The Top 5 Shopping Destinations in Europe

Despite the giant department stores located in New York’s skyscrapers and the quirky, off-the-wall and somewhat risqué emporiums on the streets of Tokyo, cities throughout Europe are continuing to hold their own when it comes to shopping opportunities, proving themselves to be some of the most popular destinations in the world for indulging in a cheeky spending spree.

Europe offers variety and individuality that many travelers simply do not have access to back home such as Italian leather, Belgian chocolates and Swiss watches; It really is a shopper’s paradise. Here’s the top 5 cities throughout the continent that shopaholics really can’t afford to miss.

Shopping Centre, London, UK by Jim Linwood

1. Dresden, Germany

With its rich yet turbulent history, Dresden is often described as being rather quiet and gloomy, but all that changes during the winter months when they city plays host to the Dresden Christmas Market. Established during the 15th Century, this is the oldest festive marketplace in Europe and is renowned for the homemade stollen on offer. Around 250 stallholders take part annually, selling an array of carefully handcrafted trinkets and blown glass holiday decorations.

2. Barcelona, Spain

The beauty of Barcelona is that it provides a refreshing mix of traditional Spanish stores that have been around since the Civil War and modern designer stores famous around the world. The top brands can, of course, be found nestled amongst quaint continental-style cafés along the cosmopolitan Passeig de Gràcia, known for being one of the most pricey avenues in Spain, while souvenir shops and more affordable stores line the nearby streets of Las Ramblas.

3. Paris, France

Anyone with even the vaguest of interest in clothing cannot pass up an opportunity to shop in the fashion capital of the world. The Champs-Élysées is the place to see and be seen in the center of Paris, with store after store dedicated to the latest styles. It’s not all designer clothes though, as this famous stretch from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde also houses toy stores, ice cream parlors and even car showrooms.

4. London, England

Frequently beating down the strong competition, London is often crowned King of shopping opportunities in Europe, with tourism purchases alone thought to contribute a whopping 3 billion pounds, or almost 5 billion dollars, to the British economy. London is famous for its big name department stores and global chains on Oxford Street, but also offers one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques and unconventional independent stores along Carnaby Street and Covent Garden, and a peek inside a Notting Hill bookstore is an absolute must-do activity.

5. Haarlem, Holland

Considered to be Holland’s premier shopping destination, Haarlem boasts numerous awards for its unrivaled shopping facilities. Visitors are drawn to the pretty, historic and, most importantly, pedestrianised Grote Houtstraat where the major brands are located, as well as to the small independent stores lining the surrounding cobbled streets. Situated just 13 miles west of Amsterdam, access is easy whether you arrive by plane, train or one of the many ferries to Holland.

Jennifer Watts, a freelance writer, provided this article for P&O Ferries. The opinions expressed are those of the author and any data provided does not originate from P&O Ferries. The following is a link to the P&O Ferries homepage – https://www.poferries.com/

Tags: barcelona spain, belgian chocolates, christmas market, designer clothes, fashion capital of the world, holiday decorations, nearby streets, paris france, shopaholics, souvenir shops, spending spree, turbulent history

Category: Travel Tips