Shopping in London
Discover 179 markets, shops, and shopping spots in London, United Kingdom. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Richmond's high street
Contains a few boutique clothing stores and all the standard high street chains, such as Habitat, Marks & Spencer's, WH Smith, Boots, Robert Dyas, etc. For more boutique clothes shops, such as Matches, and small art galleries and antiques shops, follow the road up the hill called Hill St, which turns into Hill Rise. The alleys off George Street are lined with mostly privately owned boutiques. Two of these are purveyors of fine chocolates: one is '''The House of Chocolate''' located on the corner of Brewers Lane, a long-standing family-run business; the other, a stone's throw to the west on Paved Court, is '''William Curley''', a chocolatier whose award-winning fare, together with pastries and hot drinks, can be consumed on the premises. Another independent shop is '''Gelateria Danieli''', selling gelato ice cream, located on Brewers Lane, which ''Time Out'' has listed as one of the best ice cream parlours in London.
George St -
King's Road
One of London's smartest fashion streets, having evolved from the cutting-edge of bohemia and innovative fashion in the 60s to a more genteel place to indulge in retail therapy, albeit with a notable presence of trendy young Londoners (including many so called Sloane Rangers). It is a very attractive street that retains the atmosphere of a small town whilst being in the heart of a huge city. There is a huge range of fashion stores from upmarket chains to one-off boutiques, as well as variety of other shops, complimented by cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. There is an obvious affluence to the road without any bling or snobbiness. King's Road stretches south-west from here for miles, though the best of the shopping is in the first mile.
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Brixton Markets
Brixton Market consists of several different parts. The main section is Electric Avenue, selling mainly fruit, vegetables and meat, which also has a very good Chinese supermarket. On Pope's Road you will find clothes and bric-a-brac. You will find more indoor markets around the area such as: Brixton Village (between Pope's Road and Coldharbour Lane), Reliance Arcade (between Brixton Road and Electric Lane) and Granville Arcade (running between Electric Lane and Atlantic Road). These sell everything from wigs, clothes, pets, exotic foods and coffee.
M Tu, Th-Sa 08:00-18:00, W 08:00-17:00 -
Neal's Yard Dairy
A fabulous cheese shop specialising in British cheeses. The smell as you walk up the street can be enticing or repulsive, depending on your preference for fragrant cheese. But regardless, a trip to this shop is well worthwhile. Whether they are busy or not, the staff are always keen to have you taste a few cheeses to ensure you find what you are looking for. Everyone here is passionate about their cheese, and while the prices are higher than you will pay pretty much anywhere else in the world for cheese, the quality and taste are second to none.
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Monmouth Coffee
Arguably the best coffee in London. Primarily a venue for quality coffee roasters, the shop on Monmouth street has a ''tasting room'', i.e. a café, where you can marvel at the fact that not everywhere in London sells poor chain-café coffee. A selection of goodies such as croissants, pastries, and brownies are also available. As you would expect of a roasters you can also purchase excellent coffee in bean form or ground, with various blends to suit your taste. Helpful and knowledgeable staff can help you make a selection.
Monmouth St -
1 Canada Square Shopping Mall
American style air conditioned shopping centre. All the usual High Street shops, plus a John Lewis department store and a Waitrose food store which has the most stunning range of produce.Pleasant upmarket shopping centre, made up of three arcades: Canada, Cabot and Jubilee Place. The three arcades encircle Jubilee Park and the tube station, and house over 200 shops, bars, restaurants and cafes that are open seven days a week. A relaxed shopping environment, especially good for clothes.
1 Canada Sq -
Gabriel's Wharf
An eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, the design shops at Gabriel's Wharf are exclusively run by small businesses who design and manufacture their own products, the majority of work available will have been made by the person selling it to you. If you can't find exactly what you are looking for it is possible to commission many of the designers directly. Shops to look out for include Bicha, Game of Graces and Anne Kyyro Quinn.
