Best Places For Shopping In Belgium
Immerse yourself in Belgium’s vibrant shopping scene. Discover chic boutiques, bustling markets, and unique finds across picturesque cities. Enjoy a shopping spree in the heart of Europe.
Uncover the best shopping spots across Belgium. From charming boutiques to bustling markets, experience the ultimate shopping extravaganza in this European gem. Discover, indulge, and shop with flair.
Shopping
Shopping in Belgium is a pleasure, with shops in affluent Belgian cities such as shopping in Brussels and Antwerp selling everything from high-end designer wear to no-nonsense yet stylish household goods. Belgium’s shopping has reasonable prices and a decent supply of international goods and foods, which is good news for foreigners shopping in Belgium.
Shopping in Belgium provides all kinds of experiences, with luxury shopping arcades and atmospheric pedestrian streets in major cities, and quirky antique and flea markets dotting most towns. Hundreds of open markets operate in small city squares throughout Belgium during the week, with the biggest markets usually held on Sundays.
For luxury designer shopping, the Maasmechelen Village complex is an hour’s journey from either Brussels or Antwerp and gives an elegant experience at discount prices at over 100 designer stores, including Dolce and Gahanna, Karen Millen, and Hugo Boss. For serious fashion shopping in Belgium, it’s well worth the trip.
Shopping in Brussels
Being the capital city of Belgium, it is the essence of the country’s retail industry with a huge variety on offer in antiques, tapestries, lace, Christmas markets, fashion boutiques, Swarovski crystals, etc.
In Brussels, you will find plenty of large shopping centers, malls, stores, local markets, small boutiques, and amazing chocolatiers to satisfy your shopping needs.
Most Brussels will shop on Saturdays because most shops are closed on Sundays. So if you want to avoid overcrowded shops and messy clothes racks, then avoid shopping on Saturdays. On Sundays some shops near the Grand Place will be most likely open and so will some of the Brussels markets.
The shops in the center of Brussels may also be open on Sundays. Many major chain stores at the Reu Nerve and the boutiques of the Margolis, the Sablan, and the Grand Place are also open. In the upper city and the Saint-Jacques and Danseur quarters, some stores are open.
Best Areas For Shopping In Brussels
Welcome to Brussels, a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with contemporary flair, making it a shopping haven for every type of enthusiast. From grand marketplaces to boutique-lined streets, Brussels offers a unique and diverse shopping experience that caters to all tastes. Let’s embark on a journey through the best areas for shopping in the heart of Belgium.
1. Rue Nerve: The Rue Nerve is a pedestrian-only shopping avenue in the center of Brussels. It is the second most renowned shopping area in the country visited by many shoppers regularly. It is home to many international brands such as H&M, Bersama, Mango, Primark, and Benetton making it a great place for tourists looking to shop in familiar stores. You will also find the giant Media Market here for all your electronic needs at bargain prices. It has two large shopping centers Innu and City 2. The street is always overflowing with shoppers and if you want to take a break from the crowded atmosphere, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can relax.
2. Chaussee d’Ixelles: Chaussee d’Ixelles is the second busiest shopping street, of Brussels. It is home to stores devoted to fashion, decoration, and leisure where you can find anything you imagine there. You can also veer off towards the Saint-Boniface neighborhood where cafes, boutiques, and restaurants await you in a cosmopolitan atmosphere. You can also go to the Matane neighborhood where you will find exotic food stores, beauty salons, and clothing shops offering a little piece of Africa on Belgian soil.
3. Rue Antoine Danseur: Rue Antoine Danseur is a focal point for fashion and design especially regional as the majority of the featured boutiques in this area are by Belgian designers full of creativity and new ideas. The street is lined with high buildings with beautiful facades. The area has numerous swanky restaurants and trendy bars dotted around, particularly between the Nouveau Marché aux Grains and the canal where you can enjoy the worldwide cuisine along with national.
4. Avenue Louise: Avenue Louise is one of Brussels’s most exclusive shopping areas offering everything from clothing to housewares. Here you will find luxury fashion stores and boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co, Dior, Channel, etc. In this street you will find top designers from Belgium such as Meres du Nord, Zadie and Voltaire, Chine Collections and Walt are all present just to name a few are also present. The street is perfect for finding office wear or designer dresses.
5. Galleria St. Hubert: The Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries are an ensemble of glazed shopping arcades in Brussels and also the first glazed shopping arcade in Europe. It is beautiful and well worth a visit as it is the oldest shopping arcade in Europe. The place is divided into two main sections and houses several luxury boutique shops, restaurants, a cinema, and a theatre.
6. Rue du Bailly: The Rue du Bailly is a focal point for independent clothes stores and knick-knack boutiques. Stroll along Bailly and pop your head into the variety of stores. When all the shopping begins to tire you out, hop across to Place Chatelain or Rue du Page for a spritzer or tapas plate.
7. Passage du Nord: The Passage du Nord is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Brussels and a delightful street flanked by beautiful caryatids and many other statues. The building dates back to the 19th century and was designed by the architect Henri Rieke. You can enjoy shopping at a multitude of shops like luxury goods shops, jewelry shops, shoe shops, etc.
Shopping in Antwerp
Shopping in Antwerp is an unforgettable experience showcasing high quality fashion goods as well as street markets. It fits in perfectly with Antwerp’s status as a fashion capital. Whatever your style is in Antwerp you will find elegant pieces from large fashion houses, trendy boutiques, and small, independent stores, to groundbreaking concept stores. All this is within walking distance in a city that is at the same time hip and historical, cool and classic, trendy and traditional.
In Antwerp you can get unique shopping experiences in shops such as a gold-filled banquet hall at Stadsfeestzaal aan de Meir, an old bank building at Verso, a former printing shop at St. Vincents, and a real palace at Palace op de Meir.
Best Areas For Shopping In Antwerp
Antwerp, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and artistic influence, also stands out as a premier shopping destination. With a perfect blend of historical charm and contemporary flair, Antwerp offers a plethora of shopping areas that cater to every taste. Let’s explore the best areas for shopping in this vibrant city.
1. Meir: Meir is Antwerp’s most prestigious and vibrant walking and shopping avenue. It is a pedestrian only shopping avenue a favorite hotspot for every shopaholic. Here you will find many of the large international chains outlets lined up among the immensely beautiful Rococo buildings.
2. Fashion District: Antwerp’s fashion epicenter is located in Nationalestraat and the surrounding streets, including Lombardenvest and Steenhouwersvest, It is the home of Antwerp’s fashion scene. From prestigious fashion houses to up and coming designers this neighbourhood oozes cutting edge design. Antwerp owes its reputation as an international fashion capital to several designers including the Antwerp Six who graduated from the fashion department of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The shops of many leading designers, including Dries van Note, Christian Winant’s, A.F. Vandevorst, Stephan Schneider are located in or around Nationalestraat.
3. Quartier Latin: The Quartier Latin also known anteater district is a lively neighborhood with plenty of theatres, including the large Stadsschouwburg and the Bourka Theatre as well as many cafés and restaurants. It is home to some of Antwerp’s most exclusive boutiques and some eye-catching antiques and specialty shops. On this street you will find all national and international luxury brands such as Hermès, Nathan, Jimmy Choo, Vuitton, Chanel, Delvauxite.
4. Kammenstraat: At Kammenstraat you will find plenty of posh boutiques, young and edgy brands. There are plenty of other shops including tattoo and piercing studios, a sci-fi and fantasy shop, trendy lighting shop and some original food bars. A bit of a hipster neighborhood in other words.
5. Wilde Zee: The Wilde Zee neighborhood is formed by five lively pedestrian shopping streets and is named after the old 15th century bridge. The five Wilde Zee streets Korte Gasthuisstraat, Wiegstraat, Lombardenvest, Groendaalstraat and Schrijnwerkerstraat are lined with hip clothing, shoe shops, large chains, beauty shops and sweet delicatessens. This area is also home to Belgium’s oldest shopping center the Niue Gander, where you will find the pop-ups of start-ups as well as established businesses. You can find everything here from a bakery with people queueing patiently outside and divine caterers. Every chocolate brand has a shop in this neighborhood.
6. Historic City Centre: The historic city center has lovely, winding streets where antiques lovers or anyone who likes picturesque city views can browse an endless supply of collectibles. Kloosterstraat has been a popular place with shoppers because of its many antiques, vintage and second-hand shops for decades. In addition all shops in the Kloosterstraat are open on Sundays. There are plenty of nice restaurants and authentic pubs around Grote Market you can choose from. Shopaholics should head to the Grand Bazar Shopping Center in Groenplaats, which has 50 shops under one roof, making it the city’s largest shopping.
7. Het Zuid: Het Zuid neighborhood is all about art and culture. Here you will find the city’s three large museums the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Photo Museum numerous art galleries and a few famous auction houses. The area around Vlaamsekaai and Waalsekaai is home to modern galleries and some exclusive design and interior shops.
Het Zuid’s hipster factor is highest in Volksraad, where you’ll find several trendy concept stores that stock design products, unique accessories and lots of interior objects. A very lively neighborhood which is always nice when shopping.
8. Station District: The Station District is located around Antwerp’s magnificent Central Station split in the exclusive diamond district on the one side, with Chinatown on the other side. In between you’ll find a wide boulevard with plenty of terraces and shops.
The Station District is also home to the ‘Diamond Square Mile’, Antwerp’s diamond district. This square mile is home to 1,600 diamond companies and four diamond exchanges, making it the world’s diamond capital. There are also plenty of diamond traders and jewelers who will tempt you with their dazzling showrooms. Here you can purchase the jewel of your dreams, but always make sure to go to shops with the ‘Antwerp’s Most Brilliant’ label. This label stands for reliability and quality.
9. Lien: The Lien boulevards stretch from the Opera on Frankrijklei to Amerikalei in the Zuid district and home to fantastically interesting specialty shops as well as some lovely restaurants and bars – perfect to take a well earned break.
Shopping in Ghent
Ghent, with its medieval charm and vibrant atmosphere, offers a delightful shopping experience for locals and visitors alike. From historic squares to trendy boutiques, the city has a diverse range of shopping areas to explore. Let’s discover the best areas for shopping in the picturesque city of Ghent.
Best Areas For Shopping In Ghent
The shops and boutiques in Graz are like a wardrobe with a mixed assortment of colourful clothes. Casual outfits for the city stroll share a coat hanger with elegant robes for the evening gala. Affordable second-hand accessories can be had next to expensive jewellery, and traditional costumes compete for attention with flashy designer fashion.
1. Vrijdagmarkt: The Vrijdagmarkt and surrounding area are well worth a visit. You can spend hours and hours on and around the square. On Fridays and Saturdays, visit the market that gave the square its name. Soak in the atmosphere in the alleyways that surround the square and admire the magnificent façades.
2. Cite Culture: Cite Culture is the ideal starting point for your shopping adventure. In this historic area around Mudbug, Karalee, and Sleepstraat you feel the working-class character and the typical Ghent hospitality.
3. East District: The eastern part of the city is where you can find the East District, the commercial area around Henegouwenstraat, Bennesteeg, Mageleinstraat, and Voldersstraat. Belgian fashions for all ages but also a nice selection of delicatessens and sweet shops. The shops in Henegouwenstraat specialize in different kinds of luxury goods, such as lingerie, vintage and new couture, and men’s fashion.
4. Ronda Sint-Jacobs: Ronda Sint-Jacob is one of the most lively areas in the city. At night it is the habitat of students and party-goers; during the day it is the playground for treasure hunters. In this shopping area with pleasant streets, you will find original fashion, design, and vintage. It is an artistic Valhalla with interesting art galleries and interior shops. Ottogracht, Belfortstraat, Hoogpoort, and Vlasmarkt are home to surprising shops with accessories, fashion, stationary, and design. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday you can browse through the antiques and collectibles market.
5. Gent Central: The historical heart of Ghent is a wonderful place to shop thanks to its pedestrian shopping streets and impressive monuments. The area around Korenmarkt, Veldstraat, and Longmont is traditionally the main shopping area where you can find shops from large and small store chains.
6. Linkeroever: Linkeroever is a charming area on the left bank of the river Lys breathes art. People who are into collectibles, art, and antiques are sure to find what they are looking for here. Onderbergen is a street that whisks you away from the buzz and activity of the Veldstraat. Discover trendy shops with original concepts, and cozy terraces in the shade and have lunch among the mansions.
7. SoGo: SoGo is the biggest shopping area in Ghent with more than 450 distinctive shops. Stylish boutiques, quirky restaurants, and specialist shops have been around for generations. Follow the endless row of fashion shops in Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, Walpoortstraat, and Kortedagsteeg. The chic shoe shops and famous brands, streetwear shops, and outlets are every shopaholic’s dream.
8. Quartier Sint-Pieters: The area around the railway station is not only the hub of Ghent but also a surprising shopping paradise and a majestic part of the city. Here you can find specialized shopkeepers in all domains: bakers, butchers, health shops, bicycle shops, fashion boutiques, hairdressers, booksellers, you name it.
9. Zuid: You can find almost everything in this neighborhood once dominated by a railway station. Exclusive fashion, classic design, or stylish interiors. You will also find unpretentious bars and eateries with food from all over the world.
10. Bruges: Bruges is a true shopper’s paradise for shopping lovers of every kind with a broad range of interesting shops adapted to everyone’s needs and budget. Bruges is pedestrian-friendly and the main streets are all close to each other so a day’s shopping here is much more relaxing than in many other cities.
