London Shopping

London is known as one of the shopping capitals of the world. With its famous department stores (Harrods and Harvey Nichol's)keeping the old flame of shopping as spectacle alive over in Knightsbridge, London has kept some of its old shopping class and the prices that come with it. Vintage stores and hip, independent record stores fill Soho, and the East End has lots of fun boutiques. Notting Hill is famous for Portobello Market, but even in off-market days, the road has a host of cute boutique shopping options. Chelsea is for those with a bit more money and a serious commitment to shopping. For you literary junkies, John Sandoe's is our favorite bookstore in the city. Shopping is a significant part of tourism in London, so if you aren't broke and have some extra room in your backpack, window shop the day away.

Shopping By Neighborhood

Westminster is filled with chains. The area is worth seeing for the sights, but die-hard shoppers might be best served by looking elsewhere. Westminster Bookshop, 8 Artillery Row ( 020 7802 0018 ;www ...more

Notable Chains

As in almost any major city, London’s retail scene is dominated by chains. Fortunately, local shoppers are picky enough that buying from a chain doesn’t mean abandoning the flair and quirky stylishness ...more