101 best shops in London

Explore the best shops in the capital, from much-loved independent bookshops and iconic British fashion brands to vibrant concept stores, homeware havens and one-of-a-kind boutiques you won't find anywhere else. 

Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift, refreshing your wardrobe or simply exploring London's endlessly creative retail scene, this guide brings together standout spots to help you make the most of your shopping trip.

Best London bookshops

1. Visit Daunt Books, an original Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries, a skylit interior and books arranged by country rather than alphabetically.
2. Step into Foyles’ flagship on Charing Cross Road, a bibliophile’s paradise with more than 200,000 books spread over six floors, and be sure to grab a drink in its stylish cafe tucked away on the top floor.
3. Enjoy a delicious slice of cake and admire the miniature hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling of Stanfords', the world's largest map and travel book store in Covent Garden.
4. Don't miss the curved glass windows and art deco interiors of Waterstone’s Piccadilly, one of Europe’s largest bookstores, with regular book signings and fabulous views from its 5th View Bar.
5. Pick up children's books from inclusion-led bookshop Round Table Books in Brixton, which spotlights underrepresented authors, writers and illustrators.
6. Search for rare and exquisite books at Shapero Rare Books in Mayfair, including an 1813 printed copy of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility.
7. Scour through the wide range of books, playtexts and gifts at the National Theatre Bookshop on the South Bank.

Fabric shops

1. Use the old wooden staircase or lift to head to the fourth floor of beautiful department store Liberty, where you'll find a wide variety of fabrics, including the popular Tana Lawn cotton fabric, the ideal canvas for classic and iconic Liberty prints.
2. Pop along to Fabrications in Hackney’s Broadway Market, specialists in textile upcycling, to shop for all your haberdashery needs, as well as classes in dressmaking, mending, knitting, embroidery and more.
3. Browse hundreds of African textiles at African Queen Fabrics in Brixton Market, choosing between wax prints, fine cotton, laces and colourful West African fabrics. If you're looking for ready-to-wear, there's reversible cotton quilted print jackets, tote bags, hats and even drums to purchase.
4. As well as running sewing classes for all abilities, Ray Stitch in Islington is chock-full of designer and organic fabrics for dressmaking, quilting, soft furnishings and craft.
5. Head to Kilburn or Enfield for Rainbow Fabrics, an ethically focused haberdashery that specialises in deadstock fabrics and remnants, including dressmaking supplies, colourful ribbons, tassels, trims and feathers.

Shoe shops

1. Check out reseller OG Kicks in Soho, featuring a curated inventory of premium footwear and streetwear which includes brands like Yeezy, Jordan and more.
2. Step into Loake's first ever shop on Jermyn Street to discover an iconic British men's footwear brand, first produced in 1880. Granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment in 2007, you'll want to try the renowned Loake Chester Derby Brogue for yourself.
3. Explore the world’s largest shoe department at Selfridges, where 35,000 sq ft (3,252 sq m) is dedicated to footwear with more than 5,000 pairs of shoes from high-street and designer brands.
4. Pay a visit to Footpatrol in Soho, where you can not only buy exclusive releases but hang out and chill with like-minded sneakerheads.
5. See British heritage design up close at Grenson's Bloomsbury store, featuring styles like brogues, loafers and boots which have been beautifully crafted using the finest materials and the Goodyear Welted process, invented in England during the 1800s. 

Musical instrument shops

1. Admire the displays of vintage, rare and new model guitars at Hanks’s Guitar Shop, also known as Denmark Street Guitars, a one-stop shop for all your jamming needs.
2. Open since 1948, Howarth of London is an independent woodwind music shop, globally known for being makers of the finest oboes and English horns.
3. Marvel at the wonderful range of Yamaha instruments, from drums to pianos, at the impressive three-storey Yamaha Music London, the only flagship outside of Japan. 
4. Go bonkers for brass at Phil Parker in east London, a treasure-trove of trumpets, trombones and tubas. Not sure which to purchase? Test the instruments out for as long as you like in one of its three testing spaces.
5. Discover folk and acoustic musical instrument specialists, Hobgoblin Music, which sell everything from accordions to bagpipes, and xylophones to zithers.

