Luxury shopping in London

Add a little luxury to your London city break with our guide to the city’s iconic shopping stores. Well worth a visit just for the grandeur of the surroundings, you’ll be spoilt for choice from luxury goods, fashion and homewares. Make a note of the addresses for the famous January sales as well and don’t forget to round off your day with a classic British afternoon tea at one of London’s fine hotels.

1. Harrods

This is undoubtedly the world’s most famous upmarket department store and there is little wonder why. With over 300 departments, it offers a wide range of products and services that go from bargains to luxury products.

Customers can expect the latest in electronics, jewellery, sporting gear, toys, cosmetics, fragrances, home appliances and women, men and children fashion. There is even a pets departments and fanciful pet accessories!

The Food Hall at Harrods is a thing of beauty and wonder, and an ideal place to find stocking fillers and classy souvenir gifts.

If you are visiting, please be aware that there is a dress code policy and Bermuda shorts, flip flops or unkempt clothing are not welcome.

2. Selfridges

This high-end department store is the second largest in the United Kingdom and it’s so popular that its history has been recently dramatised in a successful television series. After all, back in 2010, the Daily Telegraph named this chain the world’s best department store.

The London shop is the chain’s flagship and like with the rest of the branches, its building is a tourist destination in its own right.

However, the interior is almost equally impressive. Inside await a wide range of clothes from both small and top brands, fragrances, designer handbags, must-have toys and delightful gifts.

3. Harvey Nichols

This leading international luxury fashion store opened in 1880 and was immediately acclaimed by the locals.

Ever since then, its popularity has continued to increase, particularly amidst the younger shoppers who fancy its laid-back atmosphere over other upmarket department stores such as Harrods.

The goods on offer are of a wide variety and cater for all pocket sizes without compromising on quality. Amongst the items you can expect to find are handbags, shoes, accessories, jewellery, clothing beauty products, wine and food.

4. Liberty

Located in Regent Street, this has been one of the most prestigious department stores in London since it opened in the 19th century to rival the designer shops of Paris.

In fact, the shop is widely known for its floral and graphic prints. Aside from fashion, it offers luxury goods such as cosmetics, fragrances, jewellery, accessories, homeware, furniture, stationary and gifts.

All in all, it is worth a visit even for non-shoppers thanks to its magnificent façade that is reminiscent of the Tudor era and has truly turned the building into a city landmark.

5. Fortnum & Mason

The Fortnum & Mason store is the epitome of upper-class refinement, as befits the Queens Official Grocer. Having offered fancy goods to discerning customers since 1707, Fortnum & Mason clearly knows how to keep surprising and delighting its clientele.

Well worth a visit just for the beautiful building and spectactular atrium that greet you on arrival, you can find a superb selection of fine foods and wine as well as a cookshop, luggage and fashion.

Five restaurants make it an ideal destination for lunch, and there‘s plenty of opportuniy to pick up quintessential British gifts like hampers and rare teas.