London’s top shopping malls provide a diverse range of products, from well-known international names to quirky independent labels.If you were to rank the world’s shopping capitals, London would surely be near the top. This is partially due to the city’s excellent assortment of retail centres, which cater to every taste and need, making it simple to find everything in one location.
It is easy to lose a whole day shopping at London’s expansive malls, whether your goal is to peruse upscale fashion brands or find the newest home goods. Here, we explore a few of the greatest so you can treat yourself to a world-class shopping binge when you visit London.
Harrods
Located on the affluent Knightsbridge, Harrods is one of London’s finest luxury shopping centres, having started in 1849. Even today, it is impressive that the store has guidelines requiring customers to follow a dress code. The structure that exists today is not the original. It was created around the time Harrods unveiled the first escalator in England towards the close of the 1800s. The business has one of London’s most identifiable facades thanks to its recognisable green awnings and red bricks.
Famously, Harrods used to claim that it could sell you anything. At one point, you could even purchase cocaine or exotic pets like elephants, tigers, and alligators. Though there is still enough to buy in its 330 categories, those days are thankfully over.
Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd
Open:
Monday–Wednesday from 11 am to 7 pm
Thursday–Saturday from 11 am to 8 pm
Sunday from noon to 6 pm
London Designer Outlet
With many of the top brands in the business available at unbelievable discounts, London Designer Outlet is one of the greatest malls in the city for fashion enthusiasts. Discover up to 85% off retail pricing on popular brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Nike, and Converse by exploring 70 fantastic stores.
London Designer Outlet is conveniently located near the renowned Wembley Stadium and provides a fantastic array of culinary and entertainment choices. Before watching the newest movie at the on-site 9-screen theatre complex, get a quick cup of coffee from Starbucks or Pret A Manger.
Location: Wembley Park Blvd
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm
Selfridges Department Store
One of London’s greatest shopping centres, Selfridges on Oxford Street, is also a landmark. Harry Gordon Selfridge, an American pioneer, founded it in 1908, and it opened the following year. The store was essential in the early days of this shift in consumer behaviour, enabling customers to handle and peruse the items rather of being serviced simply from behind a counter.
Today, it serves primarily affluent customers and is the second-largest store in London after Harrods. Its retail operation mostly consists of luxury apparel and homewares, but it is also well-known for its creative, frequently opulent window displays and food court.
Location: 400 Oxford St
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm
Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Burlington Arcade
Having established in 1819, Burlington Arcade is regarded as the earliest shopping arcade in history. Lord Cavendish came up with the original concept for the arcade in an effort to discourage neighbours from leaving trash in the gardens surrounding Burlington House. The arcade, which stretches from Piccadilly to Burlington Gardens, is home to a number of upscale stores, some of which have been there for many years.
For example, the Vintage Watch Company, which has been at this location for 15 years, sells more than 1,000 watches made between 1910 and 1970. However, N. Peal, the longest-tenant, moved in when the building initially opened in 1936. Renowned cashmere sweaters, worn by celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and in multiple James Bond flicks, are available here.
Location: 51 Piccadilly
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 7 pm
Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Harvey Nichols Department Store
Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge is an upmarket department store chain and the flagship of the famous designer emporium. Today, its portfolio contains 7 stores, but the brand has humble beginnings. It first traded as a small linen shop back in 1831.
The elegant building in Knightsbridge was erected in 1889, and you’ll easily see why the store is a favourite with Londoners and visitors, particularly those looking for high fashion items. Diana, Princess of Wales, used to shop here regularly. Eight floors of fashion, beauty, homewares, food and wine make this a formidable rival to nearby Harrods.
Location: 109-125 Knightsbridge
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday from noon to 6 pm
Westfield Stratford City
Many people agree that Westfield Stratford City is London’s one-stop shop for all retail needs. Situated on an astounding 177,000 square metres, this shopping mall boasts 250 contemporary stores and 70 dining establishments, making it one of the biggest in all of Europe. Located next to the 2012 Olympic Games complex, this is East London’s best place to shop.
A who is who of high-end and luxury fashion labels, such as Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Coach, Lacoste, and others, can be seen everywhere you look. However, Westfield Stratford City’s entertainment options really make it stand out. There is the luxurious Aspers Casino, the Vue Cinema with its 17 cutting-edge screens, and All Star Lanes, a luxurious place to bowl.
Location: Montfichet Rd
Open:
Monday–Friday from 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm
Sunday from noon to 6 pm
St Martin’s Courtyard
St Martin’s Courtyard is a posh shopping area that is fitting for Covent Gardens’ opulent West End neighbourhood. Located off of Long Acre’s historic street, this outdoor retail complex opened its doors in 2012 and has since grown to become a busy hub for those who enjoy better things in life.
