Are you coming to the UK soon and plan on doing some serious shopping? Being an international student means that you now have a whole host of stores you may not have had at home.
There are so many great cities in the UK and many of them have unique stores which offer excellent shopping experiences. Whether it’s for a special occasion or you just want to treat yourself, read on for the best cities to come and shop in the UK.
London
London is a massive city, so of course, there are lots of great places to go shopping. No matter what you’re looking for or what your budget is, there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you want to buy something expensive from Harrods or Selfridges or explore Camden Market for kitschy souvenirs, you’ll definitely find something in London.
London is the capital of the UK, so it’s easy to reach by train, bus, car or flight, depending on where you’re studying.
Manchester
Manchester is one of the most popular and well-loved cities in the UK. It’s known for its music scene and nightlife, but it’s also a great place to come shopping.
The Northern Quarter is the place to go if you’re looking to spend some cash. Here, there are endless shops and boutiques both independent and chains. The Manchester Craft and Design market is home to local vendors and artists and you’ll be able to pick up a one-of-a-kind gift here.
Afflecks is a four-floor indoor market where you’ll find everything from retro games to indie clothing shops, secondhand bookstores and much more.
Leeds
Leeds is only an hour away via train from Manchester, and it is known for its bustling student community. It too is an amazing place to go shopping, and it’s no wonder why people from around the country come here to get their Christmas shopping.
It has a huge Harvey Nichols department store, as well as the Trinity indoor shopping centre where you’ll find favorites like Urban Outfitters and Victoria’s Secret.
It also has the Corn Exchange which is full of quirky independent stores and cafes, including a tattoo parlor, vintage camera shop and boutique clothing stores.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a gorgeous old city with stunning architecture, friendly people, and lots to do. One of these things is shopping.
The Old Town area of Edinburgh towards Grassmarket is packed with independent stores where you can buy anything from Scottish souvenirs to tasty foods to swords (yes that’s right, actual swords!)
If you’re looking to support local business and find some fun, unique items for yourself or others, this is the perfect place to go for it.
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Nestled right up in the North East of England is Newcastle upon Tyne, a small city with a lot to offer. If you’re looking for lots of places to shop, this is a great place to go.
Newcastle has a huge shopping centre called Eldon Square which has lots of high street favourites to peruse. It also has big department stores like John Lewis and Fenwick which offer lots of high-end goods on offer. The Fenwick Food Market has lots from independent local traders and is definitely a must-try.
Venture a little further out and you’ll find the Metro Centre, a massive indoor shopping centre that used to be the largest in Europe! You can spend all day shopping in here and there’s something for everyone.
These are the Best Cities to Go Shopping in the UK
If you’re a self-confessed shopaholic, then you’re going to love it in the UK. There are so many great cities to go shopping here, so make sure to visit them on your free weekends and see everything they have to offer.
Need to find student accommodation for your time in the UK? Talk to us and we can help you find the perfect place to live.
