Want to find out the world’s best shopping destinations where you can shop till you drop? From designer boutiques, world-famous department stores and antique markets, you name it—these cities have!
7. Paris, France
Paris plays a central role in the fashion world and is home to a number of large fashion houses including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Parisians are renowned for their simple yet elegant style, and given the excellent pick of stylish boutiques and designer shopping areas, it is easy to see why.
The city is made up of twenty different neighborhoods or “arrondissements,” each with its own distinct character and attractions. Head to Avenue des Champs Elysees in the 8th arrondissement, where you will find an array of designer stores, chic cocktail lounges and luxury car showrooms, as well as the largest Louis Vuitton store in the world.
Boulevard Haussmann—another impressive avenue—houses Les Galeries Lafayette, a large department store selling beautiful designer wear. The store holds its own fashion show every Friday, giving you the change to view the latest couture. Also located on the avenue is Au Printemps, a must for visitors who adore gourmet cuisine and fashion. The store boasts a superb range of men’s and women’s designer labels and a handful of excellent restaurants.
If the main reason for your visit isn’t fashion then you may like to peruse the unique antiques at Le Louvre des Antiquaires, located beside the Louvre on place du Palais Royal. Or browse first-edition French literature at one of the small shops in Sorbonne. Elegant, chic and stylish, Paris is the city to visit for a classic shopping experience. Be sure to check out Great Hotels in Paris for the best in Paris hotels!
6. London, England
This busy metropolis is a shopper’s delight, offering a dazzling array of shops suited to all tastes and budgets. Visit Bond Street’s boutiques and designer shops for a truly luxurious experience. Here you’ll find Jimmy Choo, Gucci, Hermes, and Chanel amongst the throng of shops. This area is also well known for its luxury jewellery shops, including Tiffany & Co and De Beers. Knightsbridge is an exclusive area, and home to the world-famous Harrods, a luxury shopper’s dream. Selfridges and Harvey Nichols are both also well worth a visit with rail upon rail of designer labels.
To avoid the tourists and experience a slice of “city” life, visit The Royal Exchange; a stunning building housing a collection of excellent designer shops and gourmet restaurants. Fortnum & Mason is a food lover’s dream, with an abundance of luxury food items available such as black or white truffles, caviar, chocolates, wine and champagne. And finally, those looking for something unique should visit Grays Antique Market next to Bond Street station. This indoor market holds one of the largest collections of antique jewellery in the world. Be sure to visit Great Hotels in London for the best places to stay when visiting London.
5. Madrid, Spain
This stylish European city offers a wealth of sophisticated shopping. The Salamanca neighborhood should be your first stop, offering chic boutiques and designer shops.
Calle Serrano is renowned for having some of the most exclusive shops in the city. Peruse the expensive jewellery stores and designer boutiques whilst admiring the stunning architecture along the way. Here you will find Armani, Versace, Hermes and Hugo Boss amongst the many designer offerings. Get up-and-close with top designers by staying at these Great Hotels in Madrid, Spain.
4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
You will not be disappointed when you visit Dubai. The Deira Gold Souk is the largest gold souk in the world, selling a dazzling array of gold, diamonds, precious stones and other wonderful pieces of jewellery—visit here to have a bespoke ring or necklace designed just for you.
The most impressive shopping venue in Dubai has to be the Dubai Mall, which is going to be one of the largest shopping malls in the world, covering an area of 12.1 million square feet. The mall is due to open in August 2008 and boasts a fashion island with over 70 designer flagship stores selling the latest fashion creations, the world’s largest gold souk with over 220 gold retailers, one of the largest aquariums in the world, a waterfall, Olympic-sized ice-rink, and a large indoor/outdoor street with a retractable roof. Dubai is all about luxurious digs, don’t get left out! Find Great Hotels in Dubai.
