Guide to shopping in London

When you think about shopping in central London your mind probably jumps to Oxford Street and Regent Street. This famous shopping area is best-known for big chains, luxury brands, and those mysterious American candy shops. If you want to avoid all that and find the coolest independent stores there's still plenty to check out around here - our shopping guide will help you discover them.

A top shopping destination for foodies in London is Borough Market. From olive oil to fruit and veg or meats and cheeses, every ingredient you could possibly need for delicious home cooking is available to buy. If you’re hungry after all that shopping, the market has numerous restaurants and streetfood vendors.

Trunk specialises in contemporary menswear that puts a new twist on classic styles. A curated collection of fashion, footwear, accessories, and lifestyle products are available here, with items sourced from established and emerging brands from around the world. Trunk also designs its own range of wardrobe staples.

The Hamleys store in Regent Street is the oldest toy shop in the world, offering seven floors of fun for big and small kids. London also has three smaller stores. The main store packs in even more fun with events like in-store parades, a cake shop, and a sweet shop.

A familiar sight on the South Bank, the South Bank Book Market attracts both locals and visitors in their droves. This is a great spot to find surprising books on a broad range of subjects. You'll see stacks of books laid out flat on tables - get rummaging to find a hidden gem!

Close to the Royal Academy is Burlington Arcade, a luxurious shopping arcade where you can find high-end products including jewellery, antiques, footwear, and fashion. Admire the window displays or sit down for a traditional shoe shine whilst you soak up the refined atmosphere. This is the place for sophisticated shopping.

Distinctive department store Fortnum & Mason is passionate about British food. Starting life in the 18th century, the store is particularly well-known for its afternoon tea and luxury picnic hampers. You'll find lots of upscale foodie treats here, as well as home departments with products like tableware, stationery, and pet accessories.

Globally-recognised Harrods is an icon for high-end shopping in London. This vast department store sells a wide range of products including fashion and jewellery, technology, and homeware. You’ll also discover a number of restaurants and eateries, and a luxury food hall. Beauty treatments are available on-site too.

Housed in a distinctive tudor-revival building, Liberty London is a design-led department store that's particularly well-known for its original textile design. In the store you'll find departments for fashion, fabrics, homeware, jewellery, and beauty. A variety of in-store services are also offered, including floristry, personal shopping, and beauty treatments.

If you deserve nothing but luxury then Harvey Nichols is the place to shop. This upscale department store in Kinghtsbridge stocks luxury and designer brands across a range of departments. The shop is set across six floors and features inspiring displays of high-end goods. A range of extra services and facilities are also available in-store.

When you want a stylish hat to complement any outfit, head to Lock & Co, the oldest hat shop in the world. Classic and contemporary designs for men and women are available, whether you're looking for something traditional for a special occasion or a cool beanie or bucket hat for casual dressing.

Based in an eye-catching Grade II listed building, The Brunswick Centre is a shopping mall near Russell Square station. Stores are housed around elegant courtyards, with several floors of shopping and dining to explore. The centre is also home to a cinema and an art gallery. A variety of special events take place here throughout the year.

If you're passionate about antiques you can't miss a visit to Grays Antiques. This atmospheric shopping centre houses a diverse range of antiques dealers specialising in items like watches, fine jewellery, gemstones, and antiques. Whether you're hunting for something special or are just browsing, this is a top destination for antiques fans.

Shop for unique womenswear in a vibrant space at Koibird. This store makes shopping an adventure, with each seasonal collection centred on a specific theme from exercise to the Eastern Bloc. The store gets a makeover each season too to create an immersive experience. The boutique carries pieces from an ever-evolving collection of brands.

If you love Japanese cuisine and culture then make sure you visit Japan Centre. The main superstore sells Japanese food and alcohol, plus homewares, magazines, and beauty products. There's also an expansive food hall. Plus, Japan Centre has two smaller stores where you can buy Japanese ingredients for cooking at home.

Tricker's is the oldest shoemaker in England, handcrafting quality footwear in Northampton since 1829. The store in Jermyn Street remains a destination for high-end shoes for men and women. The country-style shoes and boots sold here are wardrobe investments, offering both high standards of workmanship and a unique character.

If you're looking for art supplies in London head to London Graphic Centre. The philosophy here is about encouraging creativity, making it a favourite with local artists and art lovers. You'll find materials ranging from craft paper to oil paint. You can also seek advice from the friendly and knowledgeable team here.

Floris has been selling artisanal fragrances in London since 1730. The atmospheric shop is full of mahogany and aromatic scents. The experienced perfume experts here can guide you through the options and help you find your new signature fragrance. There's also a museum space where you can learn about the brand's history.

