Carnaby Street: London’s Iconic Fashion and Cultural Hub
Discover Carnaby Street, Soho’s vibrant pedestrian hub blending iconic 1960s style with cutting-edge fashion, dining, and cultural flair.
Carnaby Street, nestled in the heart of Soho, London, is a vibrant pedestrian shopping district famed for its rich 1960s cultural heritage, eclectic mix of independent boutiques, global fashion brands, and diverse dining options. This lively street and its surrounding quarters offer a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary style, making it a must-visit destination for fashion lovers, foodies, and culture seekers alike.
A brief summary to Carnaby St
- London, Carnaby, GB
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking and exploring numerous shops, alleys, and dining spots.
- Visit Kingly Court for a diverse and exciting food experience in a lively open-air courtyard.
- Explore side streets like Newburgh Quarter and Ganton Street for unique boutiques and quieter shopping.
- Check out seasonal events and festive decorations, especially the famous Christmas lights.
- Plan at least a couple of hours to fully enjoy shopping, dining, and soaking up the street’s cultural atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground
Take the London Underground to Oxford Circus Station, served by the Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines. From there, it’s a 5-7 minute walk to Carnaby Street. The station is well connected and open daily from early morning until late night. Ticket prices range from £2.50 to £5 depending on the travel zones and ticket type.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Carnaby Street, including routes 12, 88, 94, and 159. Bus travel times vary between 15 to 30 minutes from central London locations. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with standard fares around £1.75 using contactless payment or Oyster card.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are widely available in central London. Travel time to Carnaby Street from central points typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares starting from £8, increasing during peak hours.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in Soho or the West End, walking to Carnaby Street is an excellent option. The terrain is flat and pedestrian-friendly, with a typical walking time of 10 to 20 minutes from Oxford Street or Regent Street areas.
Carnaby St location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Carnaby St
A Legacy of Style and Culture
Carnaby Street is synonymous with the Swinging London of the 1960s, once a focal point for the mod and hippie movements. This compact pedestrian street in Soho became a magnet for jazz clubs, speakeasies, and fashion boutiques, shaping London’s cultural landscape. Today, it preserves that creative energy while evolving into a modern fashion destination that honors its rebellious roots. The street’s iconic entrance arch is a celebrated landmark, symbolizing its enduring influence on style and youth culture.A Shopper’s Paradise with Diverse Offerings
Stretching roughly 200 meters, Carnaby Street and its adjacent areas—including Kingly Court, Newburgh Quarter, and Ganton Street—host over 150 brands, boutiques, and concept stores. Visitors can explore everything from flagship stores of global names like Levi’s, Dr. Martens, and Puma to unique independent boutiques such as Lazy Oaf and The Ragged Priest. The Newburgh Quarter is especially noted for its creative and quirky shops, offering vintage-inspired fashion, bespoke tailoring, and niche lifestyle products. Pop-up shops frequently add fresh, cutting-edge experiences to the retail mix.A Culinary and Social Hotspot
Beyond shopping, Carnaby Street is a vibrant dining destination with more than 60 independent restaurants, bars, and cafes. Kingly Court, a three-story open-air courtyard just off Carnaby Street, is a foodie haven featuring diverse cuisines from around the world. Traditional British pubs like Shakespeare’s Head offer real ale and historic ambiance, while trendy cocktail bars and Caribbean-flavored venues add to the lively nightlife. This blend of eateries caters to all tastes and occasions, from casual snacks to celebratory dinners.Architectural Charm and Hidden Gems
While Carnaby Street has modernized, it retains original buildings and listed structures that add to its authentic atmosphere. Notable historic architecture can be found at 7-8 Kingly Street and 10-12 Ganton Street, providing a glimpse into the area’s past. The pedestrianized nature of the street offers a relaxed shopping experience away from the hustle of nearby Oxford and Regent Streets. Exploring the numerous side alleys reveals tucked-away boutiques and intimate venues, perfect for discovering unique finds and quieter moments.Events, Festivities, and Cultural Vibes
Carnaby Street is renowned for its spectacular seasonal decorations, especially during Christmas when the street is adorned with vibrant lights and festive displays. It also hosts regular pop-up events, fashion launches, and cultural happenings that keep the area dynamic and engaging. The street’s rock’n’roll heritage lives on through stores like RS No. 9 Carnaby, linked to the Rolling Stones, and the continued presence of British heritage brands. This cultural layering makes Carnaby a place where history and contemporary trends coexist.Accessibility and Visitor Experience
Located just a minute from Oxford Street and Regent Street, Carnaby Street is easily accessible via London’s extensive public transport network, including Oxford Circus Underground Station. The area’s pedestrian-friendly design encourages leisurely exploration, with amenities such as restrooms, seating areas, and information boards enhancing visitor comfort. Whether you spend twenty minutes or a full afternoon, Carnaby Street offers an immersive experience of London’s fashion, food, and cultural heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ziggy Stardust album cover
0.2 km
Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
Savile Row
0.2 km
Explore the elegance of Savile Row, London's renowned street for bespoke tailoring and luxury fashion, where craftsmanship meets tradition.
3 Savile Row
0.3 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
Allies (Churchill & Roosevelt)
0.4 km
A life-size bronze sculpture on New Bond Street celebrating Churchill and Roosevelt’s historic wartime alliance and enduring friendship.
Burlington House
0.4 km
A grand 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly, now home to the Royal Academy of Arts and Britain’s leading learned societies, blending Palladian elegance with centuries of art and science.
The Smallest Gallery in Soho
0.5 km
Discover unique contemporary art at The Smallest Gallery in Soho, London - an intimate space showcasing emerging talents and established artists.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.5 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Piccadilly Circus
0.5 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant O Hello Sunshine sculpture in London, a historical landmark that embodies creativity and community spirit amidst the city's artistic landscape.
