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A Guide to Shopping in London | Best Things to Buy, Malls, Souvenirs & More

London equals elegance. The chic English capital is a magnet for fashionistas and shoppers, home to amazing antique and speciality stores, shopping districts, and retail stores. It is the place you want to go for a shopping experience of a lifetime.

Best things to buy in London

Shopping in London - English tea

English tea

Food

Tea was first introduced to the English capital in the 1600s. Today, it is the centre of the best English tea to take home.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - Umbrella

Umbrella

Accessory

London’s erratic weather is the reason why umbrellas are popular in the city. An Englishman named Jonas Hanway was the first one to use it in the 1750s.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - Artisanal gin

Artisanal gin

Beverage

Artisanal gin has been made by distilleries in London since 1830. It is back in fashion now, so try and carry at least a bottle.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - Cath Kidston

Cath Kidston

Clothing

Cath Kidston has a presence in over 16 countries but the lifestyle brand began its story in London. Buying their products in their city feels unique and different.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - House of Commons notebook

House of Commons notebook

Book

How cool is journaling in a notebook stamped by the UK Government? You can get it offline only at the House of Parliament Shop opposite Big Ben.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - Hat

A hat

Accessory

Remember Mad Hatter? It is believed that Lock & Co. Hatters’ shop manager was the inspiration behind the character.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - British country clothing

British country clothing

Clothing

Country clothing in Britain is fashionable, so picking up a few clothes only makes sense. There’s no better place to buy them than Barbour, established in 1894.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - Toys

Toys

Accessory

London is the home of Hamleys. The retail chain has seven floors dedicated to toys in Central London.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - London books

London books

Books

Grabbing your favourite book at iconic stores in the English capital feels exquisite. If you’re confused where to go, hit Foyles, once listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Where to buy:

Shopping in London - suit

Suit

Clothing

Savile Row in London is renowned worldwide for crafting suits and jackets for men. All the shops on the street are equally iconic.

Where to buy:

Best shopping streets in London

Shopping in London - Bond Street

Bond Street

Clothing and accessories

Location: Oxford St, London W1R 1FE, United Kingdom. Find on map

Best for: Clothing, jewellery, antiques

Best stores: Alexander McQueen, Chloé, Asprey

Getting there: Bus no. 113, 139, 390, 55, and 94

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM

Shopping in London - Oxford Street

Oxford Street

Clothing and accessories

Location: Oxford St, London, UK. Find on map

Best for: Clothing, shoes, souvenirs

Best stores: Selfridge’s, Debenhams, UniQlo

Getting there: Bus no. 137, 2, 30, 36, 414, 6, 74, 94, 98

Timings: 9:30 AM to 8 PM

Shopping in London - Regent Street

Regent Street

Fashion and lifestyle

Location: Regent St., London, UK. Find on map

Best for: Clothes, shoes, toys

Best stores: Liberty, Hamleys, Penhaligon's

Getting there: 492LTD, 51 , 52

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM

Shopping in London - Knightsbridge

Knightsbridge

Electronics and clothing accessories

Location: Knightsbridge, London, UK. Find on map

Best for: Clothes, handbags, shoes

Best stores: Christian Louboutin, Harrods, Lulu Guinness

Getting there: Bus no. 14, 23, 52

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM

Shopping in London - King’s Road

King’s Road

Clothes and beverages

Location: King's Rd, London, UK. Find on map

Best for: Clothes, toys, beverages

Best stores: Peter Jones, Duke of York Square, Heal’s

Getting there: Bus no. 11, 19, 211, 22, 328, 49

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Shopping in London - Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street

