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.

Trip ideas

Royal Museums Greenwich in London: Online Stories and Collections

This robust selection of online offerings from four top Greenwich museums lets you explore world history from home. Discover epic stories of sea and space exploration, get behind-the-scenes insight from museum curators and specialists, and even explore the globe in 3D.

British Museum Virtual Tour

The British Museum’s collection is yours to explore with just a few clicks. Navigate continents and cultures—from prehistoric to present—with this interactive experience. Access renowned artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone, and hear directly from museum curators.

London Rock Music Tour: A Virtual Audio Experience

London’s rock 'n' roll spirit endures even when the shows are called off. Channel the spirit of the city’s hippest musical neighborhoods and venues with a virtual itinerary—and accompanying song recommendations—from London Rock Music Tour founder Bruce Cherry.

Virtual 360° Experience of London's Twickenham Stadium

Get a virtual look inside Twickenham Stadium, the home of rugby union, during a England v Wales Six Nations game. A series of 360-degree panoramas show off the views from the best seats in the house.

Pubs with History: London's Most Unusual Drinking Dens

Narrow down your options for a pint to these storied watering holes near St. Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, and more.

8 West End Performances to Stream Right Now

The lights may technically be out at London theaters, but the district has turned to the small screen, allowing you to stream musicals, plays, and cabarets from home. Stay entertained—and keep local performers in business—with recommendations from an actor and tour guide who knows the West End best.

ZSL London Zoo Livestreams and Keeper Diaries

ZSL brings the #ZooToYou with livestreams of its residents—including the beloved meerkats and newly born dwarf mongoose pups—as well as a ton of behind-the-scenes videos, from zookeeper diaries to animal close-ups.

Virtual 360° Experience of London's Royal Albert Hall

Most famous for the BBC Proms classical music festival, the Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most iconic venues. Now, with this interactive, 360-degree panorama, you can explore its opulent auditorium without stepping foot outside of your home.

Inside the Historic Royal Palaces of England and Ireland

Royal life is at your fingertips with these virtual guides. See the kokoshnik tiara transform into a necklace, hear about herbs in the palace gardens, and learn the Tudor way to cook a mince pie. Tours and activities explore Kensington Palace, the Tower of London, Hillsborough Castle, and more.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Virtual Tour in London

Imagine what it's like to stand on the stage at one of London's most iconic attractions on this 360-degree virtual tour of Shakespeare’s Globe. Helpful instructions teach you to get the most of videos, photos, and sounds on your experience. Bonus: More features abound if you download a free app.

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.