Guide To The Best London Shopping Places

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.

London Department Stores

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

1. Harrods

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

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.

2. Selfridges

400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB

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.

3. Liberty

Regent Street, Carnaby, London W1B 5AH

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.

4. Fortnum & Mason

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

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.

5. Harvey Nichols

109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ

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.

Best Shopping Streets In London

If high street brands are part of your idea of the best shopping in London, 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.

Boutique Shopping In London

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

Vintage and Charity Shops In London

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

Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF

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.

2. Potobello Road Market

Portobello Road, London W10 5TY

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.

3. Brick Lane Vintage Market

85 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL

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.

Tips for Shopping in London

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

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

Best Hotels to stay for shopping in London

If you’re coming to the UK capital to enjoy the many sights, sounds, and the ultimate London shopping experience, you’ll want a comfortable base in easy reach of major attractions and top shopping districts. Stay at Fraser Suites Queens Gate. Located in the heart of South Kensington, our hotel offers convenient access to the Royal Albert Hall, V&A Museum, Hyde Park, and other attractions, as well as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Oxford Street, and much more.

Stay in a well-appointed room or suite and take advantage of amenities such as our private patio and garden, 24-hour gym, lobby bar, dining room, co-working space, and digital concierge service. Contact us and book your stay today.