|
||||
Oxford Circus is one of the busiest Underground stations in the world, handling over 100 million passenger journeys per year. It sits at the very heart of London’s most famous shopping and entertainment district, at the junction of Oxford Street and Regent Street — two of the most visited retail streets on the planet. With four exits opening directly onto this iconic crossroads, it is the gateway to an unrivalled concentration of fashion, department stores, flagship brands, independent boutiques, theatres, restaurants, and nightlife.
The station serves three lines — the Bakerloo, Central, and Victoria — making it one of the most important interchange hubs on the Underground network. All three lines run frequently through Zone 1, giving Oxford Circus fast connections to Paddington, Waterloo, Victoria, King’s Cross, Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf, and virtually every other major London destination.
The station originally opened in 1900 as part of the Central London Railway. The Bakerloo line arrived in 1906, and the Victoria line platforms were added in 1969 during a major expansion. Despite its enormous passenger volume, the station was comprehensively upgraded and the famous X-shaped diagonal crossing on the street above was redesigned to help manage the enormous pedestrian flows at peak shopping times.
Oxford Circus is the epicentre of London’s retail universe. You step out of the station directly onto the crossroads of Oxford Street (the busiest shopping street in Europe) and Regent Street (London’s grandest curved boulevard of flagship retail). Within a ten-minute walk of the station exits you have department stores, luxury flagship boutiques, high-street giants, independent fashion, concept stores, toy shops, and everything in between.
The flagship store of Britain’s most trusted retailer occupies a landmark building on the corner of Oxford Street and Holles Street. Seven floors of fashion, beauty, homewares, electronics, and a large food hall. Outstanding customer service, a generous returns policy, and a rooftop restaurant make this the department store of choice for many Londoners. The electronics department and kitchen sections are particularly strong. Open daily.
One of the world’s great department stores, Selfridges is a destination in its own right. The vast Oxford Street flagship (a short walk west from the station) offers an extraordinary breadth of luxury and designer brands across fashion, beauty, fragrance, food, and homewares. The beauty hall in particular is exceptional. The Foodhall is a gourmet destination, and the rooftop bar is a summer favourite. Selfridges regularly leads the world in imaginative window displays and experiential retail.
Two M&S stores on Oxford Street: a flagship clothing and homewares store and, a short distance away, a large M&S Foodhall. The clothing flagship is one of the largest in the chain with the full range including Per Una, Autograph, and the men’s collection. A reliable and popular anchor store on the street.
One of H&M’s largest European stores, spread across multiple floors with the full range including women’s, men’s, kids’, H&M Home, and the premium & Other Stories collaboration ranges. A destination for affordable trend-led fashion.
Primark’s Oxford Street store is one of the largest in the world, spanning multiple floors and covering fashion for men, women, and children, homewares, beauty, accessories, and seasonal ranges. Extremely popular with both tourists and locals; queues at weekends can be long but move quickly.
The Oxford Street flagship of the Japanese quality basics brand. Particularly well regarded for its HeatTech base layers, Ultra Light Down jackets, Airism range, and high-quality everyday essentials at excellent price points. Three floors covering men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing.
Nike’s sprawling Oxford Street flagship is a multi-level retail experience covering trainers, sportswear, performance gear, and Nike By You personalised products. The trainer selection is among the best in London, with exclusive and limited-edition colourways often available here before anywhere else.
Oxford Street is also home to the legendary 100 Club at 100 Oxford Street — one of the world’s most celebrated music venues, which launched the careers of The Rolling Stones and The Sex Pistols. The foyer sells memorabilia and merchandise. Worth pausing outside to read the blue plaque on this piece of music history even if not visiting for a show.
One of the most beautiful and distinctive shops in the world, Liberty London occupies a mock-Tudor building constructed in 1924 — famously built using the timber of two scrapped naval ships. Inside, Liberty is a labyrinth of intimate rooms across six floors, selling distinctive Liberty-print fabrics, luxury fashion, accessories, beauty, fragrance, homeware, and gifts. The fabric department on the lower ground floor is legendary among designers and dressmakers worldwide. The Christmas shop and seasonal decorations are equally iconic. A must-visit even if just to admire the building and the interiors.
Established in 1760, Hamleys on Regent Street is the oldest and one of the largest toy stores in the world. Seven floors of toys, games, models, and demonstrations. Staff regularly demonstrate products in the aisles, creating a magical atmosphere that delights children and adults alike. The LEGO section, Barbie range, collectibles, and exclusive Hamleys-branded items are highlights. The store puts on spectacular Christmas lights and decorations that draw crowds from across London each winter.