You will find all the major national and international chains, as well as trendy local boutiques. And if you leave the beaten shopping paths you will certainly make plenty of interesting discoveries. The most important shopping streets run between the Market Square and the old city gates: Steenstraat, Simon Stevinplein, Mariastraat, Zuidzandstraat, Sint-Jakobsstraat, Sint- Amandsstraat, Geldmuntstraat, Noordzandstraat, Smedenstraat, Vlamingstraat, Philipstockstraat, Academiestraat, Hoogstraat, Langestraat and the Katelijnestraat. There is also a small but elegant shopping center, the Zilverpand, hidden between the Noordzandstraat and the Zuidzandstraat.
Each neighborhood has its unique atmosphere. In the Steenstraat, for example, you will find famous brand names, whereas the Langestraat boasts many little second-hand and bric-a-brac shops. The large hypermarkets are located just outside the city center. You don’t know where to start? On www.visitbruges.be there is a selection of well-established family businesses and creative entrepreneurs. These are all unique boutiques, situated close to the city center, and each is guaranteed to give you a great shopping experience.
11. Michelin: Michelin is a lively sort of place and you sense that immediately! Even the shops have a buzz about them. You can stock up at an outdoor market, or head for Michelin’s main drag de Brule, which is home to the big brands, and on Sint-Katelijnestraat you’ll find lots of independent retailers and specialist stores. Shopping in Michelin in combination with a dinner in the numerous good bistros and restaurants is always a unique experience.
The largest shopping street in the center of Michelin is undoubtedly the Brule, also described as the Abdijstraat. This shopping boulevard is divided into two. The first part from the Grote Market is the Korte Brule which changes from the Botermarkt to the actual Brule. This shopping promenade stretches from the Grote Marks to the Fonteinbrug.
12. Mons: The main shopping area of Mons City is located around the Rue de la Coupe, close to the Grand Place. This is a pedestrian area where you can find chain stores but also some smaller shops on the side streets.
Watch out for the label “Ballade des chateaux originaux”. It means “Walk of Original Presents” and it’s a label granted to over 50 stores in Mons that offer customers you can’t find anywhere else something original.
13. Namur: Namur has plenty of fashionable boutiques, pleasant cafés and restaurants (see below). As a university town, it is also a good place to buy CDs and DVDs, books, and stationery. etc. The main shopping streets are the Rue de Fer, Rue de Lange, and Rue de Brunelle, as well as in front of the train station. But many boutiques are located in the small pedestrian streets in the old town.
14. Ostend: Ostend is an exceptional place where shopaholics feel right at home and will find everything their hearts desire. This includes several pedestrian shopping streets in which you can casually stroll from shop window to shop window and from one side of the street to the other without being harassed by traffic.
15. Ypres: Discover the variety of trendy boutiques, and charming restaurants that will make you will feel immediately at home in this small but charming town. There are three main streets in Ypres, which have a variety of shops and boutiques. These are Boterstraat, Meensestraat and Rijselstraat. Each of these streets is in the center of the town and is easily accessible from the Grote Market.
Things To Buy In Belgium
Belgium, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage and culinary excellence, offers a treasure trove of unique and delightful items for shoppers. From mouthwatering chocolates to intricate lace, Belgium provides an array of souvenirs that capture the essence of its craftsmanship. Let’s explore the must-buy items in Belgium, ensuring your shopping experience is as memorable as your visit.
1. Belgian Chocolates: Belgium is known as the best chocolate producer in the world and the best gift that you should get from Belgium is chocolate. Neuhaus, Lady Godiva, and Leonidas are among the popular Belgian brands that have standard quality across the board. The most famous is Pierre Marcolini, a chocolatier that’s renowned for controlling every aspect of his production. Pralines are chocolate shells filled with fruits, nuts, caramel or other fillings, which are the “signature” chocolate of Belgium.
2. Comic Books: Belgium is considered to be one of the most important countries with a huge comic book industry and is an integral part of Belgian culture,. Home of the famous characters such as Adventures of Tintin, Asterix, The Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Spirou, Bob and Bobette. If you like reading comic books while traveling, you’re in the right place.
3. Life-size Mannikin pies: Brussels’ Mannikin Pies statue is one of the most famous sculptural images and perhaps the country’s most well known landmark. You can find miniature copies on everything from key rings, to life-size Mannikin Pies fountains.
4. Lace: In Belgium, lace is not merely a traditional craft but a part of the country’s cultural heritage. You can find dresses, table clothes, bride veil made of lace. There are different kinds such as duchess, princess, and renaissance.
5. Belgian Beer: You will definitely fell in love with Belgium beer for its unique taste and flavors. It produces 600 different kinds of beer that are some of the most sought-after craft beers in the world. The best beers are considered to be the Trappist variety produced by the monastic orders and currently there are only six monasteries in Belgium that sell their beer as authentic Trappist product.
6. Beer Cups: Belgian beer is known for its glassware. Every beer has its own glass, carefully selected by the brewer. The different glass shapes are however essential in bringing out the specific characteristics and aromas of each beer.
7. Ginger Tea: Ginger Love is the legendary hot drink of Belgium. It is a divine mix of citrus fruits, ginger and herbs. The warm frothy drink is caffeine free and is said to be beneficial to the immune system. Ginger Love is created by chef Lombardian a renowned vegan restaurant in the Belgian city of Antwerp.
8. Whiskey: Belgium whisky ranks well on the international scale of countries that produce yummy whisky. The Belgian Owl Single Malt 64 Months has been named the best single malt whisky in Europe.
9. Cube dons: The Cube dons also called the Ghent Nose is a traditional delicacy Belgian. They are easily identified by their cone-shape and deep purple color made from a sweet mix of red berries, their hard outer shell encasing a gooey center. You will find Cube dons at every candy shop in Brussels as well as throughout the rest of Belgium.
10. Belgian Waffles: Belgian waffles are completely irresistible and one of the yummiest options that you can buy from Belgium is waffle. You can buy some to eat with your family or friends, and you can also buy the waffle flour to bake it yourself. Belgian waffles come in two distinct varieties such as Brussels Giuffre and liege.
11. Speculums Biscuits: Speculums biscuits are fragrant cookies made with brown sugar and spices. It is a type of spiced short crust biscuit, traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas day and according to the tradition used to be baked in the shape of Saint Nicholas.
12.Snow Globe: The Belgium snow globes show the world in miniature. The glass globes have enchanted people with their romantic winter landscape themes. The snow globe is available in various sizes you can let it snow on key landmarks, mountains and villages, animals, cakes, famous landmarks and even expressions of love.
13. Christmas Balls: The Christmas Balls of Belgium are hand crafted making it a wonderful gift for someone special. Each ball is painted individually and is thus unique with minor variations to each item.
14. Eggwhite Soap: The Eggwhite soaps are made of pure egg whites and skillfully mixed with the soothing properties of the oil of pressed lecithin and chamomile. The soap will draw impurities from your pores, leaving the skin glowing with freshness, soothed, soft to touch leaving a fresh glow appears on your skin.
Flea Markets
Waterloo Flea Market
For several years a flea market has been held every Sunday morning in the car park of the Carrefour supermarket in Waterloo, close to the roundabout of the Château Cheval (Castle Horse) and the Lion of Waterloo. This flea market, which is also known as “La Briante du Biggs”, “Briante Château Cheval”, “Briante du Carrefour”, “Briante de Waterloo”, or “Briante du Lion”, is a true paradise for bargain hunters
The Waterloo Flea Market offers a good mix of genuine antiques and more contemporary antiques & collectibles, but as always, watch out for replicas. The venue has plenty of parking and a good fast-food restaurant.
Brussels Flea Market
The flea market at Place du Jiu de Bale also known as the Margoles flea market is in the center of Brussels and takes place daily. Here you can find everything from junk and antiques to bargain buys and rip-offs. About 200 dealers turn up every day from 7 am until lunchtime. This flea market is a great place to find things you never knew you wanted, and at knockdown prices.
Ciney Expo flea market
Twice a year in April and July, the huge Caney Expo center on the outskirts of Caney (Belgium) is given over to a four-day antique/bromate fair/flea market. This event is considered Belgium’s greatest flea market unpacking nearly 500 trucks from Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, and Italy. With hundreds of stalls both inside and out, visitors get a terrific variety of things on sale, from the very finest quality antiques to household wares.
The Caney Expo Antique Fair inside the Caney Expo Hall), features more than 50 carefully selected professional exhibitors, showcasing Gothic furniture from the Middle Ages, parchment bins, rare statues, 19th-century tables, antique jewelry, paintings, antique silverware, and so on.
Best Places For Shopping In Austria
Discover the epitome of shopping bliss in Austria. Navigate through the best places to shop, where tradition meets modern elegance. Elevate your shopping experience in the heart of Austria.
Explore the allure of Austrian shopping at its finest. Unearth the best places to shop, blending tradition and modern flair. Your guide to an unforgettable shopping experience in Austria awaits.
Shopping
Shopping in Austria isn’t cheap, but international visitors can make use of the VAT (sales tax) return on their purchases, which makes prices more reasonable. Popular Austrian souvenirs are mostly edible, such as the famous sacher torte (chocolate cake), Mozartkugeln (chocolate marzipan balls), speck (smoked bacon), and Zotter chocolates. Cooks and salad lovers should take home a bottle of Styrian pumpkin seed oil. This fragrant and tasty oil, which is also healthy, is a great dressing for salad, pasta, and soups. Austrian schnapps (distilled liquor) is also a good souvenir, and there are many popular flavors, but Himbeergeist (raspberry schnapps) is one of the most delicious.
Austria is, of course, known for its wonderful handicrafts. However, truly handmade items are not cheap, so if the price seems a little too reasonable, it probably wasn’t made locally. Popular clothing choices are dirndl (traditional Austrian dresses for women), lederhosen (leather pants for men), felt hats, felt sweaters, and suede and stitched items. Although pricey, a loden coat or jacket is well worth the money. Loden is a water-resistant wool material made without removing the lanolin in sheep’s wool and a good quality loden coat can easily be handed down from generation to generation. On Saturdays, there is a huge flea market in the Naschmarkt area as well. But if you are interested in unique clothes, you should go a little further within the 7th district.
Other signature handicrafts include wood carvings, items made from deer antlers, hand-painted porcelain, Swarovski crystals, and leather goods. Handmade Christmas ornaments are also a good choice but are difficult to find out of season. The best place to get festive items is at a Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market). These special markets usually take place from November to December in almost every city and town. Just behind the big commercial shopping street Mariahilfer Straße, you can find small boutiques as well as Austrian and international designers in Lindengasse, Siebensterngasse, Kirchengasse, and this neighborhood.
Most shopping in the cities is still done on so-called shopping streets, some of which are pedestrian-only. The most popular in Vienna are Mariahilfer Strasse, Kärtner Strasse, and Favoritenstrasse; in Linz, Linzer Landstrasse; in Innsbruck, Maria Theresien Strasse; in Graz, Hauptplatz and Herrengasse; in Salzburg, Linzergasse and Getreidegasse.
Vienna
Shopping is a pleasure in Vienna – elegant boutiques, department stores, and specialty shops are clustered in the city center as well as the surrounding districts, interspersed with cafes and bars for those necessary breaks. Shopping streets and pedestrian zones offer luxury goods and good values at jeweler’s shops as well as antique stores, art stores, and fashion designer boutiques.
Best Areas For Shopping In Vienna
Vienna, the enchanting capital of Austria, is not just a haven for classical music and historical architecture enthusiasts but also a paradise for shopaholics. In this guide, we’ll embark on a retail journey through the best areas for shopping in Vienna, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and modern trends.
1. Mariahilfer Strasse: At Mariahilfer Strasse this cool and contemporary fashion street you will find a wealth of cool and hip labels along Vienna’s longest and liveliest shopping street. Browse its department stores and malls such as Herzmansky and Gerngross and enjoy a wide range of eateries for all budgets. You’ll also be able to discover the latest footwear trends thanks to the many shoe shops, from Vans and Foot Locker to Ecco and Puma. For denim fashion, Diesel’s flagship store takes center stage alongside Vero Moda, Benetton, S Oliver, and German department store Peek & Cloppenburg.
2. Kohlmarkt: Kohlmarkt is a glamorous jewellery venue and a heritage destination. No shopping trip to Vienna would be complete without a stroll along this pedestrianized zone of fine Viennese jewelry boutiques. Kohlmarkt is located in the heart of the city and is referred to as the ‘Golden U’ of Vienna. It is a historic shopping street for high fashion, fine jewelry and rare gems. Here you will find international jewelry houses such as Tiffany, Chopard, and Cartier. For established fashion houses with a long history, be sure to stop by Burberry, Moncler, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, and Dior.
3. Old Town: The city’s Old Town has numerous charming areas to explore for local as well as luxury shopping in Vienna. It is a great shopping destination because it boasts opulent hat ateliers, antique boutiques, and lively markets. Some shops have a long tradition for they date back to the Habsburg era and are still running strong. You can choose to visit what suits your tastes and budgets because you will be surrounded by ample choices.
4. Goldenes Quartier: The Goldenes Quartier is the destination for flagship stores and premium luxury. Set between the streets of Tuchlauben, Bognergasse, and Seitzergasse, the Goldenes Quartier is the new destination for premium luxury fashion in Vienna. It is home to glamorous flagship stores and offers a wealth of international labels. These include British brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, and Alexander McQueen. Parisian labels range from Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Saint Laurent, to name just a few. For Italian design, browse stores from Prada to Roberto Cavalli, Miu Miu, and many more. Along Tuchlauben you’ll find DSquared2 and Agent Provocateur.
