48 Hours in London? Time For Some Serious Shopping

London! For all its marvellous historical attractions, parks and museums, it’s that sort of place too – you know, where you walk down a busy road and find yourself pulling out your wallet…

So this summer, how about shopping spree in London?  

If all you have is 48 hours, check out some of these retail hotspots. But this isn’t only about indulging oneself. Away from the glitzy high streets are a host of specialty stores. Looking for a rare edition of a book or an old concert video? London is where you’ll find it. Many retail areas and markets have a distinct historical character so fascinating, you could use up a couple of hours without spending a pound!

High Street Temptations

If you like crowds, you’ll love Oxford Street. Careful with your wallet as you browse hundreds of street side shops hawking touristware – T-shirts (you know the kind, with slogans like My Dad went to London and all he got me was this T-shirt), funky baubles and endless London souvenirs. Some of Britain’s best department stores are here – Debenhams and John Lewis – besides a host of upscale stores and boutiques.  Selfridges is the granddaddy of department stores, famed as much for its architecture as its mind-blowing window displays and innovative marketing policies that are now a given for department chains worldwide.

It’s not hard to imagine that once, top-hatted gentlemen and chiffon-gowned ladies strolled on the pavements of elegant Regent Street while horse-drawn carriages clattered past. It’s home to the iconic Hamley’s, a kid’s wonderland of toys (and many adults too). Close by is Jermyn Street, renowned for its tradition of bespoke clothing stores like Charles Tyrwhitt (shirts) and John Lobb (shoes) – very propah, very British.

Harrod’s in Knightsbridge is London’s most celebrated store. First timers invariably go slack-jawed at the sheer elegance of the displays, the impeccably dressed, discreet and knowledgeable staff and amazing décor. Chocolates and wines, toys, clothing, furniture, jewellery and fresh produce from all over the world – there’s nothing you cannot get at Harrod’s.

I wanna be a billionaire, so friggin’ bad….If your budget is a tad stretched, Travie McCoy’s wistful lyrics will help you cope with retail envy while stepping around snooty Mayfair and Bond Street, where the biggies of luxury are based – Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s and Burberry. No matter, window shopping here is elevated to a high art. And if it’s your lucky day, you might lay eyes on Liz Hurley, the Beckhams or other assorted members of London’s swish set who love shopping here.

Fun & Specialty Shopping

Some shopping areas are worth visiting for sheer atmospherics. At Covent Garden you can check out the latest in street fashions and browse through an eclectic mix of shops selling organic cosmetics, funky footwear and cool arts and crafts. Take in a snack as you enjoy the antics of buskers, London’s famous street entertainers.

King’s Road is a great place to explore edgy fashions. Iconoclastic designer Vivienne Westwood’s World’s End is where punk fashion was born during the 1970s.

Head to Charing Cross for a street full of bookstores – you just might find that elusive title you crave in a second-hand shop. Denmark Street (a.k.a.Tin Pan Alley)

Is known for its music shops.

London Markets

Chelsea Antiques Market at King’s Road (open Monday through Saturday) has a large area devoted to first edition books. Also pick through watches, furniture, objet d’arts and loads of collectables.

Notting Hill acquired international status thanks to the film of the same name, but Londoners have long frequented it for its rare, vintage fashions, one-off gift items, antiques and organic food. Nineteenth century Portobello Road Market is a one-mile stretch of stalls set up on Fridays and Saturdays, offering eatables, ceramics, music, posters and more.

Petticoat Lane, the Sunday market at London’s East End dates back to the 18^th century, getting its name from the lace and petticoats hawked by the French Huguenots. The prudish Victorians renamed it Middlesex Street to avoid the reference to women’s innerwear, but the original name has stuck. There’s a bit of everything here spread over 1000 stalls – surplus designer wear, household stuff, toys, you name it – London’s happy hunting ground for bargain seekers.

Berwick Street Market is one of London’s oldest markets for fresh produce and cheese, where shopkeepers still shout out to attract customers and offer afternoon discounts. Leadenhall Market in the City is a gorgeous, Victorian-style, glass-roofed market with cobbled walking areas, cafes and gourmet food shops – grocery shopping redefined!

Want more? You’ll have to plan an extended stay in London!