London may not be the cheapest city in the world, but this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great bargains to be found. Sit back as I share the best places for cheap shopping in London.
From high street shops and vintage stores to outlet shopping and markets, here are some of the best places to shop in London without breaking the bank. I have shared tips on how to save money when visiting London, this is perhaps what to do with all the money left from those savings.
Best Places To Shop In London On A Budget
If you love a good retail therapy, London is blessed in that department and then some. Practically every area has is only little hub of shopping but each one I guess serves a different purpose. Most people will know about Oxford Street as the main shopping area.
While you will find the likes of Primark in Oxford Street and brands like New Look or H&M. These are not the only brands or best places to shop in London on a budget in addition to London’s trendy charity shops for thrifters to love designer labels.
High Street Shops – Perfect For Cheap Clothes Shopping
The most affordable way to shop in London is by hitting the high street. There are high street shops pretty much anywhere in the city, but Oxford Street has most of them in one area. A word of warning though – this is Europe’s busiest shopping street and can get incredibly packed, especially during weekends and sale periods. Try to visit in the mornings or on weekdays.
No list of cheap shops would be complete without Primark. They offer men, women and children’s fashion, shoes, accessories, beauty and homeware at incredibly affordable prices. Although sometimes the quality may be questionable, it’s still worth heading there. Their Oxford Street branch is one of the best in the country. By far one of the best places to shop in London for cheap clothes.
499-517 Oxford St, Mayfair, London, W1K 7DA
Another affordable high street shop is New Look. They are great for men, women and girls’ fashion, accessories and beauty. They have great seasonal pieces and a particularly high quality shoe selection at reasonable prices.
73/89 Oxford St, Soho, London W1D 2ES
H&M has a great range of fashion for men, women and children. Their kids clothes are particularly good value, with items starting at £2.99. To bag high fashion for high street prices, keep an eye out for their collaborations with prominent designers.
174-176 Oxford St, Fitzrovia, London, W1D 1NX
TK Maxx is amazing if you’re looking for big brands at cheap prices. They sell everything from homeware, clothing, footwear, beauty, accessories furniture and giftware. You can find a huge range of designer products at prices up to 60% less than their recommended retail price (RRP).
15-17 Long Acre, Charing Cross, London WC2E 9LH
Vintage Stores – One Of The Best Places For Cheap Shopping In London
London is a fantastic place to shop if you love vintage style fashion. Some stores even have big designer names like Chanel and Moschino, but for a fraction of the price you would usually pay. There’s no reason to feel guilty about buying a ton of clothes either – did you know that buying second hand clothing is an eco-friendly way to shop?
Rokit is one of the London favourites, starting as a stall in Camden Market in 1986. They now have four shops in London: two on Brick Lane, one in Covent Garden and their biggest one in Camden. Rokit are a treasure trove of vintage finds, from knitwear including warm sheepskin items, to 1960s style party outfits and ski jackets and snow suits.
Apart from being easy on your wallet, you can feel good about the environment too – Rokit has recycled over a million tons of clothing since they first opened.
225 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7BU
What Goes Around Comes Around
What Goes Around Comes Around began as a stall in Camden Market. They became so popular that the owners opened a permanent store and showroom, in addition to the stall which still exists. The store focuses on menswear, offering 1980s retro style streetwear such as varsity jackets, Adidas tracksuits, Converse sneakers and Levis jeans.
Mezzanine 3, The Stables Market Chalk Farm Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 8AH
Beyond Retro is probably East London’s most well-known vintage store. They first opened in 2002 in Brick Lane, and offer a wide range of vintage bargains for both men and women. As well as launching an online site, they now also have a store in Moscow, and four stores in Sweden.
Their success comes down to their passion for original design and the environment. Beyond Retro source their products from charities and recycling companies.
110-112 Cheshire Street, London, E2 6EJ
Outlet Shopping In London Cheaply
Outlet stores are where brands and designers send their reduced stock to be sold at a much lower price. This is a great way to save money, and usually you’ll be buying the exact same item they have in their retail store, but for a fraction of the price.
