Explore The Top Things To Buy In London For A Memorable Shopping Experience

An image of a market offering some of the ideal and famous things to buy in London.

When shopping in the UK capital, tourists can find many interesting things to buy in London that suit all budgets. Tourists visiting London can shop for tasty snacks and various stylish gifts, as the city offers them access to a wide range of items worth picking up. London is an ideal destination for tourists seeking famous or cheap things to buy in bulk, as there is something for everyone’s taste. Additionally, tourists can explore busy markets, local shops, and iconic stores to find the best things to buy as souvenirs or gifts.

Top 10 Things To Buy In London

Here is a list of 10 best things to buy in London that are ideal for tourists seeking a blend of culture and tradition within souvenirs and other items.

1. Tea And Biscuits

An image of tea and biscuits, which are among the popular things to buy in London.

Photo: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

One of the most popular things to buy in London is the classic British tea paired with biscuits. Tourists can explore some shops that offer different flavours, from Earl Grey to English Breakfast, which are mostly packed in decorative tins. The biscuits are crunchy and sweet, making them perfect for teatime. Some sets come in London-themed packaging, making them ideal for tourists looking for the perfect gifts. These are among the best things to buy in London for food enthusiasts or those wanting a taste of local tradition.

Location: Fortnum & Mason, Harrods Food Hall, or Borough Market
Cost: £5 – £20 / ₹525 – ₹2,100

2. Souvenirs With The Union Jack Or London Landmarks

An image of the Union Jack, which is printed on a miniature car toy.

Photo: Nika Benedictova / Pexels

If you’re looking for cheap things to buy in London, Union Jack souvenirs are a great choice for tourists seeking an immersive experience. Tourists exploring London can find mugs, T-shirts, magnets, tote bags, and even socks printed with Big Ben, red buses, or the British flag. These make simple and fun gifts for friends or keepsakes for tourists themselves. As one of the most famous things tourists buy in London, they’re sold in various areas across the city.

Location: Oxford Street shops, Camden Market, and Covent Garden stalls
Cost: £2 – £10 / ₹210 – ₹1,050

3. Harry Potter Merchandise

An image of a Harry Potter Merchandise shop offering some of the famous things to buy in London.

Photo: Phalinn Ooi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

For fans of the wizarding world, Harry Potter items are among the most famous things to buy in London. Tourists visiting London can choose from wands, scarves, house robes, and notebooks, most of which have official branding. It is an ideal thing to do for tourists who are either Gryffindor or Slytherin fans, as there is something for every visitor. These Harry Potter items in London are ideal for gifting or collecting and remain one of the top popular things to buy in the City.

Location: The Harry Potter Shop at King’s Cross, House of Spells, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Cost: £10 – £40 / ₹1,050 – ₹4,200

4. London Dry Gin

An image of a London Dry Gin, which is one of the best things to buy in London.

Photo: Sonchia / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

London Dry Gin is a classic drink choice and one of the best things to buy in London for those who enjoy a good tipple. The London Dry Gin is known for its strong flavour and smooth finish, which tourists can find across the many local distilleries offering small-batch or flavoured varieties. These bottles are the ideal thoughtful gifts that are mostly beautifully packaged. London Dry Gin is a popular drink among tourists in the city who want to taste something distinctly British.

Location: Sipsmith Distillery, Fortnum & Mason, and specialist liquor shops
Cost: £20 – £40 / ₹2,100 – ₹4,200

5. Books

An image of books in a bookshop, which are some of the popular things to buy in London.

Photo: Tuur Tisseghem / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Due to the significant literary history, books are some of the most popular things to buy in London, offering tourists a glimpse into the city’s rich past and current times. From new releases to British classics, there’s a huge range that tourists can explore. Tourists can also find beautiful collector’s editions and books with London-themed covers. The books in London are perfect as gifts or personal keepsakes. Reading enthusiasts will find this one of the best things to buy while visiting the city of London.

Location: Waterstones Piccadilly, Daunt Books, Foyles, and Southbank Book Market
Cost: £8 – £25 / ₹840 – ₹2,625

6. Fashion And Accessories

An image of an fashion store offering tourists some of the popular things to buy in London.

