Knightsbridge

The Basics

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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• 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.

How to Get There

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.

When to Get There

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.

Hyde Park

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.

Ways to explore

Knightsbridge is the place for luxury shopping and museum trips. To experience it with a guide, there are private black taxi tours, Chelsea walking tours that dip into the neighborhood, or even niche offerings such as Princess Diana walking tours that visit the places that the royal liked to go. Most organized excursions to Knightsbridge, however, are private shopping trips that offer transport with a personal driver, tips and advice for the various boutiques, and a handy place to leave your bags between shops. They also often visit nearby Sloane Street.

Accessibility

Knightsbridge tube station has step-free access to the street for wheelchair users via an entrance/exit at Hooper’s Court.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards for shopping, a pickpocket-proof bag

What to wear

Smart-casual for browsing Harrods and other posh London shops

Not allowed

Suitcases or large bags at some shops

Amenities

Shopping, supermarkets, parks (Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens), public restrooms, museums, art galleries

Address

Many visitors end up in Knightsbridge by strolling through Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens, or even from nearby Buckingham Palace. It’s also well-connected by public transportation.

Driving

You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee to drive in Knightsbridge. Street parking is limited, but paid parking lots are available in the area.

Public transportation

Take the tube via the Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge station, or the District and Circle line to South Kensington, which is a 10-minute walk. Several buses go to Knightsbridge, including the tourist-popular 9, 14, 19, and 22 services from central London.

Best times to visit

Aim to visit around 10am, when many of Knightsbridge’s shops open their doors.

Best days to visit

Visit between Monday and Friday to avoid the worst of the weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

To see the Knightsbridge Christmas lights and the opulent festive Harrods window displays, visit from early November through early January.

Special events

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park takes place for six weeks from mid-November with a Christmas market, rides, and ice skating.