The best places to shop in London on a budget

The best places to shop in London on a budget aren’t necessarily the most popular shops, but rather the ones where you’ll find the most unique products at the best prices. Although there are ways to save online, it can be harder when shopping in person. Shopping on a budget in London can be tricky, but if you know where to go and what to look for, it’s easy! Here are our picks for the best places to shop in London on a budget!

London Budget Shopping Markets

If you’re looking for cheap shopping in London, then head to one of the city’s many markets. Portobello Market is a great option for antique shopping, while Camden Market is perfect for picking up vintage clothes and other unique items. For more general budget shopping, try Brixton Market or Spitalfields Market. You’re sure to find some great bargains!

Camden Market


Camden Market is a great place to find cheap shopping in London. You can find everything from clothes to souvenirs here. If you’re looking for antique shopping in London, this is also the place to go. Camden Market has a wide variety of shops and stalls to explore, so you’re sure to find something you love. Plus, it’s less than a 5 minute walk from The Stay Club Camden – so many bargains on your doorstep.

Portobello Road Market – London’s world famous market road


Portobello Road is most famous for its street market selling antiques and bric-a-brac. But that’s not all that is on offer. Many stalls also sell vintage clothes and other items too! The street itself is lined with many shops all the way from Notting Hill Gate to Ladbroke Grove. Nonetheless, it’s best to visit on a Saturday if you want the street market experience. It’s only 30 minutes away from The Stay Club North Acton and The Stay Club Camden Town.

Old Spitalfields Market


If you’re looking for cheap shopping in London, look no further than Old Spitalfields Market. This historic market is located in the East End of London and is a great place to find bargains on everything from clothes to antiques. The market is open Tuesday to Sunday, so be sure to check it out! Our Camden and Kentish Town sites are only 30 minutes away on the Northern Line.

Borough Market

 

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If you’re looking for a more traditional market experience while antique shopping in London, Borough Market is the place for you. This market has been around for over 1,000 years and is full of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to flowers to handmade goods. You can easily spend a few hours browsing the stalls and snag some great deals on unique items. Just be sure to haggle! Head to London Bridge on the Northern Line and you’ll be walking around the market in less than 30 minutes time.

Greenwich Market

 

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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to do some antique shopping in London, Greenwich Market is the perfect spot. This market has been around since the 18th century and is full of stalls selling everything from vintage clothes to furniture. You can easily spend a few hours browsing the different stalls and haggling with the vendors. Plus, there are plenty of other things to do in the area, so you can make a day out of it.

Thinking of studying fashion?

 

London Vintage Bargains

Good vintage finds are not hard to come by in London – especially east of the city. Some of London’s best vintage and thrift stores are centred around the Shoreditch neighbourhood.

Beyond Retro | Stepney Green – there are some niche finds, some cheap, some expensive, branded, and unbranded. There’s something here for everyone.
East End Thrift Store | Brick Lane & Dalston – this store offers a wide range of vintage clothing, decor and style for unbeatable prices. Despite its trendy location, you can still find some killer bargains here.
Absolutely Vintage | Soho – Do you love vintage shoes and bags? Well look no further than Absolutely Vintage in Soho. The shop is known to have the largest collection of shoes and bags in the UK. What’s not to love!
Leftovers | Brixton – Fans of 50s nostalgia come hither. Leftovers in Brixton is the perfect place to find authentic 50s items at unbeatable prices.

London Trendy Charity Shops

If you want to stay on trend and save some money while doing it, then you need to check out London’s trendy charity shops. From designer clothes to vintage finds, these shops have it all–and at a fraction of the cost. Not only will you be able to find some great deals, but you’ll also be helping good causes too!

Camden – There are plenty of charity shops to choose from in Camden:
– Traid Camden
– British Heart Foundation
– Cancer Research UK
– Oxfam
– Scope
– Camden Mind

Kentish Town – Kentish Town also has many charity shops on offer:
– PDSA Charity Shop
– British Heart Foundation
– Age UK London
– Oxfam
– Cancer Research UK.

How to keep your outgoings low

When shopping on a budget, it’s important to have the resources to actually buy things. Thus, it is important to keep spending low – especially when living in London as a student. Here are some tips to help you manage your outgoings:

• Opt for the tub or bus over a cab
• Walk where possible
• Know where to food shop on a budget
• Make use of the grocery store meal deals
• Always ask for tap water
• Set yourself a spending limit per day
• Travel in off-peak hours
• Use an oyster card
• Ask about student prices
• Browse any free events

To Summarise

Shopping in London on a budget needn’t be scary. Just head on over to one of the capital’s many markets to find some bargains. Or, explore the endless number of vintage and charity shops the city has to offer. You’ll be dressed up to the nines without spending too much in no time!

Looking for where to stay in London? The Stay Club’s private student accommodation is located in creative Kentish Town and Camden, ideal for thrifters, quirky independents, and great deals. 

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