The ultimate guide to shopping in London
London is a fantastic shopping destination -- in fact, you could easily visit just for that purpose. It is also, in my opinion, one of the fashion capitals of the whole world -- so what better spot for a wardrobe shake-up or something for a special occasion?
London is huge, multicultural and full of shops for every budget, so I challenge you to not to be able to find something you love.
So whether it's art, haute couture, vintage clothes, jewelry or even just a souvenir, there are places that will suit you. Combined with our capital's amazing food scene and collection of lovely cocktail and coffee spots, you can have a dreamy day of retail therapy -- solo or with someone else -- very easily.
Department stores
London has loads of these -- from the super swanky Harrods, Selfridge's and Fortnum & Mason to the more mainstream options like Debenhams. Despite the differences in price tags, they are all a "one shop stop" for everything. But each has its own charm. Harrods opened in 1849 and is famous for being the purveyor of all things fancy, from food to furniture to lion cubs (yes, you could buy exotic animals there even until the 1970s).
It's located in Knightsbridge and is a very pleasant place to while away a few hours, admiring the lavish decor and liveried doormen and maybe stopping off for a snack at one of its 23 eateries.
Read more: 10 awesome things to do in London for free
Selfridge's, on Oxford Street, is more modern and its beauty hall is mind-blowing. Fortnums is worth a visit for its food hall and Liberty, in a Tudor-revival building near Oxford Circus, is the place for homeware and fabrics. Meanwhile, Debenhams and John Lewis are handy for slightly more affordable ware with a mix of high street and designer products.
All department stores tend to have nice restaurants and Champagne bars, and I have some very fond memories of looking for bridesmaids dresses and inspiration for my wedding at both Harrods and John Lewis (or Peter Jones) on Sloane Square.
Markets
London boasts some incredible markets -- perfect for finding real hidden treasures. Borough Market in London Bridge is the go-to one for foodies. It’s teeming with stalls from truffles to fish to ice cream to the stinkiest of cheeses. If it's not food you're after, Leadenhall Market in the City was originally a meat, poultry and game market but is now home to a “number of boutique retailers, restaurants, cafes, wine bars and an award-winning pub”.
Another TPG favorite is Columbia Road Flower Market, near trendy Shoreditch. Open every Sunday, you can get blooms for a bargain and it's also full of vibey coffee shops and some lovely bars. Portobello Market near Notting Hill in west London is fabulous for antiques, comics, records and vintage clothes and the shops go on for nearly two miles. The pretty pastel-colored houses and cafes are very charming, too.
In the south-east is Greenwich Market, open daily and covered, too, so ideal if it rains. Greenwich is a personal favorite for present shopping, as there are lots of affordable and quirky stalls and once I've found the perfect gift, I treat myself to a giant ice cream at Panache.
Vintage
Vintage clothes shopping is almost a sport is some cities. In particularly good shops, it can get very aggressive, like being at a New York sample sale. Naturally, there are lots of decent vintage shops scattered throughout the city, but there is a large concentration of them in the Brick Lane/Shoreditch/Spitalfields areas of east London and the City.
Some personal recommendations are Beyond Retro -- it's labyrinthine, so be prepared to spend a while there. It's in a former dairy on Cheshire Street and opened in 2002. You can find everything from cowboy boots to vintage sunglasses to fabulously hideous 1980s prom dresses. It's so fun and there are also branches in Soho and Dalston.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEo28w7pV9R/
Other great vintage shops in the area include Hunky Dory Vintage, Rokit and Brick Lane Vintage Market (loads of stalls all under one roof). One of my favorite-ever finds was an old cheerleading jacket from a random high school in Idaho.
Couture
For a real "Sex and the City" feeling -- even if you're not buying -- head to New Bond Street in Mayfair and its environs to gaze in the windows of labels like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, YSL, Chloe, Cartier and much more. Christmas is a great time to window shop here, as each house takes its festive window dressing very seriously. It's also the third most expensive street in the world to rent shop space, according to Retail Gazette.
Read more: The complete guide to London’s parks and green spaces
If you're in the market for a treat, you can spend an afternoon making your way down Old Bond Street towards Fenwicks and veer off to South Molton Lane, Bruton Street and more. After spending loads of money, a little more won't hurt for a cocktail at Mews of Mayfair, surely?
Other shopping spots to note
1. The King's Road
This road that snakes through Chelsea is a mecca for affluent millennials and is dotted with up-and-coming fashion designers and shops selling gorgeous but pricey trinkets. It's associated with 1960s-style as both Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood had (and have) stores there. Chelsea is also home to lots of excellent restaurants -- including one of my favorites, No. Fifty Cheyne, so worth a visit to the area just for that. The King's Road, at two miles long, starts at Sloane Square station.
2. Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is another London epicenter of style and culture and was where the Swinging Sixties era was said to have started. It was also home to the Mod, Skinhead, Punk and New Romantic movements and has got a pretty rock 'n' roll heritage too. The Small Faces, The Who and the Rolling Stones performed in nearby Soho and Carnaby Street is referenced in many songs such as "Dedicated Follower of Fashion" by The Kinks.
Read more: An expert’s guide to London neighborhoods
The Stones even have their own shop there now. There are also "over 100 international and British heritage labels, independent boutiques, one-off concepts, cult beauty emporiums, grooming salons and bespoke jewelry specialists". There's a really exciting atmosphere on Carnaby Street and every Christmas and during big events, it's like walking down a street in a film set.
3. ICON Outlet, the 02
This is the spot for bargain hunters with taste. Part of the O2 Arena in North Greenwich, this discounted outlet offers up to 70% off mid-luxury brands such as Aspinal of London, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi's. It's modern and airy and without the huge crowds found at some outlets, and afterwards, there is plenty to do in the arena itself.
Bottom line
From reading this far, you would be right in assuming I love to shop. I'm also very lucky that I live somewhere so brilliant at it. However, I have the benefit of having had quite a bit of practice here. The first time I visited New York or Paris, I felt overwhelmed (actually, panicky is more accurate) at all the choice. What if I couldn't find all the beautiful things? Shopaholic or not, I hope this guide helps you make a plan, figure out where is best suited to you and most of all -- find something to buy that no one else has!
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.