Do you travel for the shopping? Musement takes a look at ten of the world’s best shopping streets.
Do you bring an empty suitcase on vacation with you so that you can fill it with new acquisitions throughout your stay? Or, even better, do you plan your escapes to coincide with that time of year when everything is on sale so you can take advantage of the discounts of the big capital cities while you tour?
If this is the case, January and June are probably your preferred travel months since a majority of European cities have sales during this time.
Whether you are a fan of shopping abroad or just like to window shop through your destination, we present you with 10 shopping streets around the world that you absolutely must not miss.
1. Oxford Street, London
Selfridges, Uniqlo, Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Primark, River Island, and about 300 more brands cohabitate on this old Roman road known as Oxford Street. As one of the main shopping streets in London with the most stores and malls, you will have some “work” to do. Don’t forget to take a picture at the famous Oxford Circus at the intersection of another shopping area, Regent Street. If you go during Christmastime, you will be lucky enough to see the street at its most charming. And take care not to miss the iconic department store Liberty located nearby on Carnaby Street.
2. Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona
A shopping street that also has some magnificent works of Modernist architecture? Yes, it exists, and it is in Barcelona. On Passeig de Gracia culture meets the most exclusive shopping. On this very street, you can visit Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà while you put some wear and tear on your credit card as you sweep through the luxury shops (see: Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Miu Miu, etc.).
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3. Champs-Élysées, Paris
The exclusive boutiques of the Champs Elysées await you in the City of Light. The grand avenue that goes from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde is a shopping paradise par excellence. Don’t forget its neighbors, Avenue Montaigne, and Avenue George V, that make up the Golden Triangle! Here you will find all of the big-name designers—Dior, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, etc. You just need to have a bank account that meets the circumstances. About a ten-minute walk from here is the celebrated Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a must for all fashion lovers.
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4. Calle Serrano, Madrid
The best shopping area in Madrid can be found on Calle Serrano which, along with Calle Preciados, is one of the most commercial (and most expensive!) streets of the capital. Did you know that figures like Manuel de Falla and Rubén Darío lived on this street? Nowadays, this is where all of the stores that will challenge your budget are located. See for yourself as you walk down the Golden Mile located on the stretch of the street that passes through the Salamanca district.
5. Via del Corso, Rome
This street was the stage for a good number of horse races in the fifteenth century. Curiously enough, it evolved into the best shopping area in Rome. You can find all you need to exude authentic Italian elegance. Take a mile-long stroll by all the shop windows while taking advantage of this time to see attractions such as the Pantheon as well.
6. Via Monte Napoleone, Milan
One of our preferred shopping streets is definitely Via Monte Napoleone. What can we say? Shopping is better in the fashion capital. This is a historic street in downtown Milan that boasts the cream of the crop of Italian and international brands. The famous Quadrilatero d’Oro (or Golden Rectangle) together with Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Via Sant’Andrea consists of stores like Roberto Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, Dolce&Gabbana, and Salvatore Ferragamo among others that are located in this coveted area.
7. Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich
It is impossible to walk through Zurich without setting foot on Bahnhofstrasse, which is its main shopping street. This semi-pedestrian avenue is your place if you are looking for a sophisticated souvenir in the form of a Swiss watch, jewelry, leather item, or something else of the sort. The end of Bahnhofstrasse feeds into the well-known Paradeplatz, with the headquarters of all of the country’s big banks, as well as something slightly more interesting: the ever-important confectionary Confiserie Sprüngli.
8. Stroget, Copenhagen
Learn about the Nordic style in Stroget, the most extensive pedestrian shopping area in Europe. Here you can enjoy a relaxing shopping spree in Copenhagen without traffic and with stops to recharge in one of its outdoor cafés. A luxurious environment in every sense of the word.
9. Fifth Avenue, New York
We cross the pond to arrive at Fifth Avenue of New York City and stroll through its four miles of spectacular window displays. Prepare yourself to enjoy shopping to the max; everything is big in the Big Apple! In fact, many of the brands you will find have their flagship stores here. Shopping options include classics such as Tiffany & Co. and unique stores like Abercrombie & Fitch.
10. Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles
The glamour of Hollywood has its nest on this boulevard in Beverly Hills. You might even see a movie star camouflaged inside one of these luxurious boutiques. The iconic Rodeo Drive consists of three blocks and houses brands of the stature of Hermès, Tom Ford, YSL, Bulgari, Jimmy Choo, etc. that often dress celebrities who are not scared off by the price tags.