Forget the cliché tales of enormous department stores and ostentatious goods, Knightsbridge is a treasure trove waiting to be uncovered. Behind its facade of opulence lies a world of serious culture and charm.
So, buckle up since we’re about to explore the hidden gems and swanky wonders that make Knightsbridge a must-visit destination.
Time zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Best time to go
The best time to visit Knightsbridge would be during the spring or autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and the area is less crowded. But if you prefer a livelier atmosphere with bustling luxury shopping and fashion enthusiasts, summer would be the ideal time to go.
Things to know
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: British English
Calling Code: +44 (0) 20
How to get around
Underground Tube – To get around Knightsbridge, you can use the London Underground’s Piccadilly Line and the nearest stations are Knightsbridge and Hyde Park Corner. These stations provide easy access to different parts of the city.
Cabs – You’ll find black cabs readily available throughout Knightsbridge. Hailing one on the street or using ride-hailing apps like Uber is convenient. Just be mindful of traffic, especially during peak hours.
Cycling – With dedicated cycle lanes in some parts of Knightsbridge. You can rent a bike from various providers, such as Santander Cycle, and explore the area at your own pace.
Where to stay in Knightsbridge
The Lanesborough
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Location: Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7259 5599
Pricing: £££
Recently crowned AA Hotel of the Year at the prestigious AA Hotel and Hospitality Services Awards 2023, The Lanesborough is a regal sojourn that defines luxury.
The hotel was even refurbished by the famed interior virtuoso Alberto Pinto. This made their 93 suites and bedrooms more lavish.
You’ve got the Lanesborough Grill dishing out modern British vibes, and the Library Bar and Garden Room being all classy and vibrant. Oh, and don’t forget to visit the Lanesborough Club & Spa.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
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Location: 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7235 2000
Pricing: £££
Combining historic heritage with contemporary style, this luxury hotel envelops you in an oasis of oriental opulence. Their recently designed rooms exude natural elegance, with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing parkland views and plush textures.
Dining delights abound, from the award-winning molecular gastronomy of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal to the traditional ritual afternoon tea in the Rosebery Lounge.
You can even take advantage of their award-winning spa with a full menu of treatments using luxury beauty products. Don’t forget to dip your toes in their indoor pool and steam rooms!
Jumeirah Carlton Tower
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Location: 1 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9PY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7235 1234
Pricing: £££
Booking a room at Jumeirah Carlton Tower comes with £100 hotel credit, suites get a £200 bonus, and if you’re in one of their top-tier signature suits, that credit skyrockets to £300 – because exclusivity deserves its rewards.
But that’s not all – they like to pamper their suite guests with a bottle of Champagne. This sets the tone for a stay that’s not just special but truly indulgent.
But you don’t have to book their suite rooms to gain access to their services. You get exclusive access to The Peak Fitness Club and Spa, where world-class facilities await. And for those seeking green tranquillity, their Cadogan private garden is your oasis in the heart of the city.
The Berkeley
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Location: Wilton Pl, London SW1X 7RL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7235 6000
Pricing: £££
For over a century, Berkeley has been forging its unique path. Nestled midway between the fashionable allure of Knightsbridge and the neighbourly charm of Belgravia, this establishment has been elevating style, comfort and service to unprecedented heights.
In collaboration with the brightest minds in the design world, this hotel boasts stunning rooms that captivate your senses. The moment you go through its doors, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere where style and sophistication blend seamlessly.
Where to eat in Knightsbridge
Zuma
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Location: 5 Raphael St, London SW7 1DL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7584 1010
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Pricing: £££
Renowned for its sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya style, Zuma offers an authentic taste of the East.
This restaurant also has unique spaces tailored for various events. While locals often use them for things like corporate luncheons, you can also book them for special, intimate dinners if you want to splurge while in the area.
Among the must-try dishes is the kaebi no tarutaru to kyabia, it’s a tantalising mazara tartare with fresh wasabi and oscieta caviar.
