17 Most Famous Shopping Street in London | Shops in Central London
No trip to England’s capital city is complete without visiting a famous shopping street in London, and you’ll be delighted to know that there are many to explore.
The city is known for its historic landmarks and famous locations that have been luring tourists for years.
You might recognise some of these street names from television or movies, but why should you visit them?
In this guide, I will help you to navigate the best shopping streets in London and tell you why they have become so remarkable – this coming from a recovering shopaholic.
And as someone who worked as a shop girl during my college and university years in some of the top stores along these famous streets, you’ll be getting inside information on these shopping streets.
Secrets of London Walking Tour
This walking tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the hidden streets and alleyways of London. The expert guide will take you on a journey through time, seeing some of the most interesting sights in London like 7 noses of London and the smallest police station in the world.
If this is your first time in London, you might want to check out my London travel guide. This city can be tricky to navigate at first, but it’s worth the effort.
Besides the wonderful shops lining the pavements, why are these streets so popular? Let’s dive into this jammed packed list of must-see stops and uncover why they’re on the map.
Best Shopping Streets London – High Street Shops & More
Okay, so the entire world knows that London has some of the best shopping districts in the country.
From Oxford Street with its bougie fashion designers to Old Compton Street with its incredible Pride Parades, the city certainly has something for everyone.
Oxford Street
Let’s kick off with the most obvious street on the list of must-see shopping spots. Oxford Street is home to around 300 stores, including designer boutiques. The busy street welcomes up to half a million visitors daily.
Many consider it to be London’s main shopping street, but that’s not all it’s known for. Oxford Street is also famed for its mentions in the novels of Charles Dickens.
Fans of Dickens flock to this road in drones with little to no interest in designer scarves and barrettes.
This street has made a name for itself among the classic literature niche areas, unlike any other street in history. This excludes the fictional Baker Street featured in Sherlock Holmes, of course.
Covent Garden
This famous shopping area in London is a hub for entertainment and bargain hunting for locals and tourists alike.
Located in London’s West End, Covent Garden is a vehicle-free piazza of the senses for foodies and artists.
This spot is famous for its upscale performing arts venue, The Royal Opera House, and the occasional art exhibition by internationally renowned artists like Banksy.
Tip: If you’re in the area, you’ll find an exhibition by this anonymous artist on Earl Street, just a short walk away from Covent Garden tube station and Oxford Street.
For those who want to browse around quirky stores, admire art, and find a few gems, Covent Garden is a strong contender for being the best shopping street London has to offer.
And after a few hours of shopping, you can enjoy a yummy brunch in Covent Garden to further satisfy your senses.
Knightsbridge
A top Google search query for the term Knightsbridge is “Is Knightsbridge posh?” It is safe to say the answer is yes – very much so.
I worked in the famous Harrods in Knightsbridge during university, and yes, it is as posh or even posher than you could ever dream. I have served royals and Mr 007 himself, Pierce Brosnan.
He is even more handsome in person, plus he worked in Harrods when he was younger.
This part of London has Belgravia, Kensington and Hyde Park as its neighbours, which attract a popular and fashionable crowd.
The residents of Knightsbridge include pop stars, barons, and media moguls.
However, savvy shoppers know that there is more to Knightsbridge than meets the eye. From high-end boutiques to bespoke tailors, this area of London cannot be missed.
Just be on the lookout for your favourite member of the royal family while you’re out and about, and pack a travel camera.
Brick Lane
This funky area in East London is an incredible mixture of old-world England and new generation London.
Whether you’re looking for colourful street art, one-of-a-kind fashion items or some of the best curry in the city, this is certainly a destination worth visiting.
You’ll come across several quirky souvenir and vintage shops in Brick Lane that are perfect for finding a unique piece for yourself or a loved one. You can also wander around the popular Brick Lane Market for more vintage finds and food stalls.
This area is known in modern-day London as an art gallery for the everyday person or a quirky shopping spot for the adventurous, but there’s more to the story.
Brick Lane was also the hunting ground for Jack the Ripper from 1888. Tourists flock to the streets annually to take a Ripper tour and experience Brick Lane like it was in the 1800s.
If you want more information on this wonderful area and things to do, check out this guide on unmissable attractions in Brick Lane.
Bond Street
Bond Street is synonymous with brands like Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi and many more.
Designer goods and fine jewellery can be found on every street corner. This central London shopping district is the stomping ground for the rich and famous.
The most notable sites on Bond Street are The Academy of Art and Sotheby’s Auction House, which holds multiple world records in the multi-million-dollar art trade.
Regent Street
This famous shopping street in London is located in the heart of the West End and is known for its host of flagship stores. Brands like Burberry and Coach found their feet in this area of the city, which has become a world-renowned shopping destination.
Regent Street vendors host yearly events like the Summer Streets and the annual iconic lighting of the Christmas lights in November.
Portobello Road Market
This lively market in London consists of multiple vendors, all selling their wares in one location. It is one of the best shopping places in London for unique items and food.
The main day for this market is a Saturday when locals and tourists haggle and dig among the carefully curated selection of antiques, jewellery and cuisine.
Once a part of the run-down part of London, Portobello Road Market has flourished into a tourist attracting melting pot of potential.
Camden High Street
Camden High Street is the most famous shopping street in London in the alternative community. Here, a healthy mix of punks, rockers, goths and emos gather in the blissful light of music history.
Once home to bands like Blur and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Camden is now popular for the copious amounts of music venues, comedy bars and alternative shops.
Take this Camden Town walking tour to get in touch with the art and history of the city.
King’s Road
King’s Road is one of London’s best shopping streets, mostly known for its big shopping roads and colourful mews. It is a 2-mile stretch of amazing shopping, popping nightlife, and fine dining.
