You love shopping. And you understand that a shopping holiday is not just about finding good deals – though that’s important too. No, shopping is an art form of its own, where an eye for distinctive style separates the serious connoisseurs from the window shoppers. If you’re serious about shopping, this list is for you. We’ve picked the best shopping destinations in the world – now it’s up to you to explore them and get some use out of your credit card.
New York City, USA:
New York City is hands-down the best all-round shopping destination in the world. You can find every major fashion and retail outlet in NYC, along with thousands of boutique, vintage and hard-to-find shops that simply do not exist anywhere else. There are malls like Time Warner Centre, boutiques in SoHo, high-end brands on Fifth Avenue, pop-up shops in Bryant Park and Union Square, and flea markets in Brooklyn. You just need to get over there and start shopping!
Paris, France:
Paris is the world’s fashion capital, for a good reason. With a focus on designer labels, the city is home to high-end fashion labels such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. Paris’ Golden Triangle, which encompasses the Champs-Elysees in the 8th Arrondissement, offers the best of Paris shopping and is where the beautiful Christmas Market runs in January. If you’re looking to save a Euro or two, head to Paris in January or August for the biennial sales and you’re sure to nab a bargain.
Milan, Italy:
Italians are serious about style and their shopping capital, Milan, is one of the most fashionable cities in the world. Home to luxury fashion houses like Prada, Valentino, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabana and much more, the main shopping area is known as the Fashion Quadrangle. But Milan isn’t only about the price tags. The city also boasts wonderful Christmas markets, bazaars and excellent sales during January-February and July-September.
London, United Kingdom:
Let’s be honest. London is one of the best cities in the world and, accordingly, has some of the best shopping. From Oxford Street, with famous department stores such as John Lewis and bargain fashion like Topshop; to elegant Regent Street’s mid-priced fashion outlets; to Bond Street and Mayfair, with big names like Burberry and Tiffany & Co.; to Carnaby Street’s independent brands; to Camden’s set of alternative fashion shops; and Not ting Hill’s vintage and antique offerings, London is a shopper’s paradise.
Hong Kong, China:
Bargain hunters and high-end fashion lovers, Hong Kong is your city. Millions of people around Asia and the world flock to this tiny island every year to pick up a great deal or find something unique. Fantastic markets such as Jade Market, Temple Street Night Market and the Ladies Market are renowned, Kowloon’s Nathan Road is a major retail strip with everything from massive department stores to local goods, and Times Square is a must-see. Many people also travel to Hong Kong to have clothes specially made, and there are many quality tailors throughout the city.
Bangkok, Thailand:
Bangkok is the other top shopping city in Asia. Over the years, Bangkok has become home to innumerable shopping complexes and rambling markets, and the vibrant south-east Asian city has everything you might want. The largest and most well-known department store, MBK, boasts more than 2,000 stores with a huge variety of products and price points. Chinatown is also a must, with super cheap goods and a much more traditional feel. The sixth-largest mall in the world, aptly named Central World, is a must for international-branded clothes and sportswear and Chatuchuck Market is one of the biggest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 booths divided into 27 sections. And, like Hong Kong, there are many quality tailors available for the savvy shopper who knows what they want.
Los Angeles, USA:
And lastly, there’s Los Angeles. Head to The Grove for a shopping treat, as you explore the city’s outdoor shopping complex. Designed to look like a small town, it’s a friendly place to find some amazing fashion and specialty stores. Rodeo Drive, of course, is one of the most famous streets in the world and, while you’re not celebrity spotting, you might also fancy a spot of high-end fashion shopping. Armani, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and others grace this elegant street. If you’re looking for a more relaxed market atmosphere, the Farmers’ Market is an incredible place to give your taste buds a treat, or if you need to sate your celebrity curiosity a little further, try the fashion strip on Melrose Avenue.
Tokyo:
Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood is one of the city’s most famous shopping districts. Skyscrapers, department stores, shopping malls and electronics megastores – this is high-energy shopping at its best.
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New York:
New York sets the standard for a destination shopping city—so dense with options, all budgets will find a way to spend a little too much money. There’s the fast fashion (Zara, UNIQLO, H&M) of SoHo; the Prada and Chanel of Fifth Avenue. You could spend a full day exploring Barneys or Bergdorf Goodman, sipping ■■■■■■■■■ and wishing they would close up shop and forget you were there—just so you can have a Night With the Céline Bags. -
Dubai:
Dubai makes its way up to no. 2 on the list. No surprise here: The UAE city has redefined the mall experience with the Mall of the Emirates, the “world’s first shopping resort”, complete with an indoor ski slope. The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue delivers an alphabet soup of big-deal designers: Chanel, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Louis Vuitton, Valentino. And the sheer volume of gold on display at Gold Souk, a covered market that includes dozens of jewelry stores, is blinding. It’s actually a glittering oasis in the desert. -
Chicago:
Most people think of the Magnificent Mile when they think of Chicago, but the city’s shopping scene extends far beyond one thoroughfare. Venture into Wicker Park for a less crowded day spent with your credit card: You’ll find everything from home decor at Province, to designer clothing at p. 45, to all the titles on your reading list at Myopic Books.