Music shops in London

1. Find specialist CDs, DVDs, books, blu-ray, headphones and more at Fopp in Seven Dials.
2. Browse the latest music, DVDs, blu-ray, technology and games releases at HMV in Westfield London.
3. Famously featured on Oasis’ album cover (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory, Sister Ray has an eye-popping collection of records at its Berwick Street store.
4. Rough Trade East offers a mix of vinyl releases, CDs, books and even cassette tapes. The store also houses a Monmouth Coffee bar and a stage for live music performances.
5. Based in Notting Hill, old-school record shop Honest Jon’s has been selling soul, reggae, jazz and world music since 1974.

Vintage shops

1. Whether you’re seeking elegant vintage attire or ‘90s nostalgia, scour through the bargains at East End Vintage Clothing, which regularly holds £1 sales.
2. Beyond Retro’s London stores are stuffed full of handpicked vintage clothing, which makes it easier to find that perfect item.
3. West London’s Rellik specialises in designer women’s clothes and accessories and if you're lucky, you may stumble upon items by Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Cardin and more.
4. If you're after rare and unique pieces, pop by House of Vintage, a small vintage boutique off Brick Lane that specialises in 1940s, 1950s and 1960s fashion, as well as catering to brides.
5. Step inside a treasure trove of luxury vintage fashion at One Of A Kind, with rails of Gaultier and Lagerfeld pieces that have drawn celebrities and style lovers alike. 
6. With the canal providing a scenic backdrop, browse the vibrant stalls and shops filled with vintage treasures in and around Camden Market.

Best London toyshops

 

1. Be wowed by two floors of bricks and fun in-store activities at the LEGO Store in Leicester Square, where you can shop the latest sets including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Ninjago and more.
2. Experience the magic of London’s most famous toyshop, Hamleys in Regent Street, complete with seven floors of games, toys and gadgets. Aim to visit on a weekday morning as it's a must-see attraction on the weekends. 
3. Established in 1856, you won't want to miss the theatre-themed Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop bursting with paper toy theatres, globe puppets and marionettes.
4. Transport to The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ to discover a magical range of collectibles, including wands and time turners, as well as board games and mugs.
5. Feel the magic as you step inside the Disney Store on Oxford Street, offering limited-edition plush toys, collectible figurines, interactive displays and more.

Homeware and furniture shops

1. Be mesmerised by the bespoke chandelier cascading down the spiral staircase as you browse everything for the home, from mid-century sofas to velvet throws, gardening accessories and more, in Heal’s on Tottenham Court Road.
2. Head to West Elm’s flagship store on Tottenham Court Road for on-trend interiors including fun lighting, a wide variety of furniture, quirky mirrors and more. 
3. Pick up Japanese-designed furniture made from hinoki (Japanese cypress) alongside eye-catching tenugui (hand towels), Japanese cherry bark tea caddies and more at Japan House London.
4. With stylish stock sourced from all over the world, Graham & Green in Primrose Hill feels like a museum with Kilim rugs, eclectic storage solutions and fancy mirrors.
5. Got cash to splash? Pick up statement furniture, colourful ceramics or glass tumblers in rich, jewel colours at The Conran Shop in Chelsea, which offers everything from iconic design classics to contemporary pieces from emerging designers.

Wedding dress shops

1. Get the star treatment at The Mews Bridal in Notting Hill, where you’ll find a curated collection of handmade French designs in fabrics such as silk crepe, French tulle and French lace.
2. Head to the London branch of the Spanish brand Pronovias to explore three floors of luxury bridalwear, cocktail dresses and accessories before you say “yes to the dress”.
3. Head to Angelica Bridal in Islington to browse for wedding gowns by some of the world’s best designers in an honest and fun environment. For brides with curves, pop to the sister branch on Liverpool Road.
4. Find your dress at Phase Eight, St Christopher's Place's fabulous flagship, which is home to its first ever wedding boutique with a dedicated styling lounge.
5. Shop for spectacular wedding dresses at any budget, headpieces, shoes, jewellery and more at David’s Bridal in Westfield Stratford City.

