London’s Markets and Malls: Where Locals Really Shop

Shopping in London can feel like a treasure hunt. Want vintage clothes? Head to Brick Lane Market. On the lookout for luxury brands? Harrods in Knightsbridge or Selfridges on Oxford Street probably come to mind. But locals will tell you—there’s a lot more than the obvious spots.

If you’re new here, it’s easy to overlook places like Broadway Market, where you’ll bump into East Londoners grabbing fresh bread on Saturdays, or Maltby Street Market, great for finding small-batch gin and street food. These aren’t massive, soulless places; they’re where real Londoners hang out, get their coffee, and buy things you just won’t find elsewhere.

But malls have their place, too. Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush is perfect when you’ve got a rainy afternoon, and it’s hard to beat Canary Wharf’s underground shopping for grabbing gifts between meetings. And don’t make the rookie mistake of skipping local shops and arcades—Bond Street’s covered passageways are full of character and surprising bargains if you know where to look.

Navigating all this can be a bit much, especially during sales or tourist season. If you can, shop on weekday mornings, and don’t be afraid to ask stallholders for deals—haggling isn’t exactly British, but you’ll find some friendly faces will play along, especially at the end of the day. Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag; most places now charge for plastic, and you’ll look more like a local, too.

• London’s Iconic Markets: Tradition Meets Trend
• Modern Malls and Luxury Shopping
• Hidden Shopping Gems in Local Boroughs
• Smart Shopping Tips for Londoners

London’s Iconic Markets: Tradition Meets Trend

You can’t talk about London shopping without mentioning the city’s markets. Borough Market, near London Bridge, has been buzzing since the 12th century and is the go-to spot for artisan cheese, street food stalls, and fresh produce. Go before 11am if you want to avoid the crowds, especially on Saturdays. The salt beef sandwich from Nana Fanny’s is a local legend, and people actually stand in line for it.

Camden Market feels like another planet—punk clothing, tattoo parlours, vinyl record stalls, and niche coffee shops all jammed together beside the Regent’s Canal. More than 250,000 people show up every week. If you like people-watching, set aside a few hours to just wander.

Portobello Road Market, famous for its antiques, is a Notting Hill favourite. Fridays and Saturdays are best for antique hunters, but you’ll also spot vintage fashion, homeware, and proper London souvenirs. Don’t skip the side streets—sometimes the best finds are tucked away from the main crowds.

If you’re after fresh food and flower stalls, Columbia Road Flower Market is your Sunday go-to. It’s small but jam-packed, and prices usually drop after 2pm when traders want to clear out stock.

Here’s a quick look at what makes these markets unique:

Always bring cash. Many market stalls now take cards, but cash is still the backup, especially for bargain hunting. Some markets are dog-friendly, but check ahead if you’re planning to bring a pup. Want to save money? Late afternoon is a sweet spot for deals, as traders are keen to pack up and head home.

• Plan your market runs around midday for food – the best stuff sells out fastest.
• Travel light and bring a backpack for all your finds.
• Don’t miss the side alleys—sometimes they hide the best stalls.

For locals and tourists alike, these spots aren’t just for shopping. It’s about the buzz, the mix of old-school tradition and new trends, and grabbing a taste (literally) of how Londoners really live.

Modern Malls and Luxury Shopping

If you prefer shopping bags over baskets, London's big-name malls are built for you. London shopping has gotten a serious upgrade these past few years, with spaces like Westfield London in Shepherd’s Bush and Westfield Stratford City pulling in everyone from weekday commuters to whole families out for the day. Westfield London alone racks up more than 28 million visitors yearly. That's more than the entire population of Australia!

What makes these malls popular is the mix of stores and how easy it is to get everything under one roof—from Apple to Zara and even Waitrose for your groceries. You can see blockbuster movies, snag high-street bargains, then eat at places like Wahaca or Nando’s. Plus, free Wi-Fi and loads of underground parking make these spots about as hassle-free as London gets.

