The Vibrant Shopping Street Londoners Prefer Over The Tourist Hotspots

London is a powerhouse, an explorer's playground with an epically long history, a modern vibrance, and plenty of that quintessential English charm. There are dozens of London attractions visitors won't want to miss, like Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. There are also specific London activities every traveler (especially a first-timer) should participate in, as cliché as they may sound: afternoon tea, riding a double-decker bus, watching the changing of the guard, taking the Tube, and shopping on Oxford Street. 

Of course, everyone should see Oxford Street at least once, especially around Christmastime when it becomes a magical, starry fairyland. Unfortunately, Oxford Street tends to be expensive, and with approximately half a million visitors on the daily, it can be unbearably crowded. Those in the know recommend a quick foray onto Oxford Street for the experience, but after that, take your serious shopping elsewhere. For example, one local suggests swapping Oxford Street for Upper Street. Upper Street is a hip shopping street in the small North London borough of Islington. In Islington, you'll find a trendy neighborhood known for smaller boutiques, beautiful canals, a lively theater scene, and tasty local restaurants. 

Oxford Street is Europe's busiest shopping street (yes, Europe's, not just London's or England's!), and it doesn't have as many vintage shops or small boutiques as some of other London's shopping streets, like Upper Street (although it does have notable department stores like Selfridges). Upper Street in Islington, a once struggling neighborhood that now is one of London's most famous (and trendiest) boroughs, is lined with historic buildings and lovely facades, just like Oxford Street but without the crowds. 

Regent's Canal winds through parts of Islington and crosses under Upper Street in Islington Tunnel. Islington Green, a charming small park, is also on Upper Street, along with historic churches, theaters, and more. In addition to excellent shopping, Upper Street also has amazing food. From adorable coffee shops to poke bowls and Afghan dahl, classy bars, cozy pubs, and notable gourmet restaurants, Upper Street has a wide variety of places to eat, including the oldest still-in-operation theater pub in the United Kingdom. One more thing that Oxford Street lacks is Islington's distinct sense of community, with its year-round events, smaller theaters, enrichment programs, inclusiveness, and friendly people.

One of London's best-kept secrets — and certainly one of it's most charming — is Camden Passage in Islington, right off Upper Street. This colorful, pedestrian-only walkway is filled with charming patios, small stores (like a cheese shop and a fishmonger), live music, and brightly-colored facades. Camden Passage is also known for its weekend vintage shopping market, which specializes in clothes and antiques. To find Camden Passage, get off the Underground at the Angel tube station, then walk along Upper Street until you see the sign. As the Brits say, there's nothing to it.

Many travelers consider staying in Islington or another slightly distant borough, an essential travel hack when visiting London. Hotels and rentals tend to be cheaper, and with the easy-to-navigate tube, you'll be able to visit all of London's best sights easily. Plus, if you stay in a borough like Islington, you'll get to experience its iconic village feel, local life, cute off-the-beaten-path destinations like Camden Passage, and, of course, excellent shopping.