Borough Market

London's Borough Market is unsurprisingly popular — it's been gaining momentum since the 12th century, after all — but those who arrive for an early lunch can take advantage of this London fixture's ample offering of street food from all over the world, followed by a stroll through the stalls vending local produce.

• Web:

  boroughmarket.org.uk

• Address:

  8 Southwark Street, London

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 10am–5pm, Fri 10am–6pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 10am–2pm

Camden Lock Market

Located next to the picturesque canal, the Camden Lock Market is a must if you're into quirky, alternative and unique gifts, fashion and crafts. Comprising a mix of shops and stalls, the buzzing market has been attracting crowds of visitors since 1972. While you're in the area, make sure you visit the nearby Stables Market and Camden Market (formerly Buck Street Market).

• Web:

  www.camdenmarket.com

• E-mail:

  info@camdenmarket.com

• Address:

  54-56 Camden Lock Place, Chalk Farm Road, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 3763 9900

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–6pm

• Subway:

  Camden Town and Chalk Farm tube stations

Covent Garden & Seven Dials

Covent Garden is famous for its street entertainment and covered markets: Apple Market, Jubilee Market and East Colonnade Market. Everything from British-made arts and crafts to jewellery and antiques can be found here. The area has many permanent shops too. From the ever-popular Disney Store to travel book shop Stanfords. Close by are two other unique London shopping destinations, Neal Street and Covent Garden's 'village' Seven Dials, a small agglomeration of streets packed with fashion boutiques, vintage shops, jewellers and design furniture stores.

• Web:

  www.coventgarden.london

• Address:

  Covent Garden, London

• Subway:

  Covent Garden tube station

Greenwich Market

Packed with unique arts and crafts, Greenwich Market is the place to go for one-off, unique gifts and souvenirs. Browse handmade jewellery, natural beauty products, children's toys or antiques — you are sure to find something new every day. There are also permanent shops selling art, clothing and accessories, plus a good range of food stalls serving up delicious cuisine from around the world.

• Web:

  www.greenwichmarketlondon.com

• E-mail:

  hello@greenwichmarketlondon.com

• Address:

  Greenwich High Road, London

• Phone:

  +44 020 8269 5096

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–5:30pm

• More info:

  The market can also be accessed from College Approach

• Subway:

  Cutty Sark and Greenwich stations

• Tickets:

  Free entry

Harrods

Famous around the world, Harrods is a gold-and-green beacon in London's shopping scene. Inside the stunning store you'll find everything from homewares and kitchen essentials to books and beauty products. But most people make a beeline for the Harrods-branded gifts, fashion aisles and food hall — an ornate treasure trove of foodie delicacies and sweet treats.

• Web:

  www.harrods.com

• E-mail:

  help@harrods.com

• Address:

  87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge

• Phone:

  +44 20 7730 1234

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 11am–7pm, Fri–Sat 11am–8pm, Sun 11:30am–6pm

• Subway:

  Knightsbridge tube station

Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge

Harvey Nichols, or Harvey Nicks as it's known locally, is a favourite among London’s fashionistas. Its flagship Knightsbridge store opened in the 1880s and today boasts a massive eight floors of fashion, beauty and lifestyle collections. The fifth floor is given over to the stylish Fifth Floor Restaurant, Cafe and Bar, plus a food market and wine shop.

• Web:

  www.harveynichols.com/store/knightsbridge

• E-mail:

  contact.knightsbridge@harveynichols.com

• Address:

  109-125 Knightsbridge, London

• Phone:

  +44 20 7235 5000

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–8pm, Sun 11:30am–6pm

• Subway:

  Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner tube stations