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Clapham Junction
Good selection of shops including high street chains, supermarkets and department stores, complimented by bars, cafes and restaurants. Nearby '''Northcote Road''' has many independent shops and a Saturday market for organic food, an indoor antiques market[http://www.northcoteroadantiques.co.uk], arts and crafts, etc and was voted London's second favourite shopping street. [http://www.welovenorthcoteroad.com/page.asp?pageid=28]
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Deptford Market
The old working-class area of Deptford still has a lively street market from 07:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This is a real street market and it is neither trendy or touristy! Likewise, '''East Street Market''' in Walworth, which has a real mix of African-Caribbean food stalls and antiques and oddities dealers. The birthplace of Charlie Chaplin is here, with several landmarks named after him.
Deptford High St, SE8 4AG -
The Stables Market
This is the largest of Camden's market areas, featuring hundreds of stalls selling everything from African art to beds to fetish clothing to antiques. This is probably the best place in London for interesting clothes, including vintage, goth, cyber and general club-wear. Do not miss The Black Rose and Cyberdog, two institutions in the alternative scene in London. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Some shops open all week, but most stalls only Sa Su 09:00-18:00 -
Borough Market
One of London's favourite wholesale working food markets, on Fridays and Saturdays offering a general retail market with specialties sold directly from the producers, organic products, delicatessen, cheese, wines, fish and imported continental fare. Around the market are other excellent food shops, for a total food experience! Pick up some food and enjoy it under Southwark Cathedral.
F noon-18:00, Sa 08:00-17:00 Website -
Stanfords
This is the flagship store of the world's largest map retailer. They have been selling maps and travel guidebooks of all descriptions from this location since 1901. With three floors of regional maps, walking maps, guidebooks, travel books, a digital mapping service and more this is a huge store that is interesting even if you do not intend to buy anything.
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One New Change
The City's only modern shopping centre, which opened in October 2010. Includes around 60 shops and restaurants. It is situated right by St Paul's Cathedral and is in a small area of retailing, including Cheapside and the cobbled, old-fashioned Bow Lane. Both the freely accessible roof terrace, and the lifts to get there, offer excellent views of St Paul's.
7 days a week Website -
Kingston Marketplace
The marketplace was historically at the heart of Kingston's prosperity, benefiting from a Royal Charter forbidding any other markets within seven miles. Today it mostly sells fruit and vegetables, although there are some other stalls. There are also occasional visiting markets from France and Germany that sell regional produce and takeaway food and drink.
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Ridley Road Market
Mix of traditional East-end fruit and veg alongside Afro-Caribbean delicacies, imported films, clothes and household items. Little of interest for the tourist to buy, but a great experience. Watch your pockets in the crowded pavements behind the stalls. There are also market stalls on the side streets surrounding Dalston Kingsland station.
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Camden Passage Antiques Centre
One of London's leading antique and collectible centres for the past 40 years. The complex is home to dealers in a wide variety of fields and is a must for any visitor to London interested in antiques. Controversially, the main arcade has now become another branch of Jack Wills, but many dealers remain in the area.
Camden Passage, N1 8ED Website -
Nubian Natural Retail Store & Therapy Centre
A stylish boutique store selling natural body care, unusual jewellery, books and natural supplements. Offers a great service in a classy environment. Body care range has reputation for being effective and good value for money. Recently opened a therapy centre offering beauty treatments and massage therapies.
1&3 Vining St M-Sa 11:00-18:30 -
Bentall centre
Biggest shopping mall. Four-storey mall, which is anchored by a multi-level department store, Bentalls, which sells high-end fashion, home ware and specialty food products. John Lewis is the other main department store in town and is noted for quality. It has a branch of Waitrose supermarket in the basement.
Clarence St Website -
Ben's Cookies
Very nice cookies - try their white chocolate with macadamia cookies. Price is about £1 per cookie, and the cookies here are almost twice as big as those at Millie's. They also have branches at 12 Kensington Arcade, Kensington High St; at 39 Leadenhall Market; and at 9 Pelham St, South Kensington.
