London Money and Shopping

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Harrods

One of the world's great metropolises, anything and everything you could possibly want to buy is available in London, if you know where to look, and if you can afford it (London is not particularly noted for bargain shopping, owing to high prices and high exchange rates (depending on where the traveller is from) - though it can be done with some determination). In Central London, the main shopping district is the West End (Bond St, Covent Garden, Oxford St and Regent St). On Thursdays many West End stores close later than normal (7PM-8PM).

• Oxford Street. Main shopping street home to flagship branches of all the major British high street retailers in one go including Selfridges www.selfridges.co.uk, John Lewis www.johnlewis.com (includes a food hall), Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com and other department stores.

• Regent Street (between Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus). Includes such gems as Hamleys, considered to be London's flagship toy store, on seven levels, and the London Apple Store.

• Bond Street. Some of the world's most luxurious designer stores such as Cartier, D&G, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and Versace.

• Tottenham Court Road. Contains some of the world's most luxurious designer interior stores such as Heals and many stores selling electronic items.

• Covent Garden www.coventgardenmarket.co.uk. Fashionable area home to quaint outlets and relatively expensive designer stores. Around Seven Dials chains include Adidas Originals, All Saints, Carhartt, Fred Perry, G Star Raw and Stussy. For shoes head for Neal St. Also the London Transport Museum whose gift shop has some of the best souvenirs in the city (old maps, vintage Tube posters, etc).

• Charing Cross Road (near Covent Garden). A book lovers haven! New, second-hand, antiquarian and specialist.

• Soho . Offers alternative music and clothes. Now home to Chappell of Bond St's historic music shop.

• Camden Town. Alternative clothing and other alternative shopping, popular with teenagers and young adults. Also nearby Camden Lock market.

• Chelsea. The King's Road is noted for fashion, homeware and kids. On Wednesday many stores close late.

• Knightsbridge. Department stores include the world famous Harrods www.harrods.com (includes a food hall) and Harvey Nichols. On Wednesday many stores close late.

• Westminster. Some of the world's most famous shirts are made on Jermyn St.

• www.selfridges.co.uk
• www.johnlewis.com
• www.marksandspencer.com
• www.coventgardenmarket.co.uk
• www.harrods.com