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Saturday, March 7, 2015

Best Shopping Vacations - Anywhere

1New York City, New York, United States
Perhaps the world's top shopping spot, the Big Apple hardly needs an introduction. Fifth Avenue. Madison Avenue. Soho. Times Square. The list of stellar shopping destinations and famous names is almost endless, so pack light and stock up on everything from electronics to vintage clothes while you're there.
2Paris, Ile-de-France, France
The world capital of Haute Couture, Paris is a shopper's dream. Legendary addresses like Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore tempt the glitterati. Ancient flea markets perch at the city's hems, offering chaotic atmosphere and fascinating treasures, plus a peek into the real personality of Paris.
3Milan, Lombardy, Italy
The high fashion capital of Italy, the northern metropolis of Milan is one of the world's premier shopping destinations. Ostentation, splendor and near otherworldly glamour beckon from the glitzy windows of Milan's flagship design houses, the sleek fashion temples of Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana.
4Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto, Japan
Shopping amidst Tokyo's infinite options can be dizzying, so knowing the neighborhoods is crucial: Go to Ginza for upscale boutiques and department stores, Akihabara for electronics, Omotesando and Aoyama for high-end fashion, Harajuku and Shibuya for young trendy clothing, and Kanda for bookstores.
5San Francisco, California, United States
The choice of distinctly different shopping districts in San Francisco is almost overwhelming. Whether you want to opt for the opulent Westfield Center or go funk fantastic in the eclectic Mission or tourist traditional in Union Square, you'll definitely need to bring an empty suitcase when you visit.
6London, England, United Kingdom
One of the world's top shopping cities, there's really nothing that you can't buy in London. Big name stores line Oxford and Regent Streets. Luxury items abound in upmarket Knightsbridge. For a distinctive London spree, head north to Camden Market and wander among stands of clothing, crafts and bric-a-brac.
7Miami Beach, Florida, United States
The epicenter of cool has all the shopping options a fashionista could ever want. The Collins Avenue Fashion District boasts designer labels from Armani to Versace. Ocean Drive caters to the younger, funkier beautiful people, while Lincoln Road draws the artistic crowd to its galleries and boutiques.
8Dubai, Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With an ever-booming population, shiny Dubai has emerged as the shopping capital of the Middle East, with more than fifty malls and counting (many ultra-upscale), and outdoor markets peddling everything under the sun. Stores citywide slash their prices during the month-long annual Dubai Shopping Festival.
9Rome, Lazio, Italy
Italian retail chains line charming medieval shopping streets in the vivacious capital. Family-run outfits still flourish and street market stands are laden with fresh fruit. Upscale fashion palaces are poised at the foot of the famed Spanish Steps, with looks fresh off the world's catwalks.
10Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
You'll be spoiled for choice in bargain-crammed Barcelona, where designer names jostle for attention in the city's thrilling array of stores. If you're in the market for some picnic shopping, trot to La Boqueria - a rambunctious market - and stock up on almonds, cherries and other tasty delights.
11Beverly Hills, California, United States
Developed as a shopping district in the 1970s, Beverly Hills' high end Rodeo Drive is a ritzy throwback to the halcyon days of Main Street shopping. Celebrities stalk the sidewalks, big name bags in hand. More than 60 elite clothing and jewelry stores line this main affluent shopping artery.
12Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Home to the country's largest shopping mall, the 520-store Mall of America, as well as historic Southdale, the first mall to be built in the U.S., the Minneapolis area is an enticing shopping destination. No tax on apparel makes the better known half of the Twin Cities an even more enticing option.
13Bangkok, Thailand
A mind-blowing delight, Bangkok shopping runs the gamut from ultra-chic malls to energetic street markets hawking everything imaginable. For an experience unlike any other, check out the Chatuchak weekend market, the largest in Thailand and the world, with a staggering 15,000 stalls covering 35 acres.
14Bahamas, Caribbean
Unique shopping opportunities can be found across the Bahamas' many islands, but the biggest concentration is along and around Bay Street in downtown Nassau, where you'll find department stores, boutiques and duty-free shops, as well as a lively straw market selling art, crafts and designer knock-offs.
15Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Thanks to the steady stream of cruise ship passengers passing through its harbor, Puerto Vallarta is geared toward the shopper, with virtually anything Mexican-made being readily available. The marina boardwalk, its nearby market, and the surrounding streets are full of shopping opportunities.
