London has long been considered one of the fashion capitals of the world, up there with such greats as New York City, Paris, and Milan. Where else could seven-story department stores (Harrods and Selfridges) bring in tourists and locals for all-day extravaganzas? Unfortunately, in today’s globalized economy, London features as many underwhelming chain stores as it does one-of-a-kind boutiques. Oxford St. is the place for a quick club-wear fix but is often overrun with teenagers and tourists who consider Topshop the new vogue simply because it’s from London (don’t get us wrong, it’s still a good store). Unfortunately, price tags are ever-rising; the truly budget-conscious should forgo buying and stick to window shopping in Knightsbridge and Regent St. boutiques for ideas on how to mimic the fashion greats like Vivienne Westwood. Vintage shopping in Notting Hill and wares farther up Portobello Rd. (as well as Camden Town and Spitalfields) are a viable alternative for fashionistas who need to return from a trip with something to show off. Previous decades’ trends come back in style sooner or later, and you can usually get a good deal on 1970s go-gos or 80s pumps; beware of obvious fakes and steer clear, once again, of Oxford St., where so-called “vintage” clothing was probably made in 2002 and sells for twice as much as the regular line.
Let’s Go understands that shopping is a part of tourism, particularly in London, but that top-notch shopping is not readily available to budget travelers; we therefore include a Notable Chains section for the best of the overrun. For the most part, though, shopping listings include quirks and perks that you may not otherwise find at home or in the West End.
For 50 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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