Shopping A-Z

Department Stores

Contrary to popular belief, Harrods is not the only department store in London. The British invented the department store, and have lots of them. Plenty are upscale, but you can usually still find a bargain in most. They're also getting better at catering for a younger shopper, and the concessions and food halls are generally the best instore sections.

Music

Collectors should browse Notting Hill; the handful of record shops near Notting Hill Gate Tube station are excellent. Also browse Soho around Wardour Street and near the Tottenham Court Road Tube stop. Sometimes dealers show up at Covent Garden on the weekends.

London's Tin Pan Alley -- If you're a little bit musical -- or can at least play a few guitar chords -- head to Denmark Street (Tube: Tottenham Court Rd.), just off Charing Cross Road. The little alleyway is littered with guitar and music shops, as well as some serious recording studios. If the shops are quiet and the guys behind the counters are feeling nice, you'll be allowed to play about with the kit. Rockers at no. 5 (tel. 020/7240-2610) isn't quite as user-friendly as Hanks at no. 24 (tel. 020/7379-1139; www.hanksguitarshop.com). Pop into the 12 Bar next door for a drink and some live music when you're done (tel. 020/7240-2120; www.12barclub.com). You could even dine at the tiny Giaconda Dining Rooms. Denmark Street is always going to be a bit touristy -- and a little sure of itself -- but it's a whole lotta fun if you know your way around a six-string.

Electrical Heaven

The best stretch in London for browsing electrical and electronic goods is Tottenham Court Road, the main thoroughfare separating the West End from Bloomsbury. If you've forgotten your phone charger, or need a new battery, or are hunting a replacement mp3 player, head here. Unless you're willing to haggle, however, expect to pay over the odds in the area's smaller independent outlets, particularly if you're not especially tech-savvy. The real bargains are to be had in the larger stores. It's unlikely that you'll find a better deal here than you would online, but at least you can touch and feel before you buy -- and the item is right there if you need it right now. Once you've decided what to buy, visit three shops, ask them to write down their quotes, and play them off against each other. It works.