Attention shopaholics. If you love nothing more than bargain hunting and department store-hopping on holiday, you’ll love these top shopping cities. From larger-than-life malls to famous flagship stores and bargain boutiques, they offer something for every kind of shopper.
Grab your passport and your extra-large suitcase, and head to one of the top shopping cities below…
New York
Shop ‘til you drop on Fifth Avenue, New York’s premier shopping street, where you’ll find everything from Versace to H&M. There’s even a huge 10,000 sq ft Apple Store catering to your technological needs 24-hours a day. When it comes to department stores, you can’t miss Macy’s, New York’s largest store, which covers a mammoth 10 floors. If you’re an international visitor, take your passport along to the visitor’s centre and you’ll get 10% off purchases here. Bargain hunters will also love Brooklyn Flea Market, which is a haven for handmade goods, old antiques and fashion from up-and-coming designers.
Explore Downtown Route, Stop: 5th Avenue Midtown
Dubai
Shopping in Dubai is as much about the experience as it is the designer store purchases. The city is home to the biggest mall in the world, The Dubai Mall. As well as boasting 1,200 stores, this shopping mecca is home to a 51 metre aquarium and an indoor theme park, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. There’s also the Mall of the Emirates, which boasts over 700 stores and an indoor ski slope, and the Dubai Outlet Mall, where you’ll find discounts of up to 90% on designer gear. If you’re heading to the UAE in January, don’t miss the annual Dubai Shopping Festival for unbelievable deals on everything from electronics to fashion.
City Tour – Red, Stop: The Dubai Mall
Hong Kong
Hong Kong might not be the bargain destination it once was for savvy shoppers. But, there are still plenty of branded goods, electronics and clothes to snap up at cheaper prices than you’d find elsewhere. Pick up high-quality tailored suits, cutting-edge technology and electronics at great prices. Head to The Landmark mall for luxury brands, Time Square for mid-range brands and New York theming, and Pacific Place for top dining and shopping options. Best of all, most of the major malls and shopping streets are open until late every day, so you can carry on bargain hunting into the night.
Hong Kong Island Tour – Red Route, Stop: Lan Kwai Fong & Soho
London
London combines huge shopping centres and fancy flagships stores with independent boutiques and quirky markets. You’ll find just about everything you could want and need here. Luxury lovers should head to Bond Street or Mayfair for a high-end fashion fix. Bargain hunters should make a beeline for Camden Market, Brick Lane Market, or Portobello Road Market. And foodies will love picking up fresh produce at Borough Market or feasting on unique treats at Maltby Street Market. If you’d rather hit the malls, head to Westfield in White City or Stratford for a mix of designer and high street brands under one roof.
Red Tour, Stop: Mayfair
Rome
Italy is famous for its fashion and top designers, and some of the biggest names – including Fendi, Valentino and Bulgari – hail from Rome. So, you’ll find their flagship stores here, plus boutique shops by Armani, Versace, Prada and Gucci. The pedestrianised Via del Corso is the longest shopping street in Rome, and where you’ll find all the famous high street brands, while Via dei Condotti is the one for prestigious designer brands. If you’re after some fine Italian leather, whether it’s a jacket, wallet or handbag, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Saddlers Union, Gazelle or Francesco Rogani.
Weekdays – Red, Stop: Trevi Fountain / Spanish Steps
Credit card ready? Hit these famous shopping cities and treat yourself to discounted clothes and electronics at the outlets, and one-off pieces at the designer flagship stores. Browse our bus routes in each city for more inspiration on how to fill the rest of your time.
