1. The West End
The five jewels of the emblematic West End are Oxford Street, Bond Street, Mayfair, Jermyn Street and Regent Street. In fact, if you are tight on time it will be more than enough to visit these places to buy everything on your shopping list, as most of London’s emblematic shops can be found here.Hamleys, the Apple Store, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Donna Karan and Tiffany & Co are some of the top brands that have made their home in this vibrant area, as have department stores such as Liberty, Selfridges, Debenhams and John Lewis.
If there is one downside, it‘s the crowds. But you can quickly take a break from them by simply stepping into one of the many side streets... you never know what you might discover!
2. Notting Hill
It was in this quirky area that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant found love in the movie of the same name and when one walks its streets it is easy to understand why.This West London area offers almost an unlimited array of unique shops offering an even wider types of goods. It is here that the Portobello Road Market is held and where the alternative shopping scene that London is so famous for thrives.
You can also find great organic and fancy food stores such as Whole Foods in the nearby Westbourne Grove.
3. Knightsbridge
Considered by many the second most important London retail district, this Southwest London area is famously known for Harrods and Harvey Nichols – two of the most important department stores in the city –, but it also offers high-street shops such as Topshop and upmarket retail outlets.In fact, fashionistas will love it here. Several prestigious brands and big-name fashion designers have branches on the elegant Sloane Street while smaller scale, yet equally elegant, shops are located on Beauchamp Place and Walton Street.
Hyde Park is conveniently close by to take a breather from shopping.
4. Primrose Hill
One of the most exclusive and expensive residential areas in London, it is particularly popular with fashion celebrities thanks to its small independent boutiques and posh atmosphere.Here you can find top class fashionable clothes, chic furniture and well-stocked organic food shops. If you’re visiting with children, the London Zoo is located nearby as is Regent’s Park, from where you can enjoy some of the best views across the city.
5. Camden
People from around the world flock to this indie and vintage paradise to explore its retro shops and experience its unique atmosphere.Its street markets date from the 1970s and are a major tourist attraction in themselves, especially at weekends. Here you can find alternative clothing, books, antiques and bizarre items unavailable anywhere else in the city and at the cheapest prices.
The surrounding shops are also very popular, particularly with the younger crowds, as so are the food stalls.
If you get tired of shopping, you can pay a visit to the Hawley Arms, a pub where the late singer Amy Winehouse made her name.
