Oxford Street is one of the most famous and busiest shopping streets in London. It stretches for about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, and it is home to more than 300 shops, department stores, and restaurants. Whether you are looking for fashion, electronics, books, or souvenirs, you will find something to suit your taste and budget on Oxford Street.
If you want to visit Oxford Street, you should know that it is open every day of the week, but the opening and closing hours may vary depending on the shop. Generally, most shops open at 9 or 10 am and close at 8 or 9 pm from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the shops open at 11 or 12 am and close at 6 pm. However, some shops may have different hours during holidays or special events, so it is advisable to check their websites before you go.
There are many ways to get to Oxford Street by public transport. You can take the tube and get off at one of the four stations along the street: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus, or Tottenham Court Road. You can also take a bus that stops on or near Oxford Street, such as routes 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 15, 23, 25, 55, 73, 98, 139, or 390. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or a bike and enjoy the views of the city along the way.
If you are planning to spend a day on Oxford Street, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Avoid peak hours and weekends if you can. Oxford Street can get very crowded and noisy during these times, and you may have to queue for a long time to enter some shops or use the fitting rooms.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You will be walking a lot and carrying bags, so make sure you are comfortable and prepared for any weather changes.
- Take breaks and enjoy the food options. Oxford Street has many cafes, restaurants, and pubs where you can relax and recharge your energy. You can find anything from fast food to fine dining, from British cuisine to international flavors.
- Explore the side streets and alleys. Oxford Street is not only about shopping; it also has many hidden gems and attractions that are worth discovering. For example, you can visit St Christopher’s Place, a charming pedestrianized area with boutique shops and cafes; or Soho Square, a green oasis with a statue of King Charles II and a mock Tudor house.
- Book a tour if you want to learn more about the history and culture of Oxford Street. There are many tours available that will take you around the street and tell you interesting facts and stories about its landmarks, such as Selfridges, John Lewis, Liberty London, or The 100 Club.
Oxford Street is a great place to visit if you love shopping and entertainment. However, there are some things that you should not do while you are there:
- Do not litter or damage any property. Oxford Street is a public space that should be respected and kept clean. If you have any rubbish or unwanted items, please dispose of them in the bins provided or take them with you.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol on the street. Smoking and drinking are prohibited on Oxford Street and may result in fines or penalties. If you want to smoke or drink, please do so in designated areas or inside licensed premises.
- Do not block the pavement or cause any disturbance. Oxford Street is a busy street that needs to be accessible and safe for everyone. Please do not stand in the way of other pedestrians or vehicles, do not play loud music or make excessive noise, and do not engage in any illegal or antisocial behavior.
Oxford Street has many things to see and enjoy besides shopping. Here are some of the highlights that you should not miss:
- Selfridges: This iconic department store was founded in 1909 by Harry Gordon Selfridge and is one of the largest and most luxurious in London. It has six floors of fashion, beauty, home, food, and entertainment products; as well as a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
- John Lewis: This flagship store of the British retailer chain was opened in 1864 and is known for its quality goods and customer service. It has seven floors of clothing, accessories, homeware, electronics, toys, books; as well as a cafe and a restaurant.
- Liberty London: This distinctive Tudor-style building was built in 1924 using timbers from two old ships. It is famous for its fabrics and prints; as well as its eclectic range of fashion, jewellery beauty stationery and gifts.
- The 100 Club: This legendary music venue was opened in 1942 and has hosted some of the most influential artists in rock punk jazz and blues history such as The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols, The Clash, BB King and Oasis.