Selfridges was voted the best department store in the world so it's a top London destination for those who love to shop. There are numerous departments here including beauty, fashion, shoes, gifts, and tech. You can also find multiple restaurants and bars, plus various other in-store services at Selfridges.

For fans of sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and graphic novels, Forbidden Planet is a must-visit in London. This vast superstore is the place to indulge your inner geek, with a huge range of products including clothing, toys and games, graphic novels, books, and gifts. Events like signings and meet-and-greets also take place here.

Hedonism Wines has a real buzz around it - this award-winning wine merchants stocks more than 10,00 types of wine and spirits! The environment is stylish, staff are knowledgeable, and there's a huge choice of wine from around the world. From ever-popular varieties to more challenging bottles, there's lots to try.

Camden Town has long been a popular area for shopping in North London, attracting hordes of tourists and locals alike. Whilst you will find a few big name brands around here, independent retailers are the main attraction, both along the High Street and in the area's buzzing markets. Out guide to shopping in Camden can help you find some great places to shop around here.

Brent Cross Shopping Centre is a vast shopping destination in London. This centre provides three floors of the biggest high street names, as well as eateries ranging from fast food and coffee shops to full-service restaurants. There's something for everyone to enjoy here, from fashion and footwear to books and technology.

In the heart of thriving tourist destination Camden Town is Camden Market. There’s a gourmet food market and numerous eateries, as well as a huge range of bohemian and alternative independent retailers – the Stables section is the place to go for unique fashion and jewellery, including jewellery for piercings.

Located in Crouch End, Niddle Noddle is a popular children's boutique. This is an independent store selling new and vintage kids' clothes, toys, books, and homeware. Many of these items are handmade and limited edition - perfect for style-conscious kids. This store is also known for its big yellow slide on-site.

Check out Da Mario if you're looking for fine Italian ingredients to enhance your cooking at home. There's a broad range of ingredients like cheeses, fresh handmade pasta including tortellini with various fillings, arancini, antipasti, and gelato. An extensive selection of wines is also sold here, including Italian and international bottles.

Based in Upper Street, After Noah is a family-run store that specialises in new and vintage furniture, plus homeware, toys, and gifts. Furniture restoration services are also available at the shop. As well as furniture, you'll find home items like soft furnishings, rugs, scents for the home, and candles.

With a history going back to 1895, Selbys is well-established as an independent department store in Holloway Road. The store includes fashion for men, women, and children, bags and accessories, beauty, homeware, and lifestyle departments. There's also an on-site coffee shop and additional services like the brow and lash bar.

The Third Estate focuses on ethical clothing and vegan-friendly footwear. Clothing from this brand uses fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp that are comfortable, stylish, and conscientious. The brand also sets rigorous ethical standards for its suppliers. There are styles for men and women, as well as a unisex range.

Set across three floors in King's Cross, Wolf & Badger is a destination for independent brands. Shop here for ethical and sophisticated fashion and homeware, with designs you won't find elsewhere. This place champions slow fashion - whatever you buy here is made to last. The store has won awards for its approach.

One of the oldest shops in London is W Martyn, a traditional tea and coffee merchants that opened in 1897. High quality teas and house-roasted coffee are sold here, and staff can grind coffee to your preferences. Other treats for sale include homemade jams, cakes, chocolates, and gourmet hampers for celebrations.

Go through the entrance flanked by two robots and you'll discover Cyberdog, bringing London the cutting-edge of alternative fashion. You'll find a lively atmosphere with dancers and DJ sets, as well as leading rave and festival fashion and accessories. There are unique styles available for women, men, and kids.

At The Mall Wood Green you'll discover a mix of independent retailers and your favourite highstreet stores. A variety of eateries are available on-site, plus a cinema. Head into the basement market hall and you'll discover an eclectic mix of independent local traders with products like fashion and international groceries.

A long-term fixture of Camden Town, The British Boot Company remains a leading retailer for boots and shoes. It was one of the first UK stores to start selling Dr Martens in the 1950s. Styles are available for men, women, and kids, including rare and vintage boots and exclusive designs.

If you plan to hit the shops in East London there are lots of places to check out. One popular shopping destination is trendy Shoreditch. In this unique area you'll uncover an eclectic mix of contemporary boutiques, modern shopping centres, and vintage treasure troves. Our guide to shopping in Shoreditch will help you find the top places in the area for some retail therapy.

Folk Clothing makes stylish, low-key clothing that's intended to be approachable, hence the name. There are pieces for women and men, including outerwear, shirts, and accessories. At the flagship store in Shoreditch you can explore both mens' and womens' collections, whilst the two Soho stores each focus exclusively on one collection.