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The Buck Street Market
Best avoided, but note that this is the first market you see turning right out of the tube station and it has a big sign declaring it "The Camden Market". Sells only the typical funny t-shirts, knock-off designer boots, keyrings etc. that you can find in practically every city in the world.
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Hay's Galleria
A beautiful converted wharf on the Jubilee Walk which, since 1987, has been home to cafés, shops and traditional barrows. Originally a warehouse and associated wharf (Hay's Wharf) for the port of London, it was redeveloped as a visitor attraction in the 1950s and has lots of boutique shops.
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Foyles
London's best known bookshop is a mazy warren containing a seemingly impossible number of books! It is not always easy to find your way around and although greatly improved since the renovation in 1999, the service is notably surly. Nonetheless, this place is a must for all book lovers.
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M&M's World
The largest sweet shop in the world. Unlike the New York City store you can only buy the "regular" M&M flavours here, albeit in a wider variety of colours than you would usually find. There is also a wide array of other merchandise available such as homeware and clothing.
1 Swiss Ct, WC2H 7DG Website -
Berwick Street Market
An absolute gem and a relic of Soho's past. This is an old fashioned London fruit and vegetable market complete with shouting ''Barrow Boys'' and a whole array of colourful characters. There has been a market at this site since the early 1800s. Best early in the mornings.
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Purley Way
A retail-heavy road including large stores such as one of the four IKEA's in London, a B&Q warehouse, TK Maxx, Vue, Megabowl, Mothercare, Argos Extra, Sainsbury's and more. Retail parks include Valley Park, Purley Way Retail Park and Croydon Collonades, Waddon Goods Park.
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The Tintin Shop
The place to go in Britain for fans of the Belgian reporter. Sells non-fiction books, clothes, posters, figurines and memorabilia, as well as each of Hergé's 24 ''Adventures of Tintin'' comicbooks in English, the original French and any other language you can think of.
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Spitalfields Market
Once a large thriving market, it has slowly been shrunk to a third of its size by development in the area. It features a good variety of clothing, crafts and food stalls/shops. Rather promisingly sellers have set up another market in a new space off Hanbury St nearby.
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London Fields Brewery
Every Saturday, London Fields Brewery run brewery tours. Come down and have a guided tour of the brewery and learn how they are making their superbly tasty beers. Also included in the price are tastings of the beers in the BrewHouse, the brewery's very own pop-up bar.
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Inverness Street Market
This is a small market selling a range of common goods such as fruit and vegetables, cheap clothes and other bits and bobs. The Inverness Street Market is the smallest market in Camden, but it's the original local market in Camden predating the others by decades.
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The Old Curiosity Shop
The original shop immortalised in the Charles Dickens' novel by the same name. Nestled amongst the campus of LSE, it is worth a visit just for the old Tudor design itself. As the name suggests, it sells some oddities and knick-knacks, but mostly shoes these days.
13–14 Portsmouth St, WC2A 2ES M–Sa 10:30–19:00 -
The Exchange Shopping Centre
Was one of the largest American style malls when it was constructed in the early 1990s. Although now it has an extensive array of shops now it can only really be considered a bog standard shopping centre. The town centre itself has most high street chain shops.
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Viktor Wynd's Little Shop of Horrors
A macabre museum and gallery as well as a shop, modelled on a 17th century cabinets of curiosities. The place to go if you've ever wanted to buy a taxidermy, skeletons, skulls (human or otherwise) or similarly eccentric oddities. Museum entry is £1–2.
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Bermondsey Antiques Market
A very famous long-standing market which attracts dealers from all over southern England every Friday morning. Antiques and collectibles from almost every imaginable genre. Used to be infamous for fencing stolen goods but that is no longer the case.
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The Duke of York Square Shopping Complex
Has a range of spacious branches of popular fashion chains, but lacks some of the road's character, however the small adjoining public space of Duke of York square is a welcome place for a rest between shopping, and a popular place to hang out.
