What to do in oxford street – Oxford Street, London’s iconic shopping destination, offers a vibrant blend of retail, entertainment, dining, and cultural attractions. From luxury boutiques to historical landmarks, there’s something for everyone to discover on this bustling thoroughfare.
Whether you’re a seasoned Londoner or a first-time visitor, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most of your time on Oxford Street.
Retail Destinations
Oxford Street is a renowned shopping destination, boasting a diverse range of retail options catering to various tastes and budgets. From high-end luxury boutiques to popular high street brands, the street offers a comprehensive shopping experience.
The prominent shopping centers along Oxford Street include the Selfridges flagship store, John Lewis, Debenhams, and House of Fraser. These department stores offer a wide selection of merchandise, including fashion, beauty, homeware, and electronics.
Luxury Shopping Experiences
Oxford Street is a haven for luxury shoppers, with a concentration of designer boutiques and flagship stores. Bond Street, located at the western end of Oxford Street, is renowned for its luxury shopping, featuring brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Cartier.
Other notable luxury shopping destinations on Oxford Street include Harrods, the iconic department store known for its extensive collection of luxury goods, and Harvey Nichols, which offers a curated selection of designer fashion and beauty products.
Entertainment Venues
Oxford Street is renowned for its vibrant entertainment scene, offering a diverse range of theaters, cinemas, and performance spaces. From historic landmarks to contemporary venues, the street caters to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
The entertainment venues along Oxford Street have a rich history, dating back to the 17th century. The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, established in 1663, is one of London’s oldest and most prestigious theaters. It has hosted countless legendary performances, including those by David Garrick, Sarah Siddons, and Laurence Olivier.
Theaters
Oxford Street boasts an impressive array of theaters, offering a wide range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary dramas and musicals. The Apollo Victoria Theatre is known for its long-running musicals, such as “Wicked” and “Mamma Mia!” The Dominion Theatre is another popular venue, hosting large-scale productions like “The Lion King” and “Mary Poppins.”
Cinemas
For movie enthusiasts, Oxford Street offers a selection of state-of-the-art cinemas. The Odeon Luxe Leicester Square is a flagship cinema with luxurious amenities and a wide selection of films. The Vue West End is another popular choice, featuring comfortable seating and a variety of screening options, including IMAX and 3D.
Performance Spaces
Beyond theaters and cinemas, Oxford Street is home to several performance spaces that host a variety of events. The Soho Theatre is a renowned venue for comedy, cabaret, and live music. The Prince Edward Theatre hosts a mix of theater productions, concerts, and other performances.
Dining Options
Oxford Street offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate and budget. From fine dining experiences to casual eateries and street food vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The culinary diversity of Oxford Street is reflected in the wide range of international cuisines represented. From traditional British fare to exotic dishes from around the globe, there are countless options to choose from.
Fine Dining
For a special occasion or an unforgettable dining experience, Oxford Street offers a number of fine dining restaurants that serve exquisite cuisine in elegant settings. These restaurants often feature tasting menus and wine pairings, and reservations are highly recommended.
- The Ivy: This iconic restaurant is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and classic British cuisine.
- Roka: This contemporary Japanese restaurant offers a modern take on traditional dishes, with a focus on sushi and sashimi.
- Hakkasan: This award-winning Chinese restaurant serves a variety of dim sum and other dishes in a stylish and opulent setting.
Casual Dining
For a more casual dining experience, Oxford Street has a wide selection of restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines in a more relaxed atmosphere. These restaurants are perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal with friends and family.
- Byron Burger: This popular burger joint serves up delicious burgers made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Wahaca: This Mexican restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic dishes.
- Pizza Pilgrims: This pizzeria serves up delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas made with fresh, organic ingredients.
Street Food
For a quick and affordable meal, Oxford Street has a number of street food vendors that offer a variety of delicious dishes from around the world. These vendors are perfect for a quick bite on the go or a budget-friendly meal.
- Baozi Inn: This popular street food vendor serves up delicious steamed buns filled with a variety of savory and sweet fillings.