ICON Outlet is a huge outlet centre covering 210,000 square feet. They have over 60 brands selling good for up to 70% off. Here you can find names such as Nike, Adidas, Ted Baker, Guess and Calvin Klein. It’s around 15 minutes by Tube from Central London.
Peninsula Square, Greenwich Peninsula, London SE10 0DX
London Designer Outlet (LDO) is a great place to pick up a bargain. You can find top brands like H&M, Gap and Adidas at discount prices. Spread over three floors, there is also a huge selection of restaurants and cafes if you get hungry, as well as a Cineworld cinema.
Wembley Park Blvd, Wembley HA9 0FD
Markets – For Bargain Shopping
Another place for cheap clothes shopping in London are markets! London is blessed with an abundance of markets, and they have been a central part of the city for centuries. The markets in London range from fashion and street food, to arts and antiques. Most of the markets are reasonably priced as well, so you’ll be sure to spot unique finds without putting a dent in your wallet.
Camden Market is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the city, and for a good reason. With 700 shops and stalls, you’ll be sure to score a bargain here. Some items you can find here include: arts and crafts, quirky furniture, fetish clothing, souvenirs, handmade jewellery, vintage goods and old records. There is also a global street food market with cheap prices.
Camden Lock Pl,LondonNW1 8AF
Brick Lane Market
Every Sunday, Brick Lane Market comes to the streets of East London. You can find everything here, from second-hand furniture to fresh fruit and veg. There are different sections of the market that specialise in different things – visit Backyard Market for arts and crafts, Sunday Upmarket for unique gifts and Boiler House Food Stall for snacks and drinks.
For additional inspiration, check out my post on things to do in Shoreditch as well my other posts on street art in Shoreditch, and shopping in Brick Lane.
Brick Ln, Spitalfields, London E1 6QR
Portobello Road Market
Fans of the British romcom Notting Hill starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts will recognise this place from the film. Portobello Road Market is located in the same neighbourhood, and is one of the world’s largest antique markets.
On Saturdays, you’ll find up to 1000 stalls of antiques and collectibles. Throughout the rest of the week, there are stalls selling second-hand items, clothing and household items. For additional info, read my post on Portobello Road which also has additional images to give you an overview of what to expect.
306 Portobello Rd, London W10 5TA
There you have it my recommended places for cheap shopping in London. Also, note that if you are looking for the perfect hotels for shopping in London check out my post on hotels in Soho London which gives you access to London’s Westend.
If you want to be close to the vintage markets in Shoreditch then check out my post on the best hotels in Shoreditch as well as the cheap hotels in Kings Cross if you want to be as close as possible to Camden.
FAQs
Where can I buy cheap stuff in London? ›
If you're looking for cheap shopping in London, then head to one of the city's many markets. Portobello Market is a great option for antique shopping, while Camden Market is perfect for picking up vintage clothes and other unique items. For more general budget shopping, try Brixton Market or Spitalfields Market.
What part of London is good for doing shopping? ›Oxford Street is considered the centre of London's shopping world. Holding well over 300 shops, 4 underground stations, as well as flagship stores for numerous companies, Oxford Street is not only the busiest shopping location in London it's the largest shopping district in existence.
Is it cheap to buy clothes in London? ›London may not be known for being the most affordable city in the world. In fact, it's one of the most expensive. But shopping for fashion in London doesn't have to break the bank. From high street store to designer outlet, there are more than one bargain to be had in the capital.
Which part of London is most affordable? ›- Barking and Dagenham.
- Bexley.
- Sutton.
- Havering.
- Croydon.
- Enfield.
- Hillingdon.
In fact, North Kent is a great place for first-time buyers to start looking for a home with an easy commute to the capital, as Gravesend, Swanscombe, Erith, Dartford and Greenhithe - famous for the Bluewater Shopping Centre - all make the top 10.
What is popular to buy in London? ›- A Teapot. It's so true about tea: the Brits love it. ...