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Magma Books
A fine bookshop specialising in the graphic arts, as well as toys, for not-quite-grown-up boys. A good place to pick up foreign design titles, or simply waste an hour browsing through lots of pretty books. A valuable stop for graphic junkies.
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Whitgift Shopping Centre
Main shopping centre, situated on 3 floors and used to be biggest shopping centre in Europe. Shops include Marks & Spencer, Boots, WHSmith, Sainsbury's Central, Mothercare and Books Etc. Various restaurants and cafes throughout the centre.
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Royal Exchange
Situated opposite the Bank of England, the Exchange houses a number of upmarket outlets. Part of the exterior was recently featured in the film ''Bridget Jones' Diary'' (at the end, when Bridget runs after Mark along a snowy street).
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Centre Court Shopping
Shopping mall with two floors of shops. Includes shops such as Body Shop, Boots, Debenhams, Gap, H&M, Kew, La Senza, Monsoon, River Island, Sony and Warehouse. There are food outlets on the third floor and a cafe on the ground floor.
M-W F 9.30AM-7PM Sa 9AM-6PM, Th 9.30AM-8PM, Su 11AM-5PM Website -
Centrale Shopping Centre
Shopping centre opened in 2004, situated on 4 floors. Shops include House of Fraser, Debenhams, Next, Zara, H&M, French Connection and Aldo. The Food Gallery is on the top floor of centre and includes a wide variety of restaurants.
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Arthur Beale
A quite unusual shop for the centre of London. A marine supply store which sells numerous items related to yachting: from clothing to sailing hardware and accessories. The shop has been at its current location for over 120 years.
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Supermarkets
Include, in Croydon, Sainsbury's (Whitgift Centre), Tesco's (on Brighton Road 5 mins walk from town cntr), Lidl (West Croydon), Marks & Spencer (Whitgift Centre), Waitrose (East Croydon), Tesco's (Purley), John Lewis (Purley Way)
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Camden Lock Village
The three-story market that stood here burned down in 2008. It has reopened since, but the area just contains a number of small stalls. The owners are currently trying to get planning permission for re-development.
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Pizza Hut
Offers both takeaway and a few sit-down restaurants. [https://www.pizzahut.co.uk/restaurants/find-a-hut/?lat=51.5073509&lng=-0.127758299999982&loc=london Has seven sit-down restaurants in the central London area].
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Ümit & Son Store
DVD, VHS, Videodiscs, 8mm film reels and more are all sold here. Projectors and equipment for some of the less standard formats are available for hire and the shop also offers a video-to-digital transfer service.
35 Lower Clapton Rd, E5 0NS M–Sa 10:00–19:00 -
Grays Antique Markets
A remarkably diverse collection of antique and collectibles dealers all under one roof adjoining Bond St station. Certainly the best option in central London for visitors interested in collectibles in particular.
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Keith Fawkes Books
A rare and antiquarian bookshop with a special focus on the great literary characters who lived in Hampstead. Also carries a huge stock of more run-of-the-mill secondhand titles. An absolute must for booklovers.
1–3 Flask Walk, NW3 1HJ M-F 10:00-17:30, Su noon-18:00 -
Leather Lane Market
Not much leather sold here these days but worth a visit for some great cheap finds. Clothing, electrical goods, toiletries and food. Combines well with a visit to Hatton Garden which is in the next street east.
Leather Ln, EC1N M–F 10:00–15:00 -
North End Road Market
A London street market that's high on character and low on tourists, this has been running since the 1880s. A good place for fresh and affordable fruit and vegetables, household goods, and other items.
Running the length of North End Rd, between Lille Rd and Fulham Rd M–Sa 08:00–18:00 -
Harrods
The most famous store in London, favoured by the British establishment and owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed. Fairly strict dress code so do not turn up looking like a backpacker and expect to gain entrance.
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Smithfield Market
Smithfield Market is London's largest wholesale meat market and hence a great source of fresh meat from Britain and around the world. Additionally, there are many good restaurants in the vicinity.