- Falafel King: This street food vendor is known for its delicious falafel wraps and platters.
- The Halal Guys: This street food vendor serves up delicious halal-certified Middle Eastern dishes, including gyros, platters, and rice bowls.
Cultural Landmarks
Oxford Street is not only a renowned shopping destination but also a cultural hub. It is home to several museums, art galleries, and historical sites that offer a glimpse into London’s rich cultural heritage.
These cultural landmarks play a significant role in the city’s cultural landscape, showcasing a diverse range of artistic and historical artifacts that attract visitors from around the world.
The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection is a stunning museum housed in Hertford House on Manchester Square, just off Oxford Street. It features an impressive collection of paintings, furniture, armor, and other decorative arts amassed by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The collection includes masterpieces by renowned artists such as Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Fragonard. It also houses a significant collection of French furniture and porcelain, as well as a notable collection of medieval and Renaissance armor.
Wigmore Hall
Wigmore Hall is a world-renowned concert hall located on Wigmore Street, near Oxford Street. It is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and intimate atmosphere, making it a favorite venue for classical music performances.
Wigmore Hall has hosted some of the greatest musicians of all time, including pianists Artur Rubinstein and Vladimir Horowitz, violinists Yehudi Menuhin and Itzhak Perlman, and cellist Jacqueline du Pré.
Handel & Hendrix in London
Handel & Hendrix in London is a museum dedicated to the lives and works of two musical giants: George Frederick Handel and Jimi Hendrix. It is located in a Georgian townhouse on Brook Street, just off Oxford Street.
The museum features exhibitions on both Handel and Hendrix, showcasing their instruments, manuscripts, and personal belongings. It also hosts regular concerts and events, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the music and lives of these two iconic musicians.
Royal Academy of Arts
The Royal Academy of Arts is a prestigious art institution located on Piccadilly, a short walk from Oxford Street. It is home to a world-renowned collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings, spanning from the Renaissance to the present day.
The Royal Academy also hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of both established and emerging artists. It is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts.
Historical Significance
Oxford Street’s rich history spans centuries, reflecting London’s evolution from a medieval market town to a global metropolis.
In addition to exploring the numerous shops and eateries along Oxford Street, visitors may also consider planning a pilgrimage to Lourdes. The lourdes trip offers a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual significance of this renowned pilgrimage site. Upon returning to Oxford Street, shoppers can continue their exploration of the vibrant retail offerings and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of one of London’s most iconic shopping destinations.
In the 12th century, the street was known as Tyburn Road, connecting the City of London to the gallows at Tyburn. In the 16th century, it was renamed Oxford Road after the Earl of Oxford, who owned land in the area.
The street gained prominence in the 18th century as a fashionable residential area for wealthy aristocrats and merchants.
Architecture and Landmarks
Oxford Street’s architectural heritage is diverse, showcasing buildings from various periods. Notable landmarks include:
- Selfridges department store, an Art Deco masterpiece designed by architect Henry T. Hare.
- John Lewis department store, a modernist landmark with a distinctive glass facade.
- The former headquarters of the BBC, Broadcasting House, a Grade II listed building with a unique Brutalist design.
Notable Events
Oxford Street has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history:
- In 1851, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park, attracting visitors from around the world and boosting Oxford Street’s popularity as a shopping destination.
- During World War II, Oxford Street was heavily damaged by German bombing raids, but was rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
- In recent decades, Oxford Street has become a major center for fashion, entertainment, and tourism.
Transportation and Accessibility: What To Do In Oxford Street
Oxford Street is easily accessible by various transportation options. Visitors can take advantage of the extensive public transportation network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, and taxis.
The street is also highly pedestrian-friendly, with wide sidewalks and designated pedestrian crossings. Accessibility features such as ramps and tactile paving make it accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Traffic and Crowds
Oxford Street can experience significant traffic and crowds, especially during peak hours and weekends. This can impact the overall experience, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. However, the street’s pedestrian-friendly design and efficient public transportation system help mitigate these challenges.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Oxford Street offers a vibrant nightlife scene, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From upscale cocktail bars and trendy nightclubs to live music venues and traditional pubs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy after dark.
