No matter what you’re looking for, you can bet there’s a shop in London where you can find it. If you’re headed to the city for a bit of retail therapy, here are some of the best places to shop ’til you drop in London.
Oxford Street
Without a doubt, the top shopping spot in London is the bustling Oxford Street. It is home to the massive Selfridges department store, which offers six floors of high-end shopping. Also on Oxford Street are endless shops from brands like Topshop, Marks & Spencer and Gap. Here, you’ll find everything from high fashion to trendy seasonal wear. Be warned: Oxford Street draws massive crowds on the weekends, and only the most serious of shoppers survive.
Carnaby Street
Nearby Carnaby Street was the center of English fashion in the 1960s, and today, it remains a major shopping district. You’ll find dozens of brand-name stores and independently owned boutiques, especially in Kingly Court. Here, you can spend an afternoon digging for vintage finds and browsing one-of-a-kind designs from independent shops.
Regent Street
If it’s high-end designers or an elegant shopping experience that you’re after, head to Regent Street in the West End. You’ll find shops like Burberry, Anthropologie and Armani Exchange, to name a few. Regent Street is also known for its spectacular holiday decorations, which are well worth a look if you’re visiting London in December.
Jermyn Street
If you’re looking for upscale men’s suits or shirts, Jermyn Street is the place to shop. The street is filled with tailors and shops that focus on outfitting men in the finest threads, and the offerings don’t stop with clothing. You’ll also find colognes, shoes, hats and even shaving accessories — all of the necessities for a fine gentleman.
Covent Garden
This fun marketplace offers everything from premium brands to budget-friendly bargains, and its mix of shopping, dining and entertainment make for an easy way to spend a day shopping in London. You’ll find everything from fashion-forward trends to vintage frocks, plus beauty products, antiques, crafts and trinkets.
Westfield London
The massive Westfield London is an American-style mall that’s just about guaranteed to have whatever it is you might be looking for. The mall is home to more than 250 shops, plus a higher end center (The Village) with shops like De Beers, Dior and Versace.
(Main image: garryknight used under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike license)