Photo: Rachel Claire / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Stylish clothing and accessories are some of the most popular things to buy in London. While exploring London, tourists can buy some popular options, ranging from local brands to high-street names, as there is something for every budget. Tourists can buy fashion items such as scarves, jumpers, bags, and jewellery. London’s fashion scene is always changing; hence, tourists can find unique pieces unavailable elsewhere. For anyone interested in fashion, this is one of the top things to buy in the capital of the United Kingdom.

Location: Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Spitalfields Market
Cost: £15 – £100 / ₹1,575 – ₹10,500

7. Designer Watches

An image of a designer watch, which is one of the tourist's best things to buy in London.

Photo: Valeria Boltneva / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Designer watches are one of the most expensive and best things to buy in London, ideally for tourists who want something long-lasting. Tourists in London can explore various brands like Rolex, Omega, and Tag Heuer, which have their flagship stores within the city. Buying in London also means access to limited editions and expert service, making it ideal for tourists to have unique experiences. Designer watches are a classic gift or personal investment.

Location: Bond Street, Selfridges, and Harrods
Cost: £300 – £5,000 / ₹31,500 – ₹5,25,000

8. Fragrances

An image showing a fragrance shop selling some of the best things to buy in London.

Photo: A P Monblat / Wikimedia Commons

Luxury perfumes and scents are among the best things to buy in London, especially for tourists who are looking for something more personal. Tourists visiting London can explore some of the many British brands that sell exclusive fragrances that are not found elsewhere, offering them a unique experience. Some of the options tourists can consider range from floral to woody, as London has a scent for every taste. These luxury perfumes make elegant gifts and are one of the most famous things tourists can buy in London’s high-end stores.

Location: Jo Malone, Penhaligon’s, Liberty London
Cost: £40 – £150 / ₹4,200 – ₹15,750

9. Skincare And Cosmetics

An image of cosmetics products, which are among the best things to buy in London.

Photo: sjajolika / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Good skincare is always in demand, and products from UK brands are some of the best things to buy in London, which will not be unique souvenirs but also play a big role in maintaining good skin. Tourists can explore some of the options, which range from natural moisturisers to luxury creams, as there is a wide range in London from which they can choose. Many shops offer testers, making it easy to choose what works. Skincare items are a popular thing for tourists to buy in London for both men and women.

Location: Boots, Space NK, The Body Shop, and Liberty
Cost: £10 – £80 / ₹1,050 – ₹8,400

10. Foodie Treats

An image of a food shop offering tourists some of the cheap things to buy in London.

Photo: Fikri Rasyid / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Edible items are some of the top cheap things to buy in London, which tourists can sample to experience the local way of life. London tourists can find local jams, chutneys, handmade fudge, and classic British sweets. These Edible items make great gifts and are easy to carry for tourists travelling to different areas. Most markets in London offer small samples, allowing tourists to try them before buying. For food enthusiasts, these treats are among the best things to buy while exploring London.

Location: Borough Market, Camden Market, and Selfridges Food Hall
Cost: £3 – £15 / ₹315 – ₹1,575

Tourists shopping for gifts or personal keepsakes can explore famous things to buy in London across all budgets and styles. From books and food items to watches and fashion, London offers something for everyone. The city’s diverse shops make it easy to find unique souvenirs that suit your taste. Plan your trip today with TripXL and enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience while discovering the charm of London’s retail culture.

Cover Photo: Mark Dalton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Miniature models of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace memorabilia, and iconic red telephone box trinkets are popular choices. These souvenirs capture London's timeless charm.
You can purchase high-quality tea from Fortnum & Mason or Harrods, which are renowned for their exquisite blends. These teas often come in elegant packaging, perfect for gifting.
Shortbread cookies, Walker's crisps, and Cadbury chocolates are delicious options for gifting or enjoying yourself. They are easily available in local supermarkets and specialty stores.
First editions and collectable prints can be found in Hatchards or other vintage bookshops around Piccadilly. Many bookshops also feature works by local authors or London-inspired themes.
Yes, Bond Street and Knightsbridge are famous for high-end brands and exclusive designs for discerning shoppers. These areas offer tax-free shopping for international visitors.

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