Carnaby Street Tours and Tickets

Carnaby Street is famous for being one of London’s top shopping districts. Located in the center of town, near Oxford Street and Regent Street, this always-buzzing destination boasts dozens of boutiques, entertainment, and dining options. It’s been a hotspot since the 1960s when it was the heart of the Swinging London scene. Its central location also makes it a perfect starting point to explore nearby landmarks like the National Gallery, the British Museum, Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge.

It’s easy to get to Carnaby Street via public transportation. Oxford Circus is the closest London Underground station, served by the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria lines. Piccadilly Circus station is also nearby, served by the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. And numerous bus lines frequent the area, making getting around simple.

That depends on your tastes. Carnaby Street is home to over 100 boutiques and fashion brands, boutiques, jewelry retailers, and more, meaning you’ve got plenty to choose from. British brands include everything from classic Barbour to edgy Emin + Paul, while Liberty is one of the city’s most cherished department stores.

Yes, Carnaby Street is pedestrianized. The street was converted to a pedestrian-only thoroughfare in 1973—just in time to become a see-and-be-seen gathering place for the city’s burgeoning punk scene (which inspired London fashion designers like Vivienne Westwood). Today that makes browsing, window-shopping, and strutting your stuff even easier.

While individual stores’ opening hours vary, most boutiques on Carnaby Street are open from mid-late morning until later in the evening (note, however, that due to Sunday trading laws, most stores are only open from 12–6pm on Sundays). Weekends are a busy time to visit; aim for weekdays for a calmer experience.

Yes, thanks to its central location, Carnaby Street is near several London attractions. In addition to popular tourist destinations like Piccadilly Circus and the Oxford Street and Regent Street shopping areas, it’s also close to the Royal Academy of Arts, Fortnum & Mason, the London Palladium and Green Park.