Shopping in London is a much more enjoyable experience than anywhere else (including the other top shopping destinations of the world, New York, Paris, and Milan). That's due to the variety found in its vibrant street markets, alternative fashion boutiques, and luxury department stores. Discerning shoppers will always find something special there, or as they walk down some of the world's most exclusive shopping areas, from the designer-label zones of SLOANE STREET and KNIGHTSBRIDGE, to OXFORD STREET, to BOND STREET, and pretty much anywhere in MAYFAIR.
Brand names tend to be more expensive here than anywhere else, but take advantage of the many sales to pick up bargains.
The city is also a mecca for funky urban streetwear styles, with Camden getting packed on Sundays with young crowds looking for club or vintage wear. The day before they were probably at the PORTOBELLO MARKET in Notting Hill, everyone's Saturday destination for fashion, antiques, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is also found at Covent Garden, along with specialist foods and gifts. Then there's also Alfie's for antiques, and Brick Lane for just about anything.


DEPARTMENT STORES
Harrod's
This 19th century department store is one of the world's most famous. Come here for fashion, furniture, or food, and you'll find one of London's glitziest shopping experiences. Be sure to pass by the food halls and see it at night when it's illuminated by thousands of light bulbs.

Selfridges
This century-old department store is one of the world's finest and most interesting, especially when it comes to its window displays. Its huge range of quality goods take up six floors and the superb food halls makes this a destination for even those who are not shopaholics.

Liberty
This department store on Regent Street is a surprisingly contemporary and hip shopping destination, housing collections by cutting-edge designers. It's also a good place for cosmetics, toiletries, and arts and crafts not found at other department stores.

Dover Street Market
Over a dozen designers are featured around the six floors showing brick walls and steel beams that make up this alternative department store. The best in high fashion and design is represented by Comme des Garcons, Junya Watanabe, and Lanvin among several others in a space with a certain street market feel. It's a cool and cutting-edge retail experience, and a treat even if you're not buying anything.


TRENDY, ALTERNATIVE MARKETS
BRICK LANE
If you're in town on a Sunday, head to Brick Lane in the East End for its bric-a-brac market. It's a bustling place that attracts young Londoners looking for unusual clothing and anything cheap. Return on any other day of the week for some innovative designs at the shops in this trendy shopping area.

Alfies Antique Market
This is one of the best-stocked destinations in London for antiques. Over 350 stalls, workshops, and showrooms take over the entire space of a 19th century store, where you'll find furniture and vintage clothing, and a whole antiques district around the street. This is also a modern design destination much loved by the city's wealthy and celebrity locals.


EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS
Coco Ribbon
If you're looking to buy a special gift for a special lady, or if you're a special lady looking to get a gift for yourself, Coco Ribbon will have just what you're looking for. There is gorgeous jewelry and jewelry boxes, designer lingerie and shoes, handbags, and bath and beauty products.

Caroline Groves
For women who love shoes, this is a great place to visit. The stunning collection recalls the styles from decades ago.

KJ's Laundry
This beautiful shop presents beautifully laid out clothing and accessories by designers from around the world. There are famous labels and other less-known labels and designers, from New York's S Sung to Sydney's Ginger & Smart.

Brown's and Brown's Focus
For those women who look for the top fashion designs, Brown's on South Molton Street is the place to go. For the latest innovative young designers go across the street to Brown's Focus. It showcases names such as Fake London, Maharishi, and Hussein Chalayan for those who like to stress with little more attitude and style.

Kurt Geiger
Although the best branch is that on South Molton Street, you can go to any branch of Kurt Geiger to try its beautiful shoes. There are their own men's and women's lines along with a selection from other top designers.

Miller Harris
This is the flagship store of one of the city's leading perfume shops, offering hard-to-find fragrance collections. You'll end up buying a fragrance for yourself, but even if don't, it is worth coming here just to check out the store.

Rokit
Cool vintage clothing that is so retro that it's fashionable, is what you'll find at this shop that has several branches in London. It has top gear for both men and women at not-too-high prices.

Nicole Farhi
Nicole Farhi is one of the most admired designers in England, and she has several shops in London alone. The flagship store is on New Bond Street, where you'll find her collections of women's and men's fashions and fragrances.


SPECIAL SHOPS
Daunt Books
Although there are other branches across the city, you should visit the store on Marylebone High Street. This is London's most beautiful bookshop, and in its beautiful Edwardian interior you'll find travel publications (guides, novels, and non-fiction) arranged by country.

Oki Ni
This high-concept store is really a showcase for the products that you have to order through the website. It features labels and designer items that were produced in limited numbers, and sold only here. So choose your special and unique item and feel the joy of anticipation as you wait for it to be delivered at home.

The Grocer on Elgin
Need to grab something special to eat? This chic deli offers a wide choice of smart dishes and sandwiches. The soups are also worth trying, but best of all are the freshly-made breads. The prices are high but justified for the quality.