Shop and Dine Off the Beaten Path in London, UK

Shopping

You already know some legendary London shopping spots — Harrods, for starters. But if you want a more unique experience, start with the markets listed under the "food halls" section below. They offer no shortage of shopping and festive atmosphere with good local makers and stores. For some more off-the-beaten-path options that offer truly unique London shopping experiences, try:

• Neal’s Yard
  Hidden in the Seven Dials area (across from the market), this adorable corridor offers cute shops, including the well-known Neal’s Yard Remedies for skincare products.

• Mayfair Neighborhood
  For those looking for a high-end shopping experience, spend a few hours strolling the streets of Mayfair. Start on Regent Street and work your way westward to Old Bond Street. Here, you’ll find every haute shop your heart could desire, from Burberry and Chanel to Tiffany and Chopard, and some lesser-known but equally posh shops in between. There’s also an excellent outpost of Charbonnel & Walker if you need perfectly packaged chocolate gifts to take home. Nearby Fortnum & Mason also offers the quintessential British gift: tea and biscuits.

• Burlington Arcade
  Tucked into the Mayfair shopping district is a lovely shopping arcade, staffed by top-hatted gentlemen at either end. Shopping at its most British — hats, gloves and fine leather goods. (51 Piccadilly, London W1J 0QJ, United Kingdom)

• Apple Market, Jubilee Market - Covent Garden
  At Covent Garden, you will find a selection of stalls offering art, jewelry and even unique British items like hats and fascinators being sold by their makers and artisans. These are two separate markets located just next to each other. Great stop for unique souvenirs. (21, The Market Building, London WC2E 8RD, United Kingdom)

• Liberty
  A department store unlike any other you’ve seen. Housed in an iconic 150-year-old building with a memorable storefront, if offers a vast range including fabrics and housewares, as well as iconic gifts. (Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, United Kingdom)

• Portobello Road Market
  The ultimate in local shopping, offered daily but of course at its busiest on the weekends. Nearly a mile of tented stands up, down and off the Portobello Road, plus adorable shops line the road and adjoining neighborhood. Here, you’ll find art, antiques (no shortage of royal memorabilia, and I was particularly taken with the collection of antique door knockers — many more than 100 years old), vintage clothes, food and, yes, plenty of tacky souvenirs. If you’re looking for a good and affordable gift to take home (or keep for yourself!), grab an official Notting Hill shopping bag — sustainability and tourism brought together! But note the differences — yes, there are even knockoffs of these at some of the souvenir shops. Two shops not to be missed are Alice’s — literally crammed full of fun antiques, located on the main road — and the Notting Hill Bookshop, the basis for Hugh Grant’s shop in the movie "Notting Hill" — you’ll find his famous blue door just a block away. (London W11 1LJ, United Kingdom)

Museums and other experiences

• Moco Modern Art Museum
  A brand-new London outpost of the legendary Amsterdam Museum opens in summer 2024, just off Hyde Park at Marble Arch. If you're a fan of truly modern art like Warhol, Haring and even Bansky, you will enjoy! (1-4 Marble Arch, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom)

• Tower of London
  Spend a little time with history at this landmark that was once home to executions, including Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn, and is now home to the Crown Jewels. Go early to avoid the crowds, particularly for the jewels. While free tours led by a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) are available, a private tour guide will provide a more comfortable and informative experience. (London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom)

• Churchill War Rooms
  World War II left an indelible mark on the UK, and perhaps your best way to revisit this history is at the Churchill War Rooms, the real underground bunker where Churchill spent much of the war with his key staff. Connected by a series of tunnels — including a secret passage to Number 10 — this is where much of the key war planning took place. (King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom)

• River cruise
  A great way to get a view of London is from the famous Thames! Stops include the Tower of London and Westminster Bridge, affording views of beautiful Tower Bridge and Big Ben at either end. Even Uber is in the river cruise business now — they offer a river Uber, with tickets purchasable in the app.

• West End
  London’s West End offers incredible theatrical experiences, with many shows starting here before heading to Broadway! Be sure to consider a night at the theater as part of your London experience.

Food halls

• Seven Dials Market
  Centered on a striking monument with seven dials, this spiderweb of streets is riddled with beautiful shops, many unique to the UK. But hidden at the center is a memorable food hall with options for every taste and plenty of seating. A unique find and favorite is Pick and Cheese - The Cheese Bar, featuring a conveyor belt parading more than two dozen cheese choices in front of the patrons seated at the counter. Not to be missed. (London WC2H 9AU, United Kingdom.)

• Mercato Mayfair
  Located in the posh Mayfair neighborhood and just off Oxford Road is the Mercato Mayfair, a food hall in a former church. The unique location hosts a number of food options up and downstairs with plenty of seating. The Neapolitan pizza option won't disappoint. (St. Mark's Church, N Audley St, London W1K 6ZA, United Kingdom)

• Old Spitalfields Market
  Once again nestled in shopping — this time a bustling market offering local and small business products — Old Spitalfields offers more than two dozen food options, though seating can be tough to find, so be ready to stand and eat. Bleecker Burgers have been voted some of the best in the UK, so a reliable option is available! (16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW, United Kingdom)

• Canopy Market
  A smaller but up-and-coming market experience, The Canopy Market offers a handful of food trucks with more than a dozen makers in a covered atrium. Plenty of tables, and alcohol is served! Lots to explore in this off-the-beaten-path part of town. (West Handyside Canopy, 2 Granary Square, London N1C 4BH, United Kingdom)

• Kingly Court
  Hidden just off famous Carnaby Street sits a lovely little courtyard with tables, umbrellas and a half dozen excellent food options. These tend to be table service (versus carryout) so a slightly elevated experience — but does it matter in a place so lovely? Choose Club Mexicana for margaritas and Mexican bites. (Kingly St, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom)

Bars & restaurants

• The Mayfair Chippy
  This small sit-down restaurant serving traditional British fish and chips packs ‘em in — the line to get a table is lengthy at any time of day. The prevalence of locals proves its value! (14 N Audley St, London W1K 6WE, United Kingdom)

• Balthazar
  This London outpost of the storied New York French bistro is always a high-quality experience. Great pre-theater option as it's so close to many West End theaters! (4-6 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom)

• The Grazing Goat
  British pub fare in a more elevated atmosphere. Located in the heart of Mayfair in a quieter neighborhood. (6 New Quebec St, London W1H 7RQ, United Kingdom)

• Cahoots
  If you’re looking for an Instagramable experience (although every option I’ve listed qualifies for this!), don’t miss Cahoots. Descend two flights underground and go back in time to a 1940s speakeasy, made to look like an old Underground station, with themed drinks served in memorable glasses — even one shaped like Winston Churchill! Reservations are a must. Located just off Kingly Court (listed in food halls) in SoHo. (13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW, United Kingdom)

• The Starman
  A lively and expansive pub located just off Regent Street between Mayfair and SoHo, The Starman's crowds of locals showcase its popularity. Subtly themed for the Starman (David Bowie), the pub fare is solid, as are the pours. And the hidden courtyard entrance off the street gives plenty of room for the crowds to spill out - as you’ll commonly see across London! (15 Heddon St, London W1B 4BF, United Kingdom)