London department stores are at the heart of the capital’s world‑famous shopping scene with historic icons and modern retail destinations drawing visitors from across the globe. Whether I’m browsing luxury fashion, lifestyle essentials or shopping for homeware and foodie treats, department stores in London offer an unrivalled mix of brands and memorable in‑store shopping experiences, all under one roof.
Drawing on my decades of experience exploring the city’s shopping hotspots, I’ve curated a selection of the most famous department stores in London. These much-loved establishments combine heritage, variety and exceptional in-store experiences, from beautifully designed interiors to world-class service.
Make the most of the city’s celebrated shopping landmarks, from luxury department store Harrods to royal‑family favourite Fortnum & Mason. These are my top picks for experiencing London’s best department stores and iconic shopping destinations.
Department stores in London not to miss
- 🛍️ Harrods – Best for iconic luxury shopping and world-famous food halls
- ✨ Selfridges – Best for trend-led fashion and immersive in-store experiences
- 🏛️ Liberty London – Best for heritage design, unique brands and distinctive interiors
- 👗 Harvey Nichols – Best for high-end fashion and a contemporary shopping experience
- 🧴 Fortnum & Mason – Best for gourmet food, afternoon tea and quintessential British luxury
- 👚 John Lewis & Partners – Best for reliable, high-quality fashion and homeware
How I chose the best department stores in London
Every recommendation on this list has been handpicked by the Visit London editorial team. As Visit London's shopping expert with knowledge of the city's shopping scene built up over decades, every recommendation on this list has been based upon my favourite department stores - I've also sought input from other Visit London experts, to ensure I highlight a good mix of shopping experiences and wider offerings at each store. Our selection is shaped by first-hand local knowledge and experience, alongside visitor popularity and footfall, trusted reviews and feedback.
Our shopping guides are designed to help you plan and discover the best places to shop in London, showcasing a broad mix of venues for different ages, interests and budgets. From the best department stores and designer outlets to shopping centres and markets, we balance iconic locations with new discoveries, while also highlighting places of cultural significance that contribute to London’s identity, heritage and story.
The best departments stores in London
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly)
When: Open daily, Mon-Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Allow 2–4 hours, or longer if you plan to dine or book beauty and wellness services
Set inside a striking 19th-century building, which houses Harrods, the biggest department store in London. Originally opened at its Knightsbridge location in 1849, it’s my favourite place to shop for world-class brands and has the wow factor from the moment you step inside. Beyond shopping, the stunning interiors captivate you instantly, from the grand staircases to Egyptian-style halls. As you explore this high-end emporium, you’ll find ultra-luxury fashion from designers such as Chanel, Dior, Prada and Hermès, alongside premium beauty and one of the most impressive food halls in the world.
The Harrods Food Halls are my personal highlight. Whether I’m buying luxury ingredients or browsing international delicacies, it's my go-to for indulgent treats and special occasion food shopping. Within Harrods, you’ll also discover an exceptional range of services, including personal shopping, beauty treatments, hairdressing, luxury travel planning and bespoke engraving for gifts. I recommend prioritising the floors you’re most interested in to make your visit feel more relaxed and enjoyable - and if you can, visit Harrods at Christmas to admire its beautiful window displays and enjoy a more magical experience.
Best for: First-time visitors, luxury shopping, gourmet food and immersive retail experiences.
Good to know: Harrods is extremely busy at peak times, so it’s worth planning your visit and pacing yourself. Weekdays and early hours are best for a more relaxed browse. For a calmer experience, start on the upper floors and work your way down. For a special dining experience, head to The Georgian restaurant on the fourth floor, it’s one of Harrods’ oldest restaurants and feels like stepping into a glamorous period film set.
Nearest Tube: Bond Street (Central, Elizabeth and Jubilee)
When: Open daily, Mon-Fri: 10am-10pm, Sat: 10am-9pm, Sun: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Allow 2–3 hours, or longer if you explore multiple floors
Selfridges is one of my go-to department stores in London when I want a mix of cutting-edge fashion, beauty and standout in-store experiences. A highlight for me is its ever-changing window displays and strong line-up of both luxury and contemporary brands. You’ll find everything from designers such as Balenciaga and Loewe to cult favourites including Maison Margiela, Jacquemus and Off-White, alongside a vast beauty hall showcasing popular brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, Dior, Hourglass and Sisley Paris.
