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Harvey Nichols is known internationally for the luxury items it sells. It is home to the world’s most prestigious brands in womenswear, menswear, accessories, beauty, food and home. The store has a total of eight floors, with one floor dedicated completely to food and restaurants.

Top tip: To avoid the crowds, visit during the week or first thing in the morning on a Saturday.

Fun fact: The London location is the Harvey Nichols flagship store and was opened in 1880.

Harrods is perhaps London’s most famous department store named after Charles Henry Harrods, who opened a family grocer’s shop on the site in 1849. The shop has grown to become a haven for expensive and glamorous shopping.

The eye-catching seven-storey building contains over 300 departments selling luxury items, from furniture and ladies fashion to polo mallets and wax coats for dogs. For those on a tighter budget, there is a Harrods gift shop, selling assorted souvenirs such as pencils and teddy bears.

Top tip: On an average day Harrod’s can be visited by 100,000 people. To avoid crowds, visit mid-week during the day.

Fun fact: The store’s slogan is “Omnia Omnibus Ubique”, which translated from Latin means “all things for all people, everywhere”.

Hamleys is London’s most famous toy store and has become an international tourist attraction as the crowds add an even greater festive mood to this already carnival-like store. The toy selection at Hamleys is vast, taking up 7 floors, and its magical atmosphere and displays will enchant children, as well as their parents and grandparents. The friendly young assistants are also well trained to demonstrate the latest toys to the rapt attention of visitors of all ages.

Top tip: If you have small children, Hamleys ‘Make A Bear’ section allows the little ones to choose, create and name their own teddy bear.

Fun fact: Hamleys is the oldest toy shop in the world.

Borough Market boasts a young, successful gourmet food market alongside an older, established wholesale market. There are permanent tenants in properties surrounding the market as well as food and drink stalls.

You can find a fantastic range of products including wine, beer, fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Top tip: Take your own shopping bag because you’ll be leaving the market with a feast of goodies.

Fun fact: Borough Market is now the trading place for over 100 food and drink stalls.

Located opposite the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City is the home to hundreds of stores including John Lewis, Waitrose and M&S, as well as a Casino and Vue Cinema.

Top tip: Wear the comfiest shoes you own for your trip to this shopping oasis.

Fun fact: Westfield Stratford City is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe.

Camden Market is a huge market, covering almost the whole neighbourhood and it can take hours to explore. Camden Town is a sea of entertainment. It overflows with a variety of colourful restaurants, bars, pubs, clubs, theatres and cinemas.

Top tip: If your feet are starting to ache from all your market browsing, Yumchaa is a great place to eat, drink and relax whilst watching the market madness from above.

Fun fact: Camden Market has been named as London’s fourth-largest attraction.