5. Kärntner Strasse : Kärntner Strasse is the most famous high street in Vienna. This long pedestrian zone is one of Vienna’s famous places to shop and is home to the flagship store of the Austrian brand Swarovski. It offers a wealth of contemporary labels such as Hugo Boss and Karl Lagerfeld and it presents some of the best brands in high street fashion; look no further than H&M, Zara, Mango, and Forever 21. For a one-stop shop, visit the popular Steffl department store and enjoy its mix of designer and high-street items that will appeal to the whole family.
6. Graben: Graben runs between Stock-im-Eisen-Platz and the junction of Kohlmarkt and Tuchlauben, Here you’ll find a mix of luxury brands, independent boutiques, footwear specialists, beauty stores, high street favourites, and watch brands. Shopping highlights include Hermès, Tod’s, Marionnaud, Bally, Montblanc, and Swatch.
7. Naschmarkt: The Naschmarkt offers a great choice of good value yet high-quality foreign foods. It is divided into two parts one side is an alley of food stalls, and the other is chains of restaurants and cafés. It dates back to the times before the discovery of Vienna, and this was then the only place where you could get fresh milk and all the other food products.
Salzburg
Shopping in Salzburg is quite an experience. Tradition and modern life collide between long streets with inviting small stores and boutiques with historical ambiance and large shopping centres on the periphery. Traditional art, attractive souvenirs, genuine handicrafts and fashionable highlights strollers and shopaholics will certainly find what they’re looking for between the historic city centre and the outlet centre.
Best Areas For Shopping In Salzburg
Salzburg, the enchanting Austrian city known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, isn’t just a haven for culture enthusiasts. For avid shoppers, Salzburg offers a delightful blend of tradition and modernity. In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas for shopping in Salzburg, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
1. Getreidegasse: Getreidegasse shopping street is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street and is fully pedestrianised, making ambling along popping in and out of the various shops a pleasant pastime. Located right in the heart of town, iconic iron signs hanging outside every premise only add to the street’s charm; spend a happy afternoon browsing artisan stores and local restaurants.
2. Old Town: In the Old Town you will find artisans and craftsmen producing traditional costumes such as dirndl dresses for women and lederhosen for men, foods and drinks, pastries and sweets, record stores specializing on rare recordings from the festival since its early days and all sorts of other shops. In Old Town, you can buy shoes, umbrellas, shirts, and dresses all tailor-made.
3. Kaiviertel: Kaiviertel which is located beyond the hustle and bustle of the historic city center keeps things a bit quieter. You will find beautiful art stores and galleries featuring classic and modern art in the pedestrian area.
4. Linzergasse: Linzergasse is also well known for its many small, independently run shops and it is less fancy than the stores in the old town and significantly cheaper. Old signs hang from the listed and protected building facades
of the charming alley, which has become a home to renowned national and international brands as well as to traditional, established handicraft businesses.
5. Maxglan: You can also visit Maxglan, which is not a typical shopping neighborhood at all, but a traditional, middle-class residential area with lots of traditional specialist shops.
Designer Outlet Salzburg just off the motorway exit for Salzburg Airport the McArthur Glenn Designer Outlet offers brand-name fashion with reductions of up to 70%. Buy your designer wear at sale prices all through the year.
Innsbruck
Small shops line the streets and a colourful array of products fill the windows of the wonderful medieval buildings. Innsbruck’s historic old town offers a great selection of souvenirs, mementos, and delicious local delicacies. There are also lots of enticing little shops in other parts of the city so don’t forget to venture out of the center to see just how much there is to discover.
Centrally located shopping centers, such as the Rathausgalerien and Kaufhaus Tyrol, provide a modern shopping experience just a few steps away from the charming little shops in the old town.
Graz
The shops and boutiques in Graz are like a wardrobe with a mixed assortment of colourful clothes. Casual outfits for the city stroll share a coat hanger with elegant robes for the evening gala. Affordable second-hand accessories can be had next to expensive jewellery, and traditional costumes compete for attention with flashy designer fashion.
Best Areas For Shopping In Graz
Shopping in Graz, Austria, is a delightful experience for both locals and tourists. The city boasts a unique blend of traditional markets and modern boutiques, offering something for every shopper. In this article, we’ll explore the best areas for shopping in Graz, ensuring you make the most of your retail therapy.
1. Herrengasse: Graz’s main street Herrengasse is lined with magnificent old buildings. Here you’ll find a tempting array of shop windows that are a vibrant gallery of the latest trends: chic shoes, watches, jewelry, cosmetics, contemporary home decor, textiles, accessories, design labels, and much more.
2. Annenstraße: The Annenstraße is a street between Südtirolerplatz and Europaplatz and has numerous clubs, and shops with design and variety stores than anywhere else. Here you’ll discover more playful appropriations of the city and interesting initiatives than in all the remaining city districts together.
3. Hauptplatz: Hauptplatz or the main square is a veritable open-air shopping centre. A variety of gorgeous façades house the shops on the main square, surrounded by a maze of cobbled side streets and alleys packed with unique independent shops and specialist boutiques.
4. Schmiedgasse: Schmiedgasse is mainly a pedestrian zone and a popular shopping area with many small shops and bars. Centuries ago the street was home to craftsmen, blacksmiths, wainwrights, tinners, and gunsmiths. Today, Schmiedgasse is parallel to Herrengasse and offers a historic ambiance in which to shop and stroll with friends.
5. Lendplatz and Mariahilferstraße: In the so-called creative district around Lendplatz and Mariahilferstraße you can browse around shops looking for special, unique, and beautiful designer products. Numerous design shops have settled here in past years – a secret tip for lovers of exclusive ideas for gifts and designer articles. Graz is by the way, the first Austrian City of Design and a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
6. Sackstraße: Sackstraße or the street of arts where you will find antique shops, galleries, jewelry shops, workshops, museums, and studios offering modern and antique art, popular art, and handicrafts. A fascinating ambiance combined with traditional trade makes “Kunst Meile” street a special attraction. The department store “Kastner &Öhler” is also located in Sackstraße.
7. Südtiroler Platz: Südtiroler Platz Square invites you to take an easy-going stroll around the area. It connects a lot more than just the left and right side of the Mur River and is a prime example of how Graz connects different places to vibrant city life: historic buildings of the Mur suburb merge with the Kunsthaus and a piece of the traditional shopping mile leads right into the whirling Lend area. This exuberance of life is also reflected in the economic life.
8. Franziskanerviertel: The Franziskanerviertel-quarter is one of the most beautiful and popular places in the city of Graz. Small, historic shops coddle up to the outside walls of the gothic Franziskanerkirche church and shape the romantic picture of the place.
9. Jakominiviertel: Jakominiviertel on the other side of the historic city center, Graz has a new creative area. In the last few years, over 40 design and craft enterprises have moved into the Jakomini quarter, giving it the urban flair of a cool new district.
10. Sporgasse: Sporgasse is largely a pedestrian zone and a busy shopping street. It has secretly developed into a real ice cream mile with many stores offering the most exotic ice cream flavours. Amongst them, you will not only find sneakers from Foot Locker or fashionable shoes from Geox, watches and jewelry from Swatch or New One, but also Italian fashion or traditional costumes and many other things.
11. Murgasse: Murgasse is characterized by numerous specialist shops where you will find clothes, watches, jewelry, elegant cutlery and very special knives. Also, lovers of good food can delight their palates and many other kinds of shops also invite you to look around, shop and enjoy.
Klagenfurt
In the historic old town of Klagenfurt, which was declared a pedestrian zone, you are in the right place. Here you can stroll between craft shops, fashion shops, luxury boutiques, perfumeries, bookstores, and fine department stores.
Souvenirs, beautiful and sweet, old and new, interesting and interesting things are offered here in abundance and you can see by the way two important sights of the city. The Lindwurm at the new place and the Wörtherseemandl at the Dr. Arthur Lemisch place. In between a fortification in one of the many restaurants or cafes round off the walk, on which you might also find one or the other bargain.
Also directly in the city center, there is the City Arkaden a classic shopping center, a little further outside is the South Park a second shopping temple, but in a smaller version. The weekly market, the Klagenfurt Benedictine Market, is recommended to connoisseurs of Luculli. On Thursdays and Saturdays, regional suppliers from Carinthia, Friuli, and Slovenia offer their products – all fresh, organically grown, and incomparably delicious.
Klagenfurt’s biggest shopping center is the City Arkaden Mall in the city center. More than 120 shops of the most popular brands offer everything shoppers desire plus some things they didn’t even know they needed. Besides well-known brands including Müller, H&M, Mango, Zero, Esprit, Hervis, Saturn and many more, original Klagenfurt-based shops can be found here too, such as Modehaus Neuner with its exquisite range of handbags and leather goods.
The weekly Benedictine Market, where you will also come across the statue of the Stone Fisherman. The market is a hub of communication, a place to meet people, chat with them, and perhaps enjoy something to eat or drink together. Thursdays and Saturdays are the traditional market days when products are also sold outside the market hall itself.
The most beautiful Easter market in the Alps-Adriatic region once again treats visitors from near and far to a magical springtime ambiance in the heart of the historical district. Numerous market merchants, direct marketers, performers, eateries, and gardeners transform the Neuer Platz into a colorful springtime oasis. Here on the plaza that surrounds the Lindwurm, you find essentially everything you could wish for during the run-up to Easter: traditional and modern arts & crafts made from glass, wood, and ceramics, hand-painted Easter eggs and embroidered Easter tablecloths, chocolate bunnies and other mouthwatering sweets, beautiful Easter baskets, as well as tasteful decorations for home and garden.
Linz
From small shops to browsing the local delicacies in the farmers’ markets through to the international brands in the shopping arcades Linz offers a shopping experience to suit every taste.
Best Areas For Shopping In Linz
Linz, a charming city nestled along the Danube River, offers more than just picturesque landscapes and historical landmarks. For avid shoppers, Linz is a hidden gem, boasting diverse areas that cater to various tastes and preferences. From bustling market squares to modern shopping centers, this article unveils the best areas for shopping in Linz, ensuring a delightful retail therapy experience.
1. Landstraße: Landstraße in Linz is one of the best-known and most-frequented shopping streets in Austria. Starting at the Taubenmarkt square, it works its way south as far as the Musiktheater. Stores and shopping arcades tempt you into window-shop and offer a wide assortment of products. Fashion, books, accessories, shoes, furniture, and much more are available in the numerous retail outlets. The wide selection extends from individual pieces to international brands.
2. Herrenstraße: Herrenstraße is short but sweet and runs from the Landhaus, or state parliament building, to the Mariendom cathedral. As well as historical buildings such as the Bischofshof (Bishop’s Residence), the street is home to a variety of shops to tempt prospective buyers. Distinctive eateries lure you in to interrupt your spending spree and indulge in culinary delights.
3. Bischofstraße: Bischofstraße is the ideal place for a side street with lots of independent shops. In this shopping street, special emphasis is placed on handicrafts and fine details, bringing smiles of delight to many faces.
4. Rainerstraße: Rainerstraße is home to several beauty salons and a florist, as well as Xiling, a fashionable boutique specializing in locally designed, fair trade pieces made from organic materials. Their range of top eco-brands includes Himalaya, Maronski, and Milk, an Austrian label focused on creating beautiful clothes through upcycling.
5. Old Town: Linz’s Old Town invites visitors to enjoy a relaxed amble around the shops. Unusual establishments offer distinctive goods ranging from furniture in unique designs to custom-made confectionery. Often lovingly handcrafted, many of the products are special, one-of-a-kind items. The shopkeepers are also happy to make time for one-to-one advice. Cafés and bars in the picture-perfect squares of the Old Town are inviting spots for a moment’s relaxation.
Bregenz
Bregenz is home to a number of remarkable shops, many of them located in a pedestrian area in the center of the city. It includes specialty shops that attract both locals and visitors to the city.
Bregenz offers a shopping city experience that reinvents itself time and again. While large shopping centers strive to score with hectic busyness and barely differentiable abundance, the city on the lake impresses with the harmonious interplay of companies and culinary and cultural offerings: in the smallest of spaces, high-quality retailers meet well-known cultural institutions such as Kunsthaus, Vorarlberg Museum or Landestheater and combines with real delicacies of sophisticated gastronomy – from the trendy cappuccino bar on the traditional tavern to the award-winning award-winning restaurant.
Zell am See
Zell is See has a beautiful, traditional town center which is traversed by a pedestrian zone and traffic-calmed area. The town is very inviting when it comes to shopping in the local shops and outlets. Take your time and explore the shopping malls around Zell am See-Kaprun. Sport, fashion, equipment but also many regional specialties and souvenirs are on the shopping lists of our guests. Regional specialties, Italian delicacies, and traditional arts and crafts products can be found on the markets. The forecourt of the Ferry Porsche Congress Centers and the main square in Zell am See turn into romantic Advent and Christmas markets early in winter every year. The markets invite to sample regional specialities, and buy traditional Pinzgau.
Sport, adventure, and action are on the agenda in the Zell am See-Kaprun holiday region and you can buy suitable and quality sports equipment from the professionally managed sports shops.
Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is renowned for its elegant, timeless chic, and world-class craftsmanship still upheld today by the many fine shops and boutiques. From traditional handicraft shops to attractive shopping centre. The wonderfully designed shop window fronts in Kitzbühel, Wörgl, and St. Johann in Tyrol tempt you in to enjoy an extended shopping spree. In the Kitzbüheler Alpen, you’ll come across designer items, traditional fashion, sportswear, fashionable accessories, local foods, and small souvenirs.
