A local’s guide to the most beautiful shopping arcades in London, perfect for sightseeing, luxury shopping, and architecture lovers!
It’s around the 19th century that covered shopping areas became popular in London, as a response to the famously whimsical English weather.
Beautiful architecture can be found in every corner of London; from medieval sights to gorgeous streets and even secret churches further out in the City of London.
Around Piccadilly and Regent Street are to be found some of the most beautiful shopping arcades of the city, and a couple are nestled in the City, also home to many secret alleys and cute courtyards.
Whether you’re looking for new shopping areas to explore or just a taste of luxurious architecture, the following arcades are some of London’s most beautiful spots to visit solo, with friends, or family.
11 Pretty Shopping Arcades in London for a Taste of Luxury
I always like to say that the most upscale fashion and jewelry brands are those unbeknownst to the public, and the likes of Piccadilly Arcade and the Royal Arcade are the very places you’ll come across their shops.
Since you’ll be in the heart of London with most of these shopping arcades, make sure you discover some of Mayfair’s hidden gems while in the area.
Anyhoo – below are a dozen of the prettiest arcades you can find in London, which ooze history, and quiet luxury: enjoy the ride between London’s past and its ultra-modernity!
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Leadenhall Market
Dating back to the 14th century, Leadenhall Market used to be a lead-roofed manor house, from which it takes its name, and stands on the site of a former Roman forum.
You can even find some of London’s ruins in the basement of a barbershop at Leadenhall Market!
Its location in the City of London makes it easily accessible from both London Bridge and Liverpool Street, with the whole area filled with gorgeous streets.
The current structure dates back to the 19th century, and a formidable example of Victorian architecture that blends glasswork and ornate wrought-iron.
You’ll find similar architecture at the Smithfield Meat Market, another one of the City of London’s best hidden gems, and a seemingly long forgotten beauty.
If you ever get hungry, I urge you to try a pastry or two at Aux Merveilleux de Fred, a famous bakery in Paris with several locations in London, including South Kensington.
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Piccadilly Arcade, Central London
With the exquisite Santa Maria Novella perfume shop at its corner, Piccadilly Arcade is a wonderful place to take pictures and enjoy some of that posh luxury we love to marvel at.
While I’m on the subject, Santa Maria Novella is one of the oldest perfume brands in the world, born during the Middle Ages in Florence, Italy – its apothecary-style store on Piccadilly is a must-visit, if only for the atmosphere.
Piccadilly Arcade is conveniently located between Piccadilly and Jermyn Street, which makes it easily accessible from Green Park and Piccadilly Circus stations.
While you’re in the area, do visit Hatchards and Maison Assouline, two of the most beautiful bookshops you’ll be given to visit in London, which are both located right on Piccadilly, too.
And, if you’re down for some more shopping, you’ll find the famous Fortnum & Mason department store down the street, along with lots of beautiful coffee shops and food spots.
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Royal Arcade, Mayfair
The Royal Arcade is not only home to one of the oldest – and best chocolate shops in London, Charbonnel et Walker, established in 1875 and supplier for the Royal family.
Nope – you’ll also come across British perfume brand Ormonde Jayne there, also one of the oldest in town, with elegant scents ranging from their bestselling Montabaco and Levant perfumes to luxury candles.
If there’s one place to visit when going luxury shopping in London, it is Mayfair, which is not lacking in high-end shops, with nearby Bond Street filled with couture brands.
However, to further admire London’s beautiful architecture, the Royal Arcade is a must-visit in my book, and a perfect photo spot for the influencer soul, of course!
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Royal Exchange, City of London
A few seconds from Bank station, you’ll find the Royal Exchange, a historic building and landmark of the City of London since the 16th century.
Originally established as a center for commerce, the Royal Exchange was destroyed during the Great Fire of London in 1666 like St Dunstan in the East and St Paul’s Cathedral, two other landmarks within walking distance.
The current Royal Exchange, an incredibly beautiful shopping arcade, was opened by Queen Victoria in 1844, and its neoclassical architecture is probably one of the best reminders of Italian culture in London.
You’ll find a few luxurious shops inside and a Fortnum & Mason cafe, but I have to say that what will blow you away most is indeed the Royal Exchange’s architecture.
If you feel like more budget shopping afterwards, there’s a big TK Maxx shop on nearby Gracechurch Street, with discounted clothes from designer brands and some of the best scented candles you’ll find in the city.
And, because you shouldn’t miss it for the world, pop by the free viewing platform nearby, Horizon 22, when you’re done: it’s currently one of the highest, free spots for views in Europe!
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Burlington Arcade, Mayfair
Aside from beautiful Leadenhall Market and the Royal Exchange, Burlington Arcade is another must-visit when you’re after shopping arcades, and with it, we’re back in Central London.
Opened in 1819 by Lord George Cavendish, then co-owner of Burlington House, Burlington Arcade is but one of the world’s oldest shopping arcades.
The ornate iron and glass roof gives Burlington Arcade an air of grandeur completed by the luxurious shops housed inside; Anya Hindmarch, Lalique, Roja Parfums and Manolo Blahnik all have branches there.
The shopping arcade’s elegance is something otherworldly, and around Christmas time, it becomes one of the places to visit in London for decorations and lights for which no budget has been spared.
It’s one of the it places to go shopping in Mayfair, only equalled in beauty by Bond Street and New Bond Street.
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Princes Arcade, Piccadilly
Parallel to Piccadilly Arcade, Princes Arcades also connects Jermyn Street with Piccadilly, and it’s a very pretty place to enjoy Christmas decorations in the winter.
While it’s usually much easier to find female fashion brands in the city, Princes Arcade offers luxury goods for men, from British shoe brands to leather bags and high-end clothing.
Again, you’re close to both Maison Assouline and Fortnum & Mason here, which also means you are close to Burlington Arcade and Burlington House, a historic building housing the Royal Academy of Arts.
All three should be visited if you’re passing by Princes Arcade, as they all offer beautiful architecture and special things to buy in London!
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Quadrant Arcade, Regent Street
Just off Regent Street, Quadrant Arcade was closed for the longest time, and the Grade II listed arcade, with its incredible Art Deco architecture, is one of the places you cannot miss when walking around Central London.
Established in 1928, Quadrant Arcade is back and prettier than ever before, especially around Christmas time.
One must-visit shop when in Quadrant Arcade is Creed, with decadent high-end perfume scents – even if you only want to do budget shopping, you will want to try these fragrances out.
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Hay’s Galleria, London Bridge
Hay’s Galleria is probably one of the most underrated – yet still gorgeous shopping arcades in London, and turns into a very colorful spot during spring and Christmas time.
Located in Southbank, very close to London Bridge, Hay’s Galleria is nestled in a former warehouse dating back to the 19th century.
The steel and glass roof is only one of Hay’s Galleria highlights and reflects its industrial background, and, notably, you’ll find there Cafe Piazza, a great coffee shop when it comes to decadent hot chocolate.
In the middle of Hay’s Galleria is also suspended a David Kemp replica of the ship The Navigators, which strongly echoes the past of the arcade, and a strong reminder that we are indeed in one of London’s maritime neighborhoods.
You’ll also find many different hidden gems in London Bridge and nearby Bermondsey, all worth a visit to learn about London’s history as a port.
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Royal Opera House Arcade, Covent Garden
Christmas windows are quite famous around the city, but even more so in Covent Garden, one of London’s oldest places, with its piazza laid out for the first time in 1631.
However, even if Covent Garden’s shops attract thousands of visitors on the daily, the Royal Opera House Arcade still seems to be one of the area’s hidden gems.
That’s where you’ll find many different jewelry shops, for instance, including Vashi, a personal favorite.
Make your way to Long Acre when you’re done enjoying the Royal Opera House Arcade to find all kinds of fashion shops, including vintage.
You’ll also find quite a few hidden gems in Covent Garden and around, starting with Bageriet, an incredibly tiny and instagrammable Swedish bakery, and ending with Stanfords, a beautiful travel and map bookshop.
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Apple Market, Covent Garden
As it’s a covered market, I thought I’d include Covent Garden’s Apple Market, which not only offers plenty of artisan and souvenir shops, but also amazing cafes and restaurants.
One of my favorite tea shops in London, Whittard of Chelsea, is located inside the Apple Market, and is very much worth a visit for amazing tea, hot chocolate preparations and chocolate-covered coffee beans.
Around Christmas time, the Apple Market truly becomes one of the prettiest shopping arcades in London, with huge baubles hanging from the ceiling.
It’s interesting to note that while Covent Garden was one of the first developed neighborhoods in London, it did not always present this aesthetic, especially not in the 17th century, when it was merely a vegetable and fruit market for the monks of Westminster Abbey.
That’s what makes it so interesting in my opinion, since you can also learn about the history of Covent Garden with boards plastered on the walls around the Apple Market.
If you get hungry for a little snack, Laduree on one end of the Apple Market offers some of the best macarons in London, and you’ll have a straight view on the performers in front of St Paul’s Church’s gate!
Most Beautiful Shopping Arcades in London: Gloucester Arcade, South West London
Gloucester Arcade in South Kensington is one of the most secret shopping arcades out of this whole guide, and already offers great insight on the posh area it is nestled in.
Nearby are located the three most famous free museums of the city, the Science Museum, the V&A and the Natural History Museum; do add at least one on your bucket list, as these are wonderful spots to visit.
You only have a few shops inside Gloucester Arcade, but if you’re ever in need of quick food shopping, you’ll find a very handy Waitrose there for lunch on the go.
11 Pretty Shopping Arcades in London for a Taste of Luxury
You’ll hopefully have found here a few new spots to add to your London trip.
Beyond their beautiful character, London’s shopping arcades testify to the city’s history with their grand architectural styles.
When you’re done discovering these, why not continue roaming the city in search of proper British shops?
For instance, inside the Fortnum & Mason department store close to Burlington Arcade, you will find the wonderful Penhaligon’s perfumes.
Or, you could make your way to the city of London to enjoy views of not only Leadenhall Market, but all the secret streets around it, and, further east, Liverpool Street and Spitalfields!