Shop at Harrods

Claim to Fame

Harrods is the most famous department store in London — a luxury icon known for its opulent decor, designer collections, gourmet food halls, and world-class customer service.

📌 Navigating Harrods : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Customer restrooms are available throughout the store.
Hours of Operation: Opening hours are typically from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Important Information: Special events and seasonal displays are frequent; check in advance for details.
Admission Fee: No admission fee to enter Harrods.
How Long to Visit: Visitors can spend anywhere from an hour to a full day exploring the store.
Parking: Parking is available in nearby car parks; however, public transportation is a better option.
Family Friendly: Harrods offers a family-friendly experience, with departments appealing to all ages.
Photography: Photography is restricted inside Harrods; check with staff for the current policy.
WIFI: WIFI is available throughout the store for shoppers' convenience.
Picnic Area: No picnic areas, but food halls offer a range of takeaway options.
Handicap Accessible: The store is accessible, with elevators and escalators connecting the floors.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside Harrods, with the exception of service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are not typically available, but personal shopping services can be arranged.
Restaurant or Cafe: Multiple dining options are available within Harrods, from cafes to fine dining.
Gift Shop: Harrods' gift shop offers a wide range of luxury goods, souvenirs, and signature products.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Harrods

A trip to Harrods is more than just shopping — it’s a quintessential London experience. Located in Knightsbridge, this legendary department store spans over a million square feet, featuring more than 300 departments offering everything from haute couture to homeware, rare wines, fine jewelry, and even pets.

What to Expect

Walking into Harrods is like stepping into a palace of retail. The grand halls are decorated with marble columns, stained glass, and gilded finishes. The store’s multiple floors cater to every luxury desire imaginable — from Chanel and Louis Vuitton boutiques to the renowned Harrods Food Halls, offering handcrafted chocolates, exotic teas, and fine cheeses from around the world.

You'll also find specialized departments for technology, toys, perfumes, souvenirs, and Harrods-branded merchandise. The store offers personal shopping services, beauty salons, and exclusive VIP areas — all under one iconic green-and-gold roof.

Background and Cultural Context

Founded in 1849, Harrods has grown from a humble grocery store into a global symbol of luxury retail. It has served royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries, and was once home to an exotic pet department where customers could purchase lions or elephants. Today, it continues to blend old-world elegance with cutting-edge fashion and innovation.

The store is a British cultural landmark, famous for its motto: “Omnia Omnibus Ubique” — “All things for all people, everywhere.” It also lights up beautifully at night, outlined in thousands of bulbs, attracting photographers and nighttime strollers alike.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings tend to be the quietest, especially before noon. The store gets crowded in the afternoons, weekends, and during sale periods. Christmas time is particularly magical, as Harrods is known for its extravagant seasonal displays and festive décor.

How to Get There

Harrods is located in the affluent Knightsbridge neighborhood. The closest London Underground station is Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), with a direct entrance into the store. It’s also a short walk from Hyde Park and easily reachable by bus or taxi.

Photo Opportunities

Harrods’ illuminated exterior at night
The Egyptian Escalator — an ornate Art Deco feature inside
Decadent displays in the Food Halls
Window displays during holidays
Harrods branded souvenir items and packaging

Travel Tips

Dress smartly — Harrods has a formal dress code (no swimwear, no offensive slogans).
Bring a credit card — many items are high-end and can be expensive.
Don’t miss the Diana and Dodi Memorial inside, near the escalators.
Use the staff — they’re trained to offer exceptional customer service.
Visit the gift shop for elegant Harrods-branded souvenirs.

FAQs

Is there a fee to enter Harrods?
No — entrance is free and open to the public during operating hours.

Can I take photos inside?
Yes, but avoid flash in certain departments and be respectful of staff and other shoppers.

Does Harrods have restaurants?
Yes — there are multiple restaurants, cafés, and food counters throughout the store.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're browsing designer handbags, sampling delicacies in the food halls, or simply admiring the luxurious interiors, a visit to Harrods is a uniquely London experience. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the atmosphere alone makes it worth the trip — a fusion of elegance, history, and retail spectacle.