- English Tea. From Twinnings to Taylors of Harrogate, British tea is not just a must-try in London, but also a must-buy. ...
- British Chocolates. ...
- Vintage Clothing. ...
- Gin or Whiskey. ...
- British Children's Books. ...
- Scarves. ...
- Royal Paraphernalia.
No matter what time of year you are visiting, if you are planning what to wear in London there are a few key items which are great all year round. Always make sure you have a crossover bag, sunglasses, a small umbrella, comfortable shoes, a jacket, jeans and layers and you can't go far wrong.
Which side of London is better? ›West London is typically seen as the more posh side of the city, while East London is known for being a bit more gritty.
Where can I buy cheap stuff UK? ›- Wilko. If you've not heard of Wilko, you're missing out. ...
- British Heart Foundation. ...
- Poundland. ...
- Primark. ...
- Savers. ...
- T.K. ...
- Poundstretcher.
According to cost-of-living comparisons, the cost of living in the UK compared to the US is broadly equal, with the UK being slightly less expensive by some measures. Consumer prices (including rent) in the United Kingdom are almost 8% lower than in the United States.
What brands are cheaper to buy in the UK? ›
- Warehouse. Scroll to continue with content. ADVERTISEMENT. ...
- Cath Kidston. brands cheaper UK cath-kidston. ...
- Lush. brands cheaper UK lush. ...
- Dorothy Perkins. brands cheaper UK dorothy. ...
- Miss Selfridge. brands cheaper UK selfridge. ...
- Nespresso Machines. 231204773.
Fifth Avenue, New York, USA
Shopping on Fifth Avenue is the ultimate dream of any shopper, and its name has long been synonymous with luxury.
Downing Street
Without doubt, one of the most famous streets in London is Downing Street. 10 Downing Street is, of course, the official residence of the Prime Minister.
Typically, people tip around 10-15% in London, except for when using taxis or public transport, where a smaller tip is frequently accepted. Tour guides do not need to be tipped, but this is up to the customer to decide. Some restaurants add an automatic tip to your bill.
What salary is enough to live in London? ›A single person living in London would need about £50,000 a year; A couple should be able to get by with £60,000 a year; A family of four would need an average income of £70,000 to cover the cost of living in London.
Which city is most cheapest in UK? ›- Cardiff. The Welsh capital city is one of the cheapest cities in the UK for international students to reside in when completing their education. ...
- Cambridge. ...
- Glasgow. ...
- Birmingham. ...
- Newcastle Upon Tyne. ...
- Manchester. ...
- Nottingham.
1- Mayfair
As well as the many wealthy Georgian homes, Mayfair is also home to the world-famous tailor district of Savile Row.
The most affordable time to visit London will almost always be the winter months of January and February, as the holiday season is over and there's not a whole lot going on. Hotels in London are almost always busy, so there usually isn't a season in which you can expect much better prices on your hotel room.
Is London cheap or expensive? ›London is known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, so it is likely that you will need to make some adjustments to your budget upon moving to the 'Big Smoke”.
Is south or north London cheaper? ›Typically, North London is more expensive to live in than south of the river. If you can afford it, the most expensive areas of all in the north of the capital are currently Islington and Lambeth, the least expensive being Enfield and Croydon, both within easy commuting distance of the city centre.
What should I bring back from London? ›
- English tea.
- Harry Potter merchandise.
- London artisanal gin.
- Paddington Bear plushies.
- Royal paraphernalia.
- English biscuits.
- Vintage vinyl records.
- Football accessories.
...
Other best-selling products in the UK include:
- computers & electronics.
- holiday decorations.
- furniture.
- wine.
- books.
- portable wearable devices.
- board games.
- smart home accessories.
Harrods is one of the most famous and most-visited London department stores. The shop has become synonymous with luxury with a gorgeous Art Nouveau-inspired food hall and over 5,000 brands over seven floors of luxury. Enjoy 90,000 square metres and 330 different departments that cover fashion, home, and food.