Alongside well-known labels like Swarovski and Barbour, customers will find a plethora of renowned and independent designers, like Jack Wills, Cos, and & Other Stories. In the meantime, St. Martin’s Courtyard is home to a number of well regarded eateries, such as Dalla Terra, which serves delicious Italian food, and Dishoom, which serves contemporary Indian food.
Location: St Martin’s Courtyard, Slingsby
Open:
Thursday–Saturday from 9 am to midnight
Sunday–Wednesday from 9 am to 11 pm
Kingly Court
Although Kingly Court offers a wide variety of stores and restaurants, it is not your typical shopping mall. Located on three levels, this chic outdoor courtyard comes to life when the sun is out. Fear not—you can still go in the winter because overhead covers keep everyone warm and dry.
This intriguing location in Kingly Court, just a short stroll from Oxford Street’s bustle, has a great array of stylish independent boutiques, vintage shops, and gift shops. Additionally, there are twenty delicious eateries, pubs, and cafés to pick from. They all serve a variety of colourful dishes, such as spicy ramen and gourmet pizza.
Location: Kingly St, Soho, London W1B 5PW, UK
Open:
Daily from 6 am to 11 pm
Angel Central Islington Shopping Centre
One of London’s top malls, Angel Central Islington Shopping Centre is the perfect spot to shop when you need to update your wardrobe. This is due to the fact that it includes everything from ultra-chic local designers and jewellers to fashion giants like H&M and Uniqlo. Rituals and Typo are just two of the many wonderful home goods, lifestyle, and cosmetics retailers available to you outside of the fashion industry.
Previously called the N1 Shopping Centre, it also offers delicious options for lunch and dinner, including Wagamama and Itsu. While some of the biggest music artists in the world frequently play late into the night at the O2 Academy Islington, Vue Cinema boasts ten enormous screens showing both classics and blockbusters.
Location: 21 Parkfield St, The Angel, London N1 0PS
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm
Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
Duke of York Square
As elegant as it sounds, Duke of York Square is one of the greatest shopping centres in London. It is an outdoor event that brings together a multitude of fashion, eating, beauty, and cultural organisations, and it is located in a wealthy area of Chelsea. Once a barracks and orphanage in the 19th century, this location now houses a variety of upscale flagship retailers and outdoor dining options.
Aesop, All Saints, and Joseph are just a few of the thirty upmarket fashion and lifestyle stores located in Duke of York Square. One of the biggest Zara stores in Europe is located in this building as well. The Saatchi Gallery, a renowned modern art and sculpture gallery, is the center’s jewel in the crown, nevertheless.
Location: 80 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, London
Open:
Monday–Friday from 10 am (closing time varies between 6 pm and 8 pm)
Sunday from noon to 6 pm (closed on Saturdays)
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre
The London Canary Wharf Shopping Centre is made up of a number of distinct shopping and dining destinations. Located on the Isle of Dogs, this massive subterranean mall offers over 120 stores selling clothing, makeup, home goods, accessories, lifestyle, and more. In addition to Superdry, Zara, and Levi’s, upscale retailers like Tiffany & Co., Montblanc, and Reiss may be found if you choose to come.
Even though it is a commercial mall, Canary Wharf Shopping Centre maintains its outdoor space. In actuality, there are more than 20 acres of beautifully designed gardens in addition to the biggest collection of outdoor public art in London. Choose a peaceful area to take in the view after picking up something to eat at one of the many food courts.
Location: 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf
Open:
Monday–Friday from 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday from noon to 6 pm
One New Change
When it debuted in 2010, One New Change transformed the heart of London into a bustling weekend retail attraction. Unbelievably, the first specialised shopping centre in the City of London was this creative construction. One New Change is distinctive in many ways, but its most well-known feature is definitely its expansive views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is located directly across the street.
You can explore 60 stores and eateries within One New Change. These consist of well-liked high street names like Hobbs, Reiss, and H&M in addition to excellent eating establishments like Gordon Ramsey’s Street Pizza. But do not miss this unique opportunity to view St Paul’s from Madison’s eye-catching rooftop terrace bar.
Location: New Change, London EC4M 9AF
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 10 am (closing time varies between 6 pm and 8 pm)
Sunday from noon to 6 pm
ICON Outlet at The O2
Since its opening in 2018, London’s premier destination for upscale fashion at discounted prices is The Icon Outlet at The O2. It mostly serves a younger demographic and has 85 contemporary stores selling accessories, fashion, and lifestyle items. Pepe Jeans, Brooks Brothers, Clarks, and many more premium labels are available, frequently for up to 70% discount.
In addition, there are several popular places to dine and drink, including Ask Italian, Zizzi, Five Guys, and All Bar One. The O2 was already London’s top venue for live music and athletic events, but the addition of the Icon Outlet has expanded the options of this well-liked complex.
Location: Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula
Open:
Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm
