Last updated:
London is a city of high streets, grand department stores and historic arcades, but when the weather turns or you want everything under one roof, its shopping centres come into their own. This guide is for visitors who want the practical facts on where the city's major malls sit, what they offer beyond shops, and how to reach them. From the two vast Westfield developments to handsome riverside and rooftop centres, here is how to shop smart in the capital.
The two Westfield giants
London has two enormous Westfield shopping centres at opposite ends of the city: Westfield Stratford City in the east, beside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and Westfield London in White City to the west. Between them they hold hundreds of shops, large cinemas, dozens of places to eat and major flagship stores under climate-controlled roofs.
The two centres share a brand but feel quite different. White City leans towards designer and premium labels, with a dedicated luxury quarter known as The Village, while Stratford pairs mainstream high street names with the lively energy of the surrounding Olympic Park. Both are among the largest urban shopping centres in Europe, so allow plenty of time and download a centre map before you go.
- Westfield London (White City): strongest for designer fashion, beauty and a curated luxury wing.
- Westfield Stratford City: vast high street choice, family-friendly, gateway to the Olympic Park.
- Both have multi-screen cinemas, large food halls and major department store anchors.
Westfield London in White City
Westfield London sits in White City and Shepherd's Bush in west London, and is the more upmarket of the two centres. Its highlight is The Village, a luxury quarter gathering high-end fashion, beauty and accessory houses in one elegant wing. Beyond it you will find flagship high street stores, beauty halls, a large cinema and a generous spread of dining.
The centre is unusually well connected. It is served by several stations, including Shepherd's Bush on the Central line, Wood Lane on the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines, and White City, with Shepherd's Bush Overground close by. That makes it an easy detour if you are exploring the western neighbourhoods or heading out towards Notting Hill and Holland Park.
Westfield Stratford City in the east
Westfield Stratford City lies in east London beside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is one of the busiest shopping centres in the country. It offers a huge sweep of high street fashion, electronics, beauty and homeware, alongside a large cinema, a casino and an extensive food quarter. The centre doubles as the main pedestrian gateway into the park.
This makes Stratford an excellent combined day out. After shopping you can walk straight into the Olympic Park to visit the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the aquatics centre or the velodrome, making it a natural fit for those building a wider east London itinerary. Transport is exceptional, with Stratford station and Stratford International handling Underground, Overground, Elizabeth line, DLR and national rail services.
Central shopping centres and arcades
Central London favours historic arcades and converted markets over giant malls, and these are often more characterful than a modern centre. The handsome Burlington Arcade off Piccadilly, Royal Exchange in the City and the restored halls of Covent Garden offer luxury and independent shopping in beautiful settings, while One New Change by St Paul's blends shops with a free rooftop view.
- Burlington Arcade: a covered Regency arcade near Piccadilly, known for jewellery, leather goods and fine accessories.
- One New Change: a contemporary centre next to St Paul's Cathedral with a free public roof terrace and cathedral views.
- Royal Exchange: a grand former trading hall in the City, now home to luxury boutiques.
- Covent Garden: restored market buildings and surrounding streets full of fashion, beauty and craft; see our Covent Garden shopping guide.
More than shops: cinemas and dining
London's larger shopping centres are designed as all-day destinations, not just places to buy clothes. Both Westfield centres house multi-screen cinemas, extensive food courts and sit-down restaurants, and family attractions, so they suit groups with mixed interests and offer a reliable wet-weather option. You can comfortably combine browsing, a film and a meal in a single visit.
This breadth makes centres especially useful for travellers with children or for cold, rainy afternoons when outdoor sightseeing loses its appeal. If you are pairing shopping with other plans, the centres connect easily to wider things to do across the city, from the Olympic Park in the east to the cultural districts of the west.
Planning your visit
Shopping centres are best treated as a focused half-day rather than a quick stop, because their scale means walking distances are considerable. Travel by Underground, Overground or the Elizabeth line where possible, since both Westfield sites have outstanding rail links and driving into London is rarely worthwhile. Pick up a centre map on arrival to find your priority stores quickly.
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the heaviest crowds, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
- International visitors should ask in store about tax-free shopping eligibility before paying.
- Use the centres as a rainy-day backup within a flexible London itinerary.
- For luxury labels, head to The Village at White City rather than the general malls.
London Shopping Centres FAQ
Which is the biggest shopping centre in London?
The two Westfield centres are the largest by far. Westfield London in White City and Westfield Stratford City in the east are both among the biggest urban shopping centres in Europe, each holding hundreds of shops plus cinemas, food halls and major flagship department stores under one roof.
Which Westfield is better for luxury shopping?
Westfield London at White City is the stronger choice for luxury. It includes The Village, a dedicated quarter of high-end fashion, beauty and accessory houses. For top-tier designer names beyond a mall setting, however, central London's Knightsbridge and Bond Street remain the traditional homes of luxury shopping.
How do I get to Westfield Stratford City?
Westfield Stratford City connects directly to Stratford station, one of London's best-served transport hubs. It is reachable by the Central and Jubilee lines, the Elizabeth line, the DLR, Overground and national rail. Stratford International nearby adds further high-speed connections, making the centre very easy to reach from across London.
Are there shopping centres in central London?
Central London leans towards historic arcades and grand stores rather than large malls. Notable options include One New Change by St Paul's, the Regency Burlington Arcade off Piccadilly and the luxury boutiques of the Royal Exchange in the City, each offering a more characterful experience than a standard centre.
Are London shopping centres good for a rainy day?
Yes. The major centres are fully covered and combine shops with cinemas, food courts and restaurants, so they make an excellent indoor option when the weather turns. Both Westfield sites are large enough to fill several hours, and their strong transport links make them easy to reach without getting wet.
Where to go next
Carry on planning your retail itinerary with more from our London shopping guides. For grand department stores explore Harrods and Knightsbridge, for flagship high street names see our guide to Oxford Street, and for something more characterful browse vintage shopping in London.