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The Great Frog
Rock and heavy metal jewellery specialist. Been in business here for more than 40 years. The iconic skull ring worn by so many famous rockers was originally designed and produced by Great Frog.
10 Ganton St, W1F 7QR Website -
The Kennington Bookshop
They describe themselves as offering "an individual, thoughtful and eclectic selection of books, imaginatively displayed in calm, lovely surroundings." which is quite an accurate description.
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The Mall Wood Green
It features many high street chains and independent shops, as well as a covered market with a large food section including butchers, fishmongers, fruit and vegetables and international food.
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Subway
Offers hot and cold sandwiches for takeaway and limited sit-down eating. Store locator on website is a bit iffy but there are multiple central London locations including one at Tower Hill.
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McDonald's
Perhaps the most famous and recognised burger chain in the world. Serves a consistent menu at consistent prices. Locations pretty much everywhere. Some restaurants are open 24 hours a day.
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Cad & the Dandy
Remarkable bespoke & made to measure suit tailors for men. Fine English fabrics, affordable. Also offer men's wedding suit tailoring. Design your suit using their online designing tool.
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Petticoat Lane Market
Traditionally the East End market where nearly anything could be found (legal or not) now mostly cheaper mainstream clothes. Main market Sunday, smaller market Mon-Fri in Wentworth St.
Middlesex St -
Fulham Broadway
Small shopping centre built around the tube station of the same name. Includes a supermarket, some restaurants and cafés along with its other shops, as well as a cinema and pub.
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The square in Ealing Broadway
Often eventful, with beautiful decorations at Christmas time and musicians performing in the Summer. Christmas and Easter markets also take place in the shopping centre square.
Ealing -
Portobello Road Market
During the week this is the place to go to buy your fruit and veg but on Fridays and Saturdays there are hundreds of stalls selling clothes, antiques, jewellery and lots more.
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The Fish Peddlar
Southfields' fishmonger. Stock can be a bit sparse early in the week, but from Thursday onwards there is usually a decent amount on offer. Orders can be placed in advance.
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Hatton Garden
This street is the centre of London's jewellery trade and especially famous for diamonds. A lot of dealers and designers to chose from, both contemporary and traditional.
Hatton Gdn, EC1N Website -
Gourmet Burger Kitchen
This chain is more expensive and with less focus on takeaway. Multiple central London locations. They can also be found in both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford.
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Burger King
Another famous burger chain with a similar ethos to McDonalds but fewer locations. The most central one is located in Leicester Square while others are more scattered.
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Hampstead Antiques Emporium
More than 30 antique dealers permanently occupy this small arcade and adjacent courtyard. Several genres represented including furniture, paintings, toys and textiles.
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Stromboli's Circus
Electric range of vintage clothing, furniture and other homewares. Some quite wonderful stock and a must for those in search of both retro chic and the truly kitsch.
1.5 Kingly Ct, Carnaby St, W1B 5PW Website -
Pizza Express
Very popular sit-down restaurants offering more "gourmet" pizzas (but not ''too'' gourmet) in multiple central London locations. They are family friendly as well.
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Liberty
The flagship, original store of the world famous British brand. Lovely old building and great fun to browse in Liberty even if you are not going to buy something!
Great Marlborough St, W1B 5AH Website -
Brick Lane
The Whitechapel end of Brick Lane is filled with South Asian (mainly Bangladeshi) shops and restaurants, selling music, spices, tasty sweets and sari material.
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Zizzi
Sit-down restaurants that serve Italian food. Not many restaurants in central London but there are lots scattered across the city including one at Tower Hill.
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Official Doc Martens Boot Co.
Selling Doc Martens since the 60s. The proprietor is always happy to talk and has some fun tales about the strange requests he has had from famous people.
Kentish Town Rd -
Nickelodeon Store
The first flagship store in Europe for the Nickelodeon brand. Sells a variety of merchandise with the character Spongebob Squarepants being prominent.
