London is also one of the world's most fashion conscious cities, which explains the abundance of clothing shops from the flagship shops of Oxford Street to the tiny boutiques of Brick Lane.
Though not particularly known for bargain shopping, nearly anything you could possibly want to buy is available in London. In Central London, the main shopping district is the West End Bond St, Covent Garden, Oxford St and Regent St. On Thursdays many West End stores close later than normal 19:00-20:00.
Oxford Street. Main shopping street home to flagship branches of all the major British high street retailers in one go including Selfridges (http://selfridges.co.uk/), John Lewis (http://johnlewis.com) includes a food hall, Marks & Spencer (http://marksandspencer.com) and other department stores. Really overcrowded and has pretty ordinary shops actually.
Regent Street between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus. Includes such gems as Hamleys, considered to be London's flagship toy store, on seven levels, and the London Apple Store.
Bond Street. Some of the world's most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.
Tottenham Court Road. Contains some of the world's most luxurious designer interior stores such as Heals, whilst the southern end is famous for its large concentration of hi-fi, computer and electronics stores.
Covent Garden (http://coventgardenmarket...). Fashionable area home to quaint outlets and relatively expensive designer stores. Around Seven Dials chains include Adidas Originals, All Saints, Carhartt, Fred Perry, G Star Raw and Stussy. For shoes head for Neal St. Also the London Transport Museum whose gift shop has some of the best souvenirs in the city old maps, vintage Tube posters, etc. But the vendors are now not allowed to sell merchandise with Union Jacks on. Sad.
Charing Cross Road near Covent Garden. A book lovers haven! New, second-hand, antiquarian and specialist.
Soho . Offers alternative music and clothes. Now home to Chappell of Bond St's historic music shop.
Camden Town. Alternative clothing and other alternative shopping, popular with teenagers and young adults. Also nearby Camden Lock market. Has lots of really cool and affordable stuff but kind of gothish.
Chelsea. The King's Road is noted for fashion, homeware and kids. On Wednesday many stores close late.
Knightsbridge. Department stores include the world famous Harrods (http://harrods.com/) includes a food hall and Harvey Nichols. On Wednesday many stores close late.
Beauchamp Place.Shop where royalty and celebrities shop.One of the world's most unique and famous streets. Over the years it has developed its strong reputation as one of Londonâs most fashionable and distinctive streets, housing some of the best known names in London fashion, interspersed with trendy restaurants, jewellers and speciality shops including the world famous trademark Fortuny (http://fortunyshop.com), .
Westminster. Some of the world's most famous shirts are made on Jermyn St. Savile Row is home to some of the world's best men's bespoke tailors including Henry Poole, Gieves & Hawkes, H. Huntsman & Sons, Dege & Skinner and many other.
airports
Tax-free shops in airports are not strong in variety, prices are equal to London, and they close rather early as well. Shop listings at airport web sites can help to plan your tax-free vs traditional shopping. In the evening allow extra half an hour as closing hours are not always strictly respected.
markets
Borough tube: London Bridge (http://boroughmarket.org.uk/) is a great if expensive food market, offering fruit, veg, cheese, bread, meat, fish, and so on, much of it organic. Th-Sa best to go in the morning, since it gets unpleasantly crowded by around 11:00.
Old Spitalfields Market (http://www.oldspitalfield...) is an excellent market for clothes from up-and-coming designers, records, housewares, food, and all things trendy, it was once the London fruit markets. Find it at 65 Brushfield St London E1 6AA Straight down Bell Lane past 66-68 and keep walking. Visit 66/68 Bell Lane nearby to see a wealthy merchants house, rumor has it John Lennon once played on the roof of this building with Yoko Ono. Also checkout Brick Lane, Greenwich and Portobello, (http://notting-hill.org).