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Oxford Street

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

London's premier shopping street, famed for its flagship stores, department giants, and vibrant West End energy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Magica via dello shopping

Oxford Street

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

London's premier shopping street, famed for its flagship stores, department giants, and vibrant West End energy.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Many Londoners avoid it, but it's a must-see for the sheer scale of retail and iconic landmarks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Beat the Rush

Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience. Weekends can be extremely crowded .

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Gems

For a less hectic vibe, check out Marylebone High Street. It offers unique boutiques and a charming atmosphere .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Department Stores

Iconic Department Stores

Selfridges, John Lewis

Experience the grandeur of London's historic department stores, offering everything from high fashion to homeware.

Oxford Circus Station

Oxford Circus Station

Intersection of Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Portland Street

The bustling heart of London's West End, a vibrant hub of activity and a famous London landmark.

Flagship Retailers

Flagship Retailers

Various locations along Oxford Street

Explore flagship stores of global brands, offering unique collections and immersive shopping experiences.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Crowds

Oxford Street is famously busy, especially on weekends and during peak shopping seasons. Consider visiting on weekdays or early mornings to avoid the thickest crowds. Be aware of your surroundings, as pickpocketing can be an issue in busy areas.Instagram

Beyond the Big Brands

While Oxford Street is known for its major retailers, many locals suggest exploring nearby streets like Marylebone High Street for a more curated and less overwhelming shopping experience.Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Stores still open, less busy than weekends
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@greaterlongisland
16.1K likes • 159.4K views

🎯 Beat the Rush

Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience. Weekends can be extremely crowded.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Gems

For a less hectic vibe, check out Marylebone High Street. It offers unique boutiques and a charming atmosphere.Instagram

The next station is Oxford Circus 🇬🇧 #london #londonvibes #londonlife #londonbus #regentstreet #oxfordstreet #oxfordcircus
orleanovafilm
46K likes • 693.2K views
LONDON CHEAP EATS UNDER £10 💵 This is my series for those of us who still want to enjoy London’s food but don’t want to take out a small loan to do so 🙃 This week, I’m at one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in the city - @govindaslondon (press meal) to try their £7.95 Thali which includes rice, vegetable curry, green salad, a bean pot or lentil soup and either a bread roll or popadom. I als...
thelittlelondonvegan
324.2K likes • 9.8M views

📱 Stay Aware of Surroundings

Be vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded fashion stores. Keep valuables secure.Instagram

🚇 Use Public Transport

Oxford Circus and Bond Street stations are well-connected. Avoid driving due to traffic and parking issues.

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suupointofview
18.8K likes • 1.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Beat the Rush

Visit on weekdays for a more relaxed shopping experience. Weekends can be extremely crowded.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Gems

For a less hectic vibe, check out Marylebone High Street. It offers unique boutiques and a charming atmosphere.Instagram

📱 Stay Aware of Surroundings

Be vigilant against pickpockets, especially in crowded fashion stores. Keep valuables secure.Instagram

🚇 Use Public Transport

Oxford Circus and Bond Street stations are well-connected. Avoid driving due to traffic and parking issues.

💰 Look for Deals

Many stores offer discounts, especially during sale periods. Keep an eye out for promotions.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination, celebrated for its vast array of high-street brands and iconic department stores. Visitors appreciate the sheer variety and the energy of the bustling street. However, many find it overwhelmingly crowded, especially on weekends, and some advise caution due to pickpocketing risks and the presence of homelessness.

What People Like

Vast selection of shops
Iconic department stores
Bustling atmosphere

What People Dislike

Extreme crowds
Pickpocketing concerns
Homelessness visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oxford Street is easily accessible via the London Underground. The main stations serving the street are Oxford Circus, Bond Street, and Marble Arch. These stations are on various lines, making it convenient to reach from anywhere in London.Instagram

Plans are in motion to pedestrianize Oxford Street, aiming to create a more accessible and pleasant environment.Instagram Currently, while it's a major thoroughfare, it can be very busy with both pedestrians and traffic.

Walking is the best way to explore the shops along Oxford Street. For longer distances or to reach nearby areas, the Tube is highly recommended. Buses also run along the street but can be slow due to traffic.

Parking directly on Oxford Street is extremely limited and expensive. It's advisable to use public transport. If you must drive, look for off-street car parks in surrounding areas, but be prepared for high costs and potential traffic delays.

Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off along Oxford Street. However, due to congestion, they may not always be the fastest option, especially during peak hours.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Oxford Street is a public street and does not require tickets for general access. You can walk along it and browse the shops freely.

Most shops on Oxford Street are open from around 10 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, with slightly shorter hours on Sundays. However, individual store hours can vary, so it's best to check specific retailers if you have a particular store in mind.

There are no entrance fees to access Oxford Street itself. Any costs incurred will be for purchases made within the shops or for dining and entertainment in the area.

Many of the larger stores on Oxford Street are accessible, with ramps and elevators. However, the street itself can be very crowded, which may present challenges. Transport for London is working on improving accessibility as part of pedestrianization plans.Instagram

Yes, Oxford Street is accessible 24/7 as it's a public street. However, most shops close in the evening, typically around 8 PM. The street remains lit and active with people until later, but the shopping experience is limited to daytime and early evening hours.

