Knightsbridge is a high-end residential and retail area located in London’s West End. It’s as one of the city’s most expensive neighbourhoods as property prices are known to be steep. Despite this reputation, it remains popular for its pockets of greenery and Victorian-style homes. The neighbourhood has a fusion vibe of all things old and new, an attraction that sees many tourists visiting its streets daily.

From familiar retail names to quaint cafes and restaurants, Knightsbridge is a spot where you’ll come to enjoy, relax, and unwind during your trip to London. As Knightsbridge is conveniently connected to Hyde Park, the area makes for a perfect stop after visiting the Kensington Palace. It’s also an ideal stop if you’re looking to hide away from the rain on gloomy days, as Knightsbridge is home to famous department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Knightsbridge in London - one of the highlights of 10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in London and 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in London (Read all about London here)

What are the highlights of Knightsbridge?

Art lovers might recognise Knightsbridge as the home to the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the V&A to the locals. It was founded in 1852 and is the largest museum housing applied arts and decorative designs in the world. Entrance to the museum is free.

The Royal Albert Music Hall, famous for a variety of live shows by notable artists like Pink Floyd, Adele, and Kylie Minogue, is on the west side of Knightsbridge. The music hall is also where the iconic 25th-anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber took place.

Just minutes away from the Victoria and Albert Museum is the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, fondly known as the Brompton Oratory. The church was built in 1884 and welcomes visitors to their regular mass services. Guests who wish to enter for a glimpse of the grand architecture are also welcome.

Where to shop at Knightsbridge?

The most popular spot to shop at Knightsbridge is at the world-famous department store, Harrods. This age-old department store that was built in 1849 and is located along Brompton Road. It has over 1.1 million sq ft of shopping space, with extensive gift selections and a market hall. Harrods is also home to a special memorial of Princess Diana and her partner, Dodi Fayed. The memorial, which displays photographs of the Princess of Wales and Dodi Fayed, is at the base of an Egyptian escalator on the lower ground floor.

Shoppers can enjoy a trip to Harvey Nichols, a British retail brand famed for its everchanging fashion, beauty, and food products. Wine connoisseurs would want to pop into The Wine Shop on the 5th floor for a fine selection of local and unique imported wines.

Good to know about Knightsbridge

The streets of Knightsbridge are very pretty at night, given that the shops and restaurants will often light up the area with colourful lights. A must-see is the special light show at Harrods, which changes with the season.

Knightsbridge is south of Hyde Park, one of London’s most iconic public urban parks. On sunny days, you could easily stroll around the neighbourhood before unwinding with a picnic in the park. Come Christmas, Hyde Park plays host to the Winter Wonderland event that welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.

The Knightsbridge area is easily reachable on public transport, with London Underground tubes making stops by the Knightsbridge tube station along the Piccadilly Line or the Sloane Square station on the circle and District lines. Ticket holders of the London Hop on Hop Off Classic Tour can find their way to Knightsbridge on stops 8 and 9.

Knightsbridge in London

Elie Lam | Escritor