Things To Do near Harrods

Hyde Park

The Distance from Harrods to Hyde Park is 1.4 Kilometer(s) / 0.9 Mile(s)

Buckingham Palace

The Distance from Harrods to Buckingham Palace is 2.4 Kilometer(s) / 1.5 Mile(s)

Churchill War Rooms

The Distance from Harrods to Churchill War Rooms is 3.9 Kilometer(s) / 2.4 Mile(s)

West End Theatre District

The Distance from Harrods to West End Theatre District is 4.7 Kilometer(s) / 2.9 Mile(s)

London Eye

The Distance from Harrods to London Eye is 5 Kilometer(s) / 3.1 Mile(s)

British Museum

The Distance from Harrods to British Museum is 5.5 Kilometer(s) / 3.4 Mile(s)

Tate Modern

The Distance from Harrods to Tate Modern is 7.2 Kilometer(s) / 4.5 Mile(s)

Tower of London

The Distance from Harrods to Tower of London is 9.8 Kilometer(s) / 6.1 Mile(s)

Tower Bridge

The Distance from Harrods to Tower Bridge is 9.8 Kilometer(s) / 6.1 Mile(s)

Royal Observatory in Greenwich

The Distance from Harrods to Royal Observatory in Greenwich is 18.5 Kilometer(s) / 11.5 Mile(s)

📘 London Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: London operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter and British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT +1, during the summer months.

Weather: London has a temperate maritime climate with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are generally warm with average highs around 22°C (72°F), while winters are cool with temperatures averaging 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Rain is frequent but typically light.

Population: London has a population of over 9 million people, making it the largest city in the United Kingdom. It is one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in the world, with more than 300 languages spoken.

Size: London spans an area of about 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles) and is divided into 32 boroughs plus the City of London. The River Thames flows through the city, shaping its layout and history.

Language: English is the official language in London. Due to its diversity, many other languages are spoken across the city, including Bengali, Polish, Arabic, French, and Urdu.

Currency: The currency used is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common across public transit and shops.

Safety: London is considered safe for tourists, though petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and on public transport. Police presence is strong in central and tourist-heavy areas.

Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is common if service is not included. Tipping is less expected in pubs, but appreciated for exceptional service.

Electricity and Plugs: The United Kingdom uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug type G is standard. Visitors from countries with different plug types will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

Water: Tap water in London is safe to drink and meets strict quality standards. It is treated and monitored regularly, and commonly served in restaurants upon request.

Annual Visitors: London welcomes over 20 million international visitors each year. It is one of the most visited cities in the world, with landmarks such as the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, and the West End theatre district.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including EU and Commonwealth nations, can enter the UK for short stays without a visa. Others may require a Standard Visitor visa. A valid passport is required for all visitors.

Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the UK. Travelers should ensure routine vaccines like MMR, flu, and COVID-19 are up to date. Healthcare is excellent, but visitors may need insurance to cover treatment.

Transportation: London has a vast and efficient public transportation system including the London Underground (“Tube”), buses, overground trains, and river ferries. Contactless cards and the Oyster system are widely used for payment.

Food: London’s food scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from classic British fare like fish and chips to world cuisines. Street food markets, fine dining, and multicultural neighborhoods make the city a global culinary hub.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Londoners value politeness, queuing, and personal space. A simple “please” and “thank you” go a long way. Public behavior is generally reserved, and loud conduct is discouraged in shared spaces like public transport.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent, and prepaid SIM cards with data are easy to obtain at airports and shops.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is strongly recommended for visitors to London. While the NHS provides excellent care, non-residents may be charged for services. Insurance also helps with trip interruptions or lost belongings.

Did You Know? - Facts About Harrods

Harrods' motto is "Omnia Omnibus Ubique," which is Latin for "All Things for All People, Everywhere".

The store has 23 restaurants, serving everything from high tea to tapas to pub food.

Harrods was the first store in the world to install a moving staircase – an early version of the escalator – in 1898.

Harrods occupies a 5-acre site and has over 330 departments, making it the biggest department store in Europe.

Harrods is one of the world's largest and most famous luxury department stores, established in 1849 in London's Knightsbridge.