Mercure's travel guides

For shopaholics, London's top department stores – Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Liberty – are museums of designer clothes, accessories and food. A visit to Hamleys, with its toy demonstrations and activities for kids, is like a trip to a children's play park. A new generation of farmers' markets serve foodies all over the city, and a stroll along hip Carnaby Street is recommended for its atmosphere as well as its trendy urban clothes stores and cafés. Although London is not cheap, bargain-hunters can still indulge in some retail therapy at the famous flea markets at Portobello Road, Camden and Spitalfields.

Camden Market

Chalk Farm Rd, London, NW1 8AH
020-7284-2084
http://www.camden-market.org

Description:

Set in a bohemian, alternative neighbourhood north of London's centre, Camden Market promises lots of cool, hip merchandise, often at bargain prices. It's also a favourite of students and tourists, who relish the idea of getting terrific buys on leather goods, shoes, funky clothing, CDs and jewellery. Ethnic items, crafts, and all manner of souvenirs can also be found, along with a bounty of food shops and other local market venues. Great for people-watching too. TUBE: Camden Town
Camden Market (off Buck Street)  Thu-Sun 10am-5:30pm
Camden Lock Market (off Chalk Farm Rd)  Daily 10am-6pm
Camden Canal Market (off Chalk Farm Rd)  Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Stables Market (off Chalk Farm Rd)  Daily 10am-6pm

Harrods

87-135 Brompton Rd, London, SW1X 7XL
20-7730-1234
http://www.harrods.com/

Description:

London's world-famous department store, Harrods has been a city fixture since it opened in 1849. Impeccable service and a wonderful, diverse selection have earned the store a place in the hearts of Londoners. Although prices are somewhat steep, they're attached to quality merchandise, including apparel, toys, home furnishings and groceries. Plus, twice-yearly sales make things more accessible to budget-minded shoppers. Cultivating a bit of spectacle in Harrods are the Egyptian Room and a memorial to Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed, owner Mohammed's son. TUBE: Knightsbridge
Mon-Sat 10am-8pm; Sun 11:30am-6pm
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Other

Smythson of Bond Street

40 New Bond St, London, W1S 2DE
0845-873-2435
http://www.smythson.com/

Description:

Smythson is the royal family's official stationer, and the elegant store offers an impressive array of leather items, paper goods, and gifts fit for a king. Handmade, leather bound notebooks and diaries, delicate personalized cards and envelopes, and sophisticated desk accessories are just a few of the offerings. TUBE: Bond Street
Mon-Wed, Fri 9:30am-6pm; Thu 10am-7pm; Sat 10am-6pm
Visa, MasterCard, American Express