London is a favourite destination for shoppers from around the world with thousands of stores big and small. Then there are London's amazing markets!
This post is about London's historic and iconic department stores. As a local tour guide and resident of London, I’ve been to these stores many times.
I know what each one has to offer in terms of shopping, history and architectural beauty and I share that with you here.
Also included at the bottom of this post are opinions on these department stores from members of our popular London Travel Tips Facebook group.
The group has over 160k members and is made up of locals, frequent travelers to London, and first-time visitors to London.
You don't need to join the group to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.
So, check out our group once you've finished reading this post!
You might also like our posts, The Best Shopping in London and Best London Souvenirs and Gifts.
Harrods
Harrods is, undoubtedly, London's most famous department store, known the world over.
It's located in the affluent London neighbourhood of Knightsbridge and is just a stone's throw from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
Why is Harrods so famous? Partly because of its age as Harrods was founded in 1834 and partly because of its size.
Harrods spans a 5-acre site and holds over one million square feet of selling space making it the largest department store in the UK.
It is also well known for being the most beautiful store in London with stunning art nouveau windows, Egyptian-style architecture, and towering baroque domes.
Harrods has over 330 different departments and over 20 cafes, restaurants, and bars, and offers one of the best afternoon teas in London.
During Christmas, the Harrods Christmas Shop can't be beaten!
If you want to visit Harrods, make sure to read our Shopper's Guide for all the tips you'll need.
Address: 87 - 135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 21:00 | Sundays 11:30 - 18:00 (Browsing only from 11:30 - 12:00)
Nearest Underground Station: Knightsbridge
Fortnum & Mason
Fortnum & Mason is famous for its incredible Christmas Shop but is a worthy shopping destination all year round.
Fortnum & Mason is London's oldest department store, founded in 1707 by William Fortnum & Hugh Mason.
Originally founded as a grocery store, today the shop sells both consumable goods as well as housewares, furnishings, stationery, and more.
Fortnum & Mason boasts a Royal Warrant which means they provide goods to the Royal Family and the Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea is one of the best in the city.
The highlight is their ground floor where you will find all sorts of delicious hand-made treats as well as specially made teas and coffees.
Its honey is even made by bees that live in an apiary on the roof of the store!
F&M is easy to access from the finish point of our Mayfair: Tiaras and Ferraris Tour as well as the beginning of our Westminster and All in One Tours.
Or explore the neighbourhood yourself with our guides to Mayfair and Piccadilly.
Address: 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 | Sundays 11:30 - 18:00 (Browsing only from 11:30 - 12:00)
Nearest Underground Station: Piccadilly Circus and Green Park
Liberty
Liberty of London, or Liberty's, has been located in London's West End since 1875.
One of London's luxury department stores, Liberty focuses on beauty, homeward, and fashion.
The shop is known for its support of up-and-coming designers as well as well-known luxury fashion labels.
The building itself is considered iconic: made from the wood of an old ship and repurposed into a mock-tumor black and white design.
Perhaps one of London's most beautiful department stores, Liberty is well worth a visit, even if you don't have the budget for London's poshest shops!
You'll find Liberty on the edge of Soho making it one of London's most centrally-located department stores and easy to visit after going on our Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Chinatown Tour as well as our Rock n Roll Tour!
Address: Regent Street, London W1B 5AH
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 | Sundays 11:30 - 18:00 (Browsing only from 11:30 - 12:00)
Nearest Underground Station: Oxford Circus
Selfridges
One of the flagship department stores on Oxford Street, Selfridges opened in 1908 by American retail magnate Harry Gordon Selfridge.
Selfridges is a chain of high-end department stores and the London location is probably one of the best-known London department stores.
With a focus on luxury fashion labels, the six-story building also boasts a food hall, a sprawling beauty department, a luxury jewelry department (think Rolex, Cartier, and Tiffany), and a cutting-edge technology department.
However, what makes Selfridges so popular is its dedicated shoe department which is one of the largest in the world.
With over 5,000 different pairs of women's shoes on display, and an inventory estimated to be around 100,000, this is, without a doubt, the best place to buy shoes in London!
Worth a visit any time, during Christmas, their window displays and Christmas lights are visited by Londoners and visitors alike.
It's also the meeting point for our Mayfair: Tiaras and Ferraris Walking Tour!
Address: 400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB
Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 - 22:00 | Saturday 10:00 - 21:00 | Sunday 11:30 - 18:00 (Browsing only from 11:30 - 12:00)
Nearest Underground Station: Bond Street and Marble Arch
John Lewis
Another one of London's department stores on Oxford Street, John Lewis is often touted as Britain's favourite Department Store.
There are multiple John Lewis locations around the UK there is also a John Lewis at Westfield White City and Stratford City in London.
This store has everything: clothes, furnishings, home goods, beauty counters, children's gifts, toys, furniture, outdoor goods, technology, and food.
Although it is considered an upscale, John Lewis is the most affordable department store on our list.
There are also FOUR separate places to eat inside! And the John Lewis Christmas decorations are always worth a peek.
Address: 300 Oxford Street, London W1C 1DX
Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Saturday 10:00 | Thursdays 10:00 - 21:00 | Sundays 12:00 - 18:00 (Browsing only from 11:30 - 12:00)
Nearest Underground Station: Oxford Circus
Harvey Nichols
Harvey Nichols was founded in 1831 and is one of London's most luxurious shopping destinations.
With a focus on fashion and beauty, Harvey Nichols - known as Harvey Nicks - also sells beauty products as well as fine wines and luxury foods.
There are numerous Harvey Nichols locations in the UK but 'Harvey Nicks' Knightsbridge is a must-visit destination for those who love posh shops!
Located within walking distance to both Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, it is also a short stroll and easy to get from Harvey Nichols to Harrods.
Address: 109 - 125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 - 20:00 | Sundays 11:30 - 18:00 (Browsing only from 11:30 - 12:00)
Nearest Underground Station: Knightsbridge
Tips from Locals and Travelers
The members of our London Travel Tips Facebook group had a lot to say when it came to these department stores - which they liked, which they didn't, and why.
These comments should give you a well-rounded look at some of the stores above so you can decide if going to them is worth your time.
When someone asked the group if Harrods was worth visiting, there were some very strong opinions.
Most of all, people mention the food halls.
The yays:
The nays:
Here someone who dislikes Harrods very much couldn't deny that the food halls are fab!
These comments show the joy of visiting the big stores. In regards to Harrods and F&M:
As for Liberty’s:
Here’s what people had to say when comparing the most well-known of the above stores.
If you want to see more of the hundreds of opinions of these department stores, take a look at our London Travel Tips Facebook group.
