The idea of ​​buying things in one of the most expensive cities in the world will not leave many flattered. With famous designers taking up most of the high street shops, smaller brands are pushed out of tourist-populated areas. So where do you go to buy something special but affordable?

Most visitors to London are looking for something they read about in guidebooks. For example, where to find a unique wine merchant or where to buy a Paddington Bear? In almost every corner of London you can find souvenir shops selling everything from key charms to T-shirts that will remind you of this multicultural city.

It’s great to buy things that tell a story and that seem to work for a lot of people. Those who come to visit after reading something about the country or learning the history will not be tempted by the souvenir shops around the corner. They will head to St James Street, a home to excellent wine shops, or they will go to museums and buy something there.
 
For those who are interested in making expensive purchases, London will not disappoint. Harrods is quite popular with tourists, as it features a selection of first-class essentials. It seems that Harrods is the only store in the UK that still sells real fur. It also sells a range of fine perfumes, as well as bath and spa essentials, clothing, accessories, and more. It is not a bad place to buy something a little more special and more expensive but of good quality or to buy gifts. It is convenient to stay in central London hotels as most of the shops are in the city center. Oxford Street, one of the most popular, has stores such as Selfridges, HMV (for music, DVD), Disney Store (for toys) and many other stores mainly for clothes and shoes.
 
For those who don’t like crowded shopping venues, a more flamboyant and bohemian style can be found in London’s famous street markets. The Portobello Market in Notting Hill is great for buying antiques. Camden Town is great for exotic apparel and cheap takeout. Don’t forget that there are no bad buys when properly planned.