Ranking The Best Shopping Cities In The World

With a new year comes a new start, as well as the opportunity to refresh that wardrobe and invigorate your home with exciting new purchases.

However, if the January blues are getting you down, and your local shopping center feels like an uninspiring prospect, why not book an escape to one of the world’s finest shopping destinations? Whatever your budget or taste, there’s a city out there for you, packed with the designer names you love and the hidden gems you’ve yet to fall for.

Travel experts Expedia know better than most what the world’s best cities have to offer keen shoppers. They’ve put together their top 25 ultimate destinations. This rundown of the finest shopping capitals to visit in 2016 includes top tips from local experts. It’s the ultimate resource for bargain-hunting globetrotters.

Expedia have developed their ranking based on three key factors: value for money, friendliness, and each city’s comparative popularity. Whilst these are unquestionably vital, there are many other important elements to consider when choosing the right city for your shopping adventure.

So, what are some of the most important components of a world-class shopping city? Let’s take a look at some choice examples.

Getting About

How you get about within a city is important. In well-connected centers, public transport means you can see the sights while not missing out on the best deals. Old cities like London can seem complicated to navigate, but the comprehensiveness of the Underground network means that it’s easy to skip between the best shopping districts – as long as you know where you’re going.

Smaller, characterful cities like Singapore offer a more concise, but equally eclectic experience. In this busy Thailand city, neighborhoods often mix modern shopping malls with quaint traditional markets. Meanwhile, modern metropolises like Hong Kong pride themselves on the efficient simplicity of their public transport network.

Escaping the Crowds

Whilst global stars like New York and London draw millions of shoppers every year, there are many other wonderful shopping cities to discover. There are thriving boutiques and high street cultures just waiting for you to discover. These underrated locales are ideal for avoiding the crowds and grabbing a bargain.

For example, Melbourne is ranked a modest 21st in Expedia’s ranking; however, it’s one of the friendliest cities on Earth. It combines a wonderfully warm welcome with a quirky and progressive fashion scene that combines the best of the high street with vintage treasures and innovative local designers.

Many popular European capitals are also emerging as quietly unique shopping destinations. The imperial grandeur of Vienna is increasingly complemented by the very finest of international fashion. Meanwhile, Amsterdam offers a stellar combination of cosy bookshops, diverse department stores, and lovingly curated vintage emporiums. So there’s no need to fixate on New York and the like. Walk the road less traveled to find your own shopping paradise.

Discovering Something New

Shopping in another country can be daunting. Persuading a market trader to part with their goods for a great price can be hard enough (let alone whilst speaking another language entirely), but a hesitant approach won’t help you find the treasures and make the memories that will leave you smiling all the way home. Cities that offer the opportunity of the unknown – that give you the chance to find something unique to that location – are wonderful places to choose for a shopping trip.

Destinations like the marvels of Marrakech thrive on their street market culture. Around each corner is a unique expression of the character and color of these vibrant cities. In the city’s wonderful Souks, haggling is almost expected. Don’t be afraid to dive right in and see how much money you can save on a variety of handmade wonders!

Let us know what your favorite shopping city is in the comments section below. What are your priorities when choosing a shopping destination?

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