Daphne’s
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Location: 112 Draycott Ave, London SW3 3AE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7589 4257
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:45 PM
Pricing: £££
At Daphne’s, authenticity is the secret ingredient. Each dish here is a homage to Italian classics with a touch of modern flair. From the delectable antipasti to the expertly handmade pasta and risottos, the menu unfolds like a love letter to Italy’s culinary prowess.
The Italian journey continues with second courses showcasing the freshest fish, meat and seafood. Lastly, their dessert list is filled with sweet temptations and daily-made fresh ice cream.
Pret A Manger
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Location: 132 Brompton Rd, London SW3 1HY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7932 5337
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Pret’s vibe is a blend of trendy and laid-back, making it the ideal spot for a quick catch-up or a power lunch. It’s where a big part of the Knightsbridge crowd flocks for a lunch that’s both delicious and efficient.
What’s great about this place is that it caters to diverse tastes and dietary quirks. From avocado aficionados to chicken Ceasar enthusiasts, Pret’s menu conducts a foodie orchestra in every bite. Plus, the ingredients here are as fresh as a morning breeze in Hyde Park.
Byron
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Location: 93-95 Old Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 3LD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3903 8941
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Why Byron? Because here, the cheese is so melty it deserves its own fan club. Take the classic Byron burger, for example. It’s full of succulent beef, perfectly seasoned, sandwiched between pillowy brioche. This creates a burger so divine that it should have its culinary constellation.
Variety is Byron’s middle name. Whether you’re team beef, chicken, or plant-based, Byron caters to every burger preference. The Smoky, the Holy Cheesemas, or the Beetnik – each patty is a flavour revelation, leaving your taste buds in a state of perpetual gratitude.
What to do in Knightsbridge
Visit Hyde Park
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Location: One, Hyde Park, 100 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 300 061 2000
The variety of activities at Hyde Park could give a Swiss Army Knife an inferiority complex. Fancy a stroll through Kensington Gardens or a paddleboat adventure on the Serpentine? Hyde Park has you covered.
And speaking of backdrops, the iconic sights within Hyde Park could make Instagram influencers jealous. From the regal Kensington Palace to the whimsical Serpentine Galleries, every step feels like a stroll through a cultural treasure trove.
Explore Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum
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Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7942 2000
Founded in 1852 as the South Kensington Museum, the V&A has played a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing cultural artefacts. Its founding principle was to inspire and educate the public in the arts and science and it continues to fulfil this mission with distinction.
Within its vast collection, the V&A houses iconic pieces such as the Raphael Cartoons, the Ardabil Carpey and the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries. The museum’s fashion and textiles section is particularly noteworthy, featuring garments spanning centuries.
Attend a performance at the Royal Albert Hall
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Location: Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP, UK
Contact: +44 20 7589 8212
The Royal Albert Hall is an architectural marvel that has been wowing audiences since 1871. With its iconic domed roof and red-brick splendour, it’s a venue that sets the stage for unforgettable experiences.
The variety of performances at the Royal Albert Hall is like a musical buffet. From classical concerts to rock legends, from ballet to comedy gigs, this venue caters to every artistic palate.
The venue has even hosted legendary artists from Adele to Led Zeppelin. If the Royal Albert Hall were a yearbook, it would be filled with autographs from the crème de la crème of the entertainment world.
Discover history at Wellington Arch
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Location: Apsley Way, London W1J 7JZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7930 2726
From its origins as a victory arch to commemorate the Duke of Wellington’s triumph at Waterloo to later housing the largest bronze sculpture in Europe, the history embedded within its stone walls is as rich as Knightsbridge’s past.
Want a vista that will make your Instagram followers green with envy? Just ascend the spiral staircase inside the arch for panoramic views of London. It’s a stairway to a skyline symphony that includes Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace and the serene expanses of Hyde Park.
Where to shop in Knightsbridge
Harrods
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Location: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7730 1234
With a history dating back to 1834, it’s the grande dame of luxury shopping. If retail had a royal family, Harrods would be the queen, adorned in glitz and opulence.
