London is probably out of the most famous tourist destinations, if not number one in Europe. It has more than 17 million visitors annually, who come to explore and enjoy the varied attractions and activities that the city has to offer. With so many visitors, the city has a diverse choice of hotels to choose from.
A good pay to save money on accommodation costs is to look for the London hotel special offers, which top hotels offer at most parts of the year.
And in terms of location it is best to choose a hotel near Piccadilly Circus station, as it will be very convenient to get to the major attractions as well as top shopping spots, which are a stroll away. The city is renowned as a top destination for shopping that caters to a wide variety of budgets. Whether you want to penny pinch or break the bank, there are plenty of options for wither. The retail therapy on London is quite unlike any other metropolis, with some of the best spots to shop in the city including the following…..
Oxford Street: It has cemented its reputation as being the numero uno spot to shop at in the city. It is focal point of shopping in London. With 4 underground stations, flagship stores of some of the biggest brands and companies and more than 300 shops it is veritable shopper’s paradise. Apart from being the largest shopping district it is also the busiest in the city. Just some of the big names that you will find here include Selfridge’s, H&M, Topshop, Debenham’s etc with the biggest Primark outlet on the world, among numerous other names. From accessories to clothes, souvenirs to shoes you can bet Oxford Street has it all! After you have shopped your heart out there are plenty of options to grab a bite or drink in the area. There are some great dining options in the area, which serve some of the finest treats that are a good way to wind down after a hectic bout of shopping. There are guided tours of the area like the Piccadilly Circus Food Tour, which offers visitors a great opportunity to go on a gastronomic journey through areas. These cover Soho (perfect for British classics and international fare) Chinatown and enjoying sweet treats at Fortnum & Mason’s in the centre of Piccadilly!
Knightsbridge: Another premium shopping area that needs deep pockets! It is where you will find the best in luxury with some of the most well known and prestigious fashion and retail names on the planet. These include fashion heavy weights of the likes of Gucci, Prada, Agent Provocateur, Burberry and Christian Louboutin among many other premium fashion houses. Knightsbridge is synonymous with high fashion and is home to two of the finest department stores in Europe which are Harrod’s and Harvey Nichols. Of the two Harrod’s is a great place to window-shop, even if you do not plan on buying anything with a visit to its fabulous food court is highly recommended.
Bond Street: If you have deep pockets and are a connoisseur of only the finest in luxury, then Bond Street is the place to shop at. You will find the best designer labels at Bond Street, which include names like Michael Kors, Burberry, Tiffany & Co, Louis Vuitton to name just a few. Bond Street also is the only exclusive area in the UK to have Abercrombie & Fitch and Victoria’s Secret official stores. Even if your budget is more limited, taking a stroll down and window shopping on Bond Street offers a wonderful opportunity to see some of the finest window displays in the city.
Carnaby Street: Carnaby Street is located on the outskirts of Soho and has a number of cool shops and bars to hang out. Once upon a time it was the hub of London, in the swinging sixties and still has a good number of quirky and retro shops for one-of-a kind goods and international brands. It is home to more than 150 shops as well as more than 50 restaurants and plenty of bars. If you are tired of shopping on the main streets of the city, Carnaby is a great alternative to shop at. With quaint little alleys and cobbled streets it is a lovely place to shop at and spend a relaxed afternoon having a meal in the area.
Regent Street: One of the most striking features of Regent Street is its design, which was created in the 19th century by John Nash. Its graceful architecture makes it the most visually attractive of all the shopping areas in London. It has classy vistas and is tastefully decorated all through the year (with Christmas being its best) which makes it a great spot to shop and enjoy the magnificent views all around. You will find a wide variety of shopping options from high street brands to more affordable items to choose from. While there, make it a point to head to Hamleys (the largest toy store in the world) that is a popular destination for kids. You will find a range of colourful characters outside the shop ranging from Captain Sparrow to Barbie!
King’s Road: It is located in the centre of Chelsea and is one long stretch of an eclectic array of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars. There are plenty of high-end fashion shops to choose from along with antiques at its famous antiques market. The area is popular with tourists, locals as well as celebrities that make shopping in Chelsea a terrific experience. It also is a great spot for literary enthusiasts, as it has plenty of areas that have links to some of the greatest writers of all time. Literary greats like George Eliot, Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde and George Eliot to name some of them.