London Shopping Tips by jacob_m

Most shoppers in London will sooner or later end up in Oxford streeet (including me).
If you ask me I think Oxford street is a real tourist trap (see my tourist trap tips) but the problem in London is that so many shops are spread out in the city and Oxford street is one of the few streets which really has a concentration of shops.
However some good department stores like Selfridge, John Lewis and Debenhams can be found here as well as many chains like Marks & Spencer, H&M, Borders, HMV and Virgin Records.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Other
Address: Oxford Street
Directions: Tube: Oxford Circus (Victoria, Bakerloo & Central line, best one!), Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road

Name of Shop: Waterstone's Picadilly

Surprisingly few people find Waterstone's Picadilly located right between Picadilly Circus and Green Park, on the same side as Ritz hotel.
The bookshop is, as a matter of fact, just a stone's throw from Picadilly Circus.
It is supposed to be the largest bookshop in Europe and it consists of seven floors with an impressive assortment of books.
You can find everything here, in all areas.
If you don't find what you are looking for, ask a member of staff.
Very friendly, and their knowledge about books can be impressive.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Books
Address: Picadilly
Directions: Tube: Picadilly Circus or Green Park
Just a short walk from Picadilly circus
Website: www.waterstones.co.uk

Name of Shop: Charing Cross Road

Many good bookshops are located along Charing Cross road in central London.

Where is this road?
It is right between Leicester Square (the tube station) and Tottenham Court road (tube station).

Some good bookshops
Foyles: The second largest bookshop in London and one of my favourites. Five floors of books.
Very helpful staff.
They also offer 10% discount to students at the beginning of the university terms (Sept/Oct and Jan/Feb).
Check Foyles webpage
Borders: A nice bookshop with two other shops in London (Oxford street and Angel). They also sell magazines, newspapers and stationary.
Check Borders webpage
Other bookshop: There are plenty of other bookshops. For example many small ones with really cheap books.
Look around and you might be able to find real bargains.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Books
Address: Charing Cross Road
Directions: Tube: Leicester Square (Picadilly and Nothern line) or Tottenham Court road (Central and Northern line)

The most famous department store in London is Harrod's, no doubt about that. Although just a minority has economical resources to go shopping here this is actually a real tourist attraction. The five floors offer luxurious brands, furniture, toys and don't forget to visit the perfume halls on the ground floor or the Egyptian floor.
However if you plan to go here, be properly dressed and if you have a backpack hold it in your hand, safetyguards are found everywhere and may refuse entrance.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Department Store
Address: 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1
Directions: Tube: Knightsbridge (Picadilly line)

Covent Garden is an area in the eastern part of central London.
There is a nice indoor market with small shops selling books, art, decorations and many other things.
Around the square there are many shops selling mostly clothes and souvenirs.
Just north of the square is an area with small narrow streets and a few exciting shops to explore.

When visiting Covent Garden, have a look at the acrobats and street entertainers at the same time.
Very enjoyable as they are all both funny and talented.
Best time to visit: Saturdays and Sundays.

How to get there
Underground: Take the tube (Picadilly line) to Covent garden, the square and the indoor market is just a very short walk.
By foot: Covent Garden is actually just a short walk from Leicester Square, it takes 10 minutes or less to walk there.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Local Craft
Directions: Tube: Covent Garden (Picadilly Line)

The market on Portobello road in western London has become a bit touristic but is still very nice and relaxed and it is possible to make some bargains if you just look around.
A very nice place to buy fruit and vegetables too.
Tube: Notthing Hill Gate (Central Line, Circle Line or District Line) or Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City line). The first tubestation is the easiest one I think and the closest to central London.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Other

Some of the department stores in London that could be worth a visit.
Harrod's - Even if just a minority can afford to shop here it's a must for all visitors. This must be the most luxurious department store in the world (or at least on the top 5 list). Just as many millionaires as tourists. Tube: Knightsbridge
Harvey Nichols - Located nearby with about the same pricelevel as Harrod's.
John Lewis - This is a really nice department store located within a stone's throw from Oxford Circus. I really like this place. Tube: Oxford Circus
Selfridge - Also located on Oxford street although this is a more fashionable place with a slightly higher pricelevel. Tube: Bond Street
Marks & Spencer - This well-known chain has department stores all over London and the UK and offers high quality food and clothes. One store is located on Oxford street between Oxford Circus and Tottenham court road. Tube: Oxford Circus.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Department Store

This street is "the royal borough of Chelsea and Kensington" was especially very fashionable in the 60's and 70's but is still very popular. Many designers have shops here but there are also many small shops with odd products. It's very nice to walk along King's road and a good thing is that there aren't as many people (tourists) as there are for example in Oxford street or Picadilly circus. The road starts at Sloane square which is also the nearest tubestation.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Other
Directions: Tube: Sloane Square (Circle or District line)

If you're tired of Oxford street and want to try something unusual, go to Angel and Islington.
This borough of London offers many good shops. The larger ones like M&S, Virgin Records, Gap, HMV, Borders and the Link are here but also many small shops can be found. The main street is called "Upper Street".
There are also many nice restaurants here and McD and Burker King for those in a hurry.



Leave a Comment

Theme: Women's Clothes
Address: Angel, Islington
Directions: Tube: Angel (Northern Line), easiest is to go to King's cross/St Pancras and change to northern line there.