1 Leicester Square, WC2H 7NA Website -
Five Guys
A recent arrival from the United States. Has multiple London locations but only a few in central London. You have to phone ahead to order takeaway.
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Leadenhall Market
Worth visiting for its architecture and old-fashioned cobbled streets. It was used as a location in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
M-F 10AM-6PM Website -
Hamley's
Unleash your inner child, and your children at Hamleys, the largest toy store in England. With over seven floors, you could spend hours here.
188-196 Regent St, W1B 5BT Website -
Get Stuffed
Taxidermy shop offering a stock of stuffed animals and bones, for an unusal purchase, as well as service for preparing your own specimens.
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Roman Road Market
A mix of traditional goods, from high street brands to fish, Roman has it all. Market runs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday till 4 O'clock.
Roman Rd, Bow -
Lamborghini London
If you fancy a new car and have a lot of spare change, it might be worth a look. Poorer people are allowed to look at the shiny cars too.
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Southbank Book Market
Daily second-hand book sale near the bank of the Thames. A nice place to just browse for books (classic and modern), maps and prints.
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The Lock Market
Many stores mainly focused around music and clothing. This is the market most people mean when they talk about the "Camden Market".
Sa Su 09:00-18:00 -
Shepherds Bush Market
An astonishing array of goods with Afro-Caribbean, Middle Eastern and Indian cultural influences vying for the shopper's attention.
Between Uxbridge Rd and Goldhawk Rd -
Travel Bookstore
Great place to browse. Its other point of interest is that it was the inspiration for Hugh Grant's store in the movie Notting Hill.
13-15 Blenheim Cres Website -
Walthamstow High Street market
All manner of items may be purchased here, an example of the amazing bargains to be found is a carrier bag full of bananas for £1.
early-approximately 5:30PM -
Hampstead Community Centre
On Saturdays, turns into a mini-market selling a variety of things, including a second hand book stall with a fantastic selection.
78 Hampstead High St, NW3 1RE Sa 09:00-18:00 -
Sloane Street
Lined with high-end designer label stores, such as Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, and many more.
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The Hummingbird Bakery
A nice little bakery with wonderful cupcakes. Try their red velvet cupcake that is incredibly popular with the locals.
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Judd Books
Large stock of used, remaindered and academic books especially in the fields of architecture, history and philosophy.
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Fortnum and Mason
World famous as grocers to the British Royal Family, Fortnum's original store has been here in Piccadilly since 1707.
181 Piccadilly, W1A 1ER Website -
Skoob
Wide selection of secondhand academic books, philosophy, modern literature and classics. Very popular with students.
66 The Brunswick, WC1N 1AE Website -
Ben Sherman
The flagship retail outlet of this iconic British fashion brand. Men's and women's clothing, accessories and shoes.
50 Carnaby St, W1F 9QA Website -
Tooting and Broadway Markets
Provide a varied and interesting selection, including fruit and vegetables, clothes, furniture and household items.
Tooting High St, SW17 0RJ -
Tatty Devine
Little shop specialising in accessories for men and women, such as volume level brooches and newspaper print ties.
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H.R. Owen Ferrari London
If the expensive clothes and products in other shops don't appeal, expensive cars are also available in this area.
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Vinyl Junkies
Cutting edge dance music including house, tech and old rare soul. A favourite with many famous DJs and producers.
94 Berwick St, W1F 0QF Website -
Hippy Heaven
Sells nice trinkets, jewelry, incense, and stones. There is also a tattoo/piercing shop, with skilled artists.
Ealing -
Giraffe
Family friendly sit-down restaurants. Offers a variety of food including brunch, burgers, burritos, and ribs.
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Amsterdam of London
Probably the finest purveyor of curious things in London. They also sell weed and hash smoking paraphernalia.
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Rokit
A proud up shoot that took its roots from Camden market and now has four high street stores across London.
High St Website -
St. George's and St. Ann's
Two shopping centres housing a range of high street stores, including Topshop, Primark, TK Maxx, Monsoon.
