London is a shopaholic’s paradise, whether you’re on the hunt for the best bargains, love a touch of luxury, or enjoy finding unique and unforgettable treasures.
If you’re planning a shopping spree in the city, it’s a good idea to plan ahead first. How? Start by scouting out the top areas to go to and (of course) making sure you have a comfortable place to put your feet up at the end of hard day’s shopping.
We know just the place!
The Marble Arch London by Montcalm is perfectly placed in the city with close connections nearby to all of the best shopping districts in and around London. To whet your appetite, read on to find out how to plan your dream shopping itinerary around the capital.
Oxford Street for the best in High Street labels
Marble Arch can be one of the best areas to stay in, if you want to start off with one of the biggest and best shopping neighbourhood’s in London, Oxford Street. Stretching just over a mile long, Oxford Street and its surrounding region is packed to the brim with some of the most well-known brands in the world. But more than that, you’ll find incredible flagship stores, where you can enjoy limited edition products, special events, great sales and the chance to get your hands on new items before they hit other stores elsewhere.
The area around Oxford Street can often seem a little overwhelming and chaotic at first glance, so it’s best to take it slow and pick out a few key stores you’d like to visit. The shopping district begins close to Marble Arch, and it’s easiest to head down the area on foot. You’ll find numerous clothing, sports, footwear and accessories stores as you work your way down the street, but it’s also worth exploring the smaller turn-offs to find some of the area’s more special treasures.
Turn down Regent Street if you’d like to check out some of the city’s more up-market high street labels, as well as homeware goods and great tech finds, or for something with a more colourful sense of character, go down towards the iconic Carnaby Street. Filled with a variety of quirky and kitsch boutiques, this is the perfect place to find something a little more special and off the beaten path.
Shopping on Oxford Street can be hungry and tiring work, but thankfully you’ll find plenty of places where you can take a break and have a refreshing snack along the way. As well as all of the usual café and restaurant chains, you’ll also find lots of food trucks and stalls, selling everything from delicious fresh fruit, to mouth-watering waffles and crepes to help you recover and get your energy back for the next part of your shopping spree in the city.
Bond Street for a little more luxury
If Oxford Street is the High Street haven, Bond Street is where you’ll find the finer things in life. Before you start to look for luxury hotel rooms in the area though, one little known fact you’ll have to keep in mind is that the area is not actually called “Bond Street” at all. Instead, the area is often marked on the map as New Bond Street and encompasses the many smaller streets around the area.
Of course, in person, there’s no mistaking it – from the gleaming and luxurious brand names and storefronts around you, you’ll instantly know that you’re in the right place. If you’re on the lookout for sumptuous, personally monogrammed handbags, beautiful leather good and designer outfits for a night out, you’ll find everything you need here. And if you need a little breather on the way, check out some of the understated and quietly luxurious coffee shops and bars in the area.
East London for the best in vintage
For day two of your shopaholic expedition, it’s time to head eastwards, towards the more colourful and unique alleyways around East London. One of the most famous shopping neighbourhoods of them all here has to be the illustrious Brick Lane, where you’ll find regular markets every Sunday, brimming with unique finds, as well as a fantastic vintage market.
Start off by browsing the outdoor market stalls to get find some creative inspiration – you’ll find everything from colourful, bohemian clothing and leather goods, to artisanal crafts and unique hand-made goods. Look a little closer and dig a little further, especially on stalls selling vintage and second-hand items, as you can scoop some serious bargains here.
You’ll also find much more than clothing in this great market, with antique sellers, and people trading vintage books and music collections. For eagle-eyed shoppers, this can be absolute paradise.
If you’re keen to find more unique clothing, don’t miss out on Brick Lane’s vintage market as well as the numerous small, independent designer boutiques tucked away on the outskirts of the market. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to explore and bring plenty of shopping bags to store your vintage haul.
Happy hunting!
Dover Street Market for a cross between art and fashion
Finally, it’s time to wrap up your shopping expedition around London with a trip to one of the city’s best treasures, Dover Street Market.
Created by Japanese designer, Rei Kawakubo, the market has an impressive and stylish appeal to anyone serious about fashion. Located in Haymarket, in South West London, the distinctive boutique perfectly cultivates a unique shopping experience that blends an upmarket department store with a thrilling and thought-provoking art gallery vibe.
Upon entrance to the market, you’ll be treated to the sight of colourful and eye-catching installations, as well as the usual mannequins showing off the store’s wares. The market has a great collection of hard to find pieces at a range of price points, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from high-end labels such as Valentino and Givenchy, to edgier and more affordably priced streetwear, perfumes and a variety of accessories and paper goods. Make sure you end the trip with a visit to the celebrated Rose Bakery on the top floor, where you can enjoy exquisite baked treats and drinks, as well as some great views.
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