Vintage shopping in London is one of my favorite activities.

The city has such a cool and unique fashion sense that I always end up finding a few retro treasures every time I’m in town.

My favorite find so far is a Moncler jacket. I scored for 70 quid—normally it retails for close to 1000!

Wondering how I got so lucky?

The major key to successful thrift shopping is to dig through everything at the shop. You never know when you’re going to find a hidden treasure that’s just your size.

Normally, this also involves checking out a ton of second-hand shops until you’ve found the ones who carry the best stuff.

Lucky for you, I’ve done a lot of shopping over the years and am willing share my favorite vintage shops in London.

Read on to find out all the best spots for both expensive designer and cheaper retro fashion.

Best Vintage Shops in London to Shop Second Hand Fashion

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1. Brick Lane Vintage Market

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This is always one of the first markets I check out when I get to London.

There’s probably over 50 stalls selling everything from fabulous furs, to worn-in Levis, vinyl records, funky accessories, and tons of leather jackets.

In fact, Brick Lane Vintage Market is the place where I scored the Moncler winter jacket last spring.

You’ll want to give yourself at least two to three hours to wander through all the stands.

Fair warning, the entrance is easy to miss. It’s down a set of stairs!

Address: 85 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom



2. Portobello Green Market

Portobello Market in Notting Hill - Summer in LONDON 2024

Anyone who’s seen the classic film Notting Hill, has at least heard of this iconic market thanks to the opening scene in which Hugh Grant talks about.

I’m not afraid to admit that it’s one of my favorite movies, and shopping at Portobello Market was at the top of my London bucket list ever since I saw the film as a kid. 

Let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint!

There’s a ton of vendors selling everything from unique jewelry, to vintage clothes, and some antiques.

They also have a fabulous food cart selection, making it a great place to spend the afternoon snacking and shopping.

Address: Portobello Road, London W10 5TY, United Kingdom



3. Beyond Retro SoHo

One of my favorite things about Beyond Retro is that you don’t have to be in town to shop it since they have a website.

I’m constantly browsing it when I get free time, just to see if I come across any affordable gems.

You’ll find tons of vintage Nike, Levis, Champion, and a bunch of cool leather jackets.

Even though I’m on their site all the time, I still hit up their Soho location every time I’m in London because there’s truly nothing like shopping in person, especially for vintage shopping. 

Address: 19-21 Argyll St, London W1F 7TR, United Kingdom



4. Mero Retro

If you want high-quality vintage and sustainable fashion, Mero Retro is one of the best stores to swing by.

They’ve got items from all over the world, including some gorgeous kimonos, jackets, and handmade jewelry.

The entire vibe of this place is super cool and really friendly, I can’t recommend swinging by this place enough!

Oh, and they also sell via their website, making it a simple spot to shop from anywhere in the world!

Address: 2 Bradbury St, London N16 8JN, United Kingdom



5. Rokit Vintage

Rokit Vintage store in Camden has some fabulous finds, especially for Levis.

Some items can feel overpriced for the quality, but you can find some great deals upstairs in their sales room.

They restock fairly often, so don’t be shy about swinging by more than one time during your visit to London. 

Address: 225 Camden High St, London NW1 7BU, United Kingdom



6. The Vintage Show Room

According to gossip, Harry Styles has been known to score vintage finds at The Vintage Show Room, so it’s pretty unsurprising that this place is by appointment only.

I haven’t shopped here yet, mainly because I can’t afford to yet, but hope to one day be able to check out all the legendary vintage that’s supposedly behind these doors.

If you’re intimidated to shop in person because of the price and appointment, head to their website to browse some of their gorgeous vintage treasures.

Address: (By Appointment) UNIT 20, Buspace Studios, Conlan St, London W10 5AP, United Kingdom



7. Retromania

If you’re looking for funky vintage clothes and designer duds, add swinging by Retromania to your shopping list.

Here you’ll find beautiful coats, cool retro pieces, furs, and fun accessories.

The quality of the pieces is a bit hit or miss, but like most second-hand stores, you expect a bit of wear. 

Address: 6 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1SH, United Kingdom



8. Pennie’s Village

If you’re looking for something special, Pennie’s Vintage should be one of your first stops.

With reasonable pricing and beautifully curated clothes and accessories, this place is heaven for anyone who loves vintage fashion—especially those who love 1920s dresses!

And the best part is that on top of having amazing selection, they also have friendly and knowledgeable staff.

They list some items on their website, but for the best selection, you’ll want to go in person!

Address: 41A Amwell St, London EC1R 1UR, United Kingdom



9. Nordic Poetry

I wandered by Nordic Poetry a couple months ago while I was staying in the neighborhood and am dying to check it out.

Unfortunately, I was on my way to the airport when I discovered it, but from the bit of window shopping I did, and from browsing their website, I’d say this is a place you shouldn’t miss if you’ve got a big vintage budget.

They’ve got tons of chic designer pieces for men and women, including tons of amazing vintage coats.

Address: 141 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 7DG, United Kingdom



10. Paper Dress Vintage

With vintage shopping during the day and live music bar during the evenings, Paper Dress Vintage is easily the coolest shop on this list.

I’d plan on hitting up this place in the afternoon so you can shop, then grab a drink and enjoy the party until well after midnight!

They’ve got lots of cool vintage for men and women from the 1900s until 1980s, plus tons of shoes and accessories to check out.

Address: 352a Mare St, London E8 1HR, United Kingdom



11. The Hirst Collection

If you’re in the market for some quality vintage jewelry, head over to The Hirst Collection in Notting Hill.

Here you’ll discover amazing Art Déco pieces, including lots of unique rings, broaches, bracelets.

There are price points for everyone, so don’t shy away from checking this place out while you’re in the neighborhood.

Address: 59 Pembridge Road, London W11 3HG, United Kingdom



12. Atika

Atika is the perfect Brick Lane stop to stock up on vintage tees and Levis. This place is so large that you’ll want to plan to spend at least an hour or more here sorting through all their treasures.

I love that on top of your normal vintage finds, they also sell a lot of repurposed items and clothing.

Address: 55-59 Hanbury St, London E1 5JP, United Kingdom



13. Rellik

If you want some killer vintage designer pieces, you need to check out Rellik.

Obviously, you’ll be expecting to pay a pretty penny for a lot of their designer items, but it’s worth it once you see some of the unique gems they have.

Even if you can’t afford it, this place is worth just walking around for a browse and a bit of fashion inspiration if you’re into high-quality vintage looks.

Address: 8 Golborne Road, London W10 5NW, United Kingdom


Wrapping It Up

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After writing this, I’m already dying to get back to London to do more shopping.

My only downfall is that I never seem to have enough room in my suitcase (or money in my bank account) for all the amazing pieces I come across.

Take my advice and leave tons of space in your luggage for all the amazing second hand gems you’re bound to find as you hit up all these vintage shops in London!

 

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