Shopping in London is a fun and can be a therapeutic and an engrossing experience. If you want know where to stay in London for a Shopaholic are we have covered everything for you. With a huge range of options in and around London, there are shopping areas to suit every taste. Whether you are looking for a cluster of luxurious boutiques to spend an afternoon with the girls or the latest fashion and interesting stalls with uniquely crafted gifts. There is something in London for you.
There is so much choice from Londons Covent Garden beauty boutiques to Camdens vintage stalls and the high class department stores of Knightsbridge’s high street. Its the perfect place to explore on a weekend away with the girls or a christmas shopping trip.
Shopping can be tiring though and the last thing you want when you are done is to have to spend hours getting back to an uninviting hotel, especially if you have kids in tow. Read on for some of the best advice on the areas to visit and where to stay in London for a shopaholic!
Everything you need to know about the best shops in London and where to Stay in London for a shopaholic
To look at the absolute best place to stay in London for a shopaholic we need to look first where the best shops are! Let uncover the best shopping streets and the areas to stay nearby.
Here Are Some Key Points and Tips for getting the best out of your London Shopping Trip
- London is a fantastic place for a shopaholic with a huge range of shops to suit every taste and passion.
- Public transport in London is excellent and much can be gained by walking through the city.
- Use the tube for longer distances.
- If travelling with a family or looking for a longer stay, consider serviced apartments rather than a hotel for a more affordable option.
Take a look at these must do tips for visiting London
Where are the Best Shopping Areas in London?
The thriving capital of the UK has so much to give when it comes to shopping that choosing the best shopping places in London is tough indeed! This is every shopping district in London for an exciting days out:
The most famous shopping streets in London, Oxford Street / Regent Street / New Bond Street
Oxford street shops
The most famous shopping street in London, if not the world, Oxford Street is home to a wide variety of shops, including the landmark Selfridges department store. A huge street that runs from Marble Arch in the west to Tottenham Court Road on the eastern side, Oxford Street provides shops for all the family as well as plenty of places to eat. You will find plenty of flag ship stores along your route why not walk from one station Tottenham Court Road to the other end and hop to another London shopping destination after that.
Regent Street shopping
Half way down the street is Oxford Circus station, where Oxford Street meets Regent Street. Take a walk down Regent Street to visit more exciting and luxury shops, including the incredible toy shop Hamleys which is a must for those with children why not pop in and see if you can find Paddington bear? You can also find the high-class delight of Liberty’s at the top of regent street. Liberty’s of London has been at this spot since it It first opened in 1875 by Arthur Liberty, son of a draper from Buckinghamshire.
New Bond Street luxury shops
Also spurred off Oxford Street is the exquisite run of New Bond Street, where jewellers such as Tiffany and Co., Graff, and De Beers have beautiful locations. It really is the Luxury end of the West End with luxury bag shops such as Louis Vuitton and high class jewellers such as Cartier.
- These shopping areas are best for: an all-round experience for everyone
- Tube stations: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Piccadilly Circus
Soho’s famous Carnaby street
Just a stones throw from Regent street is Carnaby street the edgy place to be and the place to be seen. Carnaby street is well known for its individual flag ship stores and quirky shops. Here you will find shops such as irregular choose and scotch and mason as well a variety of sports shops.
- Best for: Trendsetters and fashionistas
- Tube: Oxford Street or Piccadilly Circus
Camden
When it comes to a combination of fantastic food, delightful crafts, and cutting-edge youth fashion, Camden cannot be beaten. Multiple markets spring from the main road, where exploring off into side alleyways and up staircases leads to many hidden treasures.
Despite years of homogenous chain shops taking over many city locations, Camden has never lost its real-world London charm and provides an authentic experience with its own culture of community, music, craft, and creativity. Don’t forget to look out for some fascinating street art whilst you are there.
- Best for: teenagers, lovers of unique gifts
- Tube stations: Camden Town, Chalk Farm
Borough Market
Food, food, food. Borough Market, located near London Bridge, is a haven for those looking for something delectable to eat. From artisan breads to kangaroo burgers, Borough Market offers a bright range of quality foodstuffs, many of which are near-impossible to find elsewhere. Any time do the year you can find quality food ingredients to take home.
It’s small, so don’t expect to spend more than an hour or two sampling its delights, but well worth the visit.
- Best for: foodies
- Tube stations: London Bridge
Shopping at Knightsbridge
Home of the world famous Harrods department store, Knightsbridge offers luxury shopping for those who are seeking out the very best in quality and style. Visit Harvey Nichols for the latest from top designers, grab a bag at Lulu Guinness or Gucci, or try on some exquisite footwear at Christian Louboutin or Jimmy Choo.
Knightsbridge is a full day of relaxed shopping, perfect for every shopaholic seeking designer shops in London.
- Best for: luxury fashion items
- Tube stations: Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner
The Royal Exchange
A shopping arcade for the discerning customer, The Royal Exchange is in the heart of the cities financial district providing a range of quality shops to impress. From the Red Eight Gallery’s spread of contemporary art to the personal accessory delights of Bremont, Tateossian, The Watchfinder and Tiffany and Co. The Royal Exchange is an example of the very finest London shopping has to offer. Fortnum and Masons had a gift shop and cafe in the central atrium too perfect for a glass of Champagne.