Things To Buy In Austria
Austria, a country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, offers a unique shopping experience for visitors. From traditional products deeply rooted in Austrian heritage to modern innovations, the shopping scene in Austria caters to diverse tastes. Let’s embark on a journey through the must-have items when exploring the markets and boutiques of this enchanting country.
1. Sachertorte Chocolate Cake: Sachertorte is the most famous chocolate invented in 1832 for Prince Wenzel von Metternich and one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties. It consists of a dense chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam on top, coated in dark chocolate icing on the top and sides, and is traditionally served with unsweetened whipped cream. The cake comes in various sizes and is packed beautifully making it an ideal gift.
2. Mozartkugel: Mozartkugel consists of pistachio marzipan surrounded by layers of dark and light praline cream coated in the finest rich dark chocolate. It offers the most typical Austrian chocolate pleasure and is a signature souvenir for anyone who wants to take a little piece of Austria back home.
3. Manner: The Manner wafers have become a symbol of Viennese culture and lifestyle. Manner’s beloved wafers have been a part of Viennese lives since 1898. The Original Neapolitan Wafers are Manner’s classic and best-selling product. They are made of five layers of tender wafers filled with four layers of delicate hazelnut cocoa cream and hazelnuts in the cream.
4. Zotter Chocolates: Zotter is a famous chocolate manufacturer in Austria producing organic and mouth-watering chocolate. It offers an incredible range of taste combinations to please all palates. Flavors include everything from pineapple-paprika, apple-balsamic vinegar, chili & rum, milk, and oats to classic chocolate flavors such as strawberry and apricot.
5. Mini Pralines: Mini Pralinés are a fine selection of miniature chocolates lovingly arranged in gorgeous gift boxes. It is a chic and informal gift or the ideal box for a moment of self-indulgence.
6. Staud’s Preserves: Staud’s Preserves have been pampering the Viennese and the world with the most exceptional fruit jams and preserves since opening their shop in 1947. The pleasure of Staud´s sweet and sour specialties simply comes from their natural taste. They have more than 200 varieties of sweet and sour fruit preserves, sliced fruit, syrups, and chutneys.
7. Apricots: The Wachau region of Austria is known worldwide for its apricot orchards. You can buy apricots bottled in a wide range of products including jam, compote, schnapps, and sweet liqueurs, which are used in a wide range of cuisines in Austria.
8. Austrian Wine: Austria’s wines are now highly prized by wine experts and wine lovers all around the world. The diversity of the Austrian wine landscape is reflected in the wide variety of wine styles. The balanced fruit-driven acidity and expressive aromas are apparent in all wines and the flagship wine of Austria is Gruener Veltliner.
9. Schnapps: Schnapps is a popular alcoholic beverage in Austria that may take several forms, including distilled fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs, infusions, and flavored liqueurs made by adding fruit syrups, spices, or artificial flavorings to neutral grain spirits.
10. Styrian Pumpkin Seed Oil: Austria is home to the best pumpkin oil and the specialty of the Styria region home to the world’s best pumpkin seeds. Styrian pumpkin seed oil, also known in Styria as black gold is a natural dark green. It is used in salad, soup, marinade, pasta, dips, pastries, and other dishes.
11. Demmers Tea: Demmers Tea is the best tea producer in Austria where you can find an extraordinary selection of 300 tea and tea accessories. They sell varieties of black tea, green tea, white tea, oolong tea, Pu Erh teas black, chamomile tea, and peppermint tea in lightweight tin packages in various designs and styles.
12. Loden Coats: Loden refers to a style of long overcoat originating in the Austrian Alpine region of Tirol. What makes a Loden fabric a ‘Loden’ is the extensive wet-finishing process the loosely woven wool fabric goes through, resulting in a denser fabric. You can buy an authentic Austrian Loden coat that represents a legacy of tradition, craftsmanship, and quality dating back to 1000 B.C.
13. Dirndls: A dirndl is a bodice dress, consisting of a wide skirt, a colorful apron, a bodice, and a short or long-sleeved white or chequered blouse. There are dozens of dirndl varieties and many of them characterize a specific region. For colder weather, there are heavy dirndl coats in the same cut as the dresses, with a high neck and front buttons, thick mittens, and wool hats.
14. Augarten Porcelain: Augarten is Austria’s most traditional porcelain factory. It is famous for its vases and tableware, figurines jewelry boxes, decorative plates, coffee services, and Viennese breadroll all stamped with the blue-striped shield as a sign of authenticity.
15. Snow Globe: The Viennese snow globes show the world in miniature. For over 100 years, the glass globes made by the Viennese snow globe maker Perzy have enchanted people with their romantic winter landscape themes. The snow globe is available in various sizes you can let it snow on key landmarks, mountains and villages, animals, cakes, Johann Strauss, Empress Sissi, and even expressions of love.
16. Klimt Art: Gustav Klimt is a Viennese artist famous for the world-renowned painting The Kiss. The notable painting can be found on numerous objects such as T-shirts, mugs, umbrellas, flip-flops and posters.
17. Swarovski Crystal: Austria is the headquarters of the Swarovski crystals. Swarovski’s famous figurines and classic jewelry collections are souvenirs that last and are available across the country through their stores. They have gift items from figurines to home decor, chandeliers, jewelry, sculpture, and couture. You can buy a vast variety of bangles, bracelets, brooches, and sets, and jewelry for men fashion.
18. Christmas Ornaments: Christmas ornaments are classic when visiting Austria during Christmas you must visit the local Christmas markets and check out their ornaments. The Christmas ornaments are available at different Christmas markets across the city and are made of mouth-blown glass which is carefully hand-painted with different figures and designs that are hung on the trees.
19. Mozart Music Box: Mozart music box named after the prolific and influential composer of Austria. It is a perfect souvenir, which will remind you of your time in the country. You can buy music boxes in different shapes, designs, and music melodies, which are played from the box.
20. Lobmeyr Crystal Glass: J. & L. Lobmeyr is a glassware company founded in 1823 is a family-run business making drinking sets, vases, paperweights, tumblers, chandeliers, and lamps. Their clientele includes the royal house of Austria, the Vienna State Opera, and Michelin star restaurants.
21. Empress Sisi Fridge Magnets: Since her assassination in 1898, Empress Elizabeth has become a kind of cult figure around Austria, praised for her rejection of her royal duties. The Sisi museum, inside the Hofburg Palace, contains a shrine of over 300 items once owned by the Empress and has a gift shop where you can purchase all things related to the former Queen including fridge magnets.
Best Places For Shopping In Greenland
Immerse in unique Greenlandic shopping experiences, discover local crafts, and indulge in authentic treasures. Unearth the best places to shop in Greenland.
Explore the best shopping destinations in Greenland. Find unique treasures in local markets and boutiques. Discover the ultimate shopping experience in the Arctic wonder.
Shopping
In Greenland, you have the opportunity to buy products, which symbolize the country’s identity.
The range of goods available in Greenland differs greatly from town to town and time of the year in North and East Greenland. Souvenirs can generally be bought in the local shops, tourist offices, hotels, and in smaller towns at the post office.
Jewellery, animal skins, and handicrafts produced from Greenlandic materials still provide excellent insight into a proud and ancient culture. Nothing is wasted, and skin, stones, and horns are used to create unique items.
Obtain a CITES export permit before you try to buy anything made from animal parts or pass through customs to guarantee items were not made from an endangered species.
Things To Buy From Greenland
1. Skincare: Greenlandic herbs, plants, and flowers have a soothing and healing effect on the skin. You can buy organic hair and skin care products based on Greenlandic ingredients such as Labrador tea, juniper, thyme, and chamomile.
2. Handicrafts: Greenland arts and crafts are inspired by wildlife and the natural world and often intertwined with traditional beliefs concerning the spirit world. You can visit the local art workshop and see all of these beautiful crafts in person. Maybe you will find some great gifts for your family, friends or for yourself.
3. Beaded Necklace: The Greenlandic national costume for women is an explosion of color from the patterned bead tops to the intricately embroidered boots. You can buy them across Greenland in various colors and designs to your taste.
4. Tupilaks: Tupilaks are bone figures from Greenland meaning the soul of the ancestor and is a carved figure that protects its owner against enemy attack. They are a popular souvenir and can be purchased in the form of figurines, polished necklaces, bracelets, and rings as well as wine corkscrews and knitting needles.
5. Woolens: In Greenland, you can buy musk ox wool which is one of the warmest, softest, and one of the most expensive fibers in the world. You can buy exquisite woolen quality in the form of ponchos, hats, gloves, scarves, baby clothes, and wrist warmers. The wool is especially popular with arthritis sufferers.
6. Kitschy Glasswork: Kitschy glasswork is a special type of glass artwork made by heating a mixture of silica sand to the highest temperature and transforming it into the desired art form. You can buy sun catchers, candle holders, and large conversation piece bowls.
Best Places For Shopping In Maldives
Discover vibrant markets and boutique stores in the Maldives for a unique shopping experience. Uncover treasures and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Dive into the ultimate shopping experience in Maldives with our guide to the best shopping destinations. Discover unique treasures and local crafts.
Shopping
Maldives is not a popular shopping destination. You can buy beautiful crafts particularly lacquer work, woven mats made from dried coconut leaves and reeds, wooden fish, and famous local Dhoni models made from wood, oyster shells, and reed mats.
The male is the political and retail center of trade in Maldives. It offers a variety of popular shops where you can go shopping in the Male Market. The street vendors are renowned for their haggling so brush your skills.
Chaanhanee Magu is a popular place for shopping in Maldives where you can find beautiful souvenirs. It has numerous stalls selling Thudukuna the traditional Maldives mat, and beautiful wooden miniatures. The prices are fair and the souvenirs sold are unique.
In Maldives, it is prohibited to export turtles, turtle shells, and coral. It is best not to buy anything in connection with this as it is likely to be confiscated before leaving the country.
Best Places For Shopping In Thailand
Immerse yourself in a shopper’s paradise! Discover the best places to shop in Thailand’s vibrant markets and malls. Unearth unique treasures and indulge in a world of retail therapy.
Immerse yourself in a shopping paradise with the best places to shop in Thailand. Discover vibrant markets and luxury boutiques, creating unforgettable retail experiences.
Shopping
Thailand is a shopper’s delight and you can easily spend hours or even days scouring the malls and markets. From cheap street stalls selling knockoff designer clothes to the five-star mega malls boasting retail goods Thailand is a shopping oasis that has something for everyone.
Thailand provides numerous places to shop ranging from shopping centers, street markets, weekend markets, and floating markets for you to fulfill your shopping. You should visit different stores to compare prices, especially when buying jewelry and precious gems. All stores have price tags but you should bargain to get it 10% to 40% cheaper than the original price. Never buy jewelry or antiques on the streets. There’s a good chance they’ll be fake, so make these purchases in larger stores or malls to be safe.
Thailand produces an impressive selection of products, foods, textiles, ornaments, and other remarkable items you won’t find elsewhere. The markets, shops, and malls are full of goodies.
Street stalls and shops on the street will generally have lower prices for the same product than those paying premium rents in hotel shopping arcades and some higher-end shopping centers and department stores. The price difference can also reflect on the quality of the product though.
Most vendors and staff at stores speak good enough English, though not fixed prices are often bargained by and the vendor takes turns typing numbers into a calculator and showing it to you.
Bangkok
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise with so many excellent places to shop. It is an excellent destination for cheap shopping, with plenty of bargains at both shopping malls and markets. It is home to an eclectic selection of multi-level shopping malls where you will find everything from the latest fashions and high-end accessories.
Malls in Bangkok are air-conditioned and refreshingly cool, filled with trendy eateries, multiplex’s, bowling alleys, bookstores, cafes, numerous shops, musical events, and festivals making them a perfect place for shopping.
Markets are a huge part of Thai culture and Bangkok is world famous for its markets having some of the best and biggest markets in the world. The night markets are immensely popular in Bangkok offering plenty of shopping, delicious street food, snacks, and drinks the perfect ingredients for a good night out.
In Bangkok, duty-free shopping can be done at the Thailand Duty-Free Shops at the World Trade Center on Ratchadamri Road. You can also pre-order goods here and then pick them up at the airport you have to show your passport and airline ticket in order to make a purchase.
Best Areas For Shopping In Bangkok
Bangkok, often referred to as the “Shopping Paradise,” is a vibrant city that caters to every shopper’s dream. With a plethora of options ranging from luxury boutiques to bustling street markets, the Thai capital has something for everyone. Let’s embark on a journey through the best areas for shopping in Bangkok, exploring iconic districts, hidden gems, and emerging trends that make this city a shopaholic’s haven.
1. Platinum Fashion Mall: Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale and retail mall packed with small shops selling clothing and fashion accessories. The range of styles available at this mall is wonderful with clothes exported from fashion hubs of Asia like Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. It offers a street shopping ambiance where you can haggle to your heart’s content in numerous stores. The mall offers shoppers good quality clothes at a reasonable price and if you buy in bulk 3-4 clothes you will get a handsome deal.
2. Chatuchak Weekend Market: Chatuchak Weekend Market also known as JJ Market is the largest outdoor market in Bangkok. It consists of 15000 stalls divided into 27 sections with each section selling a specific type of item you can buy just about anything imaginable from every corner of Thailand at this vast weekend market.
