subject: London shopping: from markets to malls, London has it all [print this page] London shopping: from markets to malls, London has it all
Whether you're looking for department stores, small boutiques or market stalls on your next big shopping trip, London delivers on all fronts.
And unlike many cities, London's shopping isn't concentrated around the city centre and a handful of out-of-town malls. Wherever your travels take you in the UK capital, you will never be too far from a major shopping street or, indeed, a major shopping mall.
Take Westfield Shopping Centre, for example. Located in Shepherd's Bush in southern London, the mall is the third largest in the UK and is the equivalent of thirty full-sized football pitches. With almost 300 stores under its roof, it will have everything you want though you are best going early in the morning or during working hours if you're to avoid the crowds.
Of course, shopping malls aren't everyone's idea of a good shopping experience'. For a more traditional shopping experience you should look no further than Covent Garden in the West End.
Covent Garden has loads of charming little boutiques, markets plus all the standard big retail outlets and department stores. And there is plenty of street entertainment too, which only adds to the fantastic atmosphere in this area, particularly in the summer months.
But if you're on a short stay in London, you may want to go straight for the retail jugular and head to Oxford Street and the surrounding areas.
With over 300 stores, including many flagship stores such as a huge Topshop, Oxford Street won't disappoint but it does get very busy, which only adds to the buzz. The world renowned Selfridges is at the western side of Oxford Street, and it has a mammoth 6 floors across ten acres with a staggering 11 cafes.
Nearby you'll find Jermyn Street, which is particularly good for high-end men's clothing shops, including shirt-makers and tailors.
It's also worth making some time to visit Bond Street, which runs through Mayfair from Piccadilly in the south to Oxford Street in the north. Here you'll find many classy shops selling everything from Armani and Louis Vuitton to Diesel and Cartier.
With all this shopping, you'll no doubt need somewhere comfortable to bed-down for the evening. A Marble Arch London hotel will ensure you're right in the heart of the retail action, and you don't have too far to travel to get your shopping fix the next day. For shopping trips, London is about as good as it gets.
