Shopping in London

London has over 30,000 shops and 300 street markets, so London offers some of the best shopping facilities. London is known as one of the liveliest shopping cities in the world. Vast department stores and tiny cluttered rooms are within juts a few minutes walk. Many of the most famous London shops are in Knightsbridge, Regent Street or Bond Street. Oxford Street is famous for its biggest range of high street shops offering quality goods at a range of prices.

Covent Garden has a lively shopping atmosphere with plenty of places tucked away down side streets. There are plenty of markets for antiques, crafts, household goods, food, and clothing. London offers you virtually anything, from Burberry raincoats and traditional tweeds to street fashion. It has floral scents and soaps; art and antiques; and craft goods such as jewellery, ceramics and leather.

Soho in Oxford Circus has Carnaby Street where you can find more funky fashion shops. London boroughs have their own high street with a range of popular shops.

When to shop

Most shops in central London open around 10am and close between 5.30pm and 6pm on weekdays. Some of them might close earlier on Saturdays. On Oxford Street and the West End, the late night shopping’s on a Thursday and a Friday (until 7pm or 8pm). Some street markets and a large number of other shops are also open on Sundays.

Following is a list of some of London's best known shopping areas and shops.