Choose from dozens of brands under one roof at one of the many unique department stores in London.
Make the most of London's iconic shopping scene, including the best shopping destinations such as Harrods and Selfridges for luxury goods and stunning food halls.
Check out newer London department stores which curate cutting-edge clothes and lifestyle pieces from the latest British designers.
1. Harrods
Find rare goods and luxury items at Harrods, a true British icon. For luxury shopping in London, it’s hard to beat. This shop boasts more than 300 departments selling exclusive products including the latest tech items and bespoke perfume. Take a break from shopping at one of the many restaurants or relax with afternoon tea in The Harrods Tea Rooms.
2. Fortnum & Mason
Step back in time at Fortnum & Mason, a bastion of British tradition. From the uniformed staff to the elegant tearoom, this department store is full of old-time charm. Enter foodie heaven in the food hall that's stocked with fine tea leaves, delicious patisseries and the famous scotch eggs that were invented by Mr Fortnum in 1738.
3. Dover Street Market
Experience a dose of surrealism as you shop at Dover Street Market. Founded by the designer of Comme des Garçons, Rei Kawakubo, this marketplace features unique installations that blur the lines between fashion and art from designer names such as The Row, Gucci and Simone Rocha, as well as cutting-edge British brands.
4. Liberty London
Spend hours exploring the nooks and crannies of Liberty London. This department store in the West End is one of the best places to shop in London and is instantly recognisable with the Union Jack flag flying over its mock Tudor exterior. Inside, you'll find products exclusive to Liberty, exquisite pieces of jewellery and the famous Liberty fabric in the haberdashery department.
5. John Lewis & Partners
Take home the latest fashion, jewellery, electronics, homeware and more across six floors at John Lewis & Partners Oxford Street. When you're done shopping, take a break at one of the cafes or get pampered by the in-store stylists. This London department store even has a rooftop bar with seasonal pop-ups, so you can take in views of Oxford Street below with a cocktail in hand.
6. Goodhood
Find trend-setting clothes and stylish homeware that appeal to the east London crowd at Goodhood in Shoreditch. Items are for sale at every price range, with an eclectic mix of goods that includes mugs, designer camping gear and pet accessories.
7. Selfridges
Get your hands on the iconic yellow shopping bag at Selfridges, one of the most famous department stores in London. Shopping bags are easy to fill in this department store that has everything from beauty staples to stationery and luxury fashion from the likes of Miu Miu, Prada and Tom Ford. Stop by the food hall and in-store restaurants for tempting treats before enjoying the latest film releases at the in-house cinema.
8. Harvey Nichols
Join the fashion crowd at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge. Championing a mixture of new and established designers, this beloved department store stocks everyday fashion in addition to high-end pieces. Refuel after shopping at The Fifth Floor cafe and terrace for a cocktail with a view.
9. Heal's
Discover homeware, lighting and furniture at Heal's. A staple on Tottenham Court Road since the early 1800s, the flagship store has kept up with modern trends and features inspiring showrooms to explore. Make sure to take a picture of the Instagram-worthy spiral staircase that's illuminated by a bespoke Bocci chandelier!
10. Marks & Spencer
Browse everything from food and fashion to technology and homeware at the flagship Marks & Spencer store on Oxford Street. The iconic British department store was founded in 1884 and has since become a national favourite, affectionately referred to as "M&S". Be sure to pick up some trendy clothing or high-quality food items including British tea and shortbread.
A guide to department stores in London
What are the most popular department stores in London?
London has a fantastic array of department stores to suit all tastes and budgets.
Many of the famous department stores in London are located in the West End, and Oxford Street is home to three iconic stores: Selfridges, stocked with designer brands, cult beauty products and gourmet treats; John Lewis & Partners, a British institution for fashion, homeware, tech and gifts; and Marks & Spencer, a high-street hero for affordable homeware and fashion for the whole family.
One of the most popular department stores in London, and perhaps the city's most luxurious store, is Harrods in Knightsbridge. Opened in 1849, this plush store is the place to shop for designer clothes, jewellery, big-name beauty brands and homeware. It's also home to a legendary food hall, as well as a range of bars and restaurants.
What is a department store?
A department store is a large shop that sells a variety of items across different floors. Department stores typically sell everything from clothes and beauty products to homeware, furnishings and tech. Some department stores in London have food halls, and there's often somewhere to eat and drink within the shop. Some of London's best department stores feature a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars.
London department stores such as John Lewis & Partners and Selfridges on Oxford Street and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge have top-floor restaurants offering fantastic views of London. Famous department stores in London like Harrods and Liberty London host in-store events, including makeup masterclasses, product launches and pop-ups.
What is the most exclusive store in London?
Within a striking 19th-century building on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, Harrods is not only one of London's most exclusive stores, but it's also one of the city's most famous landmarks.
It stocks clothing for women, men and children from big designer brands, such as Gucci and Prada, as well as British designers including Alexander McQueen and Burberry. Harrods has an impressive jewellery department showcasing designer watches, while the homeware department is the place for luxury furnishings.
On-site services include a luxury travel agency, a beauty treatment room for massages and facials, a hair salon, an engraving service for gifting and personal shopping experts.
The department store's legendary food hall stocks gourmet treats, fine wines and an excellent selection of tea and biscuits. The bars and restaurants at Harrods range from cocktail bars and cafes to restaurant collaborations with top chefs. The Tea Room serves a signature afternoon tea.
For more top places to shop in London, check this guide to London's best shopping destinations.