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Oxford Street is renowned for its vast array of high-street fashion retailers, department stores, and flagship brand outlets. You'll find everything from affordable fashion to luxury goods.Instagram

Yes, despite its upscale image, there are budget-friendly dining options. Look for food courts within department stores or explore side streets for cafes and smaller eateries. Govinda's offers a popular and affordable thali.Instagram

Iconic department stores include Selfridges, John Lewis, and Marks & Spencer. These offer a wide variety of goods and often have excellent food halls and cafes.

For a more unique shopping experience away from the main crowds, consider exploring nearby Marylebone High Street, which features independent boutiques and designer stores.Instagram

While Oxford Street itself is more about shopping, nearby areas like Marylebone and Fitzrovia offer a great selection of restaurants suitable for a date night. Some Reddit users suggest places like Dock of the Bay or Ceno, though they note the immediate vicinity can be 'rough'.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The intersection at Oxford Circus is a classic spot, capturing the energy of the street.Instagram The grand facades of department stores like Selfridges also make for impressive shots. Consider capturing the street at different times of day for varied lighting.

Generally, it's safe to take photos. However, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive camera equipment openly, especially in crowded areas, to minimize risks.Instagram

Early mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light. Evenings can be vibrant with streetlights and shop displays, but can also be very busy. Golden hour before sunset can provide beautiful light on the architecture.

There are no general restrictions on photography for personal use on public streets like Oxford Street. However, commercial photography may require permits, and it's always respectful to avoid intrusive photography of individuals.

Yes, Oxford Street and its surrounding areas have some interesting architectural details and occasional street art. Feel free to capture these elements, but always be respectful of private property and individuals.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Oxford Street can be overwhelming for families with young children due to the immense crowds and constant activity. If you do visit, aim for weekday mornings when it's slightly less chaotic. Consider visiting larger department stores like Selfridges or John Lewis, which often have more space and amenities like cafes and restrooms that can be helpful for families.

For a more manageable experience, explore the family-friendly shops and cafes on nearby streets like Marylebone High Street, which offers a calmer environment and unique boutiques that might appeal to both parents and older children. Remember to keep a close eye on children in crowded areas.

💰 Budget Travelers

While Oxford Street is known for its major brands, budget travelers can still find value. Many high-street retailers offer affordable clothing and accessories. Look out for sales and discount periods. Department stores often have food halls or cafes with reasonably priced meal deals.Instagram

For a truly budget-friendly experience, consider exploring the side streets off Oxford Street or venturing to areas like Marylebone High Street for independent shops that might offer more unique finds at competitive prices. Utilizing London's extensive public transport system, like the Tube, is also key to keeping travel costs down.

🛍️ Shoppers Seeking Unique Finds

If you're looking for unique boutiques and independent designers, Oxford Street itself might not be your primary destination. While it boasts flagship stores, the true gems for unique finds are often found on its neighboring streets. Marylebone High Street, for instance, is celebrated for its curated selection of independent fashion boutiques, bookshops, and lifestyle stores.Instagram

For those who appreciate a more curated and less commercial shopping experience, exploring areas like Carnaby Street (a short walk away) or the boutiques in Notting Hill can offer a richer variety of independent designers and vintage treasures. These areas often provide a more personal shopping experience away from the overwhelming scale of Oxford Street.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Evolution of Oxford Street

Oxford Street has long been a premier shopping destination in London, evolving from a residential street to a bustling commercial hub. Its transformation reflects the changing landscape of retail and urban development in the city. The street is home to numerous iconic department stores and flagship outlets, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Recent discussions and plans indicate a significant shift towards pedestrianization, aiming to create a more sustainable and visitor-friendly environment. This initiative, led by Mayor Sadiq Khan, seeks to transform Oxford Street into a 'world-class, accessible, clean' pedestrian-friendly space.Instagram While this vision promises a more pleasant experience, it also sparks debate about its impact on businesses and the character of the street.

Despite its retail prominence, Oxford Street also faces challenges, including issues of homelessness and overcrowding. Some social media content highlights the presence of homeless individuals sleeping on the street, presenting a stark contrast to the consumerist environment.Instagram These contrasting realities paint a complex picture of one of London's most famous streets.

Navigating Oxford Street: Tips from Locals and Visitors

Many visitors and locals alike advise caution when visiting Oxford Street, particularly regarding crowds and potential petty crime. TikTok and Instagram reels often showcase the sheer volume of people, especially around Oxford Circus.Instagram It's frequently mentioned that many Londoners actively avoid the street due to its intensity.Instagram

Practical advice from travelers emphasizes the importance of staying aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are known to be active in fashion stores along Oxford Street and Regent Street.Instagram To mitigate this, visitors are encouraged to keep valuables secure and be mindful of who is around them. For those seeking a more relaxed shopping experience, nearby Marylebone High Street is often recommended as a superior alternative, offering charming boutiques and a less frenetic atmosphere.Instagram

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