If shopping is on your London wish list, all roads lead to Oxford Street. This famous mile-and-a-half of retail is the busiest shopping street in Europe, drawing millions of visitors a year to its hundreds of stores. It’s loud, crowded, and utterly buzzing — a quintessential slice of big-city London. Here’s how to shop it like a pro.
Europe’s Busiest Shopping Street
Stretching roughly from Marble Arch in the west to Tottenham Court Road in the east, Oxford Street packs in over 300 shops along its length. You’ll find flagship branches of high-street fashion brands, beauty stores, and a string of grand department stores. The undisputed queen of them all is Selfridges, a vast, glamorous emporium that’s a sight in itself, especially for its dazzling window displays and beauty halls. Whatever you’re after, you’ll likely find it somewhere along this street.
Oxford Circus and Beyond
Midway along, Oxford Street crosses Regent Street at Oxford Circus, one of London’s most iconic junctions, where pedestrian crossings send crowds streaming in every direction. From here it’s worth turning off to explore the elegant curve of Regent Street, with its handsome architecture and grander stores, or heading south toward Bond Street for high-end luxury and designer boutiques. The whole area forms London’s premier shopping district.
The Christmas Magic
Oxford Street is at its most spectacular in the festive season. Each November the famous Christmas lights are switched on, draping the street in glittering displays, and the department store windows become works of art. It’s a magical (if very busy) time to visit, with the whole street wrapped in holiday sparkle. Just be prepared for serious crowds in the run-up to Christmas.
Tips for Shopping Oxford Street
A few honest pointers: Oxford Street gets extremely crowded, especially on weekends and during sales, so visit early in the morning or on a weekday if you can. Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll cover a lot of ground — and keep an eye on your belongings in the busiest crushes, as crowded streets attract pickpockets. If the crowds become too much, duck into the quieter side streets of Marylebone to the north for a calmer, more characterful break.
Getting There
Oxford Street is superbly served by the Underground, with stations at Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, and Tottenham Court Road spaced along its length, so you can hop on and off wherever you like. Note that the street itself is largely closed to regular traffic except buses and taxis, making it easier to cross. Pace yourself, take breaks in the many cafes, and enjoy one of the world’s great shopping experiences.
More London guides: explore the full London Travel Guides series.
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