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There is a multitude of different shopping options. High streets, department stores and markets are among the most popular. Below, we have broken down each one into a few of the best places to go.
HIGH STREETS
BOND STREET
Old Bond Street and New Bond Street make up the area commonly referred to as Bond Street. Bond Street is known for its shops which are exclusive and expensive; they include Nicole Fahri, Channel and Gianni Versace. You will also find a number of auction houses including Sotheby's and Phillips.
Nearest Tube: Bond Street
COVENT GARDEN
You could spend a whole day at Covent Garden as it has everything you could want from fashion boutiques and high street shops to street entertainment and a to world famous Opera venue. You can also find a number of different places to get food, from a cafe where you can enjoy live classical music, to top of the range restaurants where you can get a five course meal.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Knightsbridge is home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols. It is also home to other well known high street shops and boutiques. There are also a large number of top quality restaurants and bars here.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge
OXFORD STREET
Oxford Street is the most popular place to shop when going to London. It has over 200 million visitors per year and more than 300 shops. It is said to be one of the busiest places in London day or night. If you are looking for top of the range department stores or one off fashion boutiques then Oxford Street is the place for you. You will find Debenhams, Selfridges, Marks & Spencers and John Lewis. There is also a good selection of music shops, bars and restaurants. It's the best spot to go to for a varied range of shopping that wont break the bank.
A well known favourite for really cheap clothes is the Swedish 'H&M' shop. It's a great value store for clothes, shoes bags, accessories etc. The prices are very reasonable so it's a great place for those shopping on a budget.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
SAVILLE ROW
Everyone has heard of Saville Row - famous for its men's clothing. If you need a tailored suit made to the highest quality then this is the place to go. You will also find shoes, shirts and other mens accessories from some of the oldest mens tailors in London.
Nearest Tube: Green Park
DEPARTMENT STORES
If you didn't want to go traipsing to all those different streets, think about hitting one of the many department stores in London. World renowned
Harrods is located in Knightsbridge. They sell everything from food to toys, luxury goods, a vast range of Harrods Own brand items that are a must souvenir from any trip to London. The real thing that makes Harrods such a pleasure, however, is the store itself: a fantastic, luxurious cathedral of shopping. Closest tube stop is Knightsbridge.
Harvey Nichols is a great destination for all fashion addicts. Here you can find the cream of international fashion with names like Gaultier, McQueen, Tocca and Joseph to choose from for ladies and Hugo Boss, Helmut Lang and Tommy Hilfiger, amongst others for men. There is a small food hall and some fearfully stylish bars and restaurants. You are likely to spot a few celebrities on any given day, as this place is shopping heaven for the rich and famous. Surprisingly there are also some real bargains to be had, in terms of top-notch designer wear!
A place to see and be seen as much as to shop, this expensive but beautiful department store offers the most refined fashion shopping experience of any store in London. Closest tube stop is Knightsbridge.
Some other options are Selfridges on Oxford Street which boasts the largest cosmetics hall in Europe.
Closest tube stop is Marble Arch.
Debenhams has great designer garments at affordable prices. From Jasper Conran to Lulu
Guinness.
Closest tube stop is Oxford circus.
MARKETS
If walking for miles through the shopping streets of London or parading around the department stores is not your idea of a great days shopping, how about going to a few of london's best markets. They have a varied range of goods on sales and usually the best place to find some hidden treasures.
Camden Market has become one of London's top attractions and is spread over almost all of Camden Town centre. You can find hippie cloths, craft stalls, 70's nostalgia and vegetarian food. To get there, the nearest tube stop is Camden Town / Chalk Farm Opening Hours: Thurs - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Greenwich Market is one of the largest markets in London. Selling a wide verity of goods including traditional hand made arts and crafts, as well as original one off creations by local designers. Every Thursday there is an antique and second hand market, stalls selling coins, medals, books and furniture, it is a must for collectable enthusiasts. On Fridays there is a farmers market selling a wide range of goods straight from farms, including organic cheeses and meats and healthy home grown produce. Greenwich has a large number of permanent shops that sell gifts, fashion and interior goods as well as a number of restaurants and pubs to eat in.
Other markets include Petticoat Lane Market on Middlesex St (Tube: Liverpool St Station) and Portobello Road Market
Nearest tube is Notting Hill Gate.
TOP TIPS FOR SHOPPING IN LONDON
- Late shopping: West End (Oxford Street to Covent Garden) are open until late on Thursdays, usually till 7pm or 8pm, while Wednesday is late opening in Chelsea and Knightsbridge.
- A quiet bite: Get in the restaurants between 6pm and 8.30pm on a week night: at this time most Londoners will be in the pub.
- Tipping: Tipping in restaurants is standard practice; ten to 15 per cent is usual. Some add service to the bill, so double-check or you may tip twice.
- Rush hour: Avoid travelling on the underground during rush hour (8-9.30am and 4.30-7pm Mon-Fri) - it's hot and crowded.
- Pre-pay buses: Many buses in central London now require you to pay before you board, either at dedicated machines at the bus stop, or at travel information centres.
After a busy days' shopping, you will appreciate a comfortable bed in a reasonably priced London Hotel. We have a great selection of Budget Hotels in London and Luxury London hotels.
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