Footwear and jewellery

Location: Carnaby St, Carnaby, London, UK. Find on map

Best for: Wellness, footwear, womenswear

Best stores: We Built This City, Superga, Liars & Lovers

Getting there: Bus no. 139, 14, 159, 453, 88, 94

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM

Shopping in London - Westfield London

Westfield London

Clothes and beverages

Location: Ariel Way, London W12 7GF, United Kingdom. Find on map

Best for: Designer clothes, beverages, shoes

Best stores: Urban Revivo, All Saints, Whistles

Getting there: Bus no. 148, 220, 237, 607, 94, 95

Timings: 12 PM to 6 PM

Best souvenirs in London

Shopping in London - Sherlock Holmes Pub Sign

Sherlock Holmes Pub Sign

Where to buy: Fancy That of London. Find on map

Shopping in London - Buckingham Palace Hand Towel

Buckingham Palace Hand Towel

Where to buy: The Queen’s Gallery Shop. Find on map

Shopping in London - London Memory Game

London Memory Game

Where to buy: Foyles. Find on map

Shopping in London - Harry Potter Goodies

Harry Potter Goodies

Where to buy: The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾. Find on map

Best malls in London

Shopping in London - Burlington Arcade

Burlington Arcade

Shopping Arcade

What to buy: Jewelleries, perfumes, shoes

Location: 51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11 AM to 6 PM (Sunday)

Shopping in London - St Martin's Courtyard

St Martin's Courtyard

Shopping Mall

What to buy: Clothes, jewellery, home decor

Location: St Martin's Courtyard, Slingsby Pl, London WC2H 9EF, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 9 AM to 11 PM (Sunday to Wednesday), 9 AM to 12 AM (Thursday to Saturday)

Shopping in London - Angel Central

Angel Central

Shopping Mall

What to buy: Health and beauty, electronics, clothes

Location: 21 Parkfield St, London N1 0PS, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11 AM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Duke of York Square

Duke of York Square

Shopping Mall

What to buy: Clothes, beauty, lifestyle products

Location: 80 King's Rd, London SW3 4LY, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM to 6 PM (Saturdays), 12 PM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - London Designer Outlet

London Designer Outlet

Shopping Centre

What to buy: Books, shoes, jewelleries

Location: Wembley Park Blvd, Wembley HA9 0FD, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 10 AM to 9 PM (Thursday to Saturday), 10 AM to 7 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Selfridges

Selfridges

Department Store

What to buy: Personal care products, bags, shoes

Location: 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM to 9 PM (Saturdays), 11:30 AM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Best luxury shopping destinations in London

Shopping in London - Dover Street Market

Dover Street Market

Clothing store

What to buy: Clothes, jewellery, shoes

Location: 18-22 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4DG, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Saturday), 12 PM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Harrods

Harrods

Department store

What to buy: Electronics, fashion, homeware

Location: 87–135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Saturday), 11:30 AM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Liberty

Liberty

Department store

What to buy: Clothes, home fabrics, shoes

Location: Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Saturday), 12 PM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Mayfair

Mayfair

Fashion street

What to buy: Beauty products, luxury clothes, antiques

Location: Avery Court, 5 Avery Row, Grosvenor St, London W1K 4AL, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday); 10 AM to 7 PM (Thursday); 11 AM to 5 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - The Royal Exchange

The Royal Exchange

Shopping centre

What to buy: Watches, jewellry, beauty products

Location: Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3LR, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 9 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Friday)

Shopping in London - Sloane Street

Sloane Street

Fashion street

What to buy: Luxury clothes, designer wear, shoes

Location: Sloane St, London, UK. Find on map

Budget shopping destinations in London

Shopping in London - Camden Market

Camden Market

Market

What to buy: Handmade accessories, vintage clothes, watches

Location: Camden Town, London, UK. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Everyday)

Shopping in London - Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market

Market

What to buy: Antiques, collectibles, clothes

Location: Portobello Road Market, Portobello Rd, London W10 5TY, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Wednesday), 9 AM to 7 PM (Saturday)

Shopping in London - Primark

Primark

Store

What to buy: Clothes, baby accessories, beauty products

Location: Primark, 14-28 Oxford St, London W1D 1AU, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 8 AM to 10 PM (Monday to Saturday), 12 PM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - TK Maxx

