Burlington Arcade is a historic shopping gallery with about 40 stores in the heart of London’s main commercial district. Dating back to the early 1800s, the arcade has long been one of the city’s prime shopping areas for upmarket fashion and jewelry items. Go window-shopping along the elegant shop façades of this exclusive glass-roofed commercial mall.
Walk along the narrow pedestrian passageway beneath the arches and ceiling lanterns of the arcade. Light filters through the glazed windows of the roof to the colonnade, which is flanked by quaint two-story stores.
Wander past the classy shop fronts and inspect the sundry gems for sale. These mostly comprise traditional and upscale items, such as antiques and jewelry. The colonnade has developed a reputation for its excellent antique silver.
Spot the guards dressed in traditional wear, with top hats and frockcoats. This is in keeping with the classic style of the arcade. Purchase delicacies, such as macarons, from the chic patisseries. Other typical items for sale include designer hats, handbags and shoes. Purchase earrings, watches and perfume among other articles.
The colonnade of shops opened in 1819 and has since contained exclusive stores. The arcade is said to have influenced other such malls across Europe, including the Saint-Hubert Gallery in Brussels and the Passage in St. Petersburg. Hear about the 1960s heist, when masked men in a car drove through the arcade and stole valuable jewelry from the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Association store.
Visit the arcade on any day between morning and evening. The site, which is free to enter, opens later and closes earlier on Sundays.
Burlington Arcade is between Bond Street and Piccadilly in the Mayfair district of London’s West End. Take the Tube to Green Park, which is accessible via several lines. You can also arrive by bus to this central area. Visit nearby sights, such as Thomas Gibson Fine Art, the Royal Academy of Arts and St. James’s Piccadilly.
