No trip to London is complete without a trip to the shops. From designer names to vintage finds, London has it all. Rummage through one-off treasures at Camden Market, or save up your pennies for a blowout spending spree in Selfridges; you decide.
If it's the big brands you are after and you're ready to splash some serious cash, look no further than Bond Street and Mayfair. With the likes of Burberry, Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton, you can be sure you will sample only the finest wares. For a more modest budget, nearby Westfield London shopping centre is home to Debenhams, Next, House of Fraser, as well as designers such as Ted Baker and Jimmy Choo.
Oxford Street has always been a popular tourist attraction. Home to the luxurious Selfridges, it runs from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court road and also plays host to budget stores like Primark and high street giant Topshop, which spans over 4 floors and features a nail bar, hair salon and a café. By night, Oxford Street is home to the world famous underground club, 100, which has had visitors such as Mick Jagger, Louis Armstrong and The Sex Pistols in its day.
Take a trip into the Far East and visit Chinatown, just north of Leicester Square. Authentic Chinese wares are the name of the game here, with much of London's East Asian Community residing in this neighbourhood. Explore the extensive Chinese supermarkets, or enjoy lunch at any of the 80 oriental eateries nearby, selling Szechuan, Satay or delicious authentic stir fry.
Soho draws in a diverse crowd with its alternative night life and music scene. Popular speakeasy Milk and Honey is well hidden and only attracts the most clued up of barflies. At £250 per year, this members only hideout is well out of most people's budget, but for two hours in the evening (before 9pm), non- members can book a table to enjoy Prohibition inspired drinks and jazz scene atmosphere. There's nothing better than relaxing with a cocktail after a long day of shopping before retreating to your London hotel.
If you are only visiting London for a short time, be sure to set aside a whole day to explore all Camden Town has to offer. From the nearby Jewish Museum which has recently undergone a £10 million makeover, to the region's rich alternative culture, there's something for everyone in Camden.
Camden Market is a bohemian paradise with its many stalls selling everything from local oriental and Indian cuisines to one off clothing, books, antiques and homemade goods. Camden is also home to lots of theatres, art galleries and comedy venues, like the Jazz Café where London's coolest up and coming jazz, reggae and soul artists hang out.
Jesse Wallace writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.