Camera shops

1. With dedicated sections for major brands, step into the world of digital cameras, digital SLRs and lenses at Park Cameras, one of London’s largest independent professional photography shops where you can also find plenty of second-hand gear.
2. Just off Oxford Street, you can find Camera World, a specialist photography store to snap up cameras, equipment, accessories and a range of used compact cameras.
3. Pick up an impressive array of new and second-hand cameras, lenses and photographic equipment at London Camera Exchange, a short walk from Trafalgar Square.
4. Love Nikon cameras? Grays of Westminster is a Nikon-only shop selling new and used cameras and equipment.
5. For budding and professional photographers, Wex Photo Video London boasts an enormous range of photographic equipment, from cameras and lenses to studio lighting and video.

Men's clothing shops

1. Seek out the trademark rainbow stripes on both casual and formal modern designs at Paul Smith's Covent Garden flagship, dubbed the godfather of British menswear.
2. A dedicated store for bikers, Lewis Leathers is Britain’s oldest store for motorcycle clothing, even serving the RAF in WWII. Whizz by for leather jackets, gloves, footwear and made-to-measure services.
3. Immerse yourself in vibrant hues and Ghanaian heritage as you pick up colourful and classy ready-to-wear tailoring at Ozwald Boateng's flagship store on the iconic Savile Row.
4. Feel at home as you check out stylish takes on classic designs at London-born designer Charlie Casely-Hayford's Chiltern Street store, full of warm colours, textures, antique furniture and artwork.
5. Iconic British brand Marks & Spencer is the go-to shop for classic items, such as smart suits and cashmere jumpers.
6. For edgy, Shoreditch-style clobber, visit pop-up shops at Boxpark, where you can find everything from renowned Avirex American Air Force jackets to retro-futuristic cowboy attire and more.

Dress shops

1. Be wowed by intricately beaded and embroidered dresses at Temperley London, featuring creations by star designer Alice Temperley.
2. Discover the array of shops at St Christopher's Place just off Oxford Street, including high street favourites and independent designers.
3. For wedding guest, prom and evening dresses, make sure to visit Dress 2 Party, a stylish independent boutique featuring global designers, a wide range of colours and styles.
4. Browse designer dresses at TK Maxx’s Covent Garden store. For discounted high-end gowns and eveningwear, check out the Gold Label collection.
5. Shop for bold and glamourous party dresses at Lipsy London, which has a branch in Westfield London.
6. Step into a world of rebellion and individuality at the Vivienne Westwood flagship store in Mayfair, where you can splash out on the classic Gold Label collection or pick up more relaxed pieces from the Anglomania range.

Best shops for emerging designers

1. Discover cutting-edge fashion from global and emerging brands at cult store 18montrose in Regent Street, offering an industrial chic backdrop with exposed lighting and piping and digital displays.
2. Find cutting-edge threads from the next big things in fashion at Dover Street Market's stripped industrial space spread across six floors.
3. Championing emerging stars from diverse backgrounds from as far back as the 1970s, Browns is the place to get ahead of the curve.
4. Be greeted by a silver planet centrepiece, a silver-tiled room and bursts of colours as you discover eclectic designers at Marylebone's concept store Koibird.
5. Tucked away in Soho's Brewer Street, Machine-A showcases innovation and authenticity via the latest styles from contemporary designers.

Charity shops

1. Do your bit for charity by purchasing a designer fashion item at Mary’s Living and Giving Shops for Save the Children.
2. Label lovers should hotfoot it to Cancer Research UK’s boutique concept store on Marylebone High Street to discover bargains in a modern, minimal and relaxed space. 
3. Rummage for high-end, recycled and restyled clothing at the Oxfam Boutique King’s Road, donated by wealthy Chelsea residents.

Department stores

 

1. Explore high-end accessories, homewares, fashion and beauty over six floors of Liberty London's mock-Tudor building.
2. Selfridges is one of the world’s finest department stores, spread across six floors with more than 23 places to eat. It even features one of the world’s biggest denim departments and a three-screen cinema.
3. Boasting the finest products in fashion, homeware and technology, Harrods is home to a whopping 330 departments. Don't miss the incredible food halls, serving up everything from fruit-shaped desserts to freshly-baked breads, rotisserie chicken and more.
4. A favoured grocer with the Royal Family, Fortnum & Mason is renowned for being a purveyor of fine foods, hampers, teas and wine. Make sure to pick up the pistachio and clotted cream biscuits!
5. Fashionistas flock to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge for high-end labels, including D&G, Burberry and Jimmy Choo, beauty services and restaurants.
6. Selling everything from buttons to beds, John Lewis’ Oxford Street store has a fabulous roof garden that opens during the summer months with pop-up restaurants and weekly yoga sessions.
7. Step under the famous roof of The O2 and find more than 60 big-name brands with huge discounts at the Outlet Shopping at The O2, from Calvin Klein to Clarins and Sunglass Hut.

