by Anonymouse

Created on: November 22, 2008   Last Updated: January 20, 2009

Certain London streets are like magnets for the young and the wealthy. The centuries-old history or sundry shops could be responsible. Then again, perhaps it has something to do with the energetic nightlife, or even the diverse cuisine. Either way, the fact remains: Whether London's visitors come to see Hyde Park or Hamleys, Theatreland or Soho Square, everyone is guaranteed an unforgettable time.

Oxford Street (1.5 miles, est. circa 1729)

Oxford Street is London's main thoroughfare, and with over 300 shops, it's also the busiest. It houses massive department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis, two of the largest in the UK. Then there are other stores, like Schuh, that contribute to the 5,000,000 sq. ft. of retail space on Oxford Street. Not only is Schuh the largest shoe store there, but it carries more brands than any other in London! Considering its reputation, it's surprising that Oxford Street wasn't known for shopping until the early 1900s. Over a century before that, it was part of the famed route on which Newgate Prison inmates traveled, making their way toward the TripleTree gallows.

Though this legendary street can be explored any time of year, vibrant lighting gives it extra flair during the Holidays. At least one celebrity comes to switch on the Christmas lights each November. This attracts a great deal, but not nearly all, of the over 200,000,000 annual Oxford Street visitors. The ones who reserve a room at the Radisson Edwardian Berkshire Hotel will find themselves in the lap of luxury, surrounded by contemporary decor. Nearby, the award-winning Ascots Bar and Restaurant awaits, where visitors can enjoy generous helpings of seasonal British cuisine. They'll need the fuel before heading back onto bustling Oxford Street.

Nearest tube stations: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Oxford Circus

Oxford Circus (station est. 1906)

Oxford Circus is the teeming intersection that connects Oxford Street to Regent Street. This area is home to the largest fashion store on Earth: Topshop. Both Topshop Oxford Circus and its male fashion counterpart - Topman - are notorious in London. Young ladies may also want to explore Miss Selfridge, whose first mannequins were based on sixties fashion icon Twiggy. Once visitors are ready to travel elsewhere, they can stroll down to the Oxford Circus tube station, which lies directly below ground. The Central, Victoria, and Bakerloo lines all meet at this point, which make the Oxford Circus tube station the third busiest in all of London.

Regent

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