TK Maxx

Store

What to buy: Home furnishing, clothes, cushions

Location: TK Maxx, 120 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0JR, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Saturday), 12 PM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Beyond Retro Soho

Beyond Retro Soho

Store

What to buy: Vintage clothes, sportswear, kids clothing

Location: 19-21 Argyll St, London W1F 7TR, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 10 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Saturday), 12 PM to 6 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London - Bicester Village

Bicester Village

Shopping centre

What to buy: Casual wear, handbags, footwear

Location: 50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD, United Kingdom. Find on map

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Saturday), 10 AM to 7 PM (Sundays)

Shopping in London: Essentials

Shopping in London - modes of payment

Modes of payment:

  • Cards: Credit cards and debit cards both work as a payment mode.
  • Digital Wallets: Digital wallets are incredibly fast, so you can use them to make payments when you’re short on time. 
  • Cash: Cash can be used to make payments everywhere in London.
  • Bank Transfers: You can also use bank transfers to make payments in London.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Some stores may also accept the BNPL payment option.
Shopping in London - best time to visit
  • Summer is an excellent time to visit London.
  • June to August is the perfect time, with a good mix of rain and sunshine.
  • The temperature stays between 13 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Shopping in London - restaurants

1. Chishuru - Taste the best of modern and traditional West African dishes. Find on map

2. Singburi - If you’re missing Thai food, hit Singburi. The restaurant serves simple yet delicious Thai dishes. Find on map

3. St. JOHN Restaurant - St. JOHN serves the best British food made out of local ingredients. Find on map

4. Sessions Arts Club - Marvel at the restaurant’s ambiance while tasting the most delicious Italian food in London. Find on map

5. Sambal Shiok Laksa Bar - The Sambal Shiok is an award-winning restaurant, where guests are treated to spicy and delicious Malaysian dishes. Find on map

Shopping in London - getting around
  • Underground – “The Tube”
  • Overground
  • DLR (Docklands Light Railway)
  • Rail Services
  • Bus
  • Tram
  • Emirates Air Line
  • River Boat
  • Taxis
Shopping in London - shopping tips

  1. Know your budget before going. It’ll help you save time.

  2. Most malls and streets offer a mix of luxury and budget clothing.

  3. When you’re shopping in the streets, you could grab a deal by bargaining.

  4. Weekends at malls and shopping streets are crowded, so go on weekdays if possible.

  5. Use public transport. It is well-connected and can save you extra money for shopping.

  6. Always carry an umbrella as the rain might spoil your shopping bags.

Frequently asked questions about shopping in London

What are the best things to buy in London?

Jewellry, designer clothes, perfumes, and alcohol are a few excellent things to buy in London.

What are the best souvenirs in London?

The London Memory Game and Harry Potter goodies are two souvenirs you should buy in London.

What are the major modes of payment in London?

London is a modern city. Every method of payment, including cards, cash, and digital wallets, can be used to make payments in London.

What is the famous shopping street in London?

Oxford Street and Regent Street are famous shopping streets in London.

Which part of London is famous for shopping?

King’s Road and Oxford Street are famous for shopping in London.

What is the best thing to shop in London?

Books, gin, and clothes are the best things to shop in London.

What is the most popular shopping centre in London?

Harrods and Liberty are popular shopping centres in London.

What should I buy only in London?

The House of Commons notebook is something you should buy only in London.

What are the best malls to go shopping in in London?

Burlington Arcade and the Duke of York Square are two amazing malls to go shopping in in London.

What are the best markets to go shopping in London?

Camden Market and the Portobello Road Market are the best markets to go shopping in London.

What is the major shopping street in London called?

Bond Street and Knightsbridge are major shopping streets in London.

What are the best things to buy for kids in London?

Buying toys from Hamleys in London is the best gift you can give a child.