Browse the elegant fronts of the luxury retail stores and learn the history of the city’s oldest purpose-built commercial gallery.
The Royal Arcade is a glass-covered majestic shopping hall in the center of Mayfair, connecting the iconic Bond Street with Albemarle Street. The arcade is recognizable by its classic red façade and white sculptures and has a focus on silverware and art. Stroll through this covered gallery to window-shop for the upscale items on sale here.
Capture photos of this stylish Victorian arcade, with the title of “The Arcade” in the foreground. The name was changed to include “Royal” following visits from Queen Victoria. Enter through one of the stucco arches on either side of the gallery and gaze up at the elegant lanterns and sloping, glazed ceiling. The commercial area has spaces for about 16 shops.
Admire the stylish shop façades and inspect the upmarket items, including leather goods, chocolates and jewelry. Consider the works of art, perfume, flowers and other high-end products. The many shops that flank the path of the gallery occupy three floors. Notice how the upper two are in matching pink and red, while the lower shop façades are dark brown.
The colonnade was opened in 1879 and was the first shopping arcade in London. Appreciate how it has kept its original Victorian architecture and features. It replaced the Clarendon Hotel, which was demolished in 1870.
Visit during the Christmas season to see the arcade decorated inside and out for the holiday festivities. Venture out onto Bond Street for the eclectic range of stores, cafés and restaurants.
The shopping gallery is free to enter and opens daily from morning until late afternoon. Individual stores have their own opening times.
The Royal Arcade is in the heart of London’s affluent and commercial area of Mayfair. Ride the London Underground to the stations of Green Park or Piccadilly Circus and walk here. Visit other nearby attractions, such as the Royal Academy of Arts, the London Library and the Queen’s Theatre.
