Shopping in London: Iconic Department Stores & Hidden Gem Markets

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Best Places to Shop in London

Shopping in London is legendary. Few cities mix luxury, history, and quirky finds quite like this one.

Visitors from all over the world often arrive with Harrods or Selfridges on their list. But step off Oxford Street, and you’ll discover flower markets, vintage stalls, and bookstores with character.

This guide balances both worlds: London’s grand department stores and its hidden gems. You’ll also find where to shop by interest—whether you’re a foodie, fashionista, or collector—and the best souvenirs to bring home.

Travel Tip: Secure your London base early. Book your hotel with Booking.com to stay near shopping hotspots.

Harrods at Christmas
Harrods at Christmas

Iconic Department Stores

London’s department stores are more than shops. They’re experiences that blend luxury with history.

Harrods

Harrods is the ultimate name in London shopping. With 300+ departments, it’s a world of fashion, beauty, food, and luxury.

The Food Halls are a highlight. Pick up biscuits or teas in beautifully designed tins—perfect gifts that travel well.

Travel Tip: Visit early to avoid the afternoon crush. Don’t miss the Egyptian Escalator, one of Harrods’ most dramatic features.

Explore Harrods experiences and stay in Knightsbridge.

Selfridges

On Oxford Street, Selfridges is a shopper’s paradise. It offers high street fashion, designer brands, and a vibrant tech hall.

Its rooftop restaurants are a destination too, ideal for summer cocktails with city views. The window displays? Always worth a detour.

Travel Tip: Dedicate half a day here. Combine with nearby Oxford Circus shopping for a full retail experience.

Stay close by booking hotels near Oxford Street.

Liberty London

With its Tudor façade and creaky staircases, Liberty feels like a step back in time. Inside, discover iconic floral fabrics, jewellery, and homeware.

Travel Tip: Wander slowly. Liberty is a store to explore, not rush.

Fortnum & Mason

Founded in 1707, Fortnum & Mason is the queen of London’s foodie shops. Known for luxury hampers and teas, it’s steeped in royal history.

Afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon is a must. You’ll sip blends served to kings and queens.

Travel Tip: Take home a hamper. It’s one of the best London souvenirs.

Book afternoon tea packages via Tiqets.

Christmas at Spitalfields Market

Hidden Gem Markets

Markets reveal London’s creative, local side. Each offers atmosphere and unique finds.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Sundays mean flowers. Columbia Road fills with roses, tulips, and lavender, sold by friendly stallholders. Street music adds to the charm.

Travel Tip: Go before 10am for the best photos and blooms.

Brick Lane & Spitalfields

Brick Lane is vintage heaven. Explore thrift shops, retro boutiques, and multicultural food stalls.

Nearby Spitalfields Market mixes antiques with trendy designers. Together, they make a perfect East London afternoon.

Travel Tip: Don’t miss Beigel Bake for a late-night salt beef bagel.

Need hands-free exploring? Store your bags with RadicalStorage.

Portobello Road Market

Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antiques market. Saturdays are the big day.

Expect silver, china, jewellery, and vintage clothes, all with colourful houses as a backdrop.

Travel Tip: Arrive in the morning. Crowds build quickly by midday.

Camden Passage Antiques

In Islington, Camden Passage offers a quieter alternative to Portobello. Antique shops and vintage stalls line a charming pedestrian street.

Travel Tip: Pair your visit with lunch on Upper Street, famous for its restaurants and cafés.

Christmas Hamper from Fortnam and Mason

Shopping by Interests

Everyone shops differently. London has something for every passion.

Foodies

  • Borough Market → London’s most famous food market. Packed with artisanal treats and international flavours.
  • Fortnum & Mason hampers → Elegant edible gifts, from tea to champagne.

Book a guided Borough Market food tour.

Fashionistas

  • Bond Street → Luxury names like Chanel, Burberry, and Louis Vuitton.
  • Dover Street Market → An avant-garde blend of fashion and art.

Collectors

  • Camden Passage → Silver, rare books, and period pieces.
  • Portobello Road → Antiques and vintage treasures.
Foyles at Royal Festival Hall, South Bank

Best Souvenirs from London

Travellers often ask: Where can I find the best souvenirs in London? Skip the clichés—here are gifts worth packing.

  • Tea & Hampers → Fortnum & Mason luxury hampers, Twinings tea on The Strand.
  • Biscuits & Treats → Harrods and Liberty biscuit tins with collectible designs.
  • Books & Literary Gifts →
    • Daunt Books → Travel writing and vintage maps.
    • Foyles → Five floors of books plus mugs, totes, and stationery.
    • Waterstones Piccadilly → Europe’s largest bookstore with London-themed gifts.
  • Prints & Posters → Southbank Book Market under Waterloo Bridge.
  • Quirky Crafts → Covent Garden Apple Market or Camden Market.
  • Royal & Transport Memorabilia → Buckingham Palace Shop and London Transport Museum Shop.

Travel Tip: Pack a foldable shopping bag. Souvenirs add up quickly.

Drop shopping bags safely with RadicalStorage. Arrange roomy airport rides with GetTransfer.

London shopping is way more than an experience

Shopping in London combines luxury and discovery. Harrods dazzles, Selfridges entertains, Liberty charms, and Fortnum’s indulges. Markets like Brick Lane and Columbia Road reveal a more personal side of the city.

Souvenirs become memories—tea from Fortnum’s, a tote from Foyles, a print from Southbank. Each tells your London story.

💡 Want help fitting shopping into your itinerary? Let London Adventures design a bespoke plan, balancing must-sees with hidden gems.

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