Best bike shops

1. Discover rich British heritage at Condor Cyles in Bloomsbury, which has been open since 1948 and built bicycles for pop stars, Olympians and royalty. As no two people are the same, Condor offers you a free of charge bike fit!
2. Choose from a wide variety of bikes at London Recumbents, which hires and sells bicycles for everyone, including accessible bikes for riders with special needs and family cycling.
3. You don't need to be in lycra to visit Bermondsey-based Machine, which has a shop, an on-site bike doctor and cafe all in one.
4. Cycling enthusiasts can appreciate the vintage wheels and accessories for sale at Brick Lane Bikes, a community-focused store and workshop.
5. Buy your folding bike at Brompton Junction in Covent Garden, where you’ll find classic Bromptons, electric models and special editions.

London tattoo shops

1. Get a custom piece at The Family Business in Exmouth Market, world renowned for its ink work, warm atmosphere and suited and booted tattoo artists.
2. Get inked at Good Times Tattoo, a fashionable, bright and airy studio in hip Shoreditch run by celebrity tattoo artist Nikole Lowe.
3. Book in for bespoke personalised body art at Through My Third Eye, a north London studio where creativity is at the heart of bringing your wildest imagination to life.
4. Wander into the basement where world-famous tattoo artists often make a guest appearance at Frith Street Tattoo and enjoy custom designs ranging from small pieces to a whole Japanese body suit.

Cake shops

1. Indulge in a chocolate vanilla Curly Wurly cake, brownie bar and creamy cupcakes at luxury cake shop chain Konditor, with three locations across London.
2. Dessert lovers should head to Borough Market, where you’ll be spoilt for choice by the tempting array of freshly baked treats, from cakes to brownies and pies. Look out for Comptoir Bakery's ginormous cookies!
3. Pop into American-style bakery The Hummingbird Bakery for whoopie pies, layer cakes, brownies, muffins and more. Don't miss the red velvet cupcakes with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
4. Head to Cutter & Squidge for its speciality Biskie, that combines a biscuit, cake and cookie to create a taste sensation. The Soho cake shop also sells dream cakes, ice-cream sundaes and vegetarian marshmallows.
5. Visit Chinatown's Japanese fusion patisserie Kova to delight in picture perfect cakes from a matcha banoffee tart to the chocolate berries layered cake, a variety of mille crepe cakes and more. 
6. Savour exquisite cakes and pastries at Cedric Grolet at The Berkeley, a French patisserie offering edible beauty in Knightsbridge - the signature trompe-l'oeil cakes are a must try!

Art shops

1. Find acrylic, oil, sketchbooks, brushes, tools and more at Cass Art, the UK’s leading arts material supplier and an art store for more than 125 years, nestled behind the National Gallery. 
2. Head to the London Graphic Centre, a staple for creatives since 1973 – its Covent Garden store continues to have one of the largest ranges of art supplies in the capital, from easels to canvases, a wide selection of paints and more.
3. Popular with hobbyists and professionals, explore the UK's largest art materials store, Atlantis Art Materials, offering a huge range of art materials for printmaking, modelling, fine craft and more.
4. In London’s trendy East End, you'll discover AP Fitzpatrick Fine Art Materials, which supplies top quality art materials to everyone from students to Turner Prize winners.
5. The Southbank Art Company offers a bespoke framing service, as well as paints, brushes, paper, canvases, clay and more. It's also a great place if you're looking for affordable gifts.

More shopping ideas

1. Hop on a train at Marylebone and take a trip to Bicester Village to explore more than 160 boutiques. Discover discounted brands alongside emerging designers, stop off for lunch at one of the many eateries and make a day of it.

Find out where all the top shopping destinations are in London for more retail therapy, from all the best late-night shopping spots to the best markets and top department stores.

London's shopping scene covers all sorts of specialist tastes, from where to find the best vintage fashion to the best bookshops.