This place boasts the best of the best designer labels. From Gucci to Chanel, it’s a fashionista’s dream where every aisle is a runway, and every purchase is a fashion conquest.
Ever heard of an Egyptian Escalator? Harrods has one! And it’s not just a means of transportation, but a ride through retail history.
Harvey Nichols
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Location: 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7235 5000
Harvey Nichols is a designer haven that boasts an array of luxury labels that could make a runway jealous. From Alexander McQueen to Valentino, it’s a fashion pilgrimage where haute couture meets high-street cool.
Ever shopped with a view? This palace has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of London. It’s your chance to sip champagne while overlooking the city skyline, turning your shopping bags into accessories of urban sophistication.
The Conran Shop
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Location: 16 Sloane Square, London SW1W 8ER, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7589 7401
Responsible for revolutionising the way we live, Sir Terence Conran’s legacy is embedded in every nook and cranny of The Conran Shop. From the curated design icons to future collectables, it’s a celebration of style, where each piece tells a story of aesthetic excellence.
Services at The Conran Shop go beyond expectations. From same-day delivery to a team dedicated to ensuring your experience is nothing short of delightful. Every aspect and furniture here is designed to elevate your visit.
Space NK Apothecary
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Location: 40 Hans Cres, London SW1X 0LZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7581 2518
Space NK Apothecary is one of the premier destinations for skincare and beauty shopping in Knightsbridge. The store provides an elevated yet accessible experience that keeps customers coming back.
Swing open their sleek doors and rows upon rows of coveted beauty beckon behind minimally chic displays. With cult classics from Eve Lom, Sunday Riley, and Drunk Elephant, this place is your one-stop-shop for all the things you need.
Which neighbourhoods to visit in Knightsbridge
Cadogan Place
Line with rows of white stuccoed Georgian townhouses and private gardens hidden behind black iron gates, Cadogan Place transports you to 19th-century England.
Yet despite the historic charm, this place also offers an abundance of modern delights. You can stop for a coffee at Rococo and indulge in their divine chocolate gateau.
You can even bespoke tailors and art galleries dotted along the lane. And when your feet tire, rest under the shade of a London plane tree, watching the world slowly drift by.
Knightsbridge Green
This leafy enclave radiates a village-like feel with its cobblestone lanes and quaint mews cottages. Yet venture further and you’ll find yourself amidst some of London’s most exclusive addresses.
Still, Knightsbridge Green maintains a relaxed vibe that offers one of the best dining and shopping areas in London. You can stop to smell the roses in the secret garden or let the kids run free in the playground.
When the hunger calls, The Grenadier pub offers hearty British fare and a cosy atmosphere.
What to expect from Knightsbridge weather
Spring (March to May) – You can expect mild and gradually warming temperatures in Knightsbridge during Spring. Daytime temperatures typically range from 10°C to 18°C. Light showers are also possible, so it’s advisable to bring a light jacket and an umbrella.
Summer (June to August) – Summer in Knightsbridge brings warmer temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 18°C to 25°C. It’s generally a pleasant time to visit, but occasional rain showers can still occur.
Fall (September to November) – Fall sees a gradual cooling of temperatures in Knightsbridge. Daytime highs range from 15°C to 20°C. It’s still relatively mild, but the weather can become more unpredictable. This is why a mix of warmer clothing layers and waterproof gear is advisable.
Winter (December to February) – Winters in Knightsbridge are cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 6°C to 10°C. While it rarely snows significantly, you can expect some chilly and damp days.
Apps to download for a trip to Knightsbridge
Citymapper – This app is ideal for navigating public transportation since it offers detailed transit information, including bus and train schedules. Citymapper even helps you plan the most efficient routes.
Google Maps – This provides detailed directions, real-time traffic updates and information about public transportation options.
Visit London – The official guide app for Londonder offers you information on attractions, events, restaurants and more. It’s a useful tool for planning your activities.
