London transforms into a magical place at Christmas. Like any other city, the lights go up, the Christmas trees get decorated and the shops go overboard with promotions and discounts. It can also transform into one of the busiest places where you feel like you are cattle being herded into a tiny confined space.
I decided to go and see the Christmas lights (and shops) myself, before the busy crowds hit one of the busiest shopping streets in the UK. It was the emptiest I've seen it in a long time, which gave me the idea that it would be really handy to combine a miniature guide to the main shopping destinations in London, and also the places to go to see the best decorations.
I started off in Covent Garden which was going with a sweet mistletoe theme.
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| Covent Garden |
Covent Garden is the place to go for seeing the pretty decorations whilst having a stroll around. It is always scattered with street performers to entertain and provide a break for the shoppers, plus there is a vast array of food places which make it the perfect place for a bite to eat. My recommendations are Shake Shack for your American burger fix or the famous paella which they cook in huge dishes in the courtyard of Covent Garden. Many other coffee chains and restaurants are dotted around the area as well for a nice break.
The shops here are quite specific, with a lot of high designer brands such as Chanel, Burberry and Mac owning stores here. No high street shops so for something special, this is the place to go.
My next location was Leicester Square, which is almost always busy. If you are not bothered about seeing the square, avoid! Take a detour through China town which is just off the side roads, and you can experience some oriental cuisine.
They had a Christmas set up going on, although I didn't have time to look closely. It resembled Christmas market huts. Various restaurants and bars are located around here, however there is a lack of shops so it's quite nice to walk through on your way to the big shops. One highlight though is the M&M store though! Overpriced but fun to look around, and the personalised M&Ms make great gifts!
The next stop is Piccadilly Circus, I couldn't help but have a look around Whole Foods market. Another American import, they have the best deli area for a bite to eat. You can have anything from pizza to curries, and you know it will all be fresh. I had a quick look at their Christmas selection, which is really good for those with allergies and food intolerances, but overpriced otherwise. Shops around here aren't high in numbers but do include Boots, souvenir shops and lots of restaurants.
This will be packed with tourists, but it is the start of Regent Street which has an array of shops like Hamley's, Banana Republic, Mango, Michael Kors and many other upmarket brands. The Christmas lights always have a theme every year and make a great photo when lit up.
One place you must visit is Carnaby Street. It's tucked away on a side street from Regent Street, but the decorations are always so pretty and there are a section of popular shops and restaurants there. It tends to be a nice break from the busy regent street, and I use it to make my way to Oxford Street whilst avoiding the crowds on Regent Street.
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| Carnaby Street |
The famous department store Liberty's is found here, which you should definitely visit if it's your first time in London. Its history is really nice to see when you look around, and again it offers unique gifts.
I finally reached Oxford Street, which was busy as you can probably guess. This is the place with the big stores. The Topshop is really good, with three floors of clothes and even a brow bar and Bleach salon. Urban Outfitters is also a good store to visit. As you travel further along the road, many big chains pop up like Forever 21, Boots, Zara, H&M, M&S, John Lewis and the famous Selfridges. Plenty of choice for any type of Christmas present. For cheap clothes and accessories, visit the famous Primark. Be warned, you will get hot and flustered here as it is very hard to manoeuvre around the crowds, and is almost always full of tourists.
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| Oxford Street |
My favourite store here is Pull and Bear, a clothes shop that has a unique style and is relatively inexpensive and I really recommend having a look in.
There are plenty of food and drink places. Ben's Cookies is situated on the street and they honestly do the best cookies I've ever tasted. Seriously, when you eat them they are still warm! My top tip is to explore down the side streets if you are looking for a bite to eat, as they are busier nearer the main street, and get emptier the further away you go.
The lights are always so pretty here as well, with the big stores lighting up the entire exterior of the buildings.
Food Recommendation:
I went to Tortilla for the first time, a Mexican burrito place that resembles Chipotle. I've always wanted to try Tortilla, so when I stumbled across it I thought I would give it a try.
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| I went for the naked burrito bowl, with lots of Guac! |
It's really good value for money and the food is delicious. You can eat in as well so if you are looking for a filling meal that is quick and cheap, give this a try!
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