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Gay's the Word
The leading gay-related bookshop in Britain. Been around since 1979. Fiction and a large academic stock.
66 Marchmont St, WC1N 1AB Website -
Greenwich auction house
One of the largest auction houses in London, deals mainly with furniture and a bit of arts and crafts.
47 Old Woolwich Rd Website -
Daunt Books
A wonderful, old-style independent book shop which has a second branch up the hill at 51 South End Rd.
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Whole Foods Market
The Kensington branch of this American chain of natural food supermarkets is the largest in the world.
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Whitechapel Market
A small street market selling food and spices, clothing, jewellery, carpets and the odd dodgy stereo.
M-Sa 08:00-18:00 Website -
Westfield Shopping Centre
The largest urban shopping mall in Europe. Vast array of stores, restaurants and a 14 screen cinema.
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David Drummond at Pleasures of Past Times
Specialises in books and other memorabilia related to the performing arts and old children's books.
11 Cecil Ct WC2N 4EZ -
Stamford Hill
The centre of the Hassidic Jewish community and has many kosher bakeries, delis and supermarkets.
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Aspreys
One of the most famous luxury jewellers anywhere in the world. At least have a look in the window
167 New Bond St, W1S 4AY Website -
Whiteleys
Large shopping plaza with many of the usual suspect British high street brands plus a UCI cinema.
Queensway W2 Website -
Surrey Street Market
Market which has a Royal Charter dating back to 1276 linking it to the Archbishop of Canterbury.
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Greenwich Antiques Market
The name is a bit deceptive but it does have plenty of old books, music, clothes and jewellery.
Greenwich High Rd -
Any Amount of Books
Rare and second-hand books. Specialist in scholarly academic works and art-related titles.
56 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0QA Website -
Open Book
Independent bookshop. Rather cramped, but stacked with a very good selection of new books.
King St -
Sainsbury's Local
Small, local branch of the supermarket. In a pedestrian square near St. Paul's Cathedral.
10 Paternoster Square, EC4M 7DX -
Domino's
A popular takeaway only pizza chain. Multiple locations with fairly big delivery areas.
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Flying Duck
Loads of kitsch goodie and retro furnishings to inject a bit of glamour into your life.
Creek Road -
Greenwich Arts and Crafts Market
An indoor market also selling good food, and containing many interesting little shops.
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The Pavilions
Home to many high street names including Marks & Spencers and Argos to name but a few.
Uxbridge Website -
Wahaca
Sit-down restaurants offering Mexican market food. Multiple central London locations.
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The Brunswick Centre
Shopping centre. A large Waitrose supermarket and some other shops are located there.
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High Road
Mile-long shopping street containing many high street chains and independent shops.
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Selbourne Walk
Walthamstow's shopping mall, with the usual selection of shopping mall type shops.
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Brick Lane Market
Selling second hand clothes, bric-a-brac, books, household goods and electronics.
Su 08:00-14:00 -
Cardinal Place
High street shops like Marks & Spencer and a selection of chain restaurants.
Victoria St Website -
The Australia Shop
Provides antipodean visitors with a taste of home, albeit at London prices.
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The New Zealand Shop
Provides antipodean visitors with a taste of home, albeit at London prices.
27 Maiden Ln M-F 10:30-18:30, Sa 11:00-18:30, Su 11:00-17:30 -
Paul J Hilton
Antiquarian and general books, especially first edition English literature.
12 Cecil Ct, WC2N 4HE -
The Central Market
The largest part of the market that sells home ware, furniture and books.
Stockwell St -
Quinto Bookshop & Francis Edwards
Huge collection. Francis Edwards have been in business here since 1856.
72 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0BB Website -
Farmer's Market
A regular farmer's market selling fresh organic produce every Saturday
Parliament Hill Fields Sa 10AM-2PM -
Revival Records
Mostly old rock vinyl but just about any genre could jump out at you.
30 Berwick St, W1F 8RH Website -
Peter Layton and Associates
A gallery, studio and shop which showcases contemporary glass pieces.