Self-Guided Audio Tour - London's Soho, Theatreland and Chinatown
0.5 km
Discover the rich culture and vibrant nightlife of London's Soho, Theatreland, and Chinatown with a self-guided audio tour.
Soho Square
0.5 km
Historic Georgian square where aristocrats, scientists, and artists shaped London's cultural legacy
Soho Square Gardens
0.5 km
Explore the calming beauty of Soho Square Gardens, a lush park in the heart of London, perfect for relaxation and socializing.
St James's Piccadilly
0.5 km
Discover St James's Piccadilly, a stunning Anglican church blending history, architecture, and spirituality in the heart of London's bustling Piccadilly.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kingly Court
0.1 km
A vibrant three-level Soho courtyard serving global cuisines and stylish bars just off iconic Carnaby Street.
Spirit of Soho Mural
0.1 km
A vibrant mosaic celebrating Soho’s rich artistic heritage and community spirit at the corner of Carnaby and Broadwick Streets.
Kingly Ct
0.1 km
Discover Kingly Court, a colourful three-storey courtyard in Soho offering world-class dining, unique shops, and a vibrant atmosphere in London’s West End.
Starbucks Coffee
0.1 km
A vibrant Starbucks café in London’s iconic Carnaby district, blending global coffee culture with local urban energy.
Hamleys
0.1 km
Discover the magic of Hamleys, London's iconic toy store, where imagination comes to life with seven floors of endless fun and excitement.
Liberty
0.1 km
Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival treasure in the heart of London, blending historic craftsmanship with iconic luxury fabrics and design.
Regent St.
0.1 km
Discover the timeless elegance and world-class shopping of Regent Street, London’s premier mile of style and culture in the heart of the West End.
British Tours
0.1 km
Discover the heart of London with British Tours, offering personalized experiences to explore the city's rich history and culture.
Liberty’s clock
0.1 km
Discover Liberty’s Clock, a charming emblem on London’s iconic Tudor revival department store blending historic craftsmanship with vibrant design heritage.
See Your City
0.2 km
Discover London's magic with See Your City: expertly guided tours and experiences that unveil the essence of England's vibrant capital.
Soho
0.2 km
Discover Soho, London's vibrant district known for nightlife, dining, unique shops, and rich cultural experiences, perfect for every traveler.
Soho
0.2 km
London’s most vibrant neighbourhood, where history, culture and nightlife collide in a compact, walkable square mile.
The London Palladium
0.2 km
Iconic West End theatre blending historic grandeur with world-class variety shows and legendary performances since 1910.
The Photographers' Gallery
0.2 km
London's premier gallery dedicated exclusively to photography, showcasing diverse exhibitions and celebrating 100 years of photographic innovation.
Golden Square
0.2 km
Golden Square: A serene historic garden square blending aristocratic legacy with Soho’s creative pulse in central London.
Essential places to dine
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.1 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Social Eating House
0.2 km
Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
NOPI
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
0.2 km
A romantic Soho townhouse serving refined Franco-Mediterranean dishes with an acclaimed wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting.
sketch
0.2 km
An iconic Mayfair venue blending avant-garde art, Michelin-starred dining, and whimsical design for an unforgettable London experience.
Little Social
0.2 km
Stylish Mayfair bistro offering refined modern British small plates with an intimate atmosphere and excellent wine selection.
Blanchette
0.3 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Mele e Pere
0.3 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Blacklock Soho
0.3 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Inamo
0.3 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Bantof
0.3 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Kricket Soho
0.4 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Quo Vadis
0.4 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.5 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Evelyn's Table
0.5 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Canvas Collection
0.1 km
Discover handmade ceramics, jewelry, and accessories in Carnaby's artistic gift haven—unique treasures from London's creative makers.
Liberty London
0.1 km
Discover Liberty London’s iconic Tudor revival charm, luxury British fashion, and unique shopping experience in the heart of Regent Street.
Pop Up 38
0.2 km
A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
Beyond Retro Soho
0.3 km
Dive into Soho's ultimate vintage vault: two floors of era-spanning fashion, weekly drops, and pop-up vibes for the preloved obsessed.
Glassworks London - Soho
0.3 km
Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.3 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
House of secrets
0.3 km
Step into House of Secrets on Oxford Street and discover a magical world of Harry Potter collectibles and enchanting souvenirs in the heart of London.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
Machine-A
0.4 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
LONGCHAMP
0.4 km
Discover French luxury and craftsmanship at Longchamp’s elegant Bond Street boutique in London’s exclusive Mayfair district.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.4 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Souvenir Shop
0.5 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
La Boutik
0.5 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
28 The Royal Arcade
0.5 km
Step into London's oldest Victorian shopping arcade, where historic charm meets luxury boutiques in the heart of Mayfair.
Charbonnel et Walker
0.5 km
Britain’s first luxury chocolatier since 1875, nestled in Mayfair’s Royal Arcade – where tradition, truffles and royal patronage meet in every exquisite box.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cahoots London
0.1 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Disrepute - Soho
0.1 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
Disrepute - Cocktail Bar in Soho
0.1 km
A stylish Soho basement bar blending 1960s glamour, expert cocktails, and intimate luxury in the heart of London’s nightlife.
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.2 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
The Argyll Arms
0.3 km
Step into The Argyll Arms, a Victorian-era pub gem in Soho blending historic charm, real ales, and hearty British fare near Oxford Circus.
Basement Sate
0.3 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
NQ64 Soho
0.3 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Duke of Argyll
0.3 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
The Thin White Duke
0.3 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Punch Room
0.4 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.5 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.5 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
The Black Book
0.5 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.5 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.5 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Pedestrian Zone
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