However, King’s Road carries an interesting history. Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren had their iconic shop in King’s Road, which has been called the birthplace of the ’70s punk era.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a vibrant shopping street in the Soho district of Westminster – its neighbours being Oxford and Regent Street.
This area is known for its lifestyle retailers, boutiques and independent shops.
Carnaby was home to the fashion designer Mary Quant who introduced the miniskirt to the world in the 60s.
Avid Quant followers flock to this street annually just to catch a glimpse of her iconic shop.
Westfield London
This shopping centre in White City, London, opened its doors in 2008 after a £1.6bn construction period. Westfield boasts around 450 stores and attracts millions of visitors annually.
Shops at this centre range from luxury to budget, making it a great space for everyone to gather. Iconic shops in this space include the Lego shop, Tesla and De Beers.
Tip: The London Underground directly connects to the West side of the centre.
Jermyn Street
Jermyn Street is also located in the city of Westminster in London and is a well-known street for gentlemen’s clothing.
Many tailors live and trade on this street, and a few notable residents have called it home.
Isaac Newton lived on this street from 1696 until 1709, during the time he worked as the warden for the Mint.
St James’s Street
Built with the idea to cater to the patrons of the best-known gentlemen’s clubs, St James’s Street is one of the best luxury shopping streets London boasts. It is now known as the hottest place to be if you’re looking for fashion with a traditional English flare.
St James’s Street was first referenced in a poem by T.S. Elliot named Bustopher Jones: The Cat About Town in 1939.
The street was mentioned again in a 2017 film, Kingsman, where it played home to the fictional headquarters of the Secret Service.
Mayfair
Good ‘ol Mayfair has been the most expensive property block on the London Monopoly board for a reason.
This area is pegged as one of the most expensive districts in the world, which is a far cry from the rural status it had before the 18th century.
Many notable retailers reside in Mayfair, and they include auction houses like Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonhams.
The wide range of exclusive shops, hotels and restaurants in the area drips with opulence.
Belgravia
This area lies just southwest of the gardens of Buckingham Palace and covers a part of Chelsea and Hyde Park.
The palatial residences in this area are home to many celebrities and tycoons, including Nigella Lawson.
Belgravia is known for its luxury shopping centres and regent architecture. Elizabeth Street in Belgravia is noteworthy for its two Jenny Peckham stores which remain a favourite spot for Kate Middleton.
London Chinatown
Chinatown is located just north of Rupert Street and makes up a part of London’s West End.
This area is home to a wide variety of beautifully adorned shops and restaurants selling everything from K-pop merchandise to traditional Chinese cuisine.
The iconic Instagrammable foodie experiences and events like Chinese New Year are what keep the streets filled to the brim with tourists and locals. If you want to taste wonderful flavours, read this guide on the best places to eat in London Chinatown.
Piccadilly Circus
A visit to London would be incomplete without snapshots of Piccadilly Circus. The amazing LED signage and video displays have become world-famous, and visitors flock to this square every day.
This area is known for its mention in the Bob Marley song “Kinky Reggae”, and avid gamers will remember its appearance in the second campaign of Call Of Duty Modern Warfare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Famous London Shopping Streets
Before heading to a famous street in London for shopping, you might want to know a few more things. Here are some commonly asked questions about shopping in the area.
What Should I Buy in London?
London has something for every kind of visitor. However, the most notable shop-related experiences in London are the foodie tours, afternoon tea experiences and luxury brands.
What is the Best Shopping Street in London?
Oxford Street has been a fan favourite for decades. It boasts a little bit of everything (this is you’ll find high and low fashion sitting side by side).
You’ll find some of the world’s most popular shops when browsing around this main shopping street in London.
Where Can You Go for Christmas Shopping in London?
If you want to buy a gift, any of the above-mentioned streets will fit your needs. But if you’re looking for a family-friendly event, the annual lighting of the Christmas lights in Regent Street will be a good spot.
If you’re looking for soothing, fragrant teas, make your way to Fortnum and Mason. For beautiful but expensive scarves, visit Liberty of London.
Check out this post about things to do in winter, with all of the Christmas markets and activities you could wish for. You’re sure to find some inspiration.
Which Are the Best Shopping Centres in London?
What is the best mall in London? Here’s a list of the 10 most notable malls that boasts some of the best shops in London:
● One New Change – New Change London
● Westfield – White City
● Brent Cross Shopping Centre – Prince Charles Drive
● Broadway Market – Tooting High Street
● Princes Arcade – Jermyn Street
● Coal Drops Yard – King’s Cross
● Hay’s Galleria – Battle Bridge Lane
● Lower Marsh Market – Lower Marsh
● Canada Place – Canada Square
● West12 – Shepherd’s Bush
● Canary Wharf
Which Are the Best Shopping Malls in London for Travellers on a Budget?
There are spots in the city of London that are a bit more budget friendly. Here’s a quick list of shopping centres where you can enjoy street shopping in London, without breaking the bank:
● One New Change – New Change London
● Westfield – White City
● Coal Drops Yard – King’s Cross
● Hay’s Galleria – Battle Bridge Lane
Final Thoughts on Famous Shopping Streets in London
If you’re new to London, or just travelling through, it would be a great idea to pay a visit to at least some of these streets. They are filled with history and culture and await your visit.
A wide variety of London’s streets are famous because of their cultural impact. From Jack The Ripper to Vivienne Westwood, London’s streets have stories to tell.
London has an endless amount of weaved roads and pathways, and you might find your gem once you’ve veered off the beaten track. Don’t be scared to explore this beautiful city.
In addition to the fantastic historical and cultural experiences, you’ll find a number of beautiful items in one of London’s famous shopping streets. For further information on the popular streets in London, you can check out some of my other content here:
● The coolest streets in London
● Famous residential streets in London