From the moment Selfridges opened in 1909, it became a retail icon and completely redefined shopping in Britain. For me, what really sets this famous London department store apart, beyond its instantly recognisable bright yellow bags, is how much there is to explore in store. I always make time for the food hall, which is perfect for a quick bite, whether it’s pastries, sushi or something more indulgent, and I never miss the in-store pop-ups and exhibitions that bring something new with each visit. Featuring makeup masterclasses, product launches and even a plush on-site cinema, it’s a place I return to as much for the experience as the shopping.
Best for: Fashion lovers, beauty enthusiasts, trend-led shopping, immersive retail experiences.
Good to know: Visit midweek or earlier in the day for a calmer, more relaxed browse. While you’re there, head up to the roof for Italian dining at Alto by San Carlo, where the outdoor terrace feels like a hidden oasis above Oxford Street and is especially enjoyable in the warmer months.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria)
When: Open daily, Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Allow 2–3 hours, or longer if you explore multiple floors
A much-loved famous department store in London, Liberty feels like a wonderful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the streets outside when I’m shopping in the city. Stepping inside the timeless Tudor-style building, I’m instantly in awe of the interiors, from the dark wood staircases and carved balconies to the light filled central atrium. First opened in 1924, it feels like entering a beautifully furnished historic home, offering a very different retail experience to any other department store in London. I love wandering through the treasure trove of timber beamed rooms where there’s always something new to discover.
Liberty is my go-to for something unique, and the fashion edit is where I begin. It’s home to a high-end mix of heritage-led fashion, British designers and cult labels such as Simone Rocha, Dries Van Noten, Rixo and Erdem, all carefully curated. The beauty hall is one of my favourites in London, as it’s filled with niche fragrances, luxury skincare and an array of exclusive brands. I also like to browse the impressive central atrium and homeware floors, which are ideal if you’re looking for a special gift or something distinctly British, and I love to stop by the in-house florist Petals at Liberty for pretty blooms.
Best for: First-time visitors, luxury shopping, unique gifts and homeware, cultural collaborations with big brands.
Good to know:
Visit midweek or earlier in the day for a more relaxed shopping experience. Don’t miss the chance to see Liberty’s iconic prints up close, they're a defining part of the store’s creative heritage.I also highly recommend experiencing Liberty at Christmas to find special gifts.
Nearest Tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly)
When: Open daily, Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Allow 1–2 hours, or longer if dining on the rooftop
Before evolving into a luxury department store and high-end retail destination, Harvey Nichols began life in 1831 as a modest linen store. Compared to its Knightsbridge neighbours, I find it offers a more fashion-forward, boutique-style alternative shopping experience. This is where I come to browse statement designers and new‑season staples, with a curated collections across womenswear and menswear. As you browse, expect to see designers such as Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen on the rails.
I love starting any visit to Harvey Nichols in the beauty hall, which has a brilliant mix of cult favourites and premium brands. It’s the perfect place to discover new launches or book a quick, expert consultation. From experience, the store is best explored floor by floor and while I’m there, I'll often check out the latest beauty and wellness treatments, before finishing with a cocktail on the rooftop. Occasionally, I'll head to the food hall, which is ideal for picking up something special, rather than doing a full grocery shop.
Best for: Fashion lovers, beauty enthusiasts and trend-led shopping.
Good to know: It is smaller than Harrods and feels calmer overall, though weekends can still be busy. I recommend heading up to the rooftop restaurant and bar for a drink, as the views make it well worth a visit.
Nearest Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo and Piccadilly)
When: Open daily, Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Allow 1–2 hours, or longer if booking an afternoon tea
As the oldest department store in London and the only one to hold a Royal Warrant, Fortnum & Mason is a must visit and a real feast for the eyes! Whenever I go, I feel as though I’m stepping back in time… Since first opening in 1707 as a grocer, it has become synonymous with British tradition and luxury food shopping. Every floor is dedicated to something delicious, from preserves and biscuits to fine wines and spirits. Over the years, I’ve spent a small fortune on the beautiful hampers it’s best known for, as well as chocolates, teas and impeccably packaged gifts!
