Discovering London can be quite a challenge, if you only have a few days to spend in this marvellous city.  It is so rich in history, that it can be difficult to know, where to begin for a newcomer! There is however a very special place, that always makes my guests from abroad very excited – and this place is Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street is a pedestrian shopping street placed the heart of London’s West End (2 minutes away from Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus ), and there is no dispute, that Carnaby has an iconic heritage.

From being the birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960’s, the home of Mods, Skinheads, Punks and New Romantics to the street style tribes of today, Carnaby has and always will be the epicentre of culture and lifestyle in London’s West End.

Enjoying the 13 streets of Carnaby, that combines over 100 shops with 60 places to eat and drink.

Its beginning to look at lot like Christmas here

The famous Shakespeare’s Head pub 

The Shakespeare’s Head was built in 1735. It was originally owned by Thomas and John Shakespeare, distant relatives of the poet William Shakespeare. The pub’s inn sign is a reproduction of Martin Droeshout’s portrait of Shakespeare

Carnaby is fast becoming the beauty lovers’ one-stop shop thanks to MAC, Urban Decay, Benefit and Estée Edit

In the Estée Edit store you can discover a unique selfie wall, snap post make-over selfies and print and upload to your social medias! Furthermore there is a live-generated content wall with a menu of Carnaby Street inspired make-up looks. As if this wasn’t enough the Estée Edit shop also hosts weekly events offering customers expert advice through interactive experiences to find your perfect mask or foundation shade! Tip: You can shop the latest beauty products from the Estée Lauder range here:

 

In addition to the world-famous Carnaby street, the side streets nearby are home to many smaller independent boutiques. A narrow passage leads into Kingly Court at the Southern end of Carnaby Street, where there are three floors of shops, studios and a choice of restaurants with an area for outside dining

Some of my favourite places to eat, when I’m out shopping, are placed here. There are so many great dishes to choose from, and the selection is quite extraordinary as well

Happy camper shopping for cute little things…

Now this place is really something! I have never EVER seen shoes like this before. Take a look!

Welcome to Irregular Choice! 

They even have a unicorn! 

…and shoes with unicorns!

… and Cinderella shoes! (these are actually for adults!)

Overly excited I actually clapped my hands, when I saw this one!

The red and black shoes would be perfect for Christmas parties!

From one unicorn to another, this is Skinny Dip

Skinny Dip has become extremely popular in London, and you can find the brand both in Harrods and Selfridges. This is one of their flagship stores. I am a great fan of their phone-covers, especially this one:

I just can’t seem to get enough of unicorns…

Their latest collection features the Simpsons… Quite entertaining if you ask me!

May I introduce to you to one of my other favourite shops – Pylones 

The Pylones is simply brimming with unusual and jaunty objects. There is nothing you can’t find at this place full of vibrant and rare creations. 

I simply want it all. What’s not to like. This place make everyday chores one big party!

With these umbrellas even rain can be fun!

This is the perfect place to buy small and peculiar gifts!

What is London without Dr. Martens?

Get the old-school look with these beauties 

… Or go all in with the punk-look! (they even have a jukebox playing The Clash!)

Last but not least, this is the place to go, if you are a Chocoholic!

Here we are in the treasure trove of Choccywoccydoodah (I hope, I spelled it right… It is definitely funny to say it out loud a few times)

Amazing chocolate sculptures all over the place (and many people taking pictures!)

Upstairs there is a bar, where you can get yummy, hot chocolate

“The spirit of Soho” mural by Gillian Da Costa (1991). This colourful piece depicts a towering woman, standing with an outstretched skirt that holds all things classically Soho.

I ended my Carnaby Street shopping tour in my favourite department store Liberty of London. As you probably remember from a previous post, this is the place to go shopping for things, you can’t get somewhere else! (I am completely in love with the Christmas ornaments in there!)

I hope you enjoyed the pleasures of Carnaby Street! I certainly did. Please leave a comment, if you have tips to other amazing stores in this area (or just to say hello)