Where to shop in London? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by tourists and locals alike when visiting or moving to England’s capital. The city has so many excellent shopping centres and areas that it’s hard to pick a favourite. From high-end department stores to small boutiques with hidden backstreets; from vintage markets and second-hand shops to fast fashion chains and international giants; from high street brands such as Zara, Topshop, Topman and Uniqlo to local specialists like Kendall & Kylie, Selfridges, John Lewis, New Look or Marks & Spencer – there’s something for every taste and budget.

Here is our list of top areas to shop in London. Depending on your personal style and budget there will surely be a perfect place for you!

Oxford Circus & Regent Street – W1

When you arrive at Oxford Street in central London for some retail therapy, you’ll instantly know why it’s one of the best shopping streets in London. It’s a shoppers paradise with wide pavements and a huge range of over 300 shops making it the ultimate high street. Avoid visiting during school vacations and weekends if at all possible. TopShop, Nike, and Apple in particular, are always overflowing with customers.

The most recent hi-tech travel kit can be found at Bose and Tumi, as well as Canada Goose, Arket, Molton Brown, J Crew, Hunter, and Anthropologie. The famous toy store Hamleys draws families year-round, of course. End the day at Burberry’s Thomas’ café (located at Vigo Street) and have their popular lobster and chips or traditional afternoon tea to finish off your trip to one of the best shopping spots in London.

Boxpark pop up mall in Shoreditch area in London

Boxpark pop-up mall in Shoreditch area in London

Shoreditch – EC1

There are many British designers and their studios in this area (as well as some of London’s finest restaurants). Shoreditch House is near the shopping hotspots, which include Columbia Road’s Sunday morning flower market, Brick Lane’s vintage stores, and Spitalfields Market in the centre. The high street has a plethora of stylish boutiques, including Labour and Wait, Modern Society, and Aimé. Take your time browsing on any shopping trip there; Don’t miss the Ace Hotel, the Conservatory Archives plant shop just outside it, and the exciting combination of vibrant fabrics and wallpapers at House of Hackney.

Marylebone – NW1

There are a number of exclusive boutiques to browse in Marylebone, including the Wallace Collection on Harley Street, as well as Chiltern Firehouse, which is known for its lively parties. Selfridges Food Hall is a great alternative to any other supermarket on the high street, which is home to several design retailers like The Conran Shop and Skandium.

Jewellery, art, and one-of-a-kind fashion labels are all on offer at Mouki Mou on Chiltern Street. Make sure to check out Sophie Hulme’s accessories shop, where you can personalize items while you wait, or get your ears pierced at Lark & Berry’s fun jewellery shop on George Street.

luxury clothing stores in Carnaby Street in Soho in London

Carnaby Street in Soho has been a hotbed of luxury fashion shops since the 60’s

Soho – W1

Soho House’s expansion around its perimeter has had a big impact on its dynamic hub status. London Fashion Week took place at Brewer Street car park in 2017, which switched things up again. It’s still all about streetwear and street style, just more so than before, especially when it comes to menswear, with Albam, Oi Polloi, and Oliver Spencer being prime examples. Take a moment to look around Dukes Cupboard, a vintage sports and designer store, and Machine-A, a street-style favourite. Look out for the charity designer car boot sale happening in May in Brewer Street car park.

Hampstead – NW11

London’s country living-like setting sets a different tone for the city as a whole. Gail’s Bakery, Farrow & Ball, Kiehl’s, and Sandro are all present on the high street, but it’s the secondhand stores and charities where the real treasures are found. Have a look in All Aboard’s very popular store, as well as Boutique by Shelter, Question-Air for old designer apparel, and Happy Returns, a real toy shop.

Harry Styles, Ridley Scott, and Helena Bonham Carter are among the illustrious people who currently live in Hampstead. Have a full day there, starting with a visit to Keats House, having lunch at The Holly Bush pub, and, of course, walking on the Heath.

King’s Cross – N1

In order to welcome visitors to London’s newest shopping emporium, Coal Drops Yard, Thomas Heatherwick has created a see-saw path that stretches across the square. Wave-Field, the see-saws that are currently gracing the space, are just one of the many installations and workshops that are taking place constantly.