Apple’s elegant Regent Street flagship, occupying a beautiful Grade II-listed building with a huge glass frontage. The full range of Apple products on display for hands-on testing. The Today at Apple programme of free workshops, creative sessions, and events runs daily. Genius Bar technical support available by appointment.
The Regent Street flagship of the American bohemian lifestyle brand, known for its eclectic, beautifully curated clothing, accessories, homewares, and gifts. The store design is as much an attraction as the merchandise, with creative visual merchandising and displays that change seasonally. A favourite for those looking for something distinctive beyond the mainstream high street.
Reiss’s flagship Regent Street store showcases the brand’s signature contemporary, office-to-evening womenswear and tailored menswear. Smart, polished designs at accessible luxury price points. Very popular with professionals and those dressing for special occasions.
The flagship boutique of the iconic British fragrance and personal care brand. Beautifully presented bath and body products, fragrances, and gift sets. A popular destination for luxury gifts and personal treats. In-store personalisation of products available.
Just a minute’s walk from Oxford Circus, Carnaby Street was the epicentre of Swinging Sixties London fashion and continues to carry that creative, independent spirit. The pedestrianised street and surrounding lanes (Kingly Street, Kingly Court, Foubert’s Place) are home to a mix of established brands, independent boutiques, vintage clothing, lifestyle stores, and concept shops. Kingly Court is a three-storey indoor courtyard of independent retailers and food stalls — worth exploring for independent fashion, streetwear, accessories, and jewellery. Carnaby Street is particularly strong for trainers, streetwear, and lifestyle brands.
A large Dr. Martens flagship near Carnaby Street with the full range of boots, shoes, and sandals including collaboration and limited-edition colourways. The in-store personalisation service allows custom patches, lace colours, and other bespoke details.
Soho, reachable on foot east from Oxford Circus, remains London’s best destination for vinyl records, vintage clothing, and specialist music. Sister Ray on Berwick Street is one of London’s finest independent record shops. The Berwick Street Market area has a cluster of vintage clothing stores and independent retailers. Soho’s back streets reward exploration for those interested in music, fashion history, and independent retail.
From mid-November through early January, Regent Street and Oxford Street are transformed by spectacular Christmas light installations. The Regent Street Christmas Lights switch-on is one of London’s great seasonal events, drawing large crowds. The lights on Regent Street are particularly impressive, arching across the full width of the street and illuminating the curved Georgian facade at night. Oxford Street also presents its own lighting scheme. Both streets are at their most atmospheric in the early evening in the weeks before Christmas.
The four-way crossroads directly above Oxford Circus station, where Oxford Street meets Regent Street, is one of the most photographed junctions in London. In 2009 the junction was redesigned to allow diagonal crossing in all eight directions simultaneously — modelled on the ‘scramble crossing’ concept. Up to 500,000 people pass through this junction on the busiest shopping days. A recognisable piece of London urban geography that has appeared in countless films, music videos, and photographs.
One of London’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, Soho is a short walk east from Oxford Circus. A dense grid of streets packed with restaurants, bars, theatres, independent shops, media companies, and a rich cultural history. Soho has been central to London’s creative, bohemian, and LGBTQ+ identity for over a century. Old Compton Street is the heart of London’s LGBTQ+ scene. Berwick Street Market, Dean Street, Wardour Street, and Frith Street are all worth exploring on foot. Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, the Curzon Soho cinema, the Groucho Club, and the French House pub are all within this compact neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood immediately north of Oxford Street and east of Regent Street is Fitzrovia, an elegant area of Georgian townhouses, independent restaurants, media offices, and creative studios. Charlotte Street is lined with excellent restaurants. The Fitzroy Tavern, a historic bohemian pub on Charlotte Street, was once frequented by George Orwell, Dylan Thomas, and Augustus John. A calmer and more local atmosphere than Oxford Street, easily reachable on foot from Oxford Circus.
A short walk north-west from Oxford Circus (or two stops on the Bakerloo to Baker Street) leads to Marylebone High Street — one of London’s most charming shopping and dining streets. Independent bookshops (Daunt Books is a London institution), quality delis, cafes, boutique fashion, homewares, and a weekly Saturday farmers’ market. A welcome contrast to the scale of Oxford Street; very popular with local residents and in-the-know visitors.
A world-class free museum in a beautiful 18th-century townhouse in Manchester Square, housing a superlative collection of Old Master paintings (Titian, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens, Frans Hals), armour, porcelain, furniture, and decorative arts. The courtyard restaurant is one of London’s more elegant lunch spots. Often quieter than other London museums and all the more enjoyable for it. Free entry; open daily.