- Best for: quality designer pieces
- Closest tube station is : Bank
Covent Garden shopping
Mix your shopping experience with some top-class street entertainment and a relaxing stop in a sumptuous café by visiting Covent Garden. This famous area of London offers a range of boutiques and stalls as well as being the home to some excellent technology with an Apple Store filling one corner. With Forbidden Planet within short walking distance, Covent Garden is also an excellent place for gaming, comic, and TV fans.
- Best for: specialist shops
- Tube stations: Covent Garden, Leicester Square
Ledenhall Market
If the environment is as important as the shopping, look no further than Ledenhall Market. This beautiful indoor market features 19th Century architecture and has been used in several films and TV shows, most famously as The Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film.
With plenty of exquisite shops to visit and some mouth-watering food on offer, Ledenhall Market is a true shopping experience. Just be sure to visit during a weekday as many of the shops are only open Monday to Friday.
- Best for: atmosphere and history
- Tube stations: Bank, Monument, Aldgate, and Fenchurch Street
Leicester Square
The area of Leicester Square is most famously known for its cinema and theatre connections, but in recent years it has become quite a reasonable shopping area – especially for families.
The square itself is home to many statues and art installations that are worth coming to see, with a current exhibition featuring such characters as Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, and Batman there for all to enjoy.
In terms of shopping, Leicester Square is home to some bright and entertaining locations, including the brilliant Lego Store and colourful M&M’s World London. There are plenty of boutiques, and gift shops are abundant, making it the perfect place to find a souvenir of your visit.
- Best for: families, gifts
- Tube stations: Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus
Getting Around When Shopping in London
Though carrying your bags may make the idea of having a car with you seem necessary, in truth, London shopping is best done on foot, with a mixture of public transport and old-fashioned walking. Despite first impressions, the various locations are often within reasonable walking distance from each other, and it is thanks to a willingness to meander through the streets that many hidden treasures are uncovered.
Of course, the best shopping places in London are also easily accessed via the London Underground (Tube) and on bus, or grab a black cab if your legs are feeling tired during your adventure through the streets. Apps like Google Maps or City Mapper are a perfect complement to modern shopping in London.
Places to Stay in London when shopping
When looking to come to London for a fantastic shopping experience, it is essential that you find the best place to stay. Careless visitors often find that they have chosen a location that is just a little further out from the shopping areas than they believed and it’s sadly not unusual to find that the hotel that seemed such a bargain is, in fact, more than an hour from your desired location.
London has plenty of hotels, although they do become more expensive the closer to the bustling hive that you get. If staying for longer than a few days, or if you are travelling with family, consider instead the advantages of a serviced apartment.
Some good options include:
Central London (North)
Accommodation north of Marylebone Road is perfect for most shopping areas. A quick tube or bus ride will drop you at almost all of our chosen locations within 15-20 minutes, and it’s also not unreasonable to walk.
Consider The Landmark London or Dorset Square Hotel for short stays.
Closest to: Camden, Oxford Street / Regent Street / Bond Street
Where to stay in Central London (Central)
Staying right in the heart of London offers a wide range of top quality hotels. If budget is no option, why not stay in The Ritz London? Perhaps consider The Londoner Hotel, Haymarket Hotel, or Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street for Covent Garden.
Closest to: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Oxford Street / Regent Street / Bond Street
Central London (West) places to stay
Mayfair and Knightsbridge are among the best areas to stay in London. Hotels there are typically of excellent quality and are perfectly located for most of the premium shopping areas.
Think about Bulgari Hotel London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park or the Dorchester.
Closest to: Knightsbridge, Oxford Street / Regent Street / Bond Street, Leicester Square
The City
The financial district of London is home to some of the best upmarket shopping. Hotels ring the area in locations such as Monument and Liverpool Street Station. Choose from quality hotels such as The Ned London, Pan Pacific London, or Vintry and Mercer.
Closest to: The Royal Exchange, Ledenhall Market, Borough Market
Other Locations on where to Stay in London for a Shopaholic
If shopping is your main reason for visiting London, then try to pick one of the four areas above for your accommodation. If that’s not possible though, then there are plenty of alternatives. Areas just south of the river, such as Waterloo, Southwark, and Battersea are close enough that getting to the shopping areas is a breeze – plus there is much to enjoy in those areas, too.
Shepherd’s Bush to the west is home to the inviting Westfield Shopping Centre, while Stratford in the East has an equally enjoyable Westfield Shopping Centre of its own as well as being the home of the Olympic Park, built for the 2012 London Olympics.
Just remember to check that your stay is close to a Tube station as this is normally the best indicator that you can get around.
Enjoying the Best Shopping Areas in London
It’s no surprise that the capital of the UK provides an incredible shopping experience. With fashion, technology, and food all available in abundance throughout the city but there are also plenty of hidden treasures that you’ll find from your own exploration. While our recommendations are among the must-visit areas for anyone on a shorter stay, if you can enjoy a longer trip then London will guarantee an exciting time.
Comfort is key when you are choosing from the best places to stay in London and balancing the budget between your accommodation, excursions, and shopping budget is always tricky. Don’t skimp on your stay, though, as the experience of staying in London can be ruined by choosing an inferior place to stay.