All-Time Best
Harrods
Harrods
The world's most famous luxury department store, spanning over 1 million square feet across 330 departments. From high fashion and fine jewelry to the legendary Food Halls, Harrods offers an unparalleled shopping experience in its iconic Knightsbridge location.
Highlights
- 330 departments
- Famous Food Halls
- Egyptian escalator
Selfridges
Selfridges
A pioneering department store on Oxford Street known for its innovative window displays and curated designer collections. Selfridges combines luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware with a vibrant atmosphere and world-class customer service.
Highlights
- Iconic window displays
- Designer collaborations
- Wonder Room jewelry
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market
The world's largest antiques market stretches through charming Notting Hill. Saturday is the main antiques day, featuring Victorian jewelry, vintage fashion, rare books, and unique collectibles alongside colorful street food stalls.
Highlights
- World's largest antiques market
- Saturday is main trading day
- Over 1,000 dealers
Camden Market
Camden Market
London's most eclectic market complex attracts millions of visitors with its alternative fashion, handmade crafts, vintage finds, and diverse street food. Multiple interconnected markets create a labyrinth of unique discoveries.
Highlights
- 1,000+ unique shops
- Street food paradise
- Open daily
Liberty London
Liberty London
A historic Tudor-revival department store famous for its distinctive floral prints and curated selection of fashion, beauty, and homeware. The building itself, constructed from the timbers of two ships, is a London landmark.
Highlights
- Iconic Liberty prints
- Tudor building
- Curated designer edit
Covent Garden
Covent Garden
A vibrant shopping and entertainment district centered around the historic market building. Features a mix of high-street brands, independent boutiques, and specialty shops, plus street performers and the Apple Market for crafts.
Highlights
- Historic market building
- Street performers
- Apple Market crafts
Oxford Street
Oxford Street
Europe's busiest shopping street features over 300 shops spanning 1.5 miles. From flagship stores of major brands to department stores like John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, Oxford Street offers something for every budget.
Highlights
- 300+ shops
- Major brand flagships
- 1.5 miles of retail
Borough Market
Borough Market
London's oldest and most renowned food market, dating back to the 12th century. A paradise for food lovers featuring artisan producers, gourmet ingredients, and exceptional street food beneath Victorian railway arches.
Highlights
- 1,000+ years of history
- 100+ traders
- Award-winning producers
Brick Lane
Brick Lane
The heart of East London's creative scene, famous for its Sunday market, vintage shops, street art, and incredible curry houses. A melting pot of cultures offering everything from retro fashion to cutting-edge design.
Highlights
- Best on Sundays
- Vintage fashion paradise
- Vibrant street art
Westfield London
Westfield London
Europe's largest urban shopping center in Shepherd's Bush houses over 450 shops, from luxury brands in The Village to high-street favorites. A comprehensive modern shopping experience with dining and entertainment.
Highlights
- 450+ shops
- The Village luxury quarter
- Cinema and dining
Best of 2026
Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station
London's newest shopping destination opened in the iconic Grade II listed power station. Features over 100 shops, restaurants, and a rooftop with stunning views, blending industrial heritage with contemporary retail.
Highlights
- Iconic landmark transformation
- Lift 109 chimney experience
- 100+ shops and restaurants
Coal Drops Yard
Coal Drops Yard
A striking retail destination at King's Cross featuring contemporary fashion, design stores, and acclaimed restaurants in beautifully restored Victorian coal buildings with dramatic modern architecture.
Highlights
- Victorian architecture
- Design-focused brands
- Heatherwick Studio design
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street
The legendary street that defined 1960s fashion continues to evolve with independent boutiques, sustainable fashion brands, and unique concept stores, maintaining its reputation for trend-setting style.
Highlights
- Fashion heritage since 1960s
- Independent boutiques
- Sustainable brands
Winter Specials
Harrods Christmas World
Harrods Christmas World
Harrods transforms into a winter wonderland from October through January. The Christmas shop spans two floors featuring ornaments, decorations, and festive gifts from around the world.
Highlights
- Two floors of Christmas
- Exclusive ornaments
- Festive window displays
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
The UK's largest Christmas market features over 200 festive stalls selling gifts, crafts, and seasonal treats. Combined with rides, ice skating, and entertainment for a complete winter experience.
Highlights
- 200+ festive stalls
- Ice skating rink
- Free entry to market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
Southbank Centre Winter Market
A charming riverside Christmas market along the South Bank featuring wooden chalets selling artisan gifts, handmade crafts, and warming treats with views of the Thames.
Highlights
- Thames riverside location
- Artisan producers
- Festive atmosphere
Summer Specials
Brick Lane Sunday Market
Brick Lane Sunday Market
Sunday is the day for Brick Lane, when the street comes alive with vintage clothing, vinyl records, art, and multicultural street food. The perfect summer wander through East London's creative heart.
Highlights
- Best on Sundays
- Vintage fashion
- Street art backdrop
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road Flower Market
Every Sunday morning, this Victorian street transforms into London's most beautiful flower market. Arrive early for the best blooms, stay for brunch in the surrounding independent shops and cafes.
Highlights
- Sunday mornings only
- Best before 10am
- Independent cafes
Greenwich Market
Greenwich Market
A covered market perfect for summer browsing, featuring antiques, vintage, handmade crafts, and international street food. Located near the historic Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Covered market
- Near Maritime Greenwich
- Open Wed-Sun
January Sales
Harrods Winter Sale
Harrods Winter Sale
One of London's most anticipated shopping events, the Harrods Winter Sale offers substantial discounts across all departments including designer fashion, homeware, and the Food Halls.
Highlights
- Up to 50% off
- Designer discounts
- Boxing Day start
Selfridges Sale
Selfridges Sale
The Selfridges sale is legendary among bargain hunters, with significant reductions on designer fashion, accessories, and beauty. Early birds get the best selection.
Highlights
- Major designer discounts
- Beauty deals
- Boxing Day queues
Frequently Asked Questions
London's top shopping areas include Oxford Street for high-street brands, Bond Street and Knightsbridge for luxury, Covent Garden for a mix of boutiques and entertainment, Notting Hill for antiques at Portobello Road, Camden for alternative fashion, and the East End (Shoreditch, Brick Lane) for vintage and independent designers.
Most London shops open from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, with shorter Sunday hours typically 11am or 12pm to 6pm. Markets have varying hours: Borough Market is best Wednesday to Saturday, Portobello Road peaks on Saturday, and Columbia Road and Brick Lane are Sunday only. Department stores often have extended hours, especially during sales.
Since Brexit, the VAT Retail Export Scheme has been withdrawn, meaning tourists can no longer claim tax refunds on purchases in the UK. However, some luxury retailers offer alternative schemes or can arrange for goods to be shipped directly to your home country, potentially avoiding VAT.
The biggest sales are the Boxing Day/January sales (late December through January) and Summer sales (July). Many stores also participate in Black Friday (late November). For the best selection during major sales, arrive early as popular items sell out quickly. Mid-season sales in April and October offer smaller discounts.
London specialties include Liberty print fabrics and accessories, Fortnum & Mason hampers and tea, Harrods souvenirs, British heritage brands like Burberry and Mulberry, vintage finds from Portobello Road, rare vinyl from Soho record shops, and artisan British products from Borough Market. British chocolate, tea, and biscuits also make excellent gifts.