As described in the Shopping section, Carnaby Street and its surrounding lanes are worth visiting as a cultural and retail destination in their own right — as much for the atmosphere, street art, and history as for the shopping. The area is decorated with large seasonal art installations and is particularly lively during the summer and Christmas periods.
A celebrated boutique hotel in a converted 1950s office building in Fitzrovia, designed by Philippe Starck. Known for its surrealist Long Bar, the Agua Spa, and the beautiful white gardens courtyard (one of London’s most sought-after hidden outdoor spaces). Rooms are sleek and theatrical. Popular with the creative and media industries; a sophisticated choice for those wanting something beyond the standard chain hotel.
One of London’s grandest and most historic luxury hotels, established 1865 on Portland Place — directly north of Oxford Circus. Five-star with outstanding service, a Michelin-starred restaurant (Roux at The Landau), a legendary afternoon tea, and one of London’s best cocktail bars (Artesian). The rooms and public spaces retain a magnificent Victorian-era grandeur while offering all modern amenities. A special-occasion choice.
Well-located four-star in Covent Garden, reachable on foot eastbound along Oxford Street. Good-sized rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym. Popular with both leisure and business guests and well-served by Central line access from Oxford Circus.
A smartly designed budget hotel on Oxford Street, an excellent option for those who want to be in the very centre of the action without paying full boutique prices. Well-appointed rooms with contemporary design; the bar lobby is a stylish space. Very popular with shoppers and theatre-goers.
Located on Argyll Street directly beside Oxford Circus station and the London Palladium, the voco Grand Central is the closest hotel to the station exit. An ideal choice for those coming to London primarily for shopping or a West End show, with no need to travel further after a long day on Oxford Street. Good facilities including a restaurant and bar.
A world-renowned luxury boutique hotel in a quiet mews off St James’s Street, combining Georgian townhouse elegance with outstanding personal service. The American Bar is famous for its collection of celebrity-signed photographs and memorabilia. One of London’s great classic hotels for those who prefer intimate luxury over grand-scale properties.
Oxford Circus is in the London Congestion Charge Zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). All vehicles entering the charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00 Monday–Friday must pay the daily Congestion Charge (£15 per day). Non-compliant vehicles face an additional daily ULEZ surcharge. Oxford Street itself is restricted to buses, taxis, and cyclists during most hours; private cars cannot drive along it.
A tiny, atmospheric Victorian back-street pub in Fitzrovia, famous as one of George Orwell’s haunts and reputedly the model for the prole pub in Nineteen Eighty-Four. Real ales, a snug interior, and a literary history that attracts those in the know. One of the most characterful pubs within walking distance of Oxford Circus.
A magnificent Victorian pub directly at the Oxford Circus station exit on Argyll Street, with original etched glass, mahogany partitions, and ornate Victorian fittings. One of the finest pub interiors in central London. Fuller’s ales and a wide range of drinks; busy at all hours given its location. A classic London pub that has survived intact from the Victorian era.
One of London’s most historically important and beloved pubs, the French House on Dean Street was a meeting point for the Free French forces during WWII (General de Gaulle drank here) and later became the central bohemian pub of Soho, frequented by Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, Dylan Thomas, and the Soho arts set. Beer is only served in half-pint glasses by tradition. A unique and irreplaceable piece of London pub culture.
Soho’s most celebrated Guinness pub — a tiny, always packed two-floor bar dedicated to the black stuff. Walls lined with Guinness memorabilia; the pours are excellent and the atmosphere convivial. A Soho institution.
The Mayfair outpost of the celebrated Scottish brasserie group, with a well-stocked whisky bar, cigars, and live jazz most evenings. A sophisticated and grown-up bar option for those who prefer something more sedate than a Soho pub.
One of London’s most extraordinary and Instagrammable spaces — Sketch comprises multiple rooms each with a completely different and extraordinary design aesthetic, including the famous pink Gallery (afternoon tea and dinner) and the Glade (a forest-themed bar and restaurant). Cocktails are expensive but the experience is genuinely like nothing else in London. Worth visiting for the incredible interior design alone.
The Soho original of one of London’s most acclaimed Taiwanese restaurants. Famous for its soft, pillowy bao buns with inventive fillings, alongside outstanding Taiwanese small plates. The queue outside before opening is a regular feature; arrive early or prepare to wait. Absolutely worth it. No reservations at the Soho site — walk-in only.
The Soho branch of one of London’s best Spanish tapas restaurants. Outstanding seafood, ham, and Iberian small plates cooked in full view at the counter. No reservations; walk-in only. Queue early or arrive for lunch to minimise the wait. Consistently excellent — one of the best places to eat in this part of London.
