When we talk about spending some holiday time with family and friends, the essence of it is to have fun. London is one such destination where fun never stops. This marvelous hotspot is truly associated with fun filled holidays and enjoyment. The capital city of England is enriched with glamour, luxury and beauty and what not. From breathtaking views, grandeur attractions and sightseeing to the best of luxury accommodation a tourist gets a complete package when he visits the city. In all this fascinated explanation about the city how can we leave shopping behind?
Shopping is an integral part of everybody’s travel plans. Irrespective of anything no tourist would like to bid farewell to the city without catching up with some serious shopping. Whether you talk about buying some antique stuff, departmental stores or some small designer shops and boutiques the capital city offers shopping at its best. There are plenty of district shopping areas within the city and most of them have their own specialties in selling some or the other stuff.
For some quirky finds one can visit Covent Garden and for luxury goods Mayfair is the place to be at. However, if you are interested in some serious shopping affair in the city, mentioned below are few places that you can count upon:
Covent Garden
Are you searching for some hip fashion, handmade jewellery, unique gifts and rare sweets, Covent Garden is the shopper’s paradise to be at. Travelers are really fond of picking some classy souvenirs for their loved ones back home. There are variety of shops in this particular area in London from where you can pick and choose similar small treats for your family and friends. Are you looking for some good quality luxe stores? Stores like Aesop and L’Occitane are good places to start if you want to look more beautiful. They sell varied range of skin care and cosmetic products. Once you have your shopping appetite fulfilled you can even grab some quick bites at some of the food spots in the city located nearby.
Oxford Circus
When it comes to shopping in London one cannot afford to miss the Oxford and Regent Street. Most visitors coming to the city on a leisure vacation end up filling their bags with loads of shopping from here. If you are looking out for some flagship stores or some high street shops in England then Oxford Circus is the place where you shall be able to find all these. This area boasts of high end luxury shopping including variety of affordable retail stores. As far as budget high street shopping is concerned one can surely visit Primark, River Island and TopShop etc.
If you are staying at the Park Grand Paddington Court London Hotel you will get a direct access to this upscale shopping destination.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is yet another fascinating shopping destination, but roaming around here will make you feel a bit like you are shopping in a small village. It won’t give a feel that of a busiest shopping street would give. However, one shall be able to gather some of the best stuff out from here. This is the right place for someone who would want to dig deep into the British fashion. Plenty of British fashion labels are lined up in the street including Ben Sherman, Paul Smith Soho, Jack Wills and many more. Sometimes these many options will make you end up in a confused state as what exactly to pick and choose. Other than these British fashion labels one can visit variety of small shops and some global brands. Numerous food options are available too.
Notting Hill
Are we talking about shopping and haven’t discussed Notting Hill yet? This is just not possible. Whether you seek vintage or looking for something new, Notting Hill is the place where you can get through! The very famous Portobello Road is quite well known for its Saturday market. The place includes some of the best stores to head for and can buy everything from antiques to vintage accessories etc. Side by side shopping if one has to taste some really good street food then Notting Hill is the real good place for that. Wander around and you will get to witness some classy boutique shops etc.
Bond Street
If you are a serious fashionista, Bond Street is the place where you must step in. The area comprises of both old and new Bond Street and it boasts of housing some of the best and biggest designer shops in the world. Perhaps, those interested in some antique shopping can even do so here. The street is lined up with high-street stores like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Armani, Versace, Ralph Lauren and many more. Moreover, there are Burberry and Mulberry stores for those who are really in love with English style fashion. This is the place where you can get the most up-scale brands and tags. This is known to be one of the most exclusively expensive streets.
Is your apparel shopping done? Now it’s time to spend some more bucks at the luxurious jewelry stores. Tiffany and Cartier are among the very luxurious and pricey jewelery brands. If you want to go for any of these again Bond Street is the ultimate place to be at. Bond Street station lies closely to the New Bond Street.
So, are you satisfied with the kind of shopping any tourist can do in London? If still not then there are lot many other areas that can satisfy your shopping hunger. The list is endless, so don’t think much and surely leave some empty space in your bags as it will surely get filled in the capital city.
Fergus Brandon is a travel writer by profession and nomad by choice. He was born in Cambridge and completed his masters (International Tourism Management ) from London School of Commerce. He is working as the travel Editor for TheMontcalm hotels group.
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