Experiences
The 6 Best Department Stores in London
Harrods marble, Selfridges windows and Fortnum's hampers: London's grandest shopping under one roof.
In short: our top picks are Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty. 6 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
The London department store is a destination in its own right, not just a shop. Harrods and Harvey Nichols do Knightsbridge luxury, Selfridges leads Oxford Street on fashion and theatre, Liberty wraps it all in a Tudor-revival landmark, and Fortnum and Mason has been the royal grocer since 1707. Dover Street Market is the avant-garde outlier. Come for the food halls and the windows as much as the shopping.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Harrods | Knightsbridge |
| Selfridges | Oxford Street |
| Liberty | Soho |
| Harvey Nichols | Knightsbridge |
| Fortnum and Mason | Piccadilly |
| Dover Street Market | Mayfair |
-
Editor’s choice
Harrods
Why we pick itLondon's most famous luxury store, over a million square feet of fashion, beauty and food halls in Knightsbridge.
luxury department store
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Selfridges
Why we pick itThe Oxford Street icon, a constantly evolving mix of designer fashion, beauty, tech and a luxury food hall.
department store
-
Liberty
Why we pick itFashion, homeware and its famous textiles in an eye-catching Tudor-revival building off Regent Street.
Tudor-revival department store
-
Harvey Nichols
Why we pick itEight floors of designer fashion, beauty and a rooftop dining floor in Knightsbridge since 1831.
luxury department store
-
Fortnum and Mason
Why we pick itFounded in 1707 and favoured by the Royal Family, synonymous with British tea, hampers and gifting.
luxury food and gifts
-
Dover Street Market
Why we pick itComme des Garcons' avant-garde concept store, gallery-style fashion across several floors.
concept store
Before you book
All cluster around Knightsbridge, Oxford Street and Piccadilly, easily combined on foot or a short hop by bus. The food halls at Harrods, Selfridges and Fortnum’s are worth a visit even if you buy nothing. Expect crowds at weekends and during the sales, and beauty-hall queues near Christmas.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Harrods is our editor's choice: London's most famous luxury store, over a million square feet of fashion, beauty and food halls in Knightsbridge. Harrods, Selfridges and Liberty lead the guide, with 6 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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