Information guide on main shopping areas one can explore in London
Oxford Street/Oxford Circus: Oxford Circus Tube
London’s famous Oxford Street is jam-packed with shops and people 7 days a week. It is getting increasingly tatty and might not be the pleasant experience people have in mind. Alight at Oxford Circus tube and you will find yourself in the midst of the one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Some of the chain shops that line Oxford Street are H&M, Nike, Topshop, Gap, Foot Locker and Mango. Men’s and women’s clothing and shoes and accessories can all be found on Oxford Street. The famous John Lewis is also here and a good stop for all your household accessories – from bedding to kitchenware. Prices around Oxford Street are affordable to moderate.
Bond Street: Bond Street Tube
Bond Street is a very expensive shopping spot where you will find upmarket retailers like D&G, Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and Gucci to name a few. Prices are very high, as this is a famous luxury shopping street.
Savile Row: Bond Street Tube
Known worldwide as the home of bespoke British tailoring, Savile Row is the place to come if you want a handmade suit crafted the old-fashioned way (with a price tag to match).
Carnaby Street: Oxford Circus or Piccadilly Circus tubes
Located close to Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus, Carnaby Street is a trendy shopping area where you will find independent shops as well as a few chain stores. MAC makeup is one chain that is situated in the realm of Carnaby Street. Kingly Court is a small pedestrian mall off Carnaby Street and a good place to stop for a coffee or to pick up that unique t-shirt or necklace. Prices are higher in this area, as compared to a high street.
King’s Road, Chelsea: Sloane Square Tube
King’s Road is another high street with both independent and chain shops. Diesel, Kookai, Nine West, Ted Baker, French Connection and Heal’s are a few of the shops located here. King’s Road is situated in an upscale neighborhood just off Sloane Square so be prepared for a posh atmosphere. A good variety of restaurants and cafes also grace King’s Road. Prices are moderate to high.
Spitafields: Liverpool Street Tube
There are plenty of interesting boutiques selling designer “street-fashion” around Spitafields market. To get there take the central line and alight at Liverpool Street. Shops are situated 500 meters further up the road in a warren of lovely old streets.
Camden: Camden Town Tube
Camden High Street is where you will find ‘alternative’ clothes and accessories. Tattoo shops and pink hair are common finds. Camden Market is a place to wander around the stalls or just people watch. For sale you will find everything from clothing to jewelry to music and odd collectibles. There is also a food court where you can find just about every ethnic variety from Thai food to burgers. The Camden Lock Market is situated on Regent’s Canal in Camden Town, North London. Bargains can be found in Camden town, especially if you are looking for socks or accessories.
Neal Street: Covent Garden Tube
Take a right turn as soon as you exit Covent Garden tube station and you will find Neal Street – A high street with character. Large chain shops like Mango and Aldo can be found here but there are also smaller chains like Birkenstock. The famous and popular Food for Thought vegetarian cafe is also located on Neal Street. Be prepared to queue if you arrive around lunchtime. Neal Street prices are moderate.
Upper Street: Angel Tube
Upper Street is Islington’s main high street. Here you will find a huge cinema playing top box office films. Borders Bookshop, a plethora of restaurants, chain shops and one-off shops line Upper Street. Prices are moderate but some of the clothing shops will have high prices.
Charing Cross Road: Charing Cross or Embarkment Tube stations
You can’t mention shopping in London without mentioning Charing Cross Road, infamous for its bookstores (new and antiquarian).
Canary Wharf Area: Jubilee Tube or Canary Wharf DLR
For something a little more conventional, the indoor shopping malls at Canary Wharf offer over 200 shops, including a lot of high street and high-end retailers. This area is the financial district and the retailers reflect. This is one convenient, weather-proof and easy to reach shopping destination. Avoid lunch time and early evenings as it can get crowded with office workers – shops are open until 7 or 8 pm
Westfield London; White City or Shepherds Bush
More than just a shopping centre, Westfield London is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe you’ll find high street favourites including Debenhams, Next, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser. There are also more than 275 luxury, premium and high-street retailers showcasing over 700 brands all under one roof!