At this market, you can buy trendy clothes, silk, handbags, hill-tribe outfits, shoes, jewelry, woodcarvings, cosmetics, handicrafts, art and paintings, home accessories, handmade decorated flowers, ceramic wares, gemstones, and local souvenirs from every part of Thailand among many other things available at the market. You can also eat and drink at charming small cafes and restaurants or small stalls selling delicious street food. The market is also famous for its wide array of dessert options. The best time to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market is early in the morning around 11 AM when it is less crowded.
3. Pratunam Market: Pratunam Market is Thailand’s largest wholesale clothing market. The market has retail stores and outdoor stalls selling a wide variety of products at wholesale prices. At this market, you can buy T-shirts, bikinis, jeans, formal evening dresses, suits, winter jackets, fancy dresses, embroidered costumes, belts, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. In this market, there are many shops selling traditional Thai clothing along with shops where you can get custom-tailored clothes.
4. Victory Monument Market: Victory Monument offers a good choice for budget shopping in Bangkok because it offers shoppers many shopping options at shopping malls, outdoor street markets, and small stores along road alleys. At Victory Monument, you can see many stalls selling clothes, bags, sunglasses, necklaces, belts, shoes, jewelry, watches, handicrafts, mobile phone accessories toys, etc.
5. Taling Chan Floating Market: Taling Chan Floating Market also known as Khlong Lad Mayom Floating Market offers an authentic and real market atmosphere. At the floating market, you will find Thai vendors in straw hats cooking and selling food from boats. There are numerous boats cooking seafood on small barbecues along with other dishes from boats. On weekends musicians play traditional Thai music adding a nice touch to the entire experience.
6. MBK Center: MBK Center also known as Mahboonkrong is a large shopping center packed with small Thai stores selling locally made products offering great value for money.MBK offers affordable clothing, accessories, leather bags, cosmetics, perfumes, crafts, souvenirs and gifts. You can find mobile phones, cameras, mobile phone accessories, tripods, DVD players and more. Many of the items on sale here are imitations and reproductions products so do check thoroughly before purchasing.
7. Jim Thompson Factory Outlet: Jim Thompson revived the dying art of weaving Thai silk. At Jim Thompson factory outlet you can buy quality silk goods at a discounted price. You can enjoy up to 50% discounts on silk goods. At the outlet you can buy fabric by the meter, lifestyle goods made of silk, and a variety of silk accessories such as silk toys for children, ties, scarves, clothing, and picture frames.
8. Siam Square: Siam Square is an open-air shopping and entertainment area consisting of interlocked side streets filled with shopping malls, cinema halls, game arcades, bowling alleys, and restaurants. Siam Square has small fashion design boutiques vintage shops and market stalls selling various apparel at great prices. There are plenty of food options from street stalls, restaurants, and cafes serving a variety of cuisines from across the world.
9. Sampeng Market: Sampeng Market is one of the most exciting and busiest markets in Bangkok at Sampeng Lane in Chinatown. This market offers impressive discounts when you buy in bulk. The market sells a wide range of products such as clothing, fabrics, silk sarongs, handbags, jewelry, gems, watches, women’s shoes, towels, flip-flops, ceramics, lanterns, paper products, home decor items, toys, handicrafts, pens, stickers, hair accessories, cosmetics and beauty accessories, dried food, herbs, tea and a lot more. There are food stalls that serve a large number of mouthwatering dishes mostly of Chinese origin. The market is known as the oldest wholesale market in all of Bangkok.
10. Pantip Plaza: Pantip Plaza is Bangkok’s most famous IT shopping center and a mecca for gadget geeks. The plaza has various shops selling computer hardware, software, mobile phones and accessories, digital cameras, printers, electronic toys, digital watches, music players, and gaming consoles along with repairs and modifications. There are various shops that have bargain bins placed outside where you may find fun gadgets that you can buy at heavily discounted prices. Please be aware that the market is known to sell a number of counterfeit and pirated items.
11. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most popular floating market near Bangkok. At this floating market you will see female traders wearing traditional mo hom apparel with wide-brimmed straw hats selling their wares on small wooden boats. There are boats selling vegetables and colorful fruits along with boats selling Thai snacks. The market gas stalls selling a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts. The floating market has also been featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
12. Khao San Road: Khao San Road is the famous backpacker paradise. On this road, you can buy vintage and exotic clothing, T-shirts, embroidered pillow covers, flip flops, sarongs, beachwear, sunglasses, jewelry, DVDs and CDs, souvenirs, and the largest collection of second-hand English books.
13. Bangkok Fashion Outlet: Bangkok Fashion Outlet is a discount outlet for over 500 Thai and international brands with discounts of up to 90% of retail prices. You can buy famous brands such as Marks & Spencer, GAP, Footwork Void, Minor, SuperSports, Giordano, Playboy, Nike, Gap, French Connection, Ralph Lauren, and many more.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai offers high-quality shopping. The city is renowned for its handicrafts that are passed down through generations by master craftsmen. Visitors can learn about handicrafts production by watching artisans making the products in front of their eyes in the city and in several outlying villages, particularly along the Bo Sang-San Kamphaeng road, with factories and workshops where visitors can purchase handicrafts and works of art directly from the people who produced them. Chiang Mai is renowned for its long tradition of gold-on-black lacquer ware pieces such as bowls, bracelets, and decorative boxes. The city is home to a modest selection of shopping malls and an impressive choice of open-air street markets.
Best Areas For Shopping In Chiang Mai
Welcome to Chiang Mai, where the ancient meets the modern, and the shopping scene is as diverse as the city itself. Travelers often find that exploring the local markets and unique shopping districts is an integral part of their Chiang Mai experience. In this guide, we will take you through the best areas for shopping in this charming city, ensuring you make the most of your retail therapy.
1. Bor Sang Village: Bor Sang Village is popular for the large number of handicraft factories and shops in Chiang Mai. The village specializes in handmade paper umbrellas and parasols, which are brightly coloured, and often decorated with floral motifs. The village is lined with showrooms and factories where you have the opportunity to observe the production of umbrellas as well as purchase them.
2. Warorot Market: Warorot Market also known as Kad Luangis a popular food market selling a variety of fresh produce, snacks, dried fruits, and ready-to-eat food. A large section of the market features inexpensive goods, such as clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, pillow covers, handicrafts, ceramics, toys, and cosmetics. In the evening food stalls are lined outside the market selling a variety of tasty Thai dishes, snacks, and fruit shakes.
3. San Kamphaeng: San Kamphaeng is a thriving crafts district renowned for producing Thai silk. It is considered the best in the world because of its coarser weave that can withstand heavier dyeing. It is also famous for pottery, stoneware, silverware, lacquerware, paperware, sculptures, jewelry, and woodcarvings. It has shops and small factories along both sides of the road where you can see local artists produce skills using old traditions.
4. Baan Tawai Village: Baan Tawai village is world famous for its wood carving handicrafts. At the village, a wide variety of wood carvings and other decorative items can be bought such as wood carving, wood strips, gold leaf wood, antique wood, silverware, lacquer ware, hand-woven textile, basketry, decor items, wall hangings, earthenware. Baan Tawai is also famous for Asian antiques, some of which rank among the world’s best. It is accredited as the original OTOP tourism village of Thailand.
5. Baan Kang Wat: Baan Kang Wat is a beautiful artisan village and every Sunday the village hosts a low-key artists market from 8 AM to 1 PM. At this market, there are stalls of organic and local producers selling organic vegetables and homemade products like bread, cheese, jam, kombucha, etc. There are also stalls selling crafts, antique goods, clothing, and ceramic products. It is a picturesque artisan village consisting of art galleries, cafes, studios, a library, shops, and beautiful gardens.
6. Nimman Promenade: Nimman Promenade is a unique and fun place to shop and features numerous independent vendors. Everything can be found here from ladies’ fashion and accessories to upscale boutiques. There are also tacky but lovable souvenirs, artwork, gadgets, handicrafts, and electronics.
Pattaya
Pattaya is a vibrant beachside town that offers splendid shopping. It offers a fabulous range of plush malls, department stores, supermarkets, street markets, floating markets, and night markets catering to all budgets and tastes. You can buy an astounding variety of things such as clothing, silk, handicrafts, souvenirs, leather goods, jewelry, beach essentials, cosmetics, Thai spices, spa products, and many other things.
Best Areas For Shopping In Pattaya
Pattaya, known for its vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches, also boasts an exciting and diverse shopping scene. As a savvy shopper, finding the best areas can make your experience truly memorable. Let’s dive into the top shopping destinations that Pattaya has to offer.
1. Mimosa: Mimosa is designed like an old-style European village. It has colorful Renaissance-style buildings, charming squares, pathways, and canals giving Mimosa a classic European flavor. There are numerous shops where you can buy clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and local Thai crafts. There are a host of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars serving a range of international and local cuisines. The center of this shopping center has a musical fountain with a performance stage for dancers to entertain visitors.
2. Floating Market: Pattaya Floating Market is a classic Thai riverside market and the largest man-made floating market in the world. The shops are located on jetties and housed in traditional Thai-style buildings giving the area an authentic feel, and are connected via bridges. The market has numerous shops selling a variety of goods such as clothing, sculptures, handicrafts, Thai silks, handmade postcards, silverware, and souvenirs. There are restaurants, food stalls, and cafes offering a range of authentic Thai dishes, as well as small floating kitchens with vendors wearing rice hats. The market hosts cultural performances regularly throughout the day at various parts of the market making it an enjoyable experience.
3. Chinese Walking Street: Chinese Walking Street also known as Ban Chak Ngaeohouses the Chinese community whose origins date back more than 100 years. Every Saturday from 3 PM thiswalking street serves lip-smacking Chinese and Thai food at various street stalls. Chinese New Year is another popular time to visit when the street is in full celebration mode and locals wear traditional attire.
4. Soi Buakhao Market: Soi Buakhao Market is a popular market in Pattaya. You can buy clothing, accessories, footwear, bags, sunglasses, souvenirs, Thai silk, jewelry, paintings, hats, shoes, spices, and souvenirs. The market has various stalls selling traditional Thai food that you can enjoy after shopping.
5. Pattaya Outlet Mall: Pattaya Outlet Mall is a factory outlet selling a variety of international premium brands of clothing, shoes, and luggage offering a discount of up to 70% of the retail prices. Many popular brands are available to shop such as Esprit, Crocodile, Adidas, Playboy, Lacoste, Levis, Timberland, Crocs, and Nike. The outlet mall has many restaurants where you can sit and enjoy a pleasant meal.
6. OTOP Market: OTOP also known as One Tambon One Product is a government-promoted market. It is famous for promoting local craftsmen and genuine handcrafted products. At this market, you can buy textiles, handicrafts, pottery, scented soaps, lampshades, and home decor items. The quality of products available at this market is good and items are fairly priced.
7. Bangsaen Walking Street: Bang Saen is a vibrant and lively walking street. The street offers a variety of products manufactured locally such as clothes, food, local delicacies, decorative items, and handicrafts. The street also hosts performances of all kinds with artists showcasing their artistic and creative talents on stage.
8. Naklua Sunday Market: Naklua Sunday Market is a local open-air market held every Sunday. At this market, you can buy food, fresh food, fruits, clothes, bags, DVDs, lingerie, electronic appliances, and much more at a very reasonable price.
Phuket
Phuket offers outstanding shopping opportunities. There are numerous places to shop such as roadside stalls, street markets, shopping malls, department stores, boutique stores and specialty shops around the island. You can buy souvenir products such as Thai silk, textiles, shoes, bags, handicrafts, beachwear, gems, lamps, jewelers and souvenir products can be found in and around Phuket.
Phuket has a wide range of shopping outlets and a tremendous variety of goods for sale. The best shopping is away from the tourist resorts where you will find much better deals. Phuket Town and the surrounding area have the best range of shops with good quality goods for sale at bargain prices. Across street markets, you will be able to catch some live shows and performances, which will guarantee you a gala time.
Best Areas For Shopping In Phuket
Phuket, a tropical paradise in Thailand, is not just renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife but also for offering an unforgettable shopping experience. As a traveler, immersing yourself in the local shopping scene can add a unique dimension to your visit. In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas for shopping in Phuket, catering to all tastes and preferences.
1. Karon Market: Karon Markets a beachside shopping market along the Karon beach. There are various stalls selling trendy clothes, handicrafts, bags, sarongs, scarves, swimsuits, silk cushion covers, hats, table runners, watches, handbags and unique souvenirs. There are bars and restaurants in this market where you can enjoy a drink and sumptuous meal after shopping.
2. OTOP Market: One Tambo One Product market popularly known as OTOP is a government initiative to promote local village community manufacturing a particular product in Thailand. At OTOP Paton market you can buy products such as local handicrafts, clothing, silk, accessories, bags, photo frames, lamps, pottery, dried fruits, wines, etc., and each outlet in this market showcases products originating from its specific taboon or sub district. The products in OTOP market are good quality and fairly priced. There are OTOP stalls at the major shopping malls or at fairs that are regularly held across the island.
3. Indy Market: Indy Market is a small weekly market popular with locals and visitors to Phuket.
At this market, you can buy customized handmade souvenirs, clothes, bags, shoes, accessories and jewelry. You can get your portrait and caricatures made by artists in no time at this market. The market has live performances and artist booths entertaining visitors. There are lots of stalls selling delicious food Thai delicacies, drinks, and sweets at this market.
4. Premium Outlet: The Premium Outlet features 300 stores of the best high street brands, leather goods, houseware, home furnishings, gifts, toys, computer equipment, and audiovisual items at bargain prices. You will find discounts of up to 80% on a wide range of products every day.