7 The Leathermarket, Weston St, SE1 Website -
Broadway Market
Visit on a Saturday. Has a variety of gastropubs and trendy clothes!
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Map
Trendy gift shop with cool products. Much too nice to be in Archway!
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Harvey Nichols
Large department store full of designer goods and an excellent cafe.
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Social Suicide
Beautifully tailored men's jackets with a real funky design flair.
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Thomas Neal's
A nice shopping plaza with clothes shops, design shops and cafes.
29-41 Earlham St -
Burberry
Visit the flagship store on Bond St and look at the famous check.
21-23 New Bond St, W1S 2RE Website -
Kew Retail Park
Marks and Spencer, Boots, Next, Costa Coffee, TK Maxx, Mothercare
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Maplin
For IT kit (chargers, leads, batteries, media) but not phones.
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Putney High Street
Shopping, also international and British dining experience.
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Retromania
Charity shop specialising in vintage and retro clothing.
6 Upper Tachbrook St, SW1V 1SH Website -
Persephone Books
Specialises in 20th century fiction by women writers.
59 Lamb's Conduit St, WC1N 3NB Website -
West Green Road shops
Specialist Caribbean and African food, open til late.
West Green Rd, Seven Sisters -
Glades shopping mall
The bulk of the better-known stores are in this area.
-
Exmouth Market
Trendy independent shops on a pedestrianised street.
-
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
Secondhand, antiquarian and all out-of print books.
58-60 Charing Cross Rd, WC2H 0BB Website -
The Chimes Mall
Among the top 100 shopping destinations in the UK.
Uxbridge -
Roberto Revilla
Bespoke tailoring services and luxury accessories.
Roberto Revilla London, Tailors Workroom, Basement Shropshire House, 179 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NZ Website -
Photo Books International
Specialists in new and used photographic books
-
Westbourne Grove
Smart boutiques, food shops and outdoor cafes.
-
Stoke Newington Church St
Many small bookshops and antique stores.
-
Clone Zone
The world's largest gay retail company.
64 Old Compton St, W1D 4UQ -
Tesco Express
Small, local branch of the supermarket
131 Aldersgate St, EC1A 4JQ -
The Kingsland Shopping Centre
The main shopping mall in the borough.
-
Olivers Wholefoods Store
Health foods and alternative therapies
5 Station Approach, Kew -
Waitrose
Slightly more upmarket supermarket.
Cherry Tree Walk Centre, Whitecross St, EC1Y 8NX -
ABC Music
musical instruments and sheet music
9 Royal Parade, Station Approach, Kew M-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM -
The Flea Market
Selling what you would expect.
Thames St -
New Shepherd's Bush Market
Privately owned street market.
-
Waterstone's
Branch of a big chain store.
-
North End
The shopping road in Croydon
-
The Mall
Does not get many shoppers.
-
Fife Road
Several clothing boutiques.
-
Ocean Leisure
Watersports-related items.
-
Marchmont Books
Antiquarian bookshop
39 Burton St, WC1H 9AL -
Kew Bookshop
Independent bookshop
1-2 Station Approach, Kew TW9 3PZ M-Sa 10AM-6PM; Su 11AM–5PM -
Farmers' Market
For local produce.
Heron Square Sa 11AM-3PM -
House of Fraser
Department store.
-
The Shoe Station
Children's shoes
12 Station Parade, Kew -
Martin's
Newsagents
10 Station Parade, Kew
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for London: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in London is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, London's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 179 shopping spots in London sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in London
London's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in London often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in London sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in London
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at London's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in London prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in London close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in London, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in London.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in London light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in London
The most meaningful souvenirs from London are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in London
Like most cities, London's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring London
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in London — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in London
Where to shop in London?
London has 179 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in London.
What souvenirs to buy in London?
The best souvenirs from London are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in London?
Yes, London has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in London?
London has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in London?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in London. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in London as a solo traveler?
Shopping in London is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in London.
Explore London with fellow travelers
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