Oxfords. Trenches. Fine leather satchels. These pieces all conjure up a perfectly British ensemble. However, London streets showcase a whole lot more than these classics. London’s diverse population features a colorful array fashion choices and statements. The city’s distinct styles are represented in its world-class shopping.
There’s more than just the go-to trip to Harrods. After spending a few essential hours getting lost in the high-end marvel of this shopper’s paradise, give your wallet a break. Head over to one of London’s world-renowned markets. The focus of the 1971 Angela Lansbury film Bedknobs and Broomsticks’ song of the same namesake, the famous street market of Portobello Road is a must see. It’s the quintessential London market, with all the baubles and trinkets you could ever want. From antique finds to handicrafts from local artists, Portobello Road is enough to make you want to break into song, too. Make sure you give this market a few hours to peruse the treasures and haggle with shopkeepers.
But don’t stop there. All of London’s markets have special artists and vendors you’ll want to check out. Be a studious shopper; you need to research the best days to go because the markets are not open every day—certain markets are only open certain days. Additionally, markets swap out vendors to have themed days. For example, East London’s Spitalfields’ big day—when most vendors are there—is Sunday, but Thursdays are “Antique Days” and the best for vintage buys. One of the lesser known and better markets, Old Spitalfields Market, is a short walk from Liverpool Street Station. Vendors from all over Southeastern England come to trade, but like everything in London, this area has a rich history. The grounds date back to when it was a Roman graveyard in 300 A.D., but it’s been everything from a displaced persons camp in the Great Fire of London to the silk-making capital of the world in the 1700s. Meander through the lines of stalls and try on a pair of handmade, soft-leather shoes from Shoe Embassy while nibbling on a melt-in-your-mouth cupcake from one of the confectioners.
To experience London’s more alternative culture, check out Brick Lane Market. This highly-underrated market often is considered second to Camden shopping. London’s well-known rocker-chic Camden, home to the late Amy Winehouse and some of London’s greatest nightlife, offers a peek at the city’s edgier side with it sprawling Camden Market. Don’t get me wrong, it has all the Doc Martens you could ever hope to buy. But Brick Lane Market is its more elusive and colorful stepsister. After passing the sultry Eastern smells from Brick Lane’s famous Indian restaurants, you’ll hit thrift shops galore and quirky artisans as interesting as the products they’re selling.
For London’s prime store shopping, you can’t miss Oxford Circus. For its TopShop alone, you need an entire day. Treat yourself to some time in Selfridges and Liberty, two of London’s best-known department stores. Don’t forget to pop on over to Primark for the cheapest in fashions. The basically sell clothing by the pound.
Designer junkies will also love Knightsbridge’s gargantuan Harvey Nichols store and the shops in the luxury area on Kensington High Street. From the hipster charm stores in Greenwich to the designer boutiques of Mayfair Street, London is a shopper’s Mecca.
