Having being famously referred as a “Nation of Shopkeepers” by Napoleon more than 200 years ago, England still hails as one of the best places in the world to indulge in shopping. London perhaps is its main attraction, widely known for its sheer diversity of shopping venues. Abound with such shopping opportunities; it comes as no surprise that London has attracted masses of tourists from around the world, keen on experiencing a fragment of England’s shopping culture.
Few of the shopping attractions in London are of world-renowned emporiums such as Fortnum & Mason, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Liberty and Hamleys. Owing to their monumental structure and architectural brilliance, these emporiums have also transformed into the city’s key sightseeing attractions.
As one of the shopping capitals in the world, visitors to London will be overwhelmed by the sheer number of shopping venues, scattered around the city. From vibrant street markets to the teeming of celebrated fashion stores and chic boutiques on Oxford Street and Bond Street, there is something to suit even the most discerning of shoppers. Travellers can pick a perfect ensemble from a luxury department store such as Fortnum & Mason or be wiled away by the famous halls of Harrods.
For international and local brands, travellers can opt to visit London’s major shopping areas such as Regent Street and Oxford Streets. For more up-market goods, Knightsbridge is the ideal destination where a number of stores line up the streets. Stores such as Harvey Nichols can be found here, ideal for the trendy fashionista. A highlight will be Harrods, where travellers are able to witness throngs of crowds amidst a number of shopping attractions and stunning architecture from its dramatic Egyptian Hall of Gifts to its memorial fountain to Dodi and Di. Harrods is bound to leave each traveller with a consumer-rush, swooning over its 5th floor perfumery and spectacular food hall.
For specialist items, Covent Garden is a must, especially for the young traveller, as there are innumerable stores selling skate, surf and urban fashions such as High Jinks at the Thomas Neal Centre. The luxury traveller will also find a number of high-street chain stores in Covent Garden such as Neal Street and Long Acre. Other must-visit shopping destinations are Notting Hill and St. Christopher’s Place.
For the international traveller searching for a luxury serviced apartment in London, an ideal accommodation option is Ascott Mayfair London. Guests in staying in these London serviced apartments will have the convenience of being located in close proximity to a number of key attractions in the city, including London’s Theatre Land, Bond Street and The British Museum.