Harrods and Selfridges in London: Which One Is Best?
A Tale of Two Icons
London is the heart of the shopping world, and it’s no little surprise that two of the world’s most famous department stores are found right in the City of London: Harrods and Selfridges.
From luxury items to grocery store treasures, both are shopping destinations in their own right.
As someone in her 60s who cares about things like customer service, elevator access, and how far I need to walk between beauty counters, I set out to compare them. If you’re planning a trip and asking yourself which offers the best department store experience, read on. Let me give you the real-deal scoop on these retail icons.
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Department stores are not as popular in the U.S. as they once were, with many shoppers now favoring online retailers and specialty stores. That’s why I was so excited to visit London’s Selfridges and Harrods—two iconic department stores that still embody the classic shopping experience in a way that’s become rare back home
Most people will order online or go to separate stores like Macy’s, Walmart or outlets. Here it took me back in time—but on a way larger scale: elevators and several floors, so many departments, including food courts. Sadly, we didn’t have enough time to explore like we wanted.
Selfridges: Bold, Bright, and Buzzing
I’ll be honest—I had never even heard of Selfridges until I stumbled upon the British TV drama Mr. Selfridge, which aired from 2013 to 2016.
It told the story of the store’s ambitious founder, Harry Gordon Selfridge, an American entrepreneur who shook up London’s retail world in the early 1900s. The show gave a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the store, the challenges of retail in a rapidly changing world, and how Selfridge’s vision turned shopping into an experience.
After watching the series, I was hooked. Visiting Selfridges in person went straight to the top of my London list—and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
You can stream Mr. Selfridge on several platforms:
PBS Masterpiece Amazon Channel: Available with a subscription.
Amazon Prime Video: Free with ads.
Apple TV: Available for purchase and Amazon
For more information, visit the official PBS Mr. Selfridge page: PBS
History of Selfridge
Founded by American entrepreneur Harry Gordon Selfridge, Selfridges is a landmark on Oxford Street, known for its innovation and flair.
It was the site of the first public demonstration of television and still feels like a tech-savvy wonderland. It’s not just one of the largest department stores in the United Kingdom, but also among the world’s best department stores, placing around sixth place in global rankings.
Still, there’s no denying that Selfridges remains an iconic department store.
One of my favorite places to go was in the basement area. They have a lot of quirky gift items as shown in the picture.
It can feel a bit overwhelming being here because there’s so much to take in—but that’s also what makes it so impressive. At a time when many retailers have struggled, this place has not only kept up with the shift toward online shopping but has done so while preserving a vibrant and inviting in-store atmosphere
Fashion Finds and Foodie Fun
Of course, I didn’t get a chance to cover every single department at Selfridges. I was mostly curious about their ladies’ fashion sections, which are spread across the second and third floors. I browsed through racks of stylish and unique clothing.
Some items really caught my eye—but unfortunately, most of them were way too pricey for me. I did manage to spot a few discounted pieces, though nothing made it into my suitcase this time.
What stood out was the collection of well-known luxury brands like Gucci (my personal favorite), Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Chanel. Even if you’re just window shopping, it’s a fun way to feel like you’re walking through the pages of a fashion magazine.
We spent quite a bit of time on the lower ground floor, where the food hall is located. It’s packed with gourmet coffees, a lovely selection of teas for purchase, and even a regular food store. Honestly, there was so much there I couldn’t name everything or remember it all—but it was a feast for the senses, and well worth the time.
Harrods: Classic Luxury With Royal Energy
Just a Tube ride away is Harrods, sitting regally on Brompton Road. Founded by Charles Henry Harrod, it’s often considered the first department store to truly combine high-end shopping with theatrical opulence.
How It All Started
Year: 1834
Founder: Charles Henry Harrod
First Location: A small grocery shop in East London
Harrod moved the shop to Knightsbridge in 1849 to capitalize on the Great Exhibition crowd that would soon flood Hyde Park.
A Major Setback Turned into a Comeback
In 1883, Harrods burned to the ground just before Christmas.
Instead of folding, they delivered every customer’s order in full and on time that holiday season. Total boss move.
A brand-new, even more glamorous building opened in 1905—the one we see today with that stunning terracotta facade and the famous dome and Egyptian-style elevators.
Royal Stamp of Approval
Harrods has had royal warrants from Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and other royal family members.
It’s long been a shopping destination for the rich, famous, and curious tourists—everyone from Oscar Wilde to Princess Diana has shopped there.
