Sarah

A friend who's lived in London said it's not really worth it to visit Harvey Nichols and Harrod's dept stores. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

elvira

Depends on your shopping preferences. I like Harrod's: their food court, their book department, their souvenirs (I've used my Harrod's totebag everyday for the last two years, and it looks brand new). Their clothing is pretty pricey, but, like Harvey Nick's, it's a chance to see new fashions and colors - what's in for the upcoming season.
It's sort of like going to NYC and visiting Bloomingdale's - if you're not into shopping, it's not worth the trip.

kate

From a Londoners, rather than a tourists point of view:

Harrods - only visited by tourists.

Harvey Nichols - heaven on earth. Designer clothing a go-go. Beats Bloomingdales hands down.

But if you don't want to shop, why visit any department store?

bea

I really like wandering through Liberty

David White

Sarah,

Most visitors are not in London to make major purchases of clothes, housewares, etc. so visiting a big department store is often pointless for them. For a smaller-scale department store, I'd give a nod to Fortnum and Mason on Picadilly (street). Their ground floor selection of teas, biscuits, and fancy foods are superb and the store is not so huge as to be overwhelming.

If you want to window shop some very posh small shops with mainly conservative fashions, expensive jewelry, and high-end artwork, take a stroll through Mayfair's side-streets. If you want more advant-garde stores, try the Chelsea neighborhood to the south and west of Buckingham Palace. If body-percing accessories are on your shopping list, try Camden Market, northwest of Regent's Park.

Enjoy your trip (and take your credit cards)

Janie

I was a tourist once, now a London resident of 6 years, living near Harrods & Harvey Nichols. If you are going just to look, don't bother...nothing to look at. If it is fashion you are after, Oxford Street is more appropriate where Selfridges dept. store (all the designer clothes which Harrods stocks). And there are other high street shops along the road. Also, off Oxford Street is New Bond Street, all the designer shops, ie Donna Karan, DAKS, Armani, DKNY, etc. Also Regent Street and Carnaby Street behind it.
Never try Harrods, biggest waste of time.

Gina

I think Harrods is worth visiting once just to see it--it truly is quite the amazing pile (esp. the food courts). But I haven't returned to Harrods after my first visit. The places I keep going back to are Fortnum's (for truly yummy, if pricey, foodie indulgences) and Liberty's. As a passionate shopper, I love Liberty's. Even when I don't buy anything there, it's a wonderful place to wander through. (It's also a convenient spot to buy my favorite Penhaligon's scent products when I don't get around to a Penhaligon's shop.)

Mike

As an aside on the Harrods food hall front, Harvey Nicks has a very nice "boutique" food hall, good quality and some quite silly prices. I haven't eaten there for a while, but it was really quite good when I did, although Zafferano is virtually outside the back door.

Kimerley

Visit them anyway!!! They are both rather over rated but..
Liberty is excellent, visit the top floor for specials on clothing.
I bought beautiful hand painted tiles in a side street shop opposite Harrods. We often bought lunch at Harrods (baguettes) and ate them in a park.

Miles

I am a resident of London, Harrods is not just for tourists - I shop there, it has a good selection of casual/formal wear. However, if I am buying jewellery (top price bracket) for my girlfriend, I usually go to Graff's or Asprey in Bond Street. Selfridges is a much smaller store - those who say that is has the same selection of garments, are obviously wrong and I am unaware as to how such people can stand by their convictions. For suits, the only place is Savile Row, but Harrods does a pretty good job of compiling a vast selection of quality products. Harvey Nichols is more for casual designer wear, however they do stock "off the peg" suits. I find Harvey Nichols to be in need of modernising, however, the fifth floor restaurant is great for lunch.