The Top 10 Shopping Streets in London
London has some of the world’s best shopping, and in this article, we capture the places to get everything you need. From that luxury designer handbag to that luxuriously designed kitchen, you’ll find out every place you need to go in London. You can spend your days amongst the crowds of Oxford Street, London’s busiest area, or stroll along the upscale streets of Old Bond Street and New Bond Street. Whether you want to buy that perfect toy for your child or that essential sofa, I’ll share with you the must-go places around London.
Number 1 – Oxford Street, West End
First up at number 1 and probably one of the world’s most famous shopping streets is Oxford Street. It runs from Tottenham Court Road in the east to Marble Arch in the West. It has over half a million visitors per day, so I highly recommend visiting early morning to beat the rush. Oxford Street has roots going back to the Roman days, but today it is a popular shopping street that has retained a relatively downmarket appeal compared to some of the neighbouring streets. It is dominated by major department stores including Selfridges, John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser. In between are various global brands & retailers such as Nike, H&M, Zara, Gap, Uniqlo and Disney Store. You can get your fill of fashion and food on this street, and is definitely worth a visit.
Number 2 – Regent Street, West End
Directly off of Oxford Street (at the Oxford Street tube station) is Regent Street. Regent Street was laid out in 1825 and named after George, the Prince Regent and is an early example of actual town planning. The street is known for its flagship stores including Liberty department store which opened in 1875, Hamley’s Toy Store which moved to the Regent Street location in 1881 and is set over 7 floors, and the Apple Store which opened on Regent Street in 2004.
In addition, you have other high end retailers like British brands Burberry, Ted Baker, and Karen Millen together with American premium retailers J Crew, Brooks Brothers,Tommy Hilfiger and Timberland. In addition, you have stores for global luxury brands Lacoste, Furla, Tumi, Longchamp, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Number 3 – Tottenham Court Road, Central London
Earlier I mentioned that Tottenham Court Road is where Oxford Street begins from the east. It is a major shopping street for furniture and home décor and I highly recommend it to my clients. If I’ve just found you a new flat and we need to decorate it, you may end up on Tottenham Court Road to check out stores like West Elm, Dwell, Habitat, Heal’s or Lombok.
Number 4 – Wigmore Street, West End
Speaking of home décor, if you are designing your perfect kitchen, then you want to be on Wigmore Street which is number 4 on our list for top shopping streets in London. Wigmore Street is parallel to Oxford Street and home to some of the worlds most high end kitchen showrooms. You’ve got Poggen Pohl, Bulthauph, Gaggenau and Rosanna Kitchens plus many others on Wigmore Street.
Number 5 – New Bond Street, West End
Carrying on with our list, If you want to shop luxury for fashion then not far from Oxford Street is New Bond Street which is home to the Ralph Lauren flagship store along with Dior, Hermes, and Chanel.
Number 6 – Old Bond Street, West End
Near to New Bond Street is Old Bond Street which is handbag heaven and where you can shop Prada, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Bottega Vanetta. In addition Old Bond Street has Paul Smith, Moncler, Max Mara, Stella McCartney, and Salvatore Ferragamo along with luxury jewelers Tiffanys, Bulgari, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
Number 7 – Brompton Road, Knigtsbridge
Now switching to the southwest part of London, your major shopping choices include Brompton Road in Knightsbridge which is number 7 on our list. You have world renowned Harrods & Harvey Nichols department stores taking up a lot of space, as well as a mix of high end retailers from Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lacoste, and Burberry, along with mid to lower range brands such as Zara, H&M, Guess, Top Shop, and Cos.
Number 8 Sloane Street, Knightsbridge
Just off of Brompton Road is Sloane Street where luxury lives and is #8 on our list. You have Louis Vitton, Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Hermes, Dior, Roberto Cavalli, Dolce & Gabanna, Valentino, and Saint Laurent all with major retail stores on Sloane Street.
Number 9 Kings Road
A little further south you get to Sloane Square and Kings Road. Around Sloane Square you’ll find department store Peter Jones (part of the John Lewis group) along with J Crew, Tiffany’s, Club Monaco and Boss.
Heading down Kings Road which is #9 on the list, this 2 mile stretch which used to be the king’s private road and in the 1960s was stomping grounds for fashion icons Mary Quant and Vivienne Westwood. Today you’ll find a wide range of mid tier retailers including Massimo Dutti, LK Bennet, All Saints and Jigsaw. Further south you’ll find various design shops including Designers Guild & William Yeoward.
Number 10 Hatton Garden, Holborn
And finally just to round off our list with 10, I’m going to mention Hatton Garden. It’s a commercial street in east London known as the diamond district. So if you are looking for that stunning engagement ring or want to design that perfect piece of diamond jewelery, then you definitely want to check out Hatton Garden. While you’re there, check out Lewis Malka London who is a dear friend of mind who is a specialist at bespoke diamond jewelery and engagement pieces. He will custom design for you a perfect piece that is timeless and original.
Well I hope I’ve now given you a sense of where you can find practically anything in London by exploring the incredible shopping streets we’ve highlighted above. Let me know what are your favourite shopping streets or retailers by dropping me a comment. Or maybe there’s a retailer you love where you live locally, let’s find out if they’re here in London.
