Every year, countless people from around the globe come to London. When heading home, you might wonder what treasures you can take back from such a marvellous city. From high-end British fashion to British tea, London's vast markets, historic department stores, and unique boutiques offer distinctly London items. 

Yet, with so many options, how can you avoid the typical tourist traps and find something special? Let's jump into your essential guide to shopping in London, ensuring you leave with bags filled with finds to boast about.

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What are the best things to buy from London? 

There are many souvenirs to choose from when you are leaving London and some of the popular ones are given below:

1. British Tea

2. Books 

3. Perfumes

4. Harry Potter Merchandise

5. British Chocolates

6. Handcrafted Candles

7. Designer & Vintage Fashion

8. Artisanal gin

9. Quirky Home Décor

10. Leather Goods

British Tea

What better way to capture the essence of London than bringing home some of its finest teas? British tea is a daily ritual symbolising London's rich hospitality. The beautifully packaged teas make elegant gifts or personal souvenirs that bring the warmth of English breakfast or the charm of afternoon tea to your home.

• Category: Beverage

• Famous market: Specialty tea stalls sometimes appear in markets like Borough Market or Camden Market.

• Price: Prices range from £10 for classic blends to over £40 for rare collections.

• How to avoid scams: Shop at reputable stores, check for proper labeling, and avoid street vendors to ensure quality.

Books from Iconic London Bookshops

If you are into reading, then London's bookshops are like mini museums, perfect for finding everything from rare first editions to contemporary bestsellers. Buying a book from one of these shops is a way to own a piece of London’s literary heritage, making it a thoughtful gift for yourself or a loved one.

• Category: Literature

• Famous market: Southbank Centre Book Market

• Price: Typically £5 to £30, depending on rarity and binding.

• How to avoid scams: Always buy from established bookstores. Check for authenticity, especially when purchasing rare or antique books, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, particularly at street stalls or from informal vendors.

Perfumes

London's perfumeries are renowned for their quality and range, offering everything from bespoke scents to traditional fragrances. Explore stores like Floris and Penhaligon’s, where you can discover scents that capture the essence of English gardens or the urban sophistication of London itself. Many shops also offer the experience of creating a custom perfume, making it a truly personal souvenir.

• Category: Fragrances & Personal Care

• Famous market: Luxury boutiques in Covent Garden and Mayfair are known for their bespoke perfumeries.

• Price: Ready-made fragrances start at about £40, with bespoke scents costing significantly more.

• How to avoid scams: Buy from reputable perfumeries. Avoid street vendors and check for correct, sealed packaging to ensure authenticity.

Harry Potter Merchandise

Harry Potter's magical world comes to life in London, where you can find a wide array of merchandise at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or the dedicated shop at King’s Cross Station. From replica wands and robes to collectible items and themed games, each piece is crafted with care, offering fans of all ages a piece of this beloved universe.

• Category: Entertainment Memorabilia

• Famous market: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter

• Price: Items range from £5 for smaller souvenirs to over £100 for high-end collectibles like replica wands and robes.

• How to avoid scams: Purchase directly from official stores like King’s Cross Station or Warner Bros. Studio Tour to ensure authenticity.

British Chocolates

British chocolates are celebrated for their creamy texture and deep flavors. From luxury brands like Charbonnel et Walker to the beloved Cadbury, there's a variety to suit any taste. These chocolates often come in beautifully crafted packages, making them ideal gifts for sweets enthusiasts or a tasty treat for yourself.

• Category: Gourmet Foods

• Famous market: Borough Market

• Price: Prices start at around £3 for a small bar of Cadbury and go up to £50+ for luxury assortments from Charbonnel et Walker.

• How to avoid scams: Buy from established shops or brand stores to guarantee quality and avoid counterfeit products.

Handcrafted Candles

London's markets and boutiques showcase a beautiful selection of handcrafted candles and home decor. You can find scented candles with classic fragrances like English rose or bergamot and home decor items, including artisanal ceramics and custom textiles. These pieces are great for bringing a bit of London's unique style into your home.

• Category: Home Goods

• Famous market: Maltby Street Market

• Price: Candles can start from £10 to £100 or more for large, intricately designed pieces. Home décor items range similarly depending on craftsmanship.

• How to avoid scams: Shop at reputable markets or stores, and look for signs of genuine craftsmanship such as natural materials and hand-finished details.

Designer & Vintage Fashion

London is a global fashion capital, and its shops are filled with high-end designer labels and stunning vintage finds. Whether you're searching for the latest runway trends or retro styles, London's fashion offers endless possibilities. Vintage stores in areas like Notting Hill and Shoreditch are especially great for discovering one-of-a-kind pieces with a story to tell.

