Top Rated Shopping in London

This is one of London's most prestigious shopping venues and serves as a glittering tribute to everything opulent and stylish. Owned by Mohammed Al Fayed, each floor scales the heights of designer fashion clothing and accessories, luxury furniture, cosmetics, fine jewelry and classic toys. Adding to that, this Knightsbridge palace has multiple cafes and restaurants, an online casino, a designer shoe salon, and a pet department. A complimentary Harrods personal shopper will even assist you if you are in a hurry. Harrods' own brand provisions make perfect presents, and you can have your purchases delivered anywhere in the world. Also note, in the basement, Al Fayed has erected a small gilded tribute to Princess Diana and his son Dodi, who died tragically in 1997.

Selfridges is one of the best (and best known) department stores, not just in the city, but the world. A store from which customers have come to expect only the best, at Selfridges you can find branded clothing, accessories, cosmetics, eatables and so much more. When you take into account the quality and variety of services and products it offers, it is really no wonder that this high-end store has become one of London's attractions.

The chic and modern Knightsbridge Harvey Nichols store was a favorite of the late Princess Diana. Harvey Nicks, as it's affectionately called, concentrates mainly on selling beautiful designer clothes. The indecisive or time-pressed can even book a personal shopper to assist them free of charge. Other departments include the ground floor perfumery, the fourth floor Beyond MediSpa and the Fifth Floor Café and Bar. If that isn't enough, you can take some exquisitely packaged goodies away from the food hall. Perch at the espresso bar or browse through the organic and vitamin section, where you can use the touch screen computer for health food information.

With more than 175 years under its belt, James Smith & Sons displays a wide array of umbrellas at its store. Rain or shine, use one of James' colorful designs and make an all new style statement. From large to small and cheap to expensive, this shop has a shade for all. Whether it is taking a romantic walk with your love on a bright, sunny day or dropping your kids off to school when it is pouring, James Smith & Sons deserves to feature in all sweet memories.

Among Fortnum & Mason's luxurious surroundings, the British Empire truly lives on. Small and always bustling with tourists, Fortnum and Mason is much more than just the Queen's grocer. With full carpeting and chandeliers, department store shopping takes on a whole new meaning.Their packaging is traditional and elegant, and is free when you buy any gift (except for food, which is a pity, as the Food Hall is the store's highlight). There's a vast selection of branded teas, coffees, wines and provisions to choose from. Also, make sure you stop to see the curious fountain by the doors. This place is most famous for its inimitable hampers. You can also avail of restaurants, private dining experience and beauty rooms. Call ahead for more details.

Foyles is not for those who are used to run-of-the-mill and impersonal bookstores. The store has gained a place in the Guinness Book of Records for having the largest shelf area! There are excellent opportunities for leisurely browsing through its huge stock. The layout is peculiar and you may have to spend a while wandering around its many floors before finding what you're looking for. But, as long as you've got the time, Foyles is endlessly fascinating. Famous for their literary lunches and various events, with the likes of Will Self and other popular authors, it's well worth dropping by.