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What is it?
Billed as a ‘city within a city’ when it opened in September 2011, Westfield Stratford City was the £1.45 billion gateway to the London 2012 Olympics, and it’s still one of the biggest shopping centres in the country. It sits right next to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is home to more than 300 brands, anchored by John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.
But it’s not just about the shops. There are more than 80 places to eat and drink, a 20-screen Vue cinema, the UK’s biggest All Star Lanes bowling alley, and London’s largest casino, run by Aspers. There are three hotels too, so you could make a weekend of it without ever leaving.
Why go?
Because it has pretty much everything under one roof, and getting here couldn’t be easier, with Stratford station right on the doorstep.
Don’t miss
A walk around the Olympic Park next door. After a few hours of shopping, it’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and grab some fresh air, with the London Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit just a short stroll away.
When to visit
Weekday mornings are your best bet if you want to avoid the crowds. Saturdays get very busy, especially when there’s a big event on at the London Stadium.
Time Out tip
Don’t drive. Stratford station is one of the best-connected in London, with the Central, Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, plus the Overground and DLR, all stopping right next door.