Articles
BEST SHOPPING CITIES
There is never a time when you feel like ‘I have shopped enough’ and when travelling to another country, shopping is even more fun! Searching for and exploring new malls, streets and markets - either to buy local handicrafts, take back souvenirs or splurge at high-end luxury stores can be exhilarating for serious shoppers. If this sound like something you would do while on holiday, then read on to find out more about some of the best cities that offer you the ultimate shopping experience.
New York
It is impossible to not find what you want while shopping in New York. The world’s most famous shopping departments - Bloomingdales and Macy’s boast high end fashion brands compared to many other retail stores, leaving you with plenty to choose from. Other top places to shop in New York are Soho, one of the best shopping neighborhoods and Nolita which is equally popular for those who love to splurge on accessories and clothes. If you are shopping with a budget, then check out New York’s street fairs and flea markets, where you are bound to find great deals. You'll have the chance to browse items from all over the world - from different time periods, different countries, and different cultures. Some of the popular markets and fairs are Greenflea Market and Annex Antique Fair & Flea Market, both in Manhattan and The Garage and Soho Antiques Fair.
London
London is a shopper’s paradise! To enjoy the best shopping experience in London, visit Oxford Street that has more than 300 shops, designer outlets and landmark stores or check out London’s famous department stores - Harrods and Selfridges. London is also home to Europe’s largest mall Westfield that has over 250 shops, offering a shopping experience to suit each one, from high end brands to the basic retail outlets. You can easily spend an afternoon or a whole day browsing shops in London. The biggest sales in London happen during Boxing Day (26th December) where most brands sell at super discounted prices.
Bangkok
Despite having shopping malls that have all the international brands, Bangkok is largely popular for its street shopping. You are bound to find items that range from local handicrafts to clothes to accessories on every other street in Bangkok. The most popular weekend market – Chatuchak Market in Bangkok is Asia’s largest market. The 35-acre area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’. Other popular areas are Ping Pong market and Khao San Street. The beauty of street shopping in Bangkok is the great deals you get and bargaining is expected so make sure you get the best value for what you purchase.
Dubai
If you are a shopaholic then Dubai is the place to be. From gold to electronics, designer labels to luxury items, Dubai has it all. It is is packed with huge shopping malls built side-by-side together with older souks, where small shop owners sell everything from spices to clothing to carpets and rugs. The world’s largest shopping mall – The Dubai Mall is home to over a thousand stores, yes THOUSAND!! You will not be disappointed; all you need is plenty of time to browse through all your favourite stores. For great deals and discounts, visit the Dubai Shopping Festival that takes place every year in January and February. Other shopping areas are the Deira Gold Souk largely famous for gold and the Emirates Mall that also offers a wide range of international and local brands to purchase.
Paris
The city of love is also one of the finest cities in the world for shopping. Printemps and Galeries Lafayette are two of the most famous department stores in Paris. Highly recommended, especially if your budget is for luxury brands – you will find the best! For sales and great offers check out Les Puces, the most famous flea market in Paris. It covers seven hectares and is the largest antique market in the world. However be careful of pickpockets, especially during the weekends when the market is crowded. Other popular places to shop in Paris are its boutique stores and its shopping streets that offer a wide range of good quality products.
