‘Tis the season – goodwill, holiday cheer, and SHOPPING! Whether you want to sink into some of the latest fashions and accessories or gift wrap a coveted accessory for that special someone, Europe can’t be beaten for that premier shopping experience – particularly when there are sensational flight deals on first class and business class to several European destinations right now. In honor of those who can’t get enough luxury shopping, we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best shopping areas in Europe, complete with winter sales dates and exclusive deals.
Hot tip: Most stores offer refunds on value-added tax (VAT) ranging from 15-25%, depending on the amount spent and the store – even during winter sales!
London, UK
Yes, London, with its multiple areas dedicated to high-end shopping, tops this list. You could start on Regent Street where you’ll find the flagship Burberry store and all its customer-centric offerings – monogramming, in-store tailoring, and beauty appointments. Harrods in Knightsbridge knows how to cater to refined tastes, but can be crowded during the holiday season. For this reason, Harvey Nichols is a popular and, perhaps, more exclusive alternative. Christian Dior, Armani, and Gucci are found on Sloan Street, also in Knightsbridge. Nearby Oxford Street boasts the House of Fraser, Intimissimi, and Selfridges, a London favorite. Hit these areas and you’ve only scratched the surface. There’s still Bond Street, Covent Garden, and much, much more.
Interested in winter sales? London’s starts the day after Christmas or Boxing Day, as they say in the Commonwealth.
Milan, Italy
No list of the best cities for shopping in Europe would be complete without Milan. As a leader in fashion and design, it comes as no surprise that Milan is one of the best cities for high-end shopping. Two names come to mind: Prada and Versace. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a marvel of mid-late 1800’s architecture, houses Prada’s flagship store, which dates all the way back to 1913. Versace’s flagship store also resides in the Galleria. In fact, all the leading Italian brands have stores in Milan. Quadrilatero d’Oro, or the “Golden Rectangle,” is tightly packed with recognizable high-end names like Gucci, Armani, Salvatore, Dolce and Gabbana. Its cobble-stoned streets also showcase Tiffany & Co., Pucci, Cartier, and the list goes on!
Reserve your flight now through Business-Class to receive business-class treatment at reduced prices during “Saldi,” the winter sale, which starts the first weekend in January.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam showcases a variety of shopping experiences. Primary among them, Hoofstraat is found in the museum district. Hooffstraat is Amsterdam’s most exclusive shopping area. Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Chanel, and many more are packed into a few short blocks. Continuing from here, Van Baerlestraat has brands like Miss Sixty, Gant, and Vanilia. If your interests lie in Dutch designers, venture to Cornelis Schuytstraat where you’ll find Sheila de Vries and Marlies Dekkers. Next, spend an afternoon at Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat, which provides a nice mix of major and exclusive brands. Lastly, make time to visit the Beethovenstraat and Batavia Stad Amsterdam, the latter of which offers deep discounts on goods from prestigious Dutch and international designers. As a bonus, those visitors from outside the EU shop here tax-free!
Most retailers post their biggest sales in January. Dress warmly!
Rome, Italy
And now we return to Italy. In the Italian capital, you are surrounded by a long and visible history intertwined with fabulous shopping. We’ll start not far from the famed Spanish Steps on Via Condotti, where you’ll find many major Italian brands and all of the season’s best fashions and accessories. Louis Vuitton, BVLGARI, Jimmy Choo, Harry Winston, and Patek Philippe are just a few. Situated near the city center not far from the Tiber, Rinascente Roma Tritone is a high-end shopping paradise. Elegant and eye-catching, and located in the center of Rome, Galleria Alberto Sordi houses Calvin Klein, Sarstoria Rossi, Bershka, Oysho, Queen Helena Shoes, and more! South of the city is Castel Romano Designer Outlet wherein you’ll be greeted by the likes of Michael Corrs, Burberry, Hugo Boss, and Furla. Like Milan, Saldi, the winter sale, applies in Rome too!
Paris, France
Last on the list, but certainly not least, Paris is a city of magic, complemented by gorgeous architecture, rich cultural heritage, and some of the world’s best luxury shopping. Avenue des Champs Elysées presents Zara, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nike, and stores for the more refined taste like Hugo Boss, Longchamp, Guerlain, and Cartier. Chief among these luxury fashion brands is Louis Vuitton, which has its breathtaking Art Deco flagship store at No. 101. Galleries Lafayette cannot be missed. Its historically significant flagship store is on Boulevard Haussmann. Not only is the building brilliantly designed, with a glass and steel dome and Art Nouveau staircases, but it also offers all the highlights of haute couture and all the major brands. The high-end shopping stops in Paris are virtually endless.
Les Soldes or the sales begin on January 8th (for most retailers) and run nearly 4 weeks.
Don’t miss out on this year’s deals on top fashion items and accessories. There are still great prices available on premium economy, business, and first-class travel – but book now; tickets to these cities are moving quickly!
