London is one of the best cities in the world. As one of the most important metropolises in the world, it is the centre of crucial global activity and innovation across all fields and industries. If you’re planning to take a trip to the English capital, you should rest assured that you won’t get bored for one second. There’s always something to do, places to visit and spots to see. One of the things that you absolutely can’t miss out on in London is the shopping.
Whether you choose to visit the small boutiques and thrift stores, or you’d instead browse through the large shops for hours, there’s something for you in London. Make sure that you are in perfect health when embarking on this trip. If a physician misdiagnoses you and your condition worsens, you won’t be able to carry out your normal activities as planned. You can reach out to medical negligence solicitors who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
There’s a challenge in the fact that you may find yourself dealing with choice overload. This phenomenon occurs when there are too many options available for you to have your pick and choose from, leading you to feel like there’s no way you can select something because no matter what you do, you’ll be missing out on something.
This is particularly the case if you’re a tourist, as you’re in the city for a limited amount of time, and it’s impossible to cram in all the things you want to do in London during just one trip. So, it’s a good idea to have a helpful guide close at hand that can help you decide which spots you should visit.
Oxford Street
Many consider Oxford Street to be the fashion centre of London. Around the 19th century, the street began to gradually change its character from residential to retail. Drapers, furniture stores and cobblers started to open shops on Oxford Street, with some soon expanding to become the first proto-versions of modern department stores. Nowadays, there are over 300 stores located on the street, right in the heart of London. Oxford Street is also near Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, making it convenient and easy to find even as a tourist. You also have the option to have a pleasant long stroll after you get tired from retail therapy.
There’s something for virtually any budget on Oxford Street, and regardless of what you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it. You can enjoy a wide selection of items from both international and British designers. Ideally, you should aim to arrive earlier in the morning to avoid the moment later in the day when Oxford Street becomes more crowded and full of tourists.
One of the most iconic shops on the street is Selfridges, a high-end department chain with a history dating back to 1908. The shop is known not only for its high-quality products but also for its innovative architectural designs. The unique look and their attention to detail have led many publications to designate Selfridges as the best department store in the country.
Harrods
Located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, Harrods was established over 170 years ago, in 1849. Harrods offers 330 departments containing a wide range of products and services. The most well-known are clothing, jewellery, bridal gowns, pet toys and accessories, health, skincare and beauty items, houseware, furniture and home appliances. The store has over 23 restaurants where you can serve anything from tea to haute cuisine and pub food. There’s also the option to join a shopping assistance programme that operates “by appointment”. This service includes beauty and spa salons, tailoring, bespoke items including fragrances and cakes, pharmacies, events planning and catering. The store has also been the holder of royal warrants from Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. However, in 2000, Harrods cut royal links.
Since 1989, Harrods has introduced a policy akin to a dress code, with the store sometimes turning away customers that don’t comply with the requirements. Some of the items you should leave at home when shopping at Harrods are high-cut shorts, flip-flops, swimwear and crop tops.
Camden Market
The Camden Market is the best place to go if you’re looking for a no-fuss approach that can also help you take some true gems back home. It is perhaps the best destination in London to try if you’re looking for vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade items. While the place isn’t known for its selling of high-end brands, it is still very famous, not only among tourists but among Londoners as well.
The Camden Market is made up of several other markets. The Inverness Street Market is one of the most famous. Known initially for selling fresh produce and ready-to-eat food, it started to lose its traditional stalls at the beginning of the 21st century and was increasingly replaced with fast-food options. The Stables Market provides a mixture of indoor and outdoor shops. Some are permanent, and others are temporary. You can find a range of clothing, including household and decorative goods, clothing, antiques and second-hand items. Members of alternative cultures habitually shop here, with Cyberdog being a popular location for cybergoths. It offers a wide selection of PVC and rubber clothing in fluorescent shades, as well as electronic components and glowsticks.
Covent Garden
On the eastern side of West End, between Drury Lane and St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden was previously a fruit-and-vegetable market. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists visiting London. If you’re a fan of luxury brands, you can find Paul Smith and Dior, among many others. The options are pretty varied in both menswear and womenswear, so you can browse through a wide selection of items.
There are other things to do in Covent Garden besides shopping as well. The Royal Opera House, the Piazza, St Paul’s Church, and the Bow Street Magistrates’ Court building are some of the landmarks you can visit.
When you visit London, you’ll see there’s no shortage of markets and shops to wander through. To get to see as many of them, though, you’ll have to visit more than once.
Londontopia is simply the website for people who love London. It was founded by Jonathan & Jackie Thomas from Anglotopia.net as a place to post articles solely focused on London and its environs. Keep up with all the latest London news at Londontopia! This site is geared towards people who love to visit London and our primary audience is North American but everyone is welcome!