At its peak, Harrods sold:
Exotic animals (yes, you could once buy a lion cub or elephant there—seriously).
Organs and pianos.
Tailored suits, perfumes, fine china, luxury foods, and more.
I got some delicious cheesecake from Harrods
Harrods Today
Now owned by the Qatar Investment Authority (since 2010), Harrods has kept its opulent charm.
It has 330+ departments, a legendary Food Hall, and still gives off that “You’ve made it” energy.
It’s one of the world’s most famous department stores, attracting 15 million visitors a year.
Socks & Splendor
The store’s location is prime, and the building itself is a world-famous building that looks more like a palace than a place to buy socks.
Gourmet Heaven
The food hall at Harrods is really something special. It’s not just one big room—it’s more like a bunch of little food areas all in one place. They have counters for meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and ready-made meals you can grab and eat right away. You’ll see fresh juices, fancy chocolates, and desserts that are almost too pretty to eat. There are spots where you can sit and have a meal too. We walked around for a while just looking at everything. I picked up some truffle mustard and felt pretty fancy carrying that out the door.
The Food Hall
The food hall at Harrods is practically sacred. It’s not just one room—it’s like a little village of delicious things.
You’ll find counters for meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods, and ready-to-eat meals. There are fresh juices, colorful pastries, and chocolates that look too pretty to eat.
They even have sit-down spots if you want to relax with a bite. It felt like every corner had something tempting
This upmarket department store isn’t just elegant—it’s legendary. The store’s location is prime, and the building itself is a world-famous building that looks more like a palace than a place to buy socks.
Compared to Selfridge this store seems to offer better prices on items. I think it’s a better place to get gifts for your family and friends.
Harrods has a way of making you feel like you belong, even if you’re just there for a Harrods bag and not a diamond watch.
In recent years, it’s modernized while still honoring tradition. There’s been a global shift toward digital-first retail, and Harrods keeps pace. It’s a great place for discovering luxury brands, and even houses products seen in New York City’s Bloomingdale or Macy’s State Street, only with a royal twist.
Face-Off: Selfridges vs Harrods
| Category | Selfridges | Harrods |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Trendy, bold, youthful | Classic, regal, traditional |
| Customer Service | Friendly, but hit or miss | White-glove level excellent |
| Food Hall | Fun and modern | Legendary and elegant (x3 food hall moments!) |
| Best for… | TikTok views, modern finds | Old-world charm, luxury experience |
| Layout | Open aisles, clear signage | Maze-like, but immersive |
| Rating | Around sixth place globally | Currently second place globally |
| Accessibility | Great for mobility, signage | Good but a bit overwhelming in size |
| Holiday Season Appeal | High energy | Full luxury fantasy |
| More Reasonable Prices | Often, especially mid-range brands | Expect higher-end price tags |
While Selfridges leans toward the growing number of independent women seeking high fashion and more reasonable prices, Harrods caters to those dreaming of distant lands and luxury goods wrapped in velvet.
And let’s not forget other contenders like John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, or even El Corte Inglés and El Palacio de Hierro from Mexico City that also rank in top retail destinations. But when you’re in London? These two stores are at the top of the ranking.
The Verdict From A 60-Something Shopper
Here’s the thing: they’re both spectacular in their own way. If I had to crown one the winner based on my average review rating, positive sentiment score, and overall comfort, I’d lean slightly toward Harrods. It offers that fifth place charm with first place polish.
But Selfridges deserves applause for being adaptive, tech-forward, and still keeping its soul. Plus, who can resist a good TikTok make moment or espresso pod upgrade?
No matter your age, style, or budget, both stores are worth checking out.
If you’re after designer fashion or just want to browse and enjoy the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone. From everyday deals to luxury items, and from historic buildings to stylish displays, these places are more than just shops—they’re a big part of what makes London special.
So if you’re in the city, take a little time to explore them. You don’t have to buy a thing to enjoy the experience.
And honestly? I walked out feeling great.
4 thoughts on “Harrods and Selfridges in London: Which One Is Best?”
Great post! Seems like a Harrolds girl. You had me at food hall!
Oh yeah. They have some yummy items!
I really miss the department store shopping experience I grew up with! I hope to visit London soon and Harrods and Selfridges will surely be on my itinerary!
Great pLove this honest breakdown! It’s so refreshing to hear a real perspective that actually considers the full experience—not just the price tags. Comfort, service, and ease matter more than people realize. This gave me a lot to think about!