The atmosphere varies greatly depending on the establishment. Some bars offer a relaxed and sophisticated ambiance, perfect for intimate conversations and craft cocktails. Others have a more lively and energetic vibe, with DJs spinning the latest tunes and dance floors packed with revelers.
Music Genres
The music genres on offer are equally diverse. Electronic dance music, hip-hop, and house are popular choices at nightclubs, while live music venues host everything from rock and indie to jazz and blues.
Safety and Security
Oxford Street is generally considered a safe area, with a visible police presence and well-lit streets. However, as with any urban environment, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
Shopping Tips and Tricks
Navigating the bustling streets of Oxford Street can be overwhelming, but with a few insider tips, you can maximize your shopping experience. From finding the best deals to avoiding tourist traps, here’s how to make the most of your time on this iconic shopping destination.
International visitors can take advantage of tax-free shopping by spending over £30 at participating stores. Remember to bring your passport and ask for a tax refund form at the checkout.
Navigating the Crowds
- Visit during off-peak hours or weekdays to avoid the weekend rush.
- Explore side streets and arcades for less crowded shopping experiences.
- Consider using the quieter upper floors of department stores.
Avoiding Tourist Traps
- Be cautious of street vendors selling knock-off goods.
- Research and compare prices online before making purchases.
- Read customer reviews and check store reputations before visiting.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Oxford Street offers a plethora of hidden gems and local favorites that provide unique experiences beyond the mainstream attractions. These spots are often frequented by locals and offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s true character.
Exploring off-the-beaten-path places allows you to connect with the community and discover the lesser-known treasures of Oxford Street.
Local Delicacies
Oxford Street is home to several hidden gems that serve local delicacies. These dishes offer a taste of authentic British cuisine and provide an opportunity to experience the flavors enjoyed by locals.
- Scotch Pie:A traditional Scottish dish made with minced lamb or beef encased in a flaky pastry.
- Bangers and Mash:A classic English dish consisting of sausages served with mashed potatoes.
- Fish and Chips:A staple of British cuisine, featuring fried fish and potato chips.
Independent Shops
Oxford Street boasts a variety of independent shops that offer unique and often handcrafted items. These shops support local artisans and provide a platform for small businesses to showcase their work.
- The Art of Vintage:A vintage clothing store that specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Paperchase:A stationery and gift shop known for its quirky and colorful products.
- Cutter & Squidge:A bakery that creates exquisite cakes and pastries.
Hidden Courtyards, What to do in oxford street
Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Oxford Street are several hidden courtyards that offer a tranquil escape from the crowds. These secluded spots provide a peaceful oasis for relaxation or a break from shopping.
- Brown Hart Gardens:A charming courtyard with a central fountain and surrounded by independent shops.
- St Christopher’s Place:A cobbled courtyard with a variety of restaurants and cafes.
- Heddon Street:A hidden gem known for its independent boutiques and restaurants.
Final Review
From world-class shopping to captivating entertainment and cultural experiences, Oxford Street is a must-visit destination in London. Its vibrant atmosphere, diverse offerings, and rich history make it a place where you can easily spend an entire day exploring and discovering something new around every corner.
FAQ Guide
What are the best shopping destinations on Oxford Street?
Oxford Street is home to a wide range of shopping destinations, including department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis, flagship stores of major brands like Nike and H&M, and luxury boutiques like Cartier and Burberry.
What entertainment options are available on Oxford Street?
Oxford Street offers a variety of entertainment options, including theaters like the Apollo Victoria Theatre and the Dominion Theatre, cinemas like the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, and live music venues like the 100 Club.
What are some of the must-visit cultural landmarks on Oxford Street?
Oxford Street is home to several cultural landmarks, including the Oxford Street branch of the Museum of London, which tells the story of London’s history, and the Photographers’ Gallery, which showcases contemporary photography exhibitions.
