London is a shopping mecca, famous for it's cutting edge designers as well as it's funky markets and busy high street chain stores where celebs are often spotted bagging bargains. If you're planning a trip to London, here are a few stores to be sure to visit.

The Camden Market was established in 1974 and has become one of the largest events of its type in London and a top tourist attraction. With a strong youth focus the markets offer a wide variety of choice for the eager shopper. From the latest in abstract fashion to classic vintage gowns, from fruit, meat and vegetables to finely prepared meals and produce, from antiques to the latest gadgets, you can get it all here.

Known as the shopping mecca of London, the markets have a strong link to London's musical history and the Electric Ballroom features many stalls specialising in musical memorabilia and rock star fashion. The markets themselves are also close to many famous musical venues. It's quite common to spot members of the Britrock set here on a Saturday afternoon.

Topshop was started in 1989 as a place for fashion savvy chicks to constantly update their looks. Initially a reasonably priced boutique, the store is now one of the more expensive fashion retailers in the U.K and often advertises in Vogue. Topshop have also ventured into vintage clothes, trying to implement a range of ready to wear vintage garments. Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are among the celebs who shop there.

The Covent Garden Market has been held since the 1500s and up until 1974 was always held in the Covent Garden Piazza. Moving to Nine Elms in '74 the New Covent Garden Market has become known as 'London's Larder' and is one of the premiere fruit, vegetable and flower markets around.

Boasting the UK's largest collection of flower sellers, around 6,000 vehicles entering daily and covering more than 56 acres, the New Covent Garden Market is a must see on your trip to London. There are also loads of funky clothing stores littered around the Covent Garden area including Space NK Apothacery, Diesel concept store and more.

Founded in 1856 by a 21 year old draper's apprentice, Burberry has gone on to become one of the UK's top clothing manufacturers. With their distinctive trademarked check pattern they produce a range of apparel and leisure wear and have two Royal Warrants. As well as being credited with inventing gabardine Burberry were also responsible for designing British military uniforms in the First World War and creating what came to be known as the trench coat.

The Burberry check pattern, first introduced in 1924 as a lining for the trench coat, now features in just about all of the company's products. It is also one of the most copied trademarks.

H&M is a Swedish based clothing company which is known for its inexpensive yet stylish fashion offerings. Starting in 1947 it originally only sold women's clothing, diversifying into men's clothing in 1968.

Although their prices may be cheap their clothing isn't and H&M market themselves towards the high-end fashion customer. Among the company's draw cards was an exclusive range by Karl Lagerfeld.

H&M are currently working with Stella McCartney to produce a line of clothing which was to feature Kate Moss in its advertising. However, the company decided to replace Moss after the photographs of her taking drugs surfaced.

As it follows an ancient Roman road Oxford Street in London has been around for ages, literally. While not the most exclusive or expensive shopping district in London it is by far and away the most famous and features the flagship stores of many famous retail chains. Shoppers out for an afternoon stroll can take in such sights as:

HMV's flagship store, Europe's largest music store.

Selfridges, the luxury department store, which has been operating in the area for more than fifty years.

Alongside other mainstream stores like Borders, Virgin, Topshop, Marks & Spencer, GAP, Disney, Debenhams, House of Fraser and John Lewis.

Portobello Road is located in the Notting Hill area of London and was named after a town in Panama, captured by Admiral Edward Vernon in 1739. Central to the road's fame is its market, a weekly event that draws crowds from all around the world. All of whom are looking for a bargain!

Internationally renowned for its antiques and second-hand goods the market also draws shoppers looking for the very best in fresh fruit and vegetables and other bric-a-brac. The market featured quite prominently in the the Julia Roberts film Notting Hill.

Opening in 1909, the Selfridges department store is credited with creating the phrase, the customer is always right. Along with this the store is also responsible for setting a standard that many department stores follow to this day.

As well as being the first to place their perfume counters near the entrance, the store was also the first to move the products out from behind counters to allow customers to browse. Selfridges also became famous for their innovative window displays and month long promotions which elevate sales to an art form. Promotions include the biggest display of Bollywood film culture ever, a giant replica of Rio de Janeiro's Christ the Redeemer statue, a celebration of Japanese life and a history of Las Vegas.