There is never a dull moment in St Pancras, thanks to the brightly coloured shop fronts, food trucks, and proximity to the Eurostar terminal and St Pancras station. Make a beeline for the French interior store Caravane and ceramic shop, IYouAll, and Finisterre, a destination for outdoor clothing.

It’s a different vibe to the local and cult Camden market which is also worth a quick visit if in the area.

Notting Hill is one of the best shopping areas in London

Notting Hill and Portobello Road are full of quaint luxury boutiques

Notting Hill – W11

The fact that Farmacy, Bodyism’s Cafe and Farm Girl are all busy every day of the week (among other healthy and stylish restaurants) gives you a sense of the folks who frequently visit one the best area in London. The boutique concept originated at The Cross fashion store, and therefore several other stores with a similar concept are now extending into homewares. Couverture & Garbstore offers fashionable menswear in addition to Westbourne Grove.

It’s worth visiting Sophie Gass, a fashion, flowers, and nail salon, in addition to the attractive Provençal-inspired Summerhill & Bishop home and tableware shop. On Portobello Road, check out Stumper & Fielding, a thoroughly English menswear shop. Portobello Market attracts hordes of people on the weekends, but it is worth braving the crowds to search for antiques, vintage tableware, and pre-loved fashion. The Electric Cinema is open late, where you may enjoy a glass of wine with your film after the shops have closed (although you must reserve your tickets well in advance).

Covent Garden – WC2E

There is always street theatre in the Piazza, but it is only a secondary attraction now that the beauty industry has arrived. Around the Royal Opera House, cosmetic and skincare companies like Chanel, Dior, Burberry, Nars, Mac, Bobbi Brown, and Tom Ford are all present, as well as boutique enterprises like Diptyque, Aesop, Aveda, and Benefit Cosmetics. Make-up artist Charlotte Tilbury’s store is one of the busiest in the area: closing time is 9pm on weekdays, but it is best to arrive at 10am, or you may book a make-up tutorial ahead of your visit.

Mayfair – W1

Here, large brands wrestle against even bigger brands—all of which are neatly encircled by The Connaught and Claridge’s, two of London’s most prestigious hotels. Home to department stores and heritage brands like Harrods and Liberty and more. Available shops reads like an A-Z of Fashion and Jewellery Designers flagship stores: Armani, Boodles, Cartier, Céline, Dior, Erdem, Fendi, Graff, Gucci, Hermès, Miu Miu, Prada, Tiffany & Co, Victoria Beckham, and other London-based luxury fashion brands. It’s definitely one of the more pricier areas to shop in London.

It is best to plan your trip carefully, preferably during the week; begin at Assouline Books for coffee and peace before gaining momentum at the Burlington Arcade. Don’t forget to visit Fenwick for its fantastic selection of fashion, accessories, and beauty products, as well as its second-floor restaurant, Bond Street Kitchen, which is fairly easy to get a table at.

Browse for luxury: Old Bond Street has stores for the famous London fashion designers like Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen, plus Prada, Gucci, De Beers and Cartier. New Bond Street has Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, Emporio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Jimmy Choo and Givenchy to name a handful.

Knightsbridge – SW1

Harrods is still a good enough reason to visit Knightsbridge, but the area is now much more than that. The area has some of London’s finest shops. The Gucci flagship store on Sloane Street attracts a large number of visitors, along with Bottega Veneta and Alberta Ferretti. Look for Rachel Vosper’s handcrafted candles at Kinnerton Street in front of The Berkeley Hotel, where you’ll find them.

Motcomb Street is where you’ll find Giambattista Valli and Zac Posen’s stylish clothes, but the pedestrianised section is rather tiny. Before you continue, stop at Ottolenghi’s deli for a sweet treat and a colourful salad. Carolina Bucci, the jeweller, and Christian Louboutin’s shoe store are just across the road, along with Eres’ swimwear outlet.

Nearby is Chelsea’s King’s Road, which is an absolute treasure trove with it’s 300 boutiques and eclectic shops.

Twickenham – TW1

While technically not a London postcode, Twickenham and Richmond are a delight for any shopper. Church Street has a lovely range of independent shops, and the farmer’s market every Saturday in Holly Road is well worth a visit on a Saturday.