Family-run Shoreditch boutique Aida sells effortlessly cool clothing, accessories, and shoes for women and men, plus homeware and wall art. You'll find unique independent designers and diverse style influences. Aida also stands out thanks to its on-site coffee shop, giving busy shoppers a comfortable space to relax after some retail therapy.

For streetwear from leading brands worldwide, head to minimalist department store Goodhood. You'll find fashion for women and men, as well as distinctive homeware pieces and handy gadgets for every room in the house. Outdoors equipment for adventurers and festival fans is also sold. This store is cool, curated, and unique.

There’s one go-to destination for buying fresh flowers when you’re in East London – Columbia Road Flower Market. Every Sunday, Columbia Road is transformed when numerous independent sellers line the streets with colourful and fragrant blooms from around the country. Live music from buskers completes the idyllic atmosphere.

Buy sought-after homewares from Labour and Wait. The iconic flagship store is housed in a former pub in Shoreditch but other branches are in the city too. A curated range of new and vintage items are stocked here, with products for all over the home and garden. It's a great place to shop for gifts too

East London has no shortage of vintage clothing retailers but Brick Lane Vintage Market is a long-established favourite. You can shop here seven days a week and find vintage pieces from the 1920s through to the 1990s. Discover unique glamorous pieces, sought-after streetwear, and vintage vinyl records too.

For all the creepy things you never knew you needed, there's Hoxton Street Monster Supplies. This unique store has traditional shelves lined with products like marshmallow brain food, bottled London smog, and coffee for werewolves. The shop does good too - it's staffed by volunteers and supports the local charity Ministry of Stories.

At Atika you can find vintage pieces from top brands without draining your bank balance. Browse the racks to find pieces from names like Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Levis. There are five rooms of vintage, reworked vintage, and independent designs to explore. This vintage department store also offers homewares and art books.

Independent shop 69b Boutique is located in Broadway Market and specialises in fashion that's both sustainable and stylish. Even the packaging here is sustainable. In-store you'll find collections for men and women, ranging from sunglasses to activewear, plus stylish gift items. Expect accessories for dogs, creative jewellery, and contemporary kitchenware.

To find all your favourite Italian foods and ingredients under one roof, head to London’s Italian food hall Eataly. You’ll discover a wide variety of retailers in the market selling products like meat, bread, fresh pasta, and wine. There are also Italian eateries on-site and regular events like cooking classes.

In Shoreditch there's Luna & Curious, a bohemian miniature department store full of individuality. You'll find womenswear, stuff for kids, and homeware, ranging from jackets and jewellery to kids' clothes, games and books. Items for the home include candles, tableware, and stationery. This is a collective retail space with heaps of character.

Filling arcades and outdoor spaces, Brixton Village and Market Row is eclectic, busy, and full of character. From secondhand items to fabrics and fresh produce, there’s plenty to explore here – get ready to browse! A wide variety of international eateries are also available here when you need a pitstop.

Lowie is a South London boutique that specialises in sustainable womenswear. Garments sold here are manufactured using low-impact techniques and with ethical materials and upcycled fabrics. Anything you buy here is intended to last too – the store offers free repairs for life. The turquoise-fronted store is vibrant and welcoming.

At Persepolis in Peckham you can pick up distinctive Persian ingredients to enhance your cooking at home. Think roasted nuts, crunchy pickles, and fragrant herbs and spices. You can also buy traditional craft items and cookware from the region. The on-site eatery, The Persepolis Restaurant, is available when all that shopping makes you hungry.

Southside Wandsworth is one of London's largest shopping centres, giving you access to your favourite brands under one roof. Whether you want the newest fashion, books, groceries, or gifts, this place has it all. There are places for refreshments, including fast food, plus a cinema, spa, and more than one gym.

If you're looking for secondhand books in Brixton, Bookmongers is a top destination. This friendly bookshop offers a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction books, and is a place to discover hidden gems as well as popular classics. Pop in to browse or order ahead with the click-and-collect service.

Deptford Does Art brings you products from independent local designers and craftspeople. Here you'll find a regularly-changing selection of fashion, jewellery, homeware, and gifts. Downstairs there's a gallery space that shows a changing line-up of work by local emerging artists. Deptford Does Art is also home to South London Zine Fest.

Morleys Tooting is known as the area's largest home store. There are two floors at this well-established shop offering everything you need for your home. From curtains and linens to furniture, electrical appliances, and travel accessories, there's lots to uncover. Across every department, you'll find products from sought-after brands.

A favourite shopping destination for Londoners is Greenwich Market. You’ll find covered stalls and bricks-and-mortar shops selling distinctive clothing and jewellery, crafts, antiques, and much more. Expect lots of unique independent retailers. There’s also an eclectic streetfood section serving up delicious bites like fresh pasta, Ethiopian cuisine, tacos, and cakes.

