Famous Shopping Streets in London

Date post added: 31st October 2024


It’s all too easy to shop from your sofa these days. Browse, click and the Evri person delivers it to your door. But there’s something about the experience of real-life London shopping. You know, walking down a high street, looking in shop windows, and wandering through boutiques, department stores and everything in between. Christmas is definitely one of those times for in-person retail therapy.

But which are the best shopping streets in London?

A new generation of shopping malls have recently been added to London, like Westfield London in Stratford and White City (well, Shepherd’s Bush really), which provide endless options under one shopping centre roof. Oxford Street has seen the closing of flagship stores like Topshop, Debenhams and House of Fraser to make way for new shops.

For us, the best reason to head to Oxford Street is Selfridges (the showmanship of their window displays is second to none), dependable British stalwart John Lewis or to get to St Christopher’s Place for an enjoyable dinner. It’s certainly not for the vast Primark, although it is for hoards of people daily.

Then there’s the King’s Road and Bond Street for a touch of luxe, designer shopping. Iconic department store, Peter Jones is a must-visit on King’s Road, as is the new Trinny London flagship shop. Bond Street is home to the biggest Louis Vuitton store in Europe, along with the likes of Cartier, Burberry and Chanel.

Here, we’ll share our favourite shopping destinations in London. The small fry, the lesser known or the sometimes forgotten, as well as some always special places.

Our top 10 London shopping streets

Leadenhall Market London


Leadenhall Market

In the heart of the City of London, is the beautiful and buzzy Leadenhall Market. It oozes history, dating back to the 14th century. As you walk through the covered arcade shopping area, do look up and admire the intricate architecture. You’ll find independent shops, bars and restaurants. Pick up an unusual cheese, some fine fashion or a luxury watch, or simply sit back in a cafe and watch the passers-by.

Bow Lane

Another City of London hidden gem, just a stone’s throw away from St Paul’s, is Bow Lane. It’s a pedestrianised alleyway in the City of London which remains relatively untouched since the days post the Great Fire of London. You’ll find a mix of shops and cafes. At lunchtime it comes alive. Expect to see queues of people waiting for speciality food and remarkable coffee.

Lambs Conduit Street

Right in the heart of literary Bloomsbury (not far from Tottenham Court Road), this relatively quiet street was a favourite of Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. Today, you’ll find brilliant bookshops to browse along with cheesemakers, traditional tailors and a series of speciality shops (the umbrella shop is often handy in London weather). It’s a perfect place to potter and explore.

Duke of York’s Square

Just five minutes away from Sloane Square is the elegant Chelsea retail plaza, Duke of York’s Square. Being Chelsea, you’ll find a curated collection of rather nice stores. It’s a mix of high street favourites like Zara, All Saints and LK Bennett, and gorgeous brands like Essentiel Antwerp and Rigby & Peller. Penhaligon’s perfume house is an olfactory experience like none other.

Monmouth Street

Bohemian clothes, desirable beauty shops and exceptional coffee at the original Monmouth Coffee Shop – just three reasons to visit Monmouth Street in the Seven Dials area of Covent Garden. Think Aesop, Shu Uemura and Miller Harris for beauty and fragrance. Coco de Mer and Zucca Stregata for divine lingerie. Plus an array of independent shops from stationery to spectacles. Don’t miss nearby Neal’s Yard, a delightful courtyard with cute cafes and shops.

Marylebone High Street

It’s only minutes away from Oxford Street, but Marylebone High Street feels miles apart. Marylebone Village, as it likes to be known, is a cut above a regular English high street. It’s a great place for lovely homewares and interior design stores. Plus, you’ll find exquisite jewellery, fashion accessories and those finishing touches that add polish to a look.

Jermyn Street

This charming street near Piccadilly Circus is wonderful and oh-so classy. It’s the traditional home of shirtmaking and you’ll soon find yourself amongst some very dapper people. Should you need a badger hair brush, some fine leather brogues or a bespoke country Tweed suit, you’ll find it in Jermyn Street.

Covent Garden Piazza

Covent Garden may seem an obvious choice, but it remains special. The neo-classical piazza dates back to Victorian times and brings a certain grandeur and elegance to the market that lies beneath. Enjoy the heady mix of street performers, quirky market stalls, the unusual and the expected. In a short stretch, you can walk from The Moomin Shop to the Apple store to Tiffany & Co. – and that mix sums it up. It looks particularly pretty at Christmas with festive lights, tasteful decorations and the smell of roasting chestnuts.

Beauchamp Place

This is a super stylish shopping destination in Knightsbridge, just a stone’s throw from Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Luxury brands, art galleries and speciality shops (antiquarian map anyone?) exude exceptional quality. It’s a space of veritable calm, away from the hustle and bustle nearby.

Carnaby Street

Positioned in the West End between Oxford Circus and Soho, Carnaby Street continues to offer something different. Unusual independent boutiques and pop-up shops sit alongside well-known brands. There’s a definite vibe to this pedestrianised street. It really knows how to celebrate, so you can expect fabulous Christmas decorations. Discover the swinging 60s scene in Carnaby Street

And there’s more

For spectacular festive Christmas window displays:

Central London is the place to head for Selfridge’s, Fortnum & Masons, Harrods, Liberty, Harvey Nichols and of course, Hamley’s.

For high end, designer and luxury shopping areas:

Regent Street and Bond Street in Mayfair, Kings Road and Sloane Street in Chelsea and Kensington.

For vintage, second-hand and eclectic antique markets:

Brick Lane Street market (in East London), Portobello Road market (Notting Hill), Spitalfields market (in the City) and Camden market (actually Camden Town is like a big market with stalls, shops and pop-ups all over it).

Explore London’s Christmas lights and festive pubs with our London Christmas walking tour

If you love a bit of shopping, don’t miss our recommendations for record stores, book shops, music shops, vintage stores, and cool and quirky shops.


Pippa Jackson

Pippa Jackson

Pippa is a word nerd and content aficionado with a background of working in TV on both sides of the globe. She loves to discover and share the diverse and wonderful stories of her much-loved London. When she’s not writing blogs and articles, you’ll find her walking beside the Thames or even paddleboarding on it (in the finest of conditions only!) or enjoying a coffee in the sunshine with a good book.

Read all articles by Pippa Jackson

David Tucker

David Tucker

David – the Seigneur of this favoured realm – broods over words, breeds enthusiasms and is “unmanageable.”* He’s a balterer, literary historian, university lecturer, journalist, logophile and lifelong thanatophobe. For good measure, he’s the doyen of London guides.

Read all articles by David Tucker