Delve into the avant-garde, fashion-conscious culture of Carnaby Street. Laid out in the 17th-century, by the 1960s the street became one of the coolest hangouts linked with Swinging London. Band members from the Rolling Stones, Small Faces and The Who would come to shop, perform and mingle with groupies and trendsetters. Today, the boutiques, brand name stores, pubs and music venues continue the legacy of Caranby Street’s infectious charm.
Spread along this paved, pedestrianized street is an eclectic collection of over 140 retail outlets, dining and nightlife options. Discover boutiques dedicated to bohemian and mod fashion, accessories, children’s clothing and sporting apparel. Visit shops set up by celebrities such as the British singer-songwriter Liam Gallagher. Browse the flagship stores of internationally famous brands.
Discover more fashion along the lanes that lead off from the street. Worth checking out are Foubert’s Place and Newburgh Street. Alternatively, visit Kingly Court, a modern three-story mall set around an open-air courtyard. It is home to the outlets of emerging designers in addition to cafés and fast food joints.
Take a break from shopping and experience the welcoming ambiance of the area’s pubs. The outdoor patio of the 18th-century Shakespeare’s Head is perfect for watching voguish shoppers swagger by. Dine at artisanal burger houses, a ceviche bar and Spanish-style tavern, among other restaurants. Stay until after dark and mingle with the hip crowds at a blues café, cabaret club and cocktail lounges.
Carnaby Street sits to the west of London’s Soho district and is easy to reach via various forms of public transport. The Tube stations of Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus are less than 10-minute walks away. Public buses stop on nearby Regent Street, which is one of London’s major commercial streets.
Carnaby Street is busy 7 days a week, both during daylight hours and at night. Find a comprehensive list of the street’s amenities, events, restaurants and shop on its official website. The website also lists the opening hours of the individual locations.
