Shopping is one of the great joys of life. Even the most hardened non-shoppers can’t help but feel a little excited when they notice a sign labeled “SALE,” written across a store. Whether we are shopping for clothes, books, accessories, or gadgets, the activity has a certain level of invigoration that you can’t find anywhere else. From that point of view, it is similar to traveling in many ways.
Traveling provides a level of excitement that simply can’t be matched. Exploring new cities, discovering local places that few other tourists know about, and of course, shopping abroad are all contributors to the wonderful time people have when on vacation. But, what if we combine shopping and traveling? What are the best shopping destinations in Europe?
Paris, France
Considered the fashion capital of the world, Paris is a must-see destination for anyone who is interested in shopping and fashion. The city is an absolute hotbed of haute, sensational, and modern attire, and is the home of some of the top fashion brands in the world. Think about Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Hermes, and many more.
The existence of these brands often gives Paris a sort of elitist reputation. However, don’t think that France’s capital is solely dedicated to class-exclusive fashion. Lately, one of Europe’s most spectacular cities has seen an influx of thrift stores, dedicated to the cause of sustainable fashion, which is perfect for those who want to look good on a budget.
Those visiting Paris solely for the shopping experience owe it to themselves to visit Le Marais, a Parisian neighborhood where you will find some of the trendiest boutiques and a slew of vintage stores. For fans of Louis Vuitton, visiting the Champs-Elysees is a must, as it is the home to a lot of France’s flagship stores, most notable Louis Vuitton. Finally, the Galerie Lafayette is Paris’ most iconic department store, perfect for anybody who wants to do a bit of shopping.
Barcelona, Spain
Apart from being home to one of the most successful, beloved, and decorated football clubs of the Spanish La Liga, Barcelona is also a cultural and economic hub, as well as the capital of Catalonia. One can absorb the city’s rich history by visiting the numerous museums, or simply by strolling through the magnificent streets, and observing the grandiose gothic architecture.
But, what makes Barcelona a perfect destination for shopaholics? Well, the city is a transport hub. The well-known Port of Barcelona is one of Europe’s busiest seaports, accepting passenger and transport ships from all over the world. That means that, if any city is going to have the wears you need, it will almost certainly be Barcelona.
If you are looking for high-end fashion brands, you will want to visit the Passeig de Gracia. The gorgeous Barcelona avenue is home to some of the biggest designer stores in the entire country, most notable of which is Chanel. You will also come across some fairly popular Spanish brands, that are definitely worth checking out, if you have the means.
On the other hand, Barcelona is also famous for its unique, local designs. The El Born hosts a variety of local, independent, unique boutiques, that offer wonder clothes for those who are on a budget. Spaniards and tourists flood El Born every summer, looking to find something to set them apart on the beach, in the club, or at the café.
London, England
The London skyline is one of the most iconic in the world, in large part due to the iconic status of the clock tower, whose gothic design has been adopted in hundreds of stories, from horror, to historical fiction, and even literary fiction. But, the skyline is not the main reason to visit London, though it does play a role.
The real reason that London is such a huge draw is the mix of cultures that you will find in the city. From traditional British architecture, to Indian dress and cuisine, and a variety of mainland European and Celtic influences, England is a cultural hub like no other. London is also a shopper’s dream, with its massive department stores, market areas, and high-end fashion brands.
For those on a shopping trip to London, the area to visit is Oxford Street. Located in Westminster, the iconic road hosts some of the most incredible international fashion brands. If you are visiting during the Christmas Holidays, you will also be greeted by incredibly festive decorations, and spectacular fireworks, unlike anything you’ve seen before.
If you are more interested in old-fashioned wear and antiques, perhaps the Camden Market would be a better fit. As the name suggests, it is located in Camden Town, and though it may be a small place it is well-known throughout Great Britain as the place where you can get excellent deals on clothes and trinkets. On top of that, there are some magnificent food stands, serving classic English street food, that you simply have to enjoy when visiting London.
Honorable Mentions
While the three cities that we’ve discussed in this article are, undoubtedly, shopping hubs in Europe, they are also well-known. When most people think about vacationing or shopping, they think about these three cultural hubs. That is why, in this last section, we would like to bring up a couple of honorable mentions that you might not have thought of as typical European shopping destinations.
- Belgrade, Serbia: the Serbian capital is an excellent destination for shoppers and tourists. A mix of Ottoman and Slavic culture means that you will find unique, traditional outfits, and Belgrade’s status as a transport hub means you will also see plenty of high-end fashion brands. On top of that, Belgrade is home to some excellent national and historic museums, including the Museum of Nikola Tesla, which is quite a thrill.
- Thessaloniki, Greece: the second largest city in Greece has a long and storied history, dating back to the ancient world. Here, you will see incredible antique sites, walk streets that are thousands of years old, and experience the best of Greek cuisine, all the while enjoying the sea breeze from the Aegean Sea. Of course, there are also a ton of department stores you can visit, many of which host local, independent boutiques, alongside top-name international brands.