5. Expo Market: Expo market is a covered air-conditioned shopping market located in Phuket Town. At this market, you can buy a wide variety of products such as T-shirts, dresses, skirts, fabrics, bags, accessories, leather shoes, flip-flops, and household products at reasonable prices and this market is open seven days a week.
Krabi
Krabi offers a pleasant shopping experience with a local charm. It is home to modern supermarkets, department stores, open-air markets, and specialist local stores selling clothes, electronics, handicrafts and souvenirs.
Shopping in Krabi means plenty of beach stalls, local stands and handmade goods. You can find epic seashells, coconut décor, and made wooden chess boards, batik styled Sarong, T-shirts along with many other things. In Krabi you can find a great range of locally produced dried goods such as fruits, which are delicious and fresh. Along the beachfronts there are numerous jewelers shops selling beaded, wooden and leather bracelets, chokers and necklaces in both ethnic and contemporary styles.
The Vogue Shopping Center on Maharaj Road is Krabi’s premier shopping destination. This contemporary shopping center is the best place in town to stock up international brands and high quality clothing. The streets around Vogue Shopping Center are home to a variety of interesting shops and small businesses.
Krabi Town is also home to a small Walking Street outdoor market open on the weekending the evening. This walking street is home to a variety of interesting vendors. The parallel streets around the walking streets are perfect for shopping with plenty of street merchants and open retail stores where you will find numerous clothing items.
Au Nang offers a wide range of shops behind the beach. At this beach market you will find various shops selling beachwear, clothing, sandals, jewelry, household accessories, skincare products and interior décor items along with other spectacular things.
The Premium Outlet village is an outlet shopping center offering. The outlet features various international brands such as such as Puma, Levies & Strauss, Clarks, Diesel, Wrangler, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Timberland with discounts of Up-to 70% off retail prices.
Koh Samui
Koh Samui provides endless shopping opportunities with shops and stalls on all most every street. There are shopping malls, exclusive boutiques, markets and street vendors. All resort areas have small shops of 7-Eleven or Family Mart where you can buy everything you need.
This island has various markets characterized by trove mementos and pocket-friendly deals with plethora of products including genuine, copied and artistic works. There are numerous sprawling streets teeming with stalls, restaurants and music performances invite passersby to take interest everywhere.
Best Areas For Shopping In Koh Samui
Koh Samui, the tropical paradise in Thailand, is not just renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife but also offers an incredible shopping experience for tourists. From bustling markets to sophisticated malls, the island provides a diverse range of shopping opportunities. In this guide, we’ll explore the best areas for shopping in Koh Samui, ensuring you make the most of your retail therapy in this exotic destination.
1. Chaweng Beach Road: Chaweng Beach is the most popular shopping area of Koh Samui offering a range of different types of stores and stalls. The entire beach length is packed with stores selling a wide variety of goods from T-shirts, hats, shoes, hats, chic clothing, jewelry, electronics, and handicrafts. The Chaweng Beach has international restaurants selling Thai treats.
2. Bophut Plaza: Bophut Plaza is home to unique collection of boutiques and shops. It has shops and stalls selling ready-to-wear footwear, textiles, hand-woven wall hangings, hand-crafted statues, embroidered cotton, masks, jewelry, and handmade soaps. It’s an ideal place to visit if you’re looking for authentic souvenirs such as hand-woven wall hangings and handcrafted statues and masks. You will also find a wide range of food stalls serving Thai delights.
3. Lamai: Lamai features a good number of shops selling individual and unusual items. You can buy inexpensive products such as clutch purses, sarongs, beautiful lamps, T-shirts, carved elephants, jewelry, watches, belts, and bed covers. Lamai has an excellent range of independent boutiques offering trendy fashion.
4. Buddy Oriental Plaza: The Buddy Oriental Plaza is a traditional shopping mall with a colonial design and style. The plaza has boutique shops, silk shops, and Western brands. It has a restaurant, wine bar and pub.
5. Nathon: Nathon is Koh Samui’s ferry port and is a great place to browse for Thai treasures such as gift stores, handicraft stores, tailors, art galleries, souvenir shops, and coffee shops. On Saturday the market is transformed into a food market serving delicious Thai cuisines.
6. Outlet Village Samui: The Outlet Village Samui is a multiband outlet offering clothing, footwear, accessories, bags, and souvenir products of leading brands such as Nike, Lacoste, Levi’s, Adidas, Converse, Reebok, Wacoal, and Speedo with discounts of up to 70% of retail prices.
7. The Wharf Samui: The Wharf Samui is an open-air complex built like a small village. There are various shops without names in a mix of historical architectural styles that house an impressive selection of quality products, dining and entertainment spots, and beauty services. There are myriad small boutique outlets specializing in clothing, and specialty shops selling a range of both local and imported goods and souvenir shops. A fine selection of dining options is available at the food court including cafes, restaurants, and bakeries.
8. Chaweng Walking Street: Chaweng Walking Street is a colorful and exciting shopping street. It is the perfect place to buy sunglasses, watches, T-shirts, beach dresses, jeans, flip-flops, bags, souvenirs, and cosmetics. The street also features food stands selling savories and sweets. There are regular live music shows on this street making it a pleasant shopping experience.
9. Fisherman’s Village: Fisherman’s Village is the most popular market of Koh Samui that attracts a large number of tourists and locals. In the Fisherman’s Village main street, you will find plenty of souvenirs, clothes stores, and fashion boutiques neatly housed in the quaint authentic shophouses. You can find an array of goodsT-shirts, ethnic souvenirs, leather handbags, sunglasses, handmade jewelry, watches, and local clothing brands. There are several restaurants, sports bars, and cafes with ocean-side views in this shopping village.
Chiang Rai
The beautiful town of Chiang Rai specializes in handicrafts handmade by hill tribes. You can buy traditional dresses, Thai silk, Pha sin wraparound skirts, traditional triangular pillows, Silk wall hangings, Thai spices, and Jewellery made of gold, silver, and jade in Chiang Rai.
Sukhothai
Sukhothai is a historical city and offers a good selection of local handmade crafts. It is most popular for its Sangkhalok pottery, which has been produced since the Sukhothai era. You can buy a variety of products such as pottery, jar, teapot, spoon, and ceramic doll. The city is also famous for its gold and silver jewelry with skilled artisans creating masterpieces.
Hua Hin
Hua Hin is not famed as a shopping destination but offers a quite pleasant shopping experience. You can shop at shopping centers, concept stores, and artisan night markets for a wide range of goods and products such as hand-crafted bags, pearl hair accessories, ceramics, batik, silk, lamps, wood carvings, hand-painted parasols, embroidery, and gemstones. Hua Hin is famous for Khommaphat printed cotton available in shirts, wraps, handkerchiefs and pillows, bags.
Best Areas For Shopping In Hua Hin
Hua Hin, a charming coastal town in Thailand, is not just a haven for beach lovers but also a paradise for avid shoppers. From vibrant night markets to upscale shopping malls, Hua Hin offers a diverse range of shopping experiences that cater to every taste and budget.
1. Chat chai Market: Chat chai is a traditional market in the center of Hua Hin. It is a large covered market offering a wide array of products to shoppers. The market has a vast variety of foodstuff, clothing, fabrics, footwear and other consumer products. You can also buy Thai spices and dry seafood at very good rates in this market.
2. Sam Phan Nam Floating Market: The Sam Pan Nam Floating Market is the most popular market built around an existing lake. It has numerous shops selling handmade products and souvenirs. The market has a replica train station and tourist train which takes you on a ride around the floating market. You can take pictures at the replica lighthouse and fishing dock. There are numerous snack stalls between shops and street vendors selling barbecue skewers, noodle dishes, drinks and sweets.
3. Bellport: Bellport is a premier shopping center with high street brands and impressive modern department stores. The shopping center offers lifestyle, fashion and luxury products along with technology, gadgets and also be home to hip restaurants, a gourmet market, and entertainment venues including cinemas and water park.
4. Fly Now Outlet: Fly Now is the leading fashion brand of Thailand. Enjoy leisure shopping with plenty of quality products and offering discount of up-to 70% off original prices. At this outlet you can shop FN, FCUK, Armani Exchange, Greyhound, Calvin Klein, Zara, Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, Roxy and DKNY. The signature Café Suzette features a variety of local and international foods and The Tea House a large selection of quality teas and cakes.
5. Hua Hin Market Village: Hua Hin Market Village is a large shopping centering Hua Hin. It incorporates a unique concept that brings together shopping, dining, entertainment, historical and cultural components in a resort style shopping mall. It has a variety of restaurants and large food court serving Thai dishes, desserts and sweets at low prices.
6. Premium Outlet Mall: The Premium Outlet features more than 200 branded clothes, sportwear, footwear and accessories for men, women and kids at discounted prices. The brands include Lacoste, Nave Nab, G2000, Hush Puppies, Jaspal, Nautica, Adidas, Wrangler, Nike, Diesel, Levi’s and Quicksilver.
7. Hua Hin Floating Market: The Hua Hin Floating Market offers a tranquil shopping experience. The market is made on a man made lake and decorated in vintage style with lavish décor and uptown character. Visitors can shop for handmade crafts, soap, lotion, clothing, gifts, and cards. The quality of products at this market is very good and the market also has paddle boats and Thai boats in which you can float in the river. The floating market has cultural shows three times a day and a food court lined with snack and lunch along with vending boats.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is a historical town that offers plenty of shopping. The city is renowned for its handicrafts made by skilled artisans. It has shopping centers, and street markets where visitors will find a variety of regional handicrafts, clothing, household goods, and foods.
Chao Phrom Market is an ancient market and it houses a large concentration of amulet shops, food stalls, and vendors selling all kinds of wares
Ayutthaya Floating Market is a floating market beautifully laid out with traditional wooden Thai stilt houses sitting alongside artificial canals. The market operates from 10 AM to 9 PM where vendors sell clothes, toys, traditional Thai handicrafts, and souvenirs. The highlights of this floating market are its numerous delicious food stalls. In the center of the market, you can find dishes cooked on boats and served to customers sitting and eating on decks next to the boats. On weekdays and weekends, classical Thai dance and boat parades are showcased, entertaining tourists as well as preserving the ancient arts.
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a small island renowned for its full moon party and an excellent place to shop. It is a great place to purchase high quality unique handmade products on this island. You can shop handmade arts and crafts items which is reflected by the surprising number of art galleries, hand-painted batik fabrics, sarongs, hammocks, handmade jewelry, unique clothes, handmade leather, accessories, sunglasses, and souvenirs.
In Koh Phangan, you will be captivated by the shopping opportunities on offer in the beachside towns of Had Rin and Thong Sala. In Thong Sala, you will find a busy central market, food markets serving local delicacies, and innumerable handicraft and souvenir boutiques. At Had Rin, you can buy sarongs, beachwear, and T-shirts on offer along with other souvenir items.
Spas
For more than 500 years, Thai massage has been part of the local culture. The cheaper ones are small street corner parlors, but choose one that looks legitimate, as many in Bangkok are not employed by licensed professionals. Resorts and hotels have the most high-end treatments and a price tag to match.
Visiting an open-air market is a must-do and it is here that you will find the best prices and often the best goods. Thailand is a mecca for counterfeit products though, so be aware that what you’re buying is unlikely to be genuine, and never forget to haggle – the first price you’re quoted should come down by at least a third. Some of the best markets are Chanukah Weekend Market in Bangkok, That Kha Floating Market near Samul Songkran and Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar.
Every night, the footpaths of Bangkok’s major thoroughfares become pop-up dining rooms as food vendors set up shop, complete with plastic tables, rickety stools and toilet-paper napkins. Do as the locals do and join the budget feast – guaranteed authenticity, as well as great theatre.
Best Places For Shopping In Malaysia
Immerse in a retail paradise with our guide to Singapore’s premier shopping destinations. Discover the best brands and unique finds in this vibrant city.
Explore the best shopping destinations in Singapore, where luxury meets diversity. Uncover unique finds and immerse yourself in a world of retail bliss.
Shopping
Malaysia is home to a plethora of interesting shopping spots. The country has modern shopping centers, street markets, and night markets making it a perfect shopping destination. From designer goods to the latest electronic gadgets, designer labels, Malay garments, hand-crafted wooden baskets, pewter products, jewelry, and beauty products among many things available for shoppers at a reasonable price.
The exemption of duty on a range of items has made shopping in Malaysia even more attractive. Duty-free items like cameras, watches, pens, cosmetics, perfumes, mobile phones, computers, cigarettes, and liquor are among the cheapest in the world and popular shopping items on the visitor’s list.
There are roadside stalls, bazaars, and night markets in towns throughout the country. And don’t forget to visit one of the colorful, bustling night markets also known as pasar malam found in most neighborhoods on certain days of the week which sell a variety of products along with numerous food stalls.
Malaysia caters to all types of shopping needs from cheap wallet-friendly shops to high-end luxury shops, making it a one-stop for all shopping needs.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is a major shopping destination offering a truly impressive shopping experience filled with shopping spots of all shapes and sizes. The city provides spectacular shopping spots from large megamalls, shopping complexes, and vibrant street markets this city offers numerous shopping opportunities. Whether you are looking for a local bargain, designer labels, or chain stores you will find it in Kuala Lumpur offering a true Malaysian shopping experience.
The prominent shopping malls of Kuala Lumpur are KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Pavilion KL, Bukit Bintang, The Garden, Berjaya Times Square, Suria KLCC, Low Yat Plaza, Starhill Gallery, Sunway Pyramid, One Utama and Sungei Wang Plaza among many others. The shopping malls offer a diverse range of shopping for products such as branded clothing, footwear, beauty, jewelry, personal care, electronics, leisure and entertainment facilities along with fast food chains and restaurants.
