shops include The Tea House and Speedo’s flagship store. Take time out also to visit the organic beauty brand Neal’s Yard Remedies in Neal’s Yard.

Men’s Clothes

On the list of London’s top 5 shopping streets, Lamb’s Conduit Street is a partly pedestrianised street in historic Bloomsbury. Many of the shops are still completely independent. The focus is on sophisticated menswear but there are also great coffee shops, the lovely Persephone Books and gift, antique and jewellery shops.

Independent shops, cafes and boutiques at Lamb's Conduit Street
Lamb’s Conduit Street, London

Antiques

Despite its location in the heart of fashionable Chelsea, Chelsea Antiques Market is one of London’s prime locations for antique-hunting. Rummage through the stash of treasures at over 100 shops and stalls. Visit London’s markets for antiques and vintage collectibles. Try Islington’s Camden Passage, Portobello Market and Alfie’s Antiques Market near Marylebone.