London has one of the world's most varied retail scenes, from the famous department stores of Oxford Street and Knightsbridge to the street markets and independent shops that have survived the pressure of rising rents.
The main shopping streets — Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street — are dense and often exhausting, dominated by international chains. The better shopping for anyone interested in something distinctive tends to be in the neighbourhoods: Portobello Road in Notting Hill for antiques and vintage, Camden Market for alternative fashion and street food, Brick Lane in the East End on Sundays for a mixed flea market. Portobello Road on Saturday morning is one of London's signature experiences regardless of whether you buy anything.
For books, the Charing Cross Road area near Leicester Square has been the traditional bookseller district for over a century. Foyles on the Charing Cross Road and Daunt Books on Marylebone High Street are the best general bookshops. Bookmongers in Brixton is the best second-hand shop if you're in south London.
VAT (Value Added Tax) at 20% is included in all prices. Non-EU visitors can no longer claim VAT refunds when leaving the UK — this scheme ended in 2021.