One of London’s most exciting restaurants — a Thai-influenced small plates and charcoal-grill restaurant squeezed into a narrow room on Brewer Street. Exceptional skewers, clay pots, and wok-fired dishes using first-rate British produce. Counter seating only; no reservations for small groups. A genuinely thrilling eating experience at very reasonable prices.
Dishoom’s Carnaby location brings their celebrated Bombay café cooking to the doorstep of Oxford Circus. The same outstanding black dal, bacon naan, and Irani chai that made the original King’s Cross branch famous, in the stylish setting of Kingly Court. Booking essential for dinner; lunchtime walk-ins are possible on quieter days.
Sri Lankan and Tamil-inspired hoppers (bowl-shaped fermented crêpes), karis, and small plates. One of London’s great cult restaurants, Hoppers continues to draw queues since it opened. The egg hopper, mutton bone marrow kari, and short eats are unmissable. Walk-in only; arrive before opening to minimise the wait.
Beloved London steak restaurant offering superb flat iron steak and other cuts at very competitive prices. Fun, no-frills atmosphere with free salted caramel ice cream included with every main. No reservations; arrive early or expect a queue. An outstanding-value meal in a prime location.
A Michelin-starred dim sum teahouse in the heart of Soho. Superb Cantonese dim sum served all day alongside an outstanding patisserie selection and a curated cocktail list. The downstairs dining room is stylishly dramatic; the ground floor is lighter and good for a shorter dim sum lunch. Booking strongly recommended.
One of the world’s most famous entertainment venues, the London Palladium on Argyll Street (directly at the station exit) has hosted virtually every major entertainer of the 20th and 21st centuries, from Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland to Adele and Ed Sheeran. Today it primarily hosts major West End musicals and spectacular seasonal pantomimes. The interior is one of London’s most beautiful theatre spaces, with a 2,286-seat auditorium in a magnificent 1910 Matcham-designed baroque building. Check the current programme at delfontmackintosh.co.uk.
The world’s most famous jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street has been running nightly jazz performances since 1959. An intimate venue seating around 200, with two sets most evenings (early show and late show). Past performers have included Miles Davis, Stan Getz, and virtually every major jazz musician alive. Current programme features both established stars and rising talent. Food and drinks served throughout; book well in advance for popular shows. A genuinely world-class live music experience.
One of London’s most historic live music venues, operating since 1942 at 100 Oxford Street. The 100 Club hosted the legendary 1976 Punk Festival (featuring the Sex Pistols, The Clash, Siouxsie Sioux, and others) and has a rich jazz and R&B heritage. Today it presents a programme spanning jazz, blues, indie, and cult acts, with a capacity of around 350. The atmosphere of the basement venue is unique — a piece of living music history beneath Oxford Street.
One of London’s best independent cinemas, the Curzon Soho (part of the Curzon arthouse chain) screens independent, foreign-language, documentary, and critically acclaimed films that wouldn’t typically make it to mainstream multiplexes. Three screens; a good bar and café on site. Curzon Soho is the place to find the films that win at the BAFTAs and Academy Awards.
The home of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts on Piccadilly hosts a year-round programme of film screenings, Q&A events with actors and directors, and industry talks. Some events are open to the public and are available at modest ticket prices. An excellent way to engage with British film culture in a beautiful venue. Check the BAFTA Guru website for upcoming events.
One of the UK’s leading producing theatres, Soho Theatre is known for developing new playwrights, presenting cutting-edge comedy, and hosting some of the most adventurous new theatre in London. Three performance spaces across the building. The bar is a popular social space open to the public. Tickets are often better value than the major West End houses and the quality of work is consistently high.
Oxford Circus places you at the gateway to the West End theatre district. Shaftesbury Avenue — running south-east from Oxford Circus — is lined with major theatres including the Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Queen’s (Sondheim Theatre), and Shaftesbury Theatre. The surrounding streets add the Noel Coward, Savoy, Vaudeville, Garrick, Duke of York’s, and many more. The Society of London Theatre TKTS booth at Leicester Square (0.6 miles from Oxford Circus) sells discounted same-day and advance tickets for many shows. Check the TKTS website before visiting to see what’s available.
Oxford Street and Regent Street host some of London’s most spectacular seasonal events. The Oxford Street Christmas Lights switch-on (typically early November) is a major occasion with celebrity performances. Regent Street Fashion and Design Weekend each September transforms the street into an open-air fashion and culture event. New Year celebrations in the wider West End area draw enormous crowds, with the countdown to midnight visible from the streets around Soho and Oxford Street.