Though Knightsbridge began life as a humble hamlet many centuries ago and was once frequented by outlaws and highwaymen, today it is one of London’s wealthiest and most opulent areas. Said to be home to some of the most expensive real estate on the planet, Knightsbridge is a playground for international royalty, executives, and other high-rollers. And it has the addresses to prove it: In addition to famed department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, it’s host to fabulous hotels, Michelin-starred eateries, and enough designer shops to give the area the feel of an international fashion symposium.
From private shopping tours of the city to hop-on hop-off bus rides and nighttime London itineraries, there are numerous ways to explore Knightsbridge. Given how close it is to other top attractions—including Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Royal Albert Hall, and the museums of South Kensington—it’s also easy to discover independently.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, located in the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, is one of London’s top restaurants and has two Michelin stars.
The Harrods Food Hall is home to a vast array of gourmet delicacies, sourced from all over the world.
Located on the edge of Knightsbridge, the Victoria & Albert Museum—also known as the V&A—is an architectural highlight and home to hundreds of galleries.
There are numerous ways to access Knightsbridge. Via the Tube, take the Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge Station, or take bus 9, 14, 19, 22, 23, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452, 702, or C1. The neighborhood can also be reached by car or bike or on foot.
If it’s shopping you plan to do, come to Knightsbridge during daytime opening hours. If your taste skews more to fine dining, pricy cocktails, and chic nightclubs, after hours may be a better time to explore. Knightsbridge maintains its glittering allure throughout the year, though it particularly sparkles in the lead-up to Christmas, thanks to the lights that adorn Harrods and decorate the streets.
When you need a break from the bustle, trade Knightsbridge’s high-end shopping haunts for Hyde Park, located just minutes away. Visit the Serpentine Gallery, glimpse the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, or simply relax on the grass as you watch swans float by on the Serpentine.
