HARRODS ULTIMATE GUIDE

Open: Mon - Sat: 10:00AM to 9:00PM

Sun: 11:30AM to 6:00PM

Time Needed: 2.5 hours

Price: Free

Not many department stores can boast of being a world-famous tourist attractions with over 15 million visitors every year. But with jaw-dropping architecture (not to mention some of the most luxurious brands known to mankind), Harrods is the ultimate destination in London for both shopping enthusiasts and non-shopping enthusiasts alike. Have you ever consider taking a free walking tour around a department store? Harrods is the place!

Located in the heart of one of London’s richest neighbourhoods (Knightsbridge), Harrods is hands-down the biggest department store in Europe, as it spans over seven floors, 90,000 square metres and 330 different departments.

Harrods was established in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, who was a businessman involved in retail trade with a special interest in tea trading. Originally, Harrods was designed to be a single-room store selling tea and groceries, with only two employees and one messenger boy. However, by 1880, Harrods expanded into a thriving department store which offered everything from luxury clothing brands to budget household items.

Today, Harrods is more than just a department stare. It’s an international and highly-desirable brand, and it even boasts its own bank, optician and pharmacy, as well as Harrods Aviation, Air Harrods and Harrods Estates.

Harrods is currently owned by Qatar Holdings, and was purchased by the Al-Fayed family in 2010. Mohamed Fayed is the father of Dodi Fayed, who was with Princess Diana in Paris when the car they were riding in crashed and killed both of them (including the driver) instantly. In their honour, Fayed set up a memorial for them in Harrods, which is located next to the escalators.

Harrods Highlights

With its motto “Omnia Omnibus Ubique – All Things For All People, Everywhere,” it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Harrods covers nearly every type of product and designer brand imaginable.

With names like Dolce and Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta, Heidi Klein, and Estée Lauder scattered throughout its many departments, and products ranging from designer clothes, make-up, jewellery, furniture, shoes, cigars, and so much more, there’s no telling what you’ll walk out of the store with when shopping at Harrods.

You probably won't have time to visit all of the over 330 retailers at Harrods, but at least you can take a stroll around The Arcade (located on the lower ground floor) to enjoy the traditional British atmosphere and find superb gifts. The Womenswear and Menswear departments are located on the first and second floors respectively, and families will delight in the Toy Department on the fourth floor, as it contains huge stuffed animals and unique toys you certainly won’t find anywhere else in London. If possible, take a trip to the sixth floor to delight yourself with the refinement of the Salon de Parfums, which boasts some of the most exclusive perfumes on the planet.

Harrods also has fascinating architecture featuring Egyptian designs, terracotta tiles, Art Nouveau windows and a baroque-style dome. If you feel like doing some sightseeing around Harrods, then be sure to check out the lavishly-decorated Food Hall with 27 different restaurants located on the lower floor, which was decorated with artwork by Williams James Neatby. Also, be sure to check out the Egyptian Halls and Crystal Rooms; and, most importantly, the majestic central Egyptian-styled escalators. You'll feel like taking a free tour around the British Museum!

During the holiday season, Harrods is transformed into a wintry wonderland, with its Brompton Road windows decorated in a delightful Christmas theme, and customers can also visit Father Christmas at its annual Christmas Grotto area.

Harrods hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from wine events, childrens’ workshops and much more. Before you visit, make sure you check out Harrods’ official website to see if there is an event taking place on the day that you visit.

Special Tips

Because Harrods attracts some of the wealthiest and famous stars in London, keep an eye out for celebrities while you're strolling around (but don't take their picture unless you are given permission to do so).

Make sure you take advantage of Harrods' winter and summer sales – be prepared for big crowds and long queues though.

If you do decide to buy something at Harrods, make sure you leave the store with its signature green bag!

Getting There

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom.

By Tube: The nearest station is Knightsbridge which is a three-minute walk away. When exiting the station, use the Brompton Road exit. South Kensington station is a 14-minute walk away from Harrods, and Sloane Square is also a 14-minute walk away.

By Train: The nearest station is Victoria, which is a 26-minute walk away.

By Bus: You can reach Harrods via routes 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452 and C1.

By Car: The nearest car park is located on Brompton Place, which is a five-minute walk away.

Visiting Harrods

There are detailed floor plans located at the entrance to the store, but you might prefer to download the Harrods app if you want to locate a store in particular (free wifi is available). There are ATMs, a currency exchange bureau, and gift wrapping services on the lower ground floor.

The store has wheelchair access in any of the front doors along Brompton Road, or at Door 3 (which is located at the rear of the store in Basil Street). Door 5 on Hans Crescent also has a convenient entry as well as nearby lifts to the upper floors.

There are bars, restaurants, bistros, tea rooms, lounges and even a champagne bar scattered around Harrods’ many floors, which offer everything from caviar, oysters, Italian wine, Asian cuisine and even BBQ.

Visitors to Harrods are asked to wear respectable clothing when visiting the store, and avoid wearing clothes which may reveal “intimate parts of the body” or feature offensive pictures or writing.

Be aware that large bags and suitcases are not allowed at Harrods (no, not even cabin-sized cases!), and there aren't any left luggage facilities available. So make sure to plan ahead and don't visit Harrods on your way to or from the airport!

Photography is allowed, but not in the jewellery departments, Banking Hold or Safe Deposit; even so, security personnel may ask you to put your camera away if they see you snapping photos around the store.

Unaccompanied children under the ages of 18 will not be allowed to enter the store, and no eating or drinking is allowed in the store unless it is in Harrods’ many cafes and restaurants.

If the store is busy, Harrods may have to deny access to tour parties or larger groups.

Ticket Costs and Opening Times

Anyone can enter Harrods for free, but be aware that there are “Browsing only” times on Sunday, between 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. However, if you plan on shopping in Harrods, its opening and closing times are:

• 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday
• 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays

If you are checking out Harrods, you might also want to join any of the free tours in London that are available on offer.