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Bucket list experience:

Close up of a mannequin wearing outrageous 70s clothing and blue glasses

Last updated: 16 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Sarah Barrell

With several distinct shopping areas and countless brilliant department stores and shopping streets, London requires some space in your suitcase. It’s, without doubt, the world’s premier shopping destination.

Whether browsing the designer boutiques around Bond Street or Marylebone, ticking off the historic department stores of the West End, or seeking out individual, legendary shops and historic markets – there is something for every taste and every budget. Even if you’re not a shopper, wandering London’s markets and best shopping areas is a quintessential London experience not to be missed.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: -
A daytime view of street that is know for its great stores
Experience

Bond Street

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Luxury central in London, Bond Street is home to the glittering flagship stores of luxury fashion, jewellery and accessories brands.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Exterior of the large red brick department store on a sunny day
Experience

Fortnum & Mason

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Grocer to the queen, this glorious foodie emporium on Piccadilly has been supplying the great and good of London since 1705. A Fortnum’s hamper – perfect for a picnic in Hyde Park – is a thing of beauty.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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A street view with colourful awnings
Experience

Hamleys

London, United Kingdom (UK)

One of the oldest and best toy shops in the world, complete with costumed staff and huge-scale, techy toys, this is heaven for kids (grown-up ones too).

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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Night time view of the department all lit up with lights
Experience

Harrods

London, United Kingdom (UK)

The world’s most famous department store – touristy, yes, but also glamorous, glitzy, and unmissable.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

London Shopping Tours

London Shopping Tours

London

Let us guide you through the beautiful streets of London only known to locals. Our shopping tours are carefully prepared by our guides/styli...

£85 | Rating 4.90 / 5 [44 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Bingham Riverhouse

London, United Kingdom (UK)

A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.

Official star rating:

CitizenM Tower of London

London, United Kingdom (UK)

An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.

Official star rating:

Claridge’s

London, United Kingdom (UK)

Undeniably the most glamorous and timeless of all London’s five-stars. This glorious Art Deco landmark and Mayfair institution is beloved by royalty, rock stars and fashionistas.

Official star rating:

Durrants Hotel

London, United Kingdom (UK)

This grand, family-run hotel has the warmth, intimacy and polished service of a gentlemen’s club in uber-trendy and sophisticated Marylebone.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

London

Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)

World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination. 

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