Can I wear sneakers in London? ›Shoes. Sandals and sneakers are still a comfortable choice in London during early autumn. And when the temperature drops, just add ankle socks.
How do you dress like a Londoner? ›The stereotypical dress sense for women in London could be anywhere from dark jeans and a nice blouse to a cozy, oversized sweaters, leggings and knee high boots to a cardigan and a dress with tights and flats.
What part of London is safest? ›1: Richmond upon Thames – 60.4 crimes per 1,000
Still number one for London's lowest crime rate, Richmond is the safest borough in the capital.
In the East London borough, 56% of children live in poverty, more than double the rate seen in Kensington and Chelsea. It is the poorest borough in London with the highest levels of deprivation and overcrowding.
How can I shop at the lowest price? ›- Scrutinize prices.
- Know where to find coupons.
- Consider refurbished.
- Set sale alerts.
- Ask for a rain check.
- Speak to a store associate.
- Be social.
- Shop secondhand.
- Google Shopping. ...
- 2. Yahoo Shopping. ...
- BizRate. ...
- CamelCamelCamel. ...
- NexTag. ...
- Pronto. ...
- Shopping.com. ...
- Shopzilla.
- Compare Prices. Thanks to the accessible online world, it is much easier to compare prices both in-store and online. ...
- Buy Second Hand, Reconditioned, or Older Models. ...
- Use Coupons. ...
- Sign up for the loyalty and rewards program. ...
- Buy generic brands.
Is UK or US better to live? ›
The US and UK are among the most preferred countries to migrate to because of their prominent higher education institutions and thriving economies. The US ranks as the strongest economy in the world and the UK as the fifth strongest.
Is it better to go to UK or USA? ›If you're a little unsure on your major or want to experiment for a year or two, then the USA is probably the better option. If you are 100% set on a subject, and just want to get going, the UK may be the place for you.
Is UK cheaper than Canada? ›The average cost of living in the UK is $19,500 per person per year. The average cost of living in Canada is $7,500 - $11,000 per person per year. So, Canada is cheaper than in the UK to live.
Is Zara cheaper in the UK? ›Zara, Europe's biggest clothing retailer, has some of the biggest percentage price differentials between the UK and the rest of Europe. A British shopper pays £49.99 for a linen blend tunic dress at one of Zara's stores in the UK, equal to €58.70 at current exchange rates.
Is Gucci cheaper in London? ›With the UK being seen as the cheapest country to buy Gucci, closely followed by its neighbours on the continent of Europe, it is only fair that these bargain prices are available no matter where you live.
What is famous to buy UK? ›- An Umbrella from the James Smith & Sons. An Umbrella from the James Smith & Sons. ...
- Hampers from Fortnum & Mason. ...
- Tea Whittard and Twinings. ...
- Pick Up Some Biscuits to Go with Your Tea! ...
- An Oyster Card. ...
- A House of Commons Notebook. ...
- A Hat from Lock & Co. ...
- Potter Merchandise.
Smaller strip malls may be called mini-malls, while larger ones may be called power centers or big box centers.
What street is SoHo shopping? ›The best shopping in SoHo is done by getting lost, so allow yourself to roam from one block to the next aimlessly, just make sure you start with the most impressive shopping street in NYC first, Broadway.
What is the number 1 attraction in London? ›1. Tower of London. The Tower of London contains nearly 1,000 years of history within it's foreboding structure.
What is the richest street in London? ›Is it rude to leave a tip in the UK? ›
Tipping is not expected in Britain the way it is in some other countries. Workers don't officially have to rely on their tips to live and all staff in the UK must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. Employers are also banned from topping up wages with tips from customers.
Do you need to carry cash in London? ›It's good to carry some cash for smaller purchases or to use for tips. You'll easily find ATMs at banks, stores and gas stations — but try to only use your debit card. You'll pay steep fees getting a cash advance from your credit cards.
Is it rude to ask for tips? ›It is considered a little rude to ask for a tip. Mostly, people put out jars with the word “tip” on it so they don't need to ask! How do you know when a tip is appropriate?