Petaling Street is a lively and vibrant popular street market located in Chinatown. The street is lined with numerous stalls of vendors selling a variety of jewelry, T-shirts, electronics, and other souvenir items at affordable prices. Petaling Street is also famous for its food stalls with a delicious array of local cuisine from Chinese, and Malaysian to seafood.
The Central Market is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most famous markets for handicraft shopping. Visit the numerous shops and kiosks selling handicrafts, batik prints, local arts, and souvenirs. There is a variety of must-dine restaurants and eateries at the market where you can enjoy savory delicacies while shopping. The market hosts annual festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Diwali and is especially crowded during these festivals.
Taman Connaught night market also known as Cheras Pasar Malam is a night market held weekly on Wednesday. At this market, you can clothes, electronic gadgets, accessories, books, bags, handicrafts, household items, and more. The market has various stalls selling a variety of local delicacies and desserts.
Kasturi Walk is an open-air market outside Central Market. It houses numerous stalls selling affordable products such as local handicrafts, clothes, kebaya, watches, accessories, songket, bags, flip flops, batik, and souvenirs.
Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman also known as Jalan TAR with its narrow alleyof shops offers a fantastic range of clothing, textiles, bags, leather products, sportswear, winter clothing, and luggage at irresistible bargain prices.
Plaza Mont Kiara is an open-air weekly night market that takes place every Thursday evening between 3 PM and 10 PM. The market is known for its high-quality goods such as clothes, handmade soaps, accessories, and food trucks offering international cuisines.
Penang
Penang is a great place for shopping with street markets, independent stores, and shopping centers selling everything from luxury brands, high-street fashion, retail chains, sportswear, electronics, home furnishing, ceramics, handicrafts, batik, pewter ornaments, and antiques along with stylish restaurants and cafes.
Most of the shopping malls can be found within the capital city of Georgetown and around Bayan Lepas. The most prominent shopping malls are Penang Plaza, Gurney Paragon, Queensbay Mall, 1st Avenue Mall, Straits Quay, KOMTAR, Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall, and Mall O2O.
The Lorong Kulit Flea Market also known as The Thieves Market is the perfect place to shop vintage items like hunting knives, watches, vinyl records, binoculars, compasses, flasks, and kitchen trays among others.
Hin Pop-Up Market is a weekly pop-up market held every Sunday. It is full of local crafters and culinary traders. This little pop-up market has trinkets, souvenirs, handmade jewelry, beautiful clothes, and homemade cakes this market sells just about anything to tickle your fancy.
Occupy Beach Street Market is an open-air market on Beach Streetheld every Sunday from 7 AM to 1 PM. It is a weekly cultural, art, and crafts market selling local accessories, souvenirs, handmade crafts, homemade products, and more. You can also enjoy awesome live music and street entertainment on this street while watching historic buildings in the area.
Little Penang Street Market on Penang Street is a monthly market on the last Sunday of every month between 10 AM and 5 PM. It offers a fantastic selection of local handicrafts, jewelry, books, spices, woodcarvings, and clothes created by Penang’s finest new designers.
Design Village is an outlet mall in Penang offering a broad variety of exciting international and local brands from premium to high street brands. You can get a discount ranging from 20% and 70% off the actual retail prices.
Malacca
Malacca is a small city with exquisite and diverse shopping. The city has diverse markets, shops, and shopping malls with vendors selling handmade traditional handicrafts and antiques offering a variety of shopping options to the shoppers.
The major shopping malls of Malacca are Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Hatten Square Shopping Mall, Mahkota Parade, The Shore, and Plaza Hang Tuah. Shopping malls offer a variety of stores such as fashion outlets, retail stores, entertainment centers, eateries, etc. The city is a treasure trove for antique lovers and you can buy artwork, vintage coins, bank notes, porcelain, and unique finds.
Jonket Street also known as Jonker Hang Jebat in Chinatown is the most famous street of Malacca. On this street, you can eat tasty food, and shop at boutique stores, souvenir shops, and handicraft stores.
Freeport A’Famosa Outlet is an outlet shopping mall designed in Dutch architecture. At the mall, you can get discounts ranging from 30% and 70%off the actual retail prices. You can buy fashion, cosmetics, footwear, luggage, watches, and accessories from popular brands such as Aprilla, Clarks, Crocs, Esprit, Hush Puppies, Levis, Nike, Parkson, Pierre Cardin, and Puma among many others.
Ipoh
Ipohsurrises visitors with its vast range of attractive shopping destinations.It offers a wide range of places for shopping including stalls, shop houses, shopping complexes, departmental stores, hypermarkets, and night markets to cater to every taste and budget.
The prominent shopping malls of Ipoh are Parkson Ipoh Parade Mall, AEON Mall Kinta City, AEON Mall Ipoh Klebang, AEON Mall Ipoh Falim, AEON Mall Station 18, Angsana Mall Ipoh, IT Mall Ipoh, Mara Digital Ipoh, Kinta City Shopping Centre, Rapid Mall Teluk Intan and Mydin Mall Meru Raya. The shopping malls offer a diverse range of shopping for products such as branded clothing, footwear, beauty, jewelry, personal care, electronics, leisure and entertainment zones, and restaurants.
Ipoh’s night markets also known as pasar malam are set up in different areas of the city each night of the week and provide everything from clothes, toys, souvenirs, household goods, groceries, and food items.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a small town but surprisingly offers a good shopping experience. All the major shopping centres are located beside Tun Razak Road and within walking distance. The shopping centres present a diverse range of retail outlets with their distinctiveness and the widespread choices on offer will leave you spellbound. Some of the popular shopping malls are Kompleks Karamunsing, Wisma Merdeka, Plaza Wawasan, City Mall, Centre Point, Warisan Square, KK Plaza, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Oceanus Waterfront Mall and Imago Times Square among others. The shopping malls offer everything ranging from antiques, mementoes, books, designer clothes, fresh food, camping equipment, electronic goods and computers at attractive and reasonable yet fixed prices. Sales usually take at shopping centres in the months of March, August and December every year making it a good time to pick up your favourites at discounted rates.
The Gaya Street Fair is a weekly Sunday market and the biggest open-air market great for souvenir and handicraft shopping. The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market is good for local handicrafts, pearls, crystal, and the like, and can be found next to the waterfront.
Kuching
Kuching offers a wide selection of shops, markets, and bazaars with a mixture of old and modern-chic shopping malls offering a variety of products of major brands of clothing, household, footwear, cosmetics, electronics, handicrafts, jewelry, boutique stores, and souvenir shops. There are a variety of shopping malls spread throughout the city offering you an opportunity to shop at every turn.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru provides an awesome shopping experience with a number of cutting-edge malls. Singaporeans frequently visit the city during weekends or public holidays
for shopping as goods are generally cheaper here in Johor Bahru.
The city has many quality shopping malls that offer electronics, clothing, footwear, accessories, handicrafts, and souvenir shops along with a fine selection of fast-food outlets, coffee shops, and food courts. There are numerous street markets and traditional shops in houses along with duty-free stores. Shopping malls and markets typically open till late at night.
Luxury Galeries is an outlet for shopping bags, wallets, and wristlets. They are sold at a discount ranging from 10% to 70% off the actual retail prices. All items sold here are 100% authentic and assessed for authenticity and examined for defects before being put up for sale.
Johor Premium Outlets is a luxury brand outlet with internationally renowned names spanning apparel, footwear, and home furnishings. These include a mixture of high-street fashion labels such as Guess, Coach, Michael Kors, Versace, Timberland, and top designer brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Kate Spade, and Hugo Boss. The brand’s outlets offer impressive discounts from 25% to 65% off every day. Johor Premium Outlets is also known for its Saving Passport which can be obtained from their information center to get their latest discounts on all the outlets available here.
Sandakan
Sandakan has a good mix of local street markets and small stores with a few shopping malls such as Sejati Mall, Centre Point Mall and Harbour Mall found at Harbour Square by the waterfront where you will find a nice range of restaurants to sample diverse cuisines.
Putrajaya
Shopping in Putrajaya revolves mainly around shopping malls. You can shop at various brand stores along with entertainment, activities, and restaurants available for visitors to enjoy.
Suria Mall caters to all retail needs and modern lifestyle offerings. There are a number of fashion boutiques and a supermarket selling products at affordable prices. The mall features a vibrant mix of gourmet restaurants, alfresco cafes, and special theme eateries.
IOI City Mall is a sprawling shopping mall with trendy fashion brands, supermarkets, cineplexes, dining outlets, an indoor ice skating rink, and a theme park. The shopping center has a colorful water fountain and offers a beautiful sunset view.
Alamanda Putrajaya provides a pleasant shopping experience. The shopping center has a variety of shops, restaurants, bowling alleys, movie theatres, and a food court.
The Mines Mall offers a unique shopping experience with a man-made beach and lagoon, a shopping mall, and a theme park.
Langkawi
Langkawi is a beautiful tropical island and a shopping paradise. It is a duty-free shopping destination attracting many tourists. With a large concentration of duty-free stores that stock items ranging from chocolates, strong liquor, wine, cigarettes, perfumes, cosmetics, luggage bags, suitcases, cooking and kitchenware, and sports shoes are cheap compared to the rest of Malaysia. It should be noted that all stores are not duty-free only the designated malls, shopping centres, and stores duty duty-free.
Handmade souvenirs and apparel are aplenty on this island as well, where visitors can get authentic batik and songket prints at attractive prices.
Best Areas For Shopping in Langkawi
Langkawi, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and lush landscapes, offers more than just natural beauty. For avid shoppers, this Malaysian archipelago is a haven waiting to be explored. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate through the best areas for shopping in Langkawi, uncovering hidden gems and popular spots that cater to diverse tastes.
1. Jerry Point Complex: The Jerry Point Complex is a two-story shopping Duty-Free mall situated at Langkawi’s main ferry terminal. There is an attractive range of items available here for shoppers such as clothing, accessories, shoes, sportswear, leather goods, jewelry, watches, cosmetics, lingerie, liquor, perfume, tobacco, chocolate, pewter, handicraft, batik, crystal, glassware, confectionary, silk fabrics and electronics. It also has a bowling alley, amusement center, Starbucks, and a couple of places to eat.
2. Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall: Langkawi Fair is located on the south side of the island at the edge of the capital Kuah. It is the biggest shopping mall on the island and can satisfy all your shopping craves. Visitors can get a variety of items here including electronic items, apparel, cosmetics, perfume, paintings, leather products, sportswear, accessories, confectioneries, liquor, and cigarettes. There are factory outlet shops for discounted denim and shoes do check out the Levi’s and Clark stores.
3. Teow Soon Huat Duty-Free: Teow Soon Huat Duty-Free is a large duty-free shopping center. You can shop for chocolate, perfume, liquor, apparel, tobacco, bags, luggage, and groceries. It is a large shopping center with shops, supermarkets, spas, cafes, and restaurants. It offers discounts on a daily basis and it can go up to 70% of the original price.
4. Zon Duty-Free: Zon Duty-Free is one of the most prominent shopping malls located next to the underwater world. It features some of the best bargains and deals around the island. Here, you can shop for a variety of items such as chocolates, liquor, jewelry, perfumes, watches, leather goods and selected designer brands. After shopping, make your way to the adjacent food court to sample some local delicacies.
5. Coco Valley: Coco Valley is a heaven for chocolate lovers in Langkawi. You will find a wide variety of chocolates such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark chocolate, and chocolate that contains liquor. This place offers a duty-free policy, meaning that all of the chocolate products sold here are generally cheaper than in other places. You can also find tax-free champagne, whiskey, wine, perfume, cigarettes and watches.
6. Tioman Island: Tioman Island is one of Malaysia’s most popular small islands. It is a duty-free island and exemption mainly pertains to tobacco, wine, beer, liquor, and cigarettes lower than most airports. There are a number of duty-free shops found almost everywhere on the island. Along the main road of Tekek Village is the island’s largest duty-free shop Vision Commerce store. This convenience store offers a whole range of products where you can find souvenirs like t-shirts, key chains, kitchen utensils, liquors, batik prints, hand-crafted items, and local food products. On Salang Beach, you can also find a few duty-free shops. The shops here are generally smaller and offer a smaller variety of products.
Best Places For Shopping In Singapore
Immerse in a retail paradise with our guide to Singapore’s premier shopping destinations. Discover the best brands and unique finds in this vibrant city.
Explore the best shopping destinations in Singapore, where luxury meets diversity. Uncover unique finds and immerse yourself in a world of retail bliss.
Shopping
Singapore is a fabulous shopping destination. By Southeast Asian standards, the city-state is quite expensive because you won’t find night bazaars or marketplaces, but compared to more developed nations, products are still rather affordable. Local handicrafts are limited to Chinatown as most of the items in Singapore are imported. Wander the different districts to get a feel for the neighborhoods- Orchard Road, Chinatown, Little India, and Riverside. The Great Singapore Sale is a magnificent discount event held across the city in June and July in which major department stores and shops participate across the country.
Singapore satisfies label lovers with plenty of world-class brands, but the country never forgets to offer price-sensitive customers trendy items on their budgets. In Singapore, budget does not mean out-of-fashion or low quality; it is quite possible for shoppers to find any desired items that suit their needs, tastes, and wallets, in fact. From iconic malls in all shapes and sizes to curated local boutiques and local shopping centers, the Lion City is known for its burgeoning shopping scene. While there are many shopping belts here, Orchard Road proudly stands as the queen of shopping malls with high-street brands, fashion houses, and a few discount outlets thrown into the mix.