Family-run business D.A.Y Boutique is inspired by Scandi style and offers shoppers a curated collection of top independent brands. In-store you'll find clothing for women, men, and children, plus lifestyle products like silk eye masks, incense, and fragrances. Expect sophisticated and crisp style, with a commitment to sustainable fashion.

East Dulwich's independent perfumery and interiors boutique Roullier White has the largest collection of rare fragrances in the country. You can find fragrances here for yourself and for the home, as well as beauty and grooming products. The interiors section gives shoppers a huge choice including vases, glassware, and lighting solutions.

Music lovers flock to Casbah Records, a buzzing institution for records in Greenwich. The interior is packed with CDs, vinyl, and memorabilia. Whilst the shop specialises in classic rock and pop, funk, soul, and cult film and TV soundtracks, you'll find releases covering a huge range of genres, including rare finds.

With three stores across the city, Theatre of Wine is popular with Londoners seeking distinctive, high quality wines. You can also buy craft beer, spirits, and Cuban cigars here. Regular tasting events, including private functions, take place in each store so you can really explore what wine has to offer.

Notting Hill is arguably one of the top places for shopping in West London, full of exclusive boutiques as well as the famous Portobello Road market. Although you'll find great spots around here to shop for fashion, books, and homewares, the area has long been known as a top place to shop for antiques. Find out more about shopping in Notting Hill with our guide.

If you've ever been on the tube you've probably seen someone clutching a Daunt Books tote bag. There's a flagship store in Marylebone store with oak balconies and stained glass windows, plus other branches around the city. You'll find a broad selection of fiction and non-fiction books, uniquely organised by their country of origin, not by author or genre.

At the Westfield malls you can discover a huge range of stores and experiences in one place. Expect the biggest brands, as well as luxury retailers, shops for children, and specialist tech stores. There are loads of restaurants and entertainment options too - go bowling, play mini-golf, or join an event like a cooking demonstration.

If you're looking for premium fashion, gifts, and homeware, check out The Cross. This boutique opened in 1996 and is a treasure trove for artisan designers and exclusive brands. You'll find high-end fashion and accessories, in addition to soft toys for children and gifts for all ages like scrapbooks and puzzles.

Visit Biscuiteers for Instagrammable edible gifts. The brand has two shops specialising in imaginatively-iced biscuits that make a memorable gift whatever the occasion. Expect quirky designs like fruit baskets, bouquets of flowers, and summer cocktails. You can also join a class to learn how to perfectly ice a biscuit yourself.

Vindinista Wine Shop is a popular local wine merchant in West London. You can try out a variety of quality wines here and buy your favourite bottles to take home. Fresh stock is regularly available so you can discover something new. The atmosphere is friendly and events take place regularly too.

Honest Jon's in Portobello Road is a classic record shop and now has a second branch in King's Cross. New arrivals are always available, covering genres like reggae, soul, blues, jazz, and dance. Vinyl is also sold here. When you're looking for music that's a little unexpected, Honest Jon's is a go-to.

Mouki Mou brings London curated collections of clothing, gifts, and jewellery from around the world. This is a unique shopping experience that encourages you to slow down and really get a feel for what's available. The bohemian pieces offered here are intended to become treasured parts of your wardrobe.

Based in a converted picture house, The Old Cinema is a top shopping destination for vintage furniture and antiques, as well as 20th century collectible items. Multiple dealers work here under one roof and there's a constantly-changing selection of stock. Antique furniture restoration services are also offered here.

Chloe Alberry has a clear specialism - door knobs. This boutique specialises in unique handles for doors and cabinets, as well as door knockers and wall hooks. For avant garde pieces that add real character to your home, this is the place to look. A wide range of designs are on offer.

With five branches in West London, Lea & Sandeman Wine Merchants is a popular spot for buying wines from around the world. The focus is on bottles that are great to drink, including fine wines. You can also join the Cellar Plan scheme, helping you to build your ideal wine stock at home.

Notting Hill's Couverture & The Garbstore is a trendy shopping spot for men's and women's fashion. This concept store is crisp and clean, based in a townhouse and with distinct areas for men and women. The eclectic collections here champion emerging and indie labels. Whilst clothing is the focus, homeware and lifestyle products are also sold here.

Good has a number of stores around the capital, on a crusade to increase the lifespan of clothing items and reduce their carbon footprint. Shop at these modern plant-filled stores to find a curated collection of fashion. The ever-changing pieces range from top high street names to timeless vintage designs. This is an essential destination for eco-conscious fashionistas.