› Europe › England ›20 Best Places for Shopping in London
Best shopping destinations in London - visitlondon.com
10 Best London Streets and Malls for Shopping travel notes and ...
- Wilko. If you've not heard of Wilko, you're missing out. ...
- British Heart Foundation. ...
- Poundland. ...
- Primark. ...
- Savers. ...
- T.K. ...
- Poundstretcher.
- Scrutinize prices.
- Know where to find coupons.
- Consider refurbished.
- Set sale alerts.
- Ask for a rain check.
- Speak to a store associate.
- Be social.
- Shop secondhand.
We sell a lot of items. This means we're able to create savings by buying in bulk for all our stores. We do very little advertising. We design clothes that offer the latest trend, but we don't use expensive hangers, tags or labels.
What brands are cheaper to buy in the UK? ›- Warehouse. Scroll to continue with content. ADVERTISEMENT. ...
- Cath Kidston. brands cheaper UK cath-kidston. ...
- Lush. brands cheaper UK lush. ...
- Dorothy Perkins. brands cheaper UK dorothy. ...
- Miss Selfridge. brands cheaper UK selfridge. ...
- Nespresso Machines. 231204773.
- A Teapot. It's so true about tea: the Brits love it. ...
- English Tea. From Twinnings to Taylors of Harrogate, British tea is not just a must-try in London, but also a must-buy. ...
- British Chocolates. ...
- Vintage Clothing. ...
- Gin or Whiskey. ...
- British Children's Books. ...
- Scarves. ...
- Royal Paraphernalia.
- STAUD.
- CULT GAIA.
- SSENSE.
- MODA OPERANDI.
- SHOPBOP.
- FARFETCH.
- ANTHROPOLOGIE.
- URBAN OUTFITTERS.
What can I buy from $1? ›
- A slice of pizza at a dollar slice restaurant in New York.
- A song on iTunes.
- A McChicken sandwich, cheeseburger, or drink at McDonald's.
- Enough gas to get you about 10 miles in an average US car.
- An ebook on Amazon.
- About 15 minutes of street parking in Manhattan.
- Ask for a lower price. Stock-Asso / Shutterstock.com. ...
- Compare prices and check for price matches. ...
- Use cash-back portals. ...
- Pay with cash-back credit cards. ...
- Check store ads. ...
- Buy secondhand. ...
- Check for coupons and promo codes. ...
- Stock up.
These fast-fashion brands have cheap labor, cheap materials and fast production schedules. These factors enable Zara to adopt low pricing strategy. ZARA was recognized as its first-class image, second-class production and third-rate price. It doesn't have expensive design, advertising and raw material costs.
What does Primark do with unsold clothes? ›In the US, Primark has partnered with the charity Delivering Good, in which stores donate unsold items to those in need. Since 2010, European Primark stores have donated their unsold clothing and buying samples to the charity Newlife, which provides support for disabled and terminally ill children and their families.
Is Primark clothing cheap? ›Primark's secret to success is simple: Cheap clothes. Really cheap clothes. The average price for Primark clothes is about $6 an item. "We want to be known first and foremost for amazing prices," says John Bason, finance director of Primark's parent company Associated British Foods (ASBFY).
What is famous to buy UK? ›- An Umbrella from the James Smith & Sons. An Umbrella from the James Smith & Sons. ...
- Hampers from Fortnum & Mason. ...
- Tea Whittard and Twinings. ...
- Pick Up Some Biscuits to Go with Your Tea! ...
- An Oyster Card. ...
- A House of Commons Notebook. ...
- A Hat from Lock & Co. ...
- Potter Merchandise.
...
Other best-selling products in the UK include:
- computers & electronics.
- holiday decorations.
- furniture.
- wine.
- books.
- portable wearable devices.
- board games.
- smart home accessories.
| Characteristic | Share of respondents with a positive opinion |
|---|---|
| Wilko | 66% |
| Wickes | 61% |
| Dunelm | 59% |
| Homebase | 58% |