• Category: Fashion

• Famous market: Portobello Road Market (vintage), Bond Street (designer)

• Price: Vintage items might start at around £20, while designer fashion items can range from £100 to thousands of pounds.

• How to avoid scams: Know the signs of wear and authenticity for vintage. For designer items, shop at official boutiques or trusted department stores.

Artisanal Gin

If you're interested in gin, consider visiting one of London's many micro-distilleries to see how gin is made and even taste different types from the source. Specialty liquor stores are another great option, offering bottled gins that make perfect souvenirs or gifts. These shops often have knowledgeable staff who can help you choose a gin that matches your taste preferences, ensuring you bring home a special bottle.

• Category: Spirits

• Famous market: Borough Market 

• Price: Typically, prices start around £15 and can go up to £50 or more for a premium bottle.

• How to avoid scams: Purchase from reputable liquor stores or distilleries. Look for labels that indicate small batch production or local sourcing.

Quirky Home Decor

If you’re looking for something uniquely London to spice up your living space, the city’s quirky home décor options are not to be missed. Shops in Camden and Greenwich offer everything from punk rock memorabilia to antique furniture and modern British art, providing plenty of choices to find something that matches your style and memories of London. These items are not just decorations but are pieces of London itself, allowing you to bring a bit of the city's dynamic culture and history into your home. 

• Category: Interior Design

• Famous market: Camden Market or shops in Greenwich

• Price: Prices vary widely, from around £10 for smaller items to hundreds for large furniture or unique art.

• How to avoid scams: Purchase from established vendors known for their quality and authenticity. Avoid buying expensive items off the street or from non-specialist sellers.

Leather Goods

London offers an impressive selection of leather goods crafted by skilled artisans. From luxury handbags and shoes to hand-stitched wallets and belts, these items showcase the quality and durability of British leather craftsmanship. Shopping in established leather goods stores ensures authenticity and style in products that last a lifetime.

• Category: Fashion

• Famous market: Leather Lane Market 

• Price: Prices start at about £30 for small leather accessories and can reach hundreds or thousands for bespoke items.

• How to avoid scams: Always check the quality of the leather (it should be supple and smell like real leather), and buy from reputable stores or artisan workshops.

Find the Best Shopping Spots for Unique Items in London's Markets

Whether you're looking for handmade souvenirs, antique finds, or delicious street food, the city's markets have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best things to buy in London and the markets where you can find them.

• Antiques: Portobello Road market

• Designer & vintage fashion: Camden market

• Handmade crafts: Greenwich market

• Books & vinyl records: Southbank Centre book market

• Gourmet food: Borough market

• Exotic spices & tea: Spitalfields market

• Handmade jewellery: Covent Garden market

• Trendy streetwear: Brick Lane Market

• Fresh flowers & plants: Columbia Road flower market

• Handcrafted candles & home décor: Maltby street market

If you're looking for a detailed guide, take a look at our comprehensive guide to the best markets in London.

Tips for Shopping a Souvenir in London

Shopping in London is an exciting experience, filled with lots of unique items and great souvenirs. Here are some simple tips to make your shopping trip even better:

• Plan: Before you go, decide what you want to buy and where you want to go. Places like Notting Hill are great for antiques, Camden for funky fashion, and Mayfair for luxury items.

• Do some research: Find where you can find the things you want to buy and how much they might cost. This can help you get the best deals.

• Use public transport: London has a great transport system with buses, trains, and river boats that can help you get around easily.

• Shop early: Popular spots like Portobello Road and Borough Market get busy later in the day. Going early can help you avoid crowds.

• Check market days: Some markets have special days for food or antiques. Knowing these days can help you plan your visit better.

• Watch store hours: Many shops close earlier than expected, especially on Sundays. Check their hours so you don’t miss out.

• Ask for proof of authenticity: If you’re buying something expensive like antiques or designer clothes, ask for a certificate to prove it’s real.

• Negotiate if you can: You can talk down the price in smaller shops or markets. Just remember to be polite about it.

• Save your receipts for a tax refund: If you're visiting from outside the EU, you might get some money back on big purchases. Keep your receipts and claim your tax refund when you leave.

• Bring an extra bag: If you plan on buying a lot, having an extra bag to bring things home might be a good idea.

Don’t Wait Up and Be Ready to Bargain!

Now that you know what to buy from London, make sure to leave some space in your luggage! Always be cautious when purchasing at London markets to ensure you get genuine items. With this shopping list you are ready to explore and enjoy London's vibrant markets.