16Chicago, Illinois, United States
Amid downtown's gleaming skyscrapers lies Magnificent Mile, the Michigan Avenue strip that's long been Chicago's shopping heart, boasting swanky chain stores and the famous Water Tower Place. Further afield, the Bucktown, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park neighborhoods offer some extraordinary boutiques.
17Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong is definitely a destination for the experienced bargain shopper. Tsim Sha Tsui offers the densest concentration of shops in the crowded city. Shoes, watches, luggage, clothes and myriad more items cram shops and stands in the frenetic area. For more elegant attire, try the Central area.
18Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Shoppers of all budgets can find a lot to love in Montreal, from the Marché Jean-Talon farmers market to the mid-range trendy shops and department stores along rue Ste-Catherine, to the more cutting edge fashions of rues St-Denis and St-Laurent, to the high end luxury boutiques on rue Sherbrooke.
19Singapore, Singapore
Whether you want to sashay through a slew of gargantuan malls or sidle down side streets in the hopes of a bargain, Singapore is sure to satiate the appetites of the most jaded shopper. Choose from local crafts in Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street, or find upscale attire along Orchard Road.
20Toronto, Ontario, Canada
A smorgasbord of scintillating shopping experiences awaits in Canada's largest city. Intrepid shoppers can sashay along up and coming Queen West, with its independent boutiques and funky, trendy galleries, or strut through flagship stores and big name emporia in chic, sleek, star-studded Yorkville.
21Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Boisterous Sydney offers every kind of shopping for visitors, with the heart of the action centred on the tourist-thronged Rocks district and along George and Pitt Streets. A distinctive Sydney shopping experience can be had at the Queen Victoria Building, where 200 boutiques compete for attention.
22Madrid, Spain
Boasting a slew of intriguing boutiques - 50,000 of them, no less - Madrid can fulfill your every shopping desire and then some. El Centro teems with tempting opportunities. For intrepid shoppers and hagglers, El Rastro, which takes place every Sunday, is Spain's largest and most varied flea market.
23Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District, Argentina
Latin America's shopping capital offers exciting experiences along its grand, wide boulevards. Galleria Pacifico and Patio Bullrich are upmarket malls, crammed with Argentine fashions. You'll find fabulous shoes, bags and other items for appealing prices throughout the city, known for its leather goods.
24Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region, Morocco
One of Marrakech's main and most fascinating attractions is Djeema el Fna, its sprawling labyrinth of vendors selling everything from crafts to rugs to clothing to spices. Other souks specialize, with Siyyaghin concentrating on jewelry and El Kebir focusing on the leather goods for which Marrakech is famed.
25Vienna, Austria
Traditional crafts, such as hand-painted porcelain, ceramics, wrought iron and leather goods, are Viennese classics. While the bulk of stores are situated in the city center, chic Vienna's most elegant shopping avenue is Mariahilferstrasse, a perfect spot for picking up jewelry, accessories and fashions.
26Athens, Attica, Greece
Known as a place to acquire antiques and leather goods, the Greek capital also has a famed flea market in Monastiraki. Chic neighborhood Kolonaki teems with cafes, stores and restaurants. Situated within this fashionable suburb, Tsakalof Street is among the world's most expensive shopping addresses.
27Beijing, China
An exploding commercial giant, Beijing abounds not just with big street markets (avoid the overpriced and touristy Silk Market and instead check out Panjiayuan, sometimes called Dirt Market), but also higher end areas like downtown's Wangfujing, a pedestrian mall flanked by two Western-style shopping centers.
28Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Cairo's bazaars (called souks) are among the world's most famous, where almost anything fathomable - even live camels - is for sale. Be ready for sensory overload, and be ready to haggle, as starting prices are generally double the expected sales price. Khan el-Khalili is one of Cairo's most popular souks.
29Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A proliferation of malls makes shopping a breeze in affordable Rio. Try Barrashopping, a vast complex of more than 600 stores. At Galleria River in Arpoador, a dozen stores cater to surfers and skaters. Alternatively, get a taste for Brazilian beach life and score souvenirs from vendors strolling the sands.
30Cape Town Central, Western Cape, South Africa
Victoria and Albert Waterfront, South Africa's most visited attraction, offers more than 400 shops for all tastes and budgets. St. George's Mall is a popular and very central pedestrian shopping avenue, with arts, crafts and jewelry among the wares. For antiques it's Long Street, one of the city's oldest.
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