You too can follow in the footsteps of royalty, as you explore the indulgent offerings and take in the theatrical displays and heritage touches throughout the building. I recommend starting in the decadent food halls, making your way up the show-stopping spiral staircase, and finishing on the homeware and gifting floors. If time allows book afternoon tea in the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for a truly quintessential British experience. If you can, visit at Christmas, when the store is transformed with festive decorations and elaborate window displays, making it feel especially magical.
Best for: First-time visitors, luxury shopping, gourmet food, unique gifts and homeware, British tradition.
Good to know: It’s very popular with visitors, so queues can form at peak times. For a memorable souvenir, choose Fortnum’s Queen Anne tea, created in 1907, or opt for something truly iconic such as their indulgent Scotch egg, Fortnum’s famous Rose & Violet Creams, a signature tea tin or a small hamper.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria))
When: Open daily, Mon-Sat: 10am-8pm, Sun: 11.30am-6pm
Duration: Allow 1-3 hours or longer if dining on the rooftop
John Lewis opened his first shop on Oxford Street as a drapery business in 1864, before becoming the retail giant John Lewis & Partners that it is today. I find it’s a reliable favourite for quality shopping across fashion, homeware and tech. It’s especially good for own-brand clothing and practical yet stylish home essentials and electronics, all backed by its trusted reputation and service.
Despite its size, the John Lewis Oxford Street flagship is easy to navigate, and I tend to head straight to the home floors, which are excellent if you’re looking for functional, design-led pieces at reasonable prices. If you need a break from shopping, the in-store dining options are great for recharging, but for me, the rooftop bar and restaurant is a real highlight. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, offering relaxed drinks or dining with views over central London that many shoppers miss entirely – the perfect go-to spot if you’re visiting London on a sunny day.
Best for: Homeware, everyday fashion, technology, dependable quality.
Good to know: It’s a less experiential store but fantastic for value and choice. If you’re in west or south‑west London, I also recommend visiting the Peter Jones store in Sloane Square, which feels calmer, more design‑focused and is one of my favourite John Lewis branches overall.
Map of department stores in London
Use this map to find the best department stores in London, from iconic luxury destinations in central London to well-known high street favourites.
Harrods London
Visit one of the most famous department stores in London for luxurious fashion brands, souvenirs and its huge food hall.
Harvey Nichols
Indulge in some luxury shopping at the Harvey Nichols flagship store in Knightsbridge.
Peter Jones
Browse fashion, homewares, technology and more at this Chelsea department store.
Fortnum & Mason
Step into Fortnum & Mason, a luxury department store on Piccadilly filled with tempting treats.
Department Stores in London FAQs
What are the best department stores in London?
London has a fantastic array of department stores to suit all tastes and budgets. Its best department stores include luxury landmark Harrods in Knightsbridge; fashion‑forward Selfridges on Oxford Street; elegant, heritage‑filled Liberty; designer favourite Harvey Nichols; trusted British staple John Lewis & Partners; and gourmet icon Fortnum & Mason, famed for food halls, gifts and afternoon tea.
What is the most famous department store in London?
Harrods is widely considered the most famous department store in London. Opened in 1849 and located in Knightsbridge, this iconic luxury store is renowned for designer fashion, jewellery, big-name beauty brands, homeware, dining and its world-famous food halls.
Which is the biggest department store in London?
Harrods is the biggest department store in London, spanning eight impressive floors, including a Lower Ground Floor, and housing more than 330 departments, making it one of the largest department stores in Europe.
Are there luxury department stores in London?
Yes, London has several world‑famous luxury department stores. Notable shopping havens include Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, Selfridges on Oxford Street, and heritage favourite Liberty in Soho.
What can you buy in London department stores?
London department stores sell everything from fashion for women, men and children to designer accessories, jewellery, beauty and fragrance. You can also shop for homeware, technology, toys, gourmet food and wine, plus gifts, souvenirs and places to eat, all in one destination.
Which department stores in London are best for fashion?
Fashionistas are well catered for in London, with runway‑ready retail including Selfridges on Oxford Street for trend‑led and designer labels; Harrods in Knightsbridge for luxury and haute couture; Liberty London for distinctive British designers; and Harvey Nichols for high‑fashion edits and emerging brands.
