London is one of the best places in the world for diverse shopping experiences, ranging from the eclectic stores of Spitalfields Market to the high-end department stores of Harrods and Selfridges. Whether you are seeking fresh organic produce at Blackheath Farmers Market or upscale fashion on Bond Street, London caters to shoppers from all over the world. Before embarking on your shopping excursion, let’s explore the best places for shopping in London.
Best time for shopping in London
The best time for shopping in London varies depending on the desired experience. For those looking for massive discounts, the winter sales from mid-December to late January are ideal. If you prefer shopping at high-end boutiques and premier designer stores, the best time to visit London is from June to August, when designers unveil their latest collections.
Shopping in London: What to buy and where
Selfridges
Established in 1909, Selfridges stands as an iconic premium luxury department store in London. Offering a vast variety of the latest designer products, homeware, technology, apparel, accessories, and more, Selfridges is an institution in itself. It ranks as the second-largest store in the United Kingdom, both in size and sales volume.
Location: 400 Oxford St, London
Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Saturday); 11:30 am to 6:00 pm (Sunday)
Harrods
One of the most famed luxury department stores in the world, Harrods in London is a destination on its own. Boasting a food hall, salon, boutique, pharmacy and a splendid tea room offering an indulgent and much-adored high tea menu, Harrods is famous for its high-end retail offerings. From furniture and footwear to electronics, apparel, luggage, toys, luxury make-up, handbags, sports gear, fragrances, and jewellery, Harrods is the ultimate shopping destination for luxury goods.
Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London
Timings: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 1:30 am to 6:00 pm (Sunday)
Dover Street Market
Dover Street Market is a multi-storey apparel store renowned for offering luxury brands from around the world, including Comme des Garçons, Nike, Balenciaga, Noah, Miu Miu, Prada, and Gucci, among others. Spread over 22,000 sq ft across five floors and multiple nooks and crannies, the store also features its own products as well as collaborations with high-end brands.
Location: 18-22 Haymarket, London
Timings: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm (Sunday)
Portobello Road
For those interested in shopping for antiques, Portobello Road is the ideal destination. The market is divided into several sections catering to shoppers with varied interests. From door and cabinet fittings to vintage collectable toys, from vegan handmade soaps to luxury home interiors, and from essential oils to framed butterflies, this market offers a diverse range of items and is one of the best places for shopping in London.
Location: Portobello & Golborne Road, Ladbroke Grove, London
Timings: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Sunday)
Bond Street
Home to upmarket fashion retailers, art galleries, and luxury jewellery stores, Bond Street is one of the most iconic markets in London. Shopping aficionados can indulge in high-end brands such as Mulberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Valentino, Jimmy Choo, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany Co. Bond Street offers a seamless blend of modern luxury and timeless sophistication.
Location: 9 Holles St, London
Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Tuesday); 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Wednesday to Saturday); 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sunday)
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Shopping at the local markets in London
Spitalfields Market
Spitalfields Market is one of the most adored local markets in London, offering a vibrant range of over a hundred shops and stalls, including food and drink stands. Open seven days a week, the market offers visitors a chance to shop for vintage vinyl records, antiques, original art prints, leather goods, luxury chocolates, greeting cards, apparel, footwear, jewellery, vintage watches, fragrances, and woollen scarves, and more. Additionally, Spitalfields Market also hosts regular events such as an antiques market every Thursday.
Location: 65 Brushfield St, London
Timings: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm (Monday to Friday); 9:00 am to 11:00 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Oxford Street Market
For the latest trends in the UK fashion scene, Oxford Street is the place to be. Spanning nearly 2 km, the street is home to major names in fashion and beauty. Located in the heart of West London, Oxford Street is one of the best shopping destinations in London. Some of the brands available on Oxford Street include Zara, M&S, H&M, New Balance, Swarovski, Dyson, French Connection, and Timberland.
Location: Oxford Street, London
Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (Monday to Tuesday); 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Wednesday to Saturday); 11:00 am to 8:00 pm (Sunday)
Camden Market
Located in the historic site of the Pickford’s stables, Camden Market is one of the most famous markets in London. It is home to several smaller market complexes and stalls, including the Camden Lock Market, Hawley Wharf, Inverness Street Market, Buck Street Market and the Stables Market. With a diverse mix of stalls offering handcrafted accessories, resin jewellery, apparel, decorative items, vintage goods, souvenirs, novelty t-shirts, and several fast food options, Camden Market caters to a wide range of tastes.
Location: 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
Covent Garden Market
Established in 1845, Covent Garden Market is one of the oldest establishments in London. Popular for its premium luxury offerings in fashion, beauty, and accessories, the market features decorative items, baked goods, cut flowers, high-quality pet products, authentic spices from all over the world, fresh produce, and more. Covent Garden Market showcases some of the country’s leading beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands.
Location: 41 The Piazza, London
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (Monday to Thursday and Saturday); 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (Friday), 11:00 am to 4:00 pm (Sunday)
Blackheath Farmers Market
Held in an empty car park, the Blackheath Farmers Market offers visitors a chance to procure some of London’s freshest produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, and more. With over 30 stalls selling organic produce, olive oil, goat cheese, free-range eggs, sausages, honey, fresh-baked bread, pies, local wine, cut flower arrangements, crafts, and vintage items, this weekly market is a haven for food enthusiasts and craft lovers alike.
Location: Blackheath Station car park, London
Timings: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Sunday); closed on all other days
Bicester Village
Bicester Village, home to over 150 luxury boutiques offering lifestyle, fashion, homeware, and beauty products, is one of the most popular shopping locations near London. Located 1.5 hours away from the city centre in Oxfordshire, the shopping district is popular for offering great discounts on branded items including Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Versace, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent among others.
Location:50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (Monday to Saturday); 10:00 am to 7:00 pm (Sunday)
Vintage shopping in London
London offers plenty of vintage shopping experiences, from distressed duffel bags to Chanel dresses, Hermès scarves, pre-loved wedding gowns, leather boots and feather boas. Some of the best places to uncover vintage treasures include Rokit in Covent Garden, Beyond Vintage on Oxford Street, Retromania in Pimlico, Pennie’s Village in Clerkenwell, House of Vintage on Brick Lane, Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney, and The Vintage Showroom in Covent Garden.
Tips for shopping in London
- Explore local markets for unique souvenirs
- Visit shops on weekend mornings between 10:00 am to 12:00 pm to avoid crowds
- Bargain respectfully at street markets
- Enjoy in-store cafes and bars at large department stores
(Image credit: elenaburn/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What are the best areas for shopping in London?
Some of the best areas for shopping in London include Spitalfields Market, Oxford Street, Savile Row, Harrods, and Portobello Street.
-What makes shopping in London unique?
Most of London’s markets are situated in historic buildings and neighbourhoods, adding a cultural and historical dimension to the shopping experience.
-What types of items can I buy while shopping in London?
London markets offer a diverse range of items, including vintage clothing, luxury luggage, curated furniture, and vinyl records.
-Are there any famous department stores in London?
Harrods, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason are among the most famous department stores in London.
-When is the best time to go shopping in London?
The best times to go shopping in London are December to January for winter sales and June to August for the launch of new collections.
-What are some tips for shopping in London?
Visit the shops on weekday mornings to avoid crowds; keep valuables close to you at crowded flea markets; and combine sightseeing trips with shopping to save travel time.