Sample Itinerary: Shop 'til You Drop
As one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and prosperous cities, London has literally thousands of shops, markets, department stores, boutiques and outlets.
There are bargains to be found, as well as must-have items you simply cannot live without! Finding those treasures is half the fun; many shops and markets are located in residential areas, so you get a feel for London lifestyles as you walk around - and a little exercise, too.
Whether your passion is books, antiques, jewelry, clothing, food, furniture, sporting equipment or computer equipment, London has the latest and greatest.
Day One: London’s Famous Shopping Streets
Spend the morning exploring the traditional shopping areas around Piccadilly. Jermyn Street is home to some London’s most distinguished shops including Fortnum and Mason, Links of London and Turnbull & Asser. Savile Row offers the ultimate in traditional tailoring while Bond Street is arguably London’s most prestigious shopping area, where you can find the smartest designers, the finest antiques and the most exclusive accessories.
Enjoy lunch at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s – ingredients are top-notch and menus change with the seasons. This restaurant is in the wonderful art deco dining room of one of London’s classiest hotels.
Culminate the afternoon on London’s most famous shopping avenue, Oxford Street, here choices range from opulent to economic. Visit Selfridges department store, home to a stylish mix of more than a million items; and Spirit, where bargains are to be found.
Dinner at Sartoria – this restaurant serves modern Italian food using organic produce.
Day Two: London’s Markets and New London
Start your morning at Spitalfields Market – organic food, fashion and quirky goods of kinds await at this East London institution. The cultural diversity of the area is reflected in the variety of world cuisines on offer. Borough Market (open on Thursdays, Friday afternoons and Saturdays) is the oldest municipal fruit and vegetable market in London and has recently re-invented itself as a gourmet’s paradise. On Saturdays, there’s a bustling farmers market offering organic fruit, jams, pies, breads and cheeses.
Lunch at Roast – stylishly nestled within a landmark London building above gourmet Borough Market, a culinary and deliciously British treat awaits.
Spend the afternoon sampling some of the newest developments for shopping in London. Options include: Covent Garden and Seven Dials – Covent Garden has recently been transformed, in conjunction with the Royal Opera House located next to the main square. Nearby Seven Dials is one of London’s newest shopping destinations, described by Harpers and Queen as “London’s freshest style hot spot” with new stores opening regularly.
Carnaby Street and Kingly Court – opened in June 2003, this three-level shopping area looking, out onto a stylish piazza features new shops such as Red Dot, Evisu and Zoltar the Magnificent.
Canary Wharf – a new shopping mall set in the heart of London’s impressive and imposing Docklands area.
Dinner at Silk – a luxurious fine-dining restaurant in the five-star Courthouse Hotel Kempinski. Most noteworthy is the original court furniture, including the grand judges’ bench, a witness stand and jury benches.
Day Three: Shopping in the Suburbs
Spend time in one of London’s suburban areas, where popular shopping villages are mixed with residential areas. Hampstead Village offers clothing, gift and food stores in a pleasant village-green setting. Wimbledon Village, where small craft and gift shops mingle with clothing and antiques outlets. Greenwich Village – a vibrant market in a historic location offering a fascinating selection of collectables.
For lunch or dinner, find a gastro pub and get a feel for authentic neighbourhood London