For luxury, London truly delivers. Harrods is the giant, of course—a whole world of high-end brands (and expensive mince pies at Christmas). Expect to rub elbows with wealthy tourists and see more Range Rovers parked outside than anywhere else in the UK. Liberty, in its iconic Tudor-style building, is a magnet for people after that special British-made scarf or candle. Meanwhile, Bond Street is where you’ll spot the flagship stores of Chanel, Burberry, and all the others you probably see in Vogue.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect at some of the top spots:

People often talk about the high prices, but keep an eye out for seasonal sales—as much as 70% off comes around, usually after Christmas and in July. If you want VAT refunds as a tourist, make sure you bring your passport and keep those receipts. And if you get overwhelmed, most malls like Westfield have help desks, family rooms, and even personal shopper services.

“Shopping in London, whether you’re in the mood for luxury or grabbing a bargain, is less about the labels and more about the experience. It’s where old British charm meets modern convenience.” — Alice Foster, Retail Editor, The Evening Standard

Tip: Go early if you want space to move—Saturday afternoons mean crowds, and nobody enjoys queuing for the changing rooms. For a quieter vibe, try visiting on a weekday morning and reward yourself with a coffee at a place like Grind or EL&N inside these malls.

Hidden Shopping Gems in Local Boroughs

Skip the big names and you’ll find London’s boroughs packed with hidden gems. In Hackney, Netil Market is a crowd favourite for up-and-coming indie brands—you’ll see everything from original streetwear to handmade jewellery. Peckham Levels isn’t your standard retail space. It’s a converted car park with pop-ups, art studios, and a food court. Locals swear by Holdron’s Arcade next door for vintage fashion and vinyl.

Head south to Tooting, where Tooting Market has quietly become the place for Caribbean groceries, fresh coffee, and quirky stalls selling sneakers, plants, and records. This spot gets especially lively in the evenings when food stalls like Koi Ramen or Franco Manca fill up with families and office workers.

For a more relaxed vibe, Crouch End’s Broadway Parade pops up as a goldmine for independent bookshops and record stores. While you’re in North London, Wood Green’s The Mall is home to a surprising number of family-run fabric and haberdashery shops perfect for DIY fans. Locals know it as a practical spot—more down-to-earth compared to the West End’s glitz.

Here’s a quick look at what each borough’s lesser-known spots are famous for:

If you’re tired of crowds and chain stores, these smaller markets and arcades mix a bit of old-school charm with new ideas. Prices tend to be fair, especially if you’re shopping for gifts or want to support independent shops. Try chatting with traders and you’ll usually get great tips on the best finds that week.

Each trip can offer something new—stock changes fast, and special events like local makers’ markets or night shopping parties pop up all year. For the best experience, follow your favourite stalls or markets on social media. They often announce flash sales or limited runs before anywhere else.

And don’t forget about the London shopping scene’s flexibility—most small markets welcome dogs, and a lot of food spots are cashless, so bring your phone or cards.

Smart Shopping Tips for Londoners

Want to save time and money while shopping in London? Here’s what Londoners actually do. First, getting around the city for shopping can be a mission. Use TfL’s contactless payment—your Oyster card or even your phone. Most markets and big London shopping centres are just a short tube or Overground ride apart. If you’re planning to carry a lot, look out for lockers in places like Westfield Stratford, or travel light to avoid the crowd stress, especially on Oxford Street at weekends.

Timing is everything. Sales usually kick off on Boxing Day and last till mid-January. You’ll find the best outlet bargains at Bicester Village, but for city shopping, January and late June are peak deal times across UK brands. Loads of stores open late on Thursdays, but if you hate crowds, early weekday mornings are golden—especially at places like Borough Market, where the best produce goes fast.

• Sign up for loyalty schemes: Boots, Tesco, and Liberty’s reward cards collect points and give you early sale perks.
• Bring your own bag: Not just eco-friendly—shops like Sainsbury’s charge 10p or more for a plastic bag.
• Follow local councils on social media: Camden and Hackney often tip off about pop-up events and community markets you’d otherwise skip.

For big ticket or designer buys, try shopping in the week before VAT-free shopping weekends—usually announced around UK public holidays. And for unique gifts, Spitalfields and Columbia Road Flower Market are goldmines but get packed after 11am, so arrive early.

Don’t fall for basic tourist traps. Look for ‘London-only’ stores: & Other Stories has exclusive lines in Regent Street, and Fortnum & Mason’s hampers are a solid British gift idea. And if you’re after bargains, charity shops in upmarket areas (like Chelsea) often carry luxury finds at a steal. Shopping in London isn’t cheap, but a little local know-how can stretch your pounds a lot further.