Only got 24 hours to spend on Oxford Street? That’s still plenty of time to make the most of the shopping, food and entertainment the busy district has to offer.
You might not want to waste too much time having breakfast (so much to do and see after all!), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it. There are plenty of eateries on Oxford Street where you can sit and enjoy a coffee and a cooked breakfast, or simply grab a delicious pastry to have on the go. Ole & Steen is a must for its famous cinnamon buns, while Benugo and Huffkins are always reliable for flaky pastries, breakfast pots and coffee. If you subscribe to the ‘cake for breakfast’ school of thought, then try a scrumptious doughnut at Krispy Kreme or Lena Lu Donut bar. You can spend an entire day shopping at IKEA, and if that’s the plan, make sure you start at their deli, serving Swedish delicacies.
Let’s be real, the number one reason to visit Oxford Street is shopping, and you’d probably need more than 24 hours if you were to sample each and every store – you can find the comprehensive list here. If you only have a limited amount of time, we recommend visiting the iconic stores you can only find in the UK, for example Selfridges and its array of luxe brands across fashion, beauty and more (and just you wait ‘til you see that food hall), department store John Lewis, which has proudly championed traditional and modern British brands for over 150 years, and M&S, which needs no introduction. Other great British stores include Lush, which sells handmade and ethical beauty products and HMV, the original purveyor of music. You can find our guide to the best stores for each shopping budget here.
Weather permitting, there are some gorgeous spots where you can take in the outdoors while sharing some delicious food between friends and family – though of course, this being the UK, there are some bad weather contingencies in place too. Our favourite spots include the 1864 Rooftop Bar & Kitchen, an English garden oasis at the very top of John Lewis, where you can sip on chilled beer and craft cocktails and enjoy seasonal light bites, Alto by San Carlo, a slice of Italian riviera on top of Selfridges, Aqua Kyoto for Japanese sharing dishes and The Nest at the Treehouse Hotel, which offers spectacular views of the capital.
Are you one for culture? Then you’ve come to the right place. Art lovers will enjoy the immersive art installations at FRAMELESS reimagining iconic art from world-famous artists such as Van Gogh and Dalí, while the Outernet puts the spotlight on emerging talent such as Agustín Vidal Saavedra and his famous take on nature and humanity. If you are more of a film buff however, then the cinema at Selfridges is the perfect place to enjoy arthouse films as well as the latest blockbusters.
Did you know Oxford Street was also home to the most beautiful parks in London? The perfect spot to step away from the hustle and bustle of Soho and take a moment to reflect or just chill out. There are six parks to choose from, including Hanover Square which is just moment from Oxford Street and has plenty of benches and a lush green expanse for a picnic blanket, and Grosvenor Square, the second largest square in London, with a sprawling green lawn. And of course, Hyde Park needs no introduction. For further relaxation, book a treatment at the Lush Spa or the Mind Oasis at Rituals where you can enjoy a Hydro Massage for your body and reset your mind with the Brain Massage for the ultimate reset.
Time for a quick cocktail before whichever activity you have planned for your evening. Whether your tipple of choice is wine, a cocktail, beer or something non-alcoholic, there is something for everyone on Oxford Street. Try the likes of Long Bar at The Sanderson (very Instagrammable too), Punch Room at The London Edition, Berners Tavern and The Nest.
If you can’t go all out for dinner on Oxford Street, when can you? There are so many excellent eateries to choose from, but if you like your dining of the fine variety, then here are a few restaurants for you to consider: Brasserie of Light (a mix of British and modern European dishes in a stunning art deco setting), Aqua Nueva (award-winning Spanish tapas), The Restaurant at The Sanderson (fine Italian cuisine) and Berners Tavern (re-imagined British cuisine).
After a full day on Oxford Street, there’s no better way to blow off some steam than with a competitive game or two. At Swingers, you’ll be transported to the 1920s British seaside for old school carnival games and crazy golf. At the new Games Hall at Market Halls, you can choose from shuffleboard, darts, pool and arcade games. At Boom Battle Bar, you’ll find an equally amazing selection of games, including Beer Pong and virtual Axe Throwing, as well as karaoke.
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