Harrods

Overview

Harrods is the world's most famous luxury department store, occupying an entire city block in Knightsbridge. Its terracotta building, lit by 12,000 light bulbs at night, houses 330 departments across seven floors, with the motto "Omnia Omnibus Ubique" (All Things for All People, Everywhere).

Highlights

• Food Halls: The art deco and tiled food halls are a destination in themselves, selling everything from artisan cheeses to gold-leaf chocolates.
• Egyptian Escalator: The themed Egyptian escalator hall is one of the store's most photographed features.
• Christmas department: Harrods' Christmas department is open year-round and is a surreal experience in July.

History

Charles Henry Harrod founded a small grocery shop on this site in 1834. His son expanded it into a department store. The current building was constructed in 1905. Harrods was acquired by the Qatar Investment Authority in 2010 for £1.5 billion.

Visitor Tips

• Dress code: A loose dress code applies — no ripped jeans, flip-flops, or shorts.
• Free to browse: No purchase necessary; the food halls and ground floor are worth visiting just to look.
• Duration: 45–90 minutes.