For shopaholics, there’s nothing better than shopping your way through a travel destination. Absorbing local culture and fashion while also providing travel mementos and stylish reminders of your trip, shopping is the ultimate way to experience a new city.
According to a study by Hey Discount, these 10 major cities have been named the ultimate shopping destinations based on their number of shopping malls, boutiques, department stores, and designer outlets. So, once you’ve paid a visit to the obligatory monuments and major sights, be sure to hit the shopping strips in these iconic cities.
1. Tokyo
With a total of 1,970 shopping locations across the city, shopaholics are truly spoilt for choice in Tokyo. From the bustling boutiques and cafes of Lumine in Shinjuku to the vibrant fashion malls and toy shops of Harajuku, every district offers an exciting array of shops and eateries, so you can refuel between shopping sprees.
Filled with 240 shopping malls and department stores, it’s not hard to see why the Japanese capital took out the top spot on this list.
2. London
It comes as no surprise that London, one of the fashion capitals of the world, takes out second place in this list. With 1,221 places to shop til you drop, the city offers no shortage of options. And if you have a penchant for designer fashion, you’re in luck. Home to hubs of high-fashion boutiques, including Oxford Street, Mayfair and Bond Street, not to mention the iconic high-end department store, Harrods, London is a haven for fashion lovers.
3. Paris
Another fashion hub that unsurprisingly found a place in the top shopping cities in the world is Paris. The city of lights offers the ultra-luxurious shopping haven of Galeries Lafayette, as well as high-end malls like La Samaritaine and Le Bon Marché. According to TripAdvisor, Paris is home to 1,116 shopping locations, ranging from designer boutiques and high-end beauty stores to artisanal shops and vibrant street markets.
4. Singapore
While Singapore may be small, the tourist hotspot manages to pack in plenty of boutiques and shopping centers. In fact, Singapore has more malls per square mile than any other country in the world, according to Hotels.com. In addition to the numerous big brand stores of Jewel Changi Airport and the designer boutiques of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s shopping scene also features vibrant street markets and laneways filled with boutiques and vintage stores.
5. Hong Kong
With more than 120 top designer retailers, Hong Kong is the ultimate shopping destination for those who aren’t restricted by a budget. Home to Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and Fendi, The Landmark is a one-stop shop for those looking to get their hands on the latest high-end garbs and accessories. IFC is another highly-rated shopping destination in the city and is central Hong Kong’s largest mall.
6. Sydney
Offering designer stores, modern shopping centers, and historic arcades, Sydney is a great place to shop the day away. Combining heritage architecture with modern retailers, the shop in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney’s CBD is a great place to start. Boasting over 250 stores, Westfield Sydney is another great shopping destination to set your sights on.
7. New York
Offering approximately 1,133 shopping locations, New York provides no shortage of things to see and buy. In terms of luxury fashion and wares, however, you cannot look past the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan which is home to the likes of Gucci, Versace and Balenciaga. Vintage fashion lovers will also delight in the city’s endless number of vintage stores.
8. Madrid
Home to Europe’s largest flea market, Madrid has become known for its shopping as well as its architecture, vibrant culture, and sangria. Filled with vintage wares, El Rastro is an open-air market that takes place every Sunday and draws in thousands of shoppers..
9. Toronto
Filled with eclectic shopping districts and luxe malls, Toronto takes out ninth place on the list. For those looking to shop big brands, consider paying a visit to CF Toronto Eaton Centre. For more one-of-a-kind buys and unique pieces, the Distillery District and Chinatown are both shopping treasure troves.
10. Boston
Rounding off the list of top shopping destinations in Boston. Home to some 173 shopping locations, the capital of Massachusetts offers plenty of boutique shops and luxe retailers in its bustling city center..
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