1. London
With a city as expansive as London, it’s a good idea to plan your shopping trip according to your tastes. Oxford Street’s unrivalled selection of flagship shops and department stores makes it one of the most desirable shopping locations in the world. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a little less mainstream and a lot more unique, head to the trendy boroughs of Camden or Shoreditch, where you’ll find small vintage boutiques alongside quirky market stalls.
2. Milan
Some may dismiss Milan as Paris’ less fashionable cousin, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This Italian city, a world leader in haute couture, is packed with some of the most respected and frequently visited designer outlets in the world. The renowned Quadrilatero d’Oro (or “Rectangle of Gold”) is well-equipped to meet any shopper’s needs, from its incredible selection of hair and beauty stores to its luxurious designer boutiques.
3. Paris
Paris is arguably the most fashionable city in the world, and is home to a whole host of must-visit designer outlets, many of which are located in the renowned Faubourg Saint-Honoré district. If you’re heading to the French capital for a romantic break, you’ll also be pleased to learn that it’s a fantastic destination for jewellery shopping. The historic Marais quarter is the place to look for stylish jewellery boutiques and unique pieces at competitive prices.
4. Edinburgh
With breath-taking scenery and a rich history, Edinburgh is the ideal city to visit if you’d like to inject a bit of culture into your shopping experience. For high street favourites, head to the thriving retail centre of Princes Street, within view of the imposing Edinburgh castle. Alternatively, visit George Street and Multrees Walk for high-end designer brands and Grassmarket for independent boutiques and truly unique gifts.
5. New York
For a shopping experience straight from the silver screen, where could be better than New York? The city’s huge department stores are full of tempting buys, from luxury watches to designer handbags. For big-name boutiques galore, head to the renowned Madison Avenue, where you can also find some of the city’s best hair salons. Alternatively, visit Fifth Avenue for flagship designer outlets and luxury department stores.
If you’re planning a marathon tour to any of these great locations, an American Express Avios card is the ideal shopping companion, allowing you to accumulate Avios points on virtually every purchase. With travel rewards cards from American Express, you can take advantage of a host of membership benefits that will help to make your break more affordable – and memorable!