Singapore has two main Sale seasons the summer from May to July, and normally the Christmas season at the end of the year. In addition, Black Friday’s week is also a major Sale. Items such as clothing, cosmetics, and shoes are very cheap, even sometimes you find the price of some items reduced by up to 90%.
Best Areas For Shopping In Singapore
Singapore, with its blend of modernity and tradition, has become a global hub for shopping enthusiasts. The city-state boasts a variety of shopping districts, each with its own charm and specialty. Whether you’re into high-end fashion, cultural artifacts, or trendy street finds, Singapore has it all. Let’s explore the best areas that make Singapore a shopaholic’s dream destination.
1. Bugis Street: Bugis Street is the biggest street shopping market in Singapore. There are numerous shops on this street offering trendy clothes, shoes, accessories, fashion jewelry, watches, souvenirs, sportswear, bags, wallets, sunglasses beauty cosmetics, electronics, stationery, and household items. Bugis Street attracts a huge number of shoppers offering a huge range of items at affordable prices with a fantastic shopping experience. The street also has a large number of food stalls that offer a range of different cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese, local Singaporean, Chinese, and Indian.
2. Mustafa Centre: Mustafa Centre offers a popular market-style shopping experience. The shopping center is open 24 hours, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Mustafa Center offers products at very competitive prices as vendors purchase products in extremely large quantities to get lower prices so as to pass the savings to its customers making it a preferred shopping destination for visitors and Singaporeans. Mustafa Centre applies a fixed price policy so bargain is not welcome.
It offers everything a shopper requires a huge selection of goods from jewelry, consumer electronics, fashions, shoes, watches, bags, cosmetics, perfumes, toiletries, medicinal products, household items, stationery, furniture, hardware, books, CDs, DVDs, groceries, confectioneries, souvenirs and many other types of products. It is the best place for foreign exchange in Singapore offering the best foreign exchange rates in Singapore.
3. Lucky Plaza: Lucky Plaza is an iconic shopping center in Singapore. It is recognized as one of the most popular places for shoppers with a budget with a wide range of products at affordable prices. You can buy casual clothing, accessories, sunglasses, beauty products, watches, souvenirs, sports equipment, second-hand books, sweets, chocolates, and medicated oil products.
The market is famous for its perfume stores that sell branded perfumes in sample sizes. The market has all sorts of perfumes available at low prices. These perfume stores are stocked with some of the most expensive fragrances in the world which are retailed out in sample sizes.
4. Far East Plaza: Far East Plaza is known for selling affordable fashion and is the preferred shopping destination with youngsters in Singapore. You can find a myriad of shops selling fashionable and trendy clothing with a good mix of Korean-style, Hong Kong-style, vintage, and retro apparel. The plaza has many good beauty service stores providing hair, nail, spa, and tattoo services. You also visit the small boutiques where you can get tailor-made clothes as per your style and fit. There are other shops selling footwear, handbags, accessories, watches, cosmetics, digital cameras, gaming consoles, books, art, medicinal products, gifts and souvenirs.
5. IMM Outlet Mall: IMM is the biggest outlet mall in Singapore selling all the top-notch brands at discounted prices. It has all the worldwide and local top brands such as Club 21, Clarks, Nike, Hush Puppies, G2000, Winter Time, Timberland, Body Shop, Converse, MichealKors, Charles and Keith, TUMI, DKNY, Calvin Klein Jeans, Coach, Kate Spade, New Balance, Adidas, Puma and Onitsuka Tiger. Offering different discounts all year round offers such as Buy 1 Get 1 free or Buy 2 get 1 free or discount of up to 80%.
6. Anchorpoint Shopping Centre: Anchorpoint Shopping Centre offers branded luxury at pocket-friendly prices. You can shop at Charles & Keith, Pedro, G2000, Giordano, Cotton On, Billabong, FOX, Capitol Optical, and TYPO offering discounts of 30% to 70%. These outlets also offer numerous sales every week.
7 City Plaza: City Plaza is a paradise for fashion lovers and one of the oldest shopping malls in Singapore. At this mall, you can buy fashion, shoes, bags, and accessories along with affordable wholesale shops where you can buy unique fashion items in bulk. Some shops at City Plaza also buy pre-owned clothes from shoppers who are willing to sell clothing items for a decent sum of money.
Chinatown Street Market
Singapore’s iconic Chinatown street market is a shopaholic’s delight. It is a long pedestrianized street lined with hundreds of colorful stalls selling a myriad of products such as traditional clothes, antiques, Chinese tea, decorative items like lanterns, drama masks, red paper cut-out lanterns, beautiful silk robes, handmade fans, gorgeous calligraphic illustrations, and impressive lacquer ware.
1. Haji Lane: Haji Lane is Singapore’s bohemian neighborhood and the liveliest street packed with trendy shophouses. The stores on this lane hold some of the most comprehensive and intriguing sets of items ranging from exotic decor pieces, quirky footwear, boutique stores, quirky footwear, accessories, handcrafted leather bags, and vintage clothes. Haji Lane is for those who look for a cross-cultural experience of shopping in Singapore.
2. Little India &Arcade: Little India is one of Singapore’s most vibrant areas. You can experience ethnic Indian culture along with incredible shopping. There are numerous stores, eating outlets, and many colorful shops to give you the best traditional shopping experience. Little India stands as a historically vibrant oasis close to the city center, offering the perfect amalgamation of culture, shopping, and culinary delights that embody the spirit of Singapore.
Little India Arcade consists of a cluster of conserved neoclassical shophouses. At this vibrant arcade, you can buy traditional Indian clothing, glass bangles, wooden handicrafts, souvenirs, Indian spices, and colorful folk artwork. The Moghul Sweet Shop is a popular sweet shop known for its mouth-watering delicacies.
3. Editor’s Market: Editor’s Market is the perfect shopping destination for women’s apparel. You can shop for shoes, tops, bottoms, skirts, dresses, one-piece, and outerwear. It follows a simple pricing the more you buy, the cheaper it gets. TheyEditor’s Market is a great place to shop trendy collections and update your wardrobe at bargain prices.
4. Holland Village: Holland Village is the bohemian quarter where European culture comes to life in a uniquely Singaporean way. It is a great place to shop for handicrafts and art. The prominent shopping places where you can shop are Holland Road Shopping Centre, Holland V Shopping Mall, Holland Avenue, Jalan Merah Saga, LorongLiput and LorongMambong streets.
5. Changi City Point: Changi City Point is an outlet shopping mall in the heart of the Changi Business Park. You can shop for famous brands such as Aldo, Bata, Bossini, Clarks, Asics, Puma, Aldo, Converse, Cotton On, Daiso, Crocs, Espirit, Fila, Fossil, Giordano, Kappa, Lacoste among many others.
6. Sim Lim Square: Sim Lim Square also known as SLS is the hub of electronics in Singapore. It sells a wide variety of electronic goods and services ranging from DVDs, cameras, phones, laptops, video cameras, and computer parts and servicing. Most of the stores on this square sell genuine products but it is advised to thoroughly check your product before buying such as warranty cards, cables, voltage requirements, and accessories.
7. Orchard Road: Orchard Road is a famous boulevard supreme shopping experience in Singapore. The road has mega shopping malls housing high-end and mid-range international brands along with luxury boutiques and designer brands. Some of the popular shopping malls on this street are Ion Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Mandarin Galler, 313 @ Somerset, Paragon, and Tang Plaza.
Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The Shoppes is a luxury shopping mall where you will find high-end luxury boutiques, international fashion brands, and exclusive emerging labels. many international as well as emerging brands. Gucci, Armani Exchange, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana, are a few of the many labels that you’ll find here, allowing you to immerse yourself in a luxurious shopping experience. The mall also has a casino where you can try your luck along with plenty of celebrity-chef restaurants and a rooftop with views of the breathtaking Marina Bay skyline.
Shopping Note
A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers, although this can be claimed back on purchases made from retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme. There are conditions, including purchases that must total S$100 or more from the retailer on a single day (on no more than three receipts); the goods must not be wholly or partially consumed in Singapore; your passport must be shown when making the purchase.
Refunds may be received at the airport, prior to departing flights. A new electronic system is being introduced, under which retailers issue an eTRS ticket when payment is made. This ticket, and the receipt, are required to use the electronic terminal at the airport. Some retailers still use the old system, where you must complete – and they must endorse – a form within the shop.
Best Places For Shopping In New Zealand
Immerse yourself in the ultimate shopping experience across New Zealand’s diverse markets and boutique stores. Uncover treasures and fashion finds that redefine your shopping journey.
Immerse yourself in the best shopping experiences across New Zealand’s vibrant cities and towns. Explore unique boutiques, markets, and malls for a truly memorable retail adventure.
Shopping
New Zealand offers some great shopping opportunities and Maori arts and crafts are popular souvenirs. There is some beautifully designed jewelry, textiles, and clothing for sale, which make great gifts and purchases. The shellfish found along the New Zealand coast are called paua and make for great jewelry and decorative items. There are also plenty of excellent sheepskin products for sale, including rugs, shoes, bags, and jackets. Unique New Zealand products have a ‘Made in New Zealand’ seal and really help the local economy.
Auckland has the best shopping in New Zealand from chic boutiques and malls to duty-free shops. Upscale stores can be found along Nuffield Street and less expensive options are in the Newmarket area. Those looking for antiques should head to the many stores on Manukau Road. The most popular mall is the Westfield St Luke’s Shopping Centre.
Shopping in Wellington is more compact, with many boutiques located along the Quay, which are fun to stroll. Smaller niche stores can be found on Tinakori Road, but the main shopping mall is the Cuba Mall.
Shopping Note
All goods and services are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is always included in the advertised price. Visitors cannot reclaim this tax.
Best Places For Shopping In Egypt
Immerse yourself in Egypt’s vibrant markets and discover top spots for unique and unforgettable shopping experiences. From bustling bazaars to modern malls, find the perfect treasures to bring home.
Embark on a retail adventure in Egypt! Discover the best shopping destinations that blend tradition and modernity. Unearth unique treasures and vibrant market experiences.
Shopping
Shopping in Egypt provides a sweeping array of choices. You can buy Nubian handicrafts and gifts in southern Egypt and Bedouin choices in Eastern and Western Egypt. Aswan is the best souq among Aswan, Luxor, and Cairo. The shops at Dahab have shops selling fascinating products.
For specialties such as Nubian or Bedouin, it is best to buy them at the nearest Souqs instead of Khan-Al-Khalili. You can buy the best varieties and range at local souqs with prices considerably cheaper than in Cairo.
While shopping use Egyptian pound handy as cash is prominently accepted as a payment method in Egypt. It is easier to negotiate over price if you can show that you only have a few Egyptian Pounds. Some merchants might attempt to stress $ or £ instead of LE if they see that you are carrying them.
Don’t buy anything from the vendors inside Giza. The items they seek to sell can purchased much cheaper at Khan El-Khalili. Be aware that many vendors offer you camel rides but they are not genuine vendors. Visit the local stables, or plan a camel ride at your hotel.
While going to the Citadel avoid vendors who sell papyrus photos because these papyrus are made from banana leaves. If you buy from one vendor, another will come to sell you pictures that the other trader does not have. You can purchase memorabilia, between the bus park and the old bank, where the traders are easier to deal with.
Shopping in Cairo
Cairo is a stunning city for shopping with countless souks and high-end shops. One of Egypt’s most impressive attractions is the Souks or local markets along the larger bazaars.
Cairo is a fantastic place to buy traditional arts, and crafts, furniture, beautifully graved hand-beaten copper and brass trays, coffee pots and urns, beautiful wooden boxes, and motifs that were handcrafted by craftsmen using ancient traditions. Sheesha pipes and incense create unforgettable souvenirs.
Apart from markets, there are numerous retail outlets and export-rejected stores spread across Cairo. Egypt is known to manufacture clothes for many international brands, such as GAP, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, and Polo Ralf Lauren. Across the country, there are numerous stores that sell products rejected due to minor weaving and printing defects. Price varies from 5LE to 90LE for jeans and tank tops.
Popular Markets In Cairo
Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythm of Cairo’s popular markets. A journey through culture, crafts, and commerce.
1. Kahn al Khalili: Kahn al-Khalili is Cairo’s biggest and most famous souq dating back to the 14th century. It is a maze of streets, squares, markets, and stores in central Cairo. As you walk around the market you can discover Islamic historic buildings and learn more about the history of Cairo. The market has one of the best shops selling silverware, glassware, traditional antiques, crafts, shisha, and Egyptian souvenirs.
2. El Azbakeya Wall: El Azbakeya Wall is the most popular second-hand market for books in Egypt. You can buy vintage, rare, and used books with 130 stalls from the 18th century. You can purchase tour guides, historical books, and literary masterpieces along with unique gems such as Arabic alphabet posters.
3. Mohamid Ali Street: Mohamid Ali Street was named after Mohamed Ali, the father of modern Egypt. The street was built in 1860 as part of the dream of Khedive Ismail who had a vision of European-style Cairo. The street was an Oriental arts center in Cairo where trained belly dancers worked. It is one of the best places where musical instruments are made, sold, and repaired.
4. Tentmakers’ Souk: Cairo’s only remaining covered medieval market El Khayameya or the street of Tentmakers. It is famous for its brightly colored fabrics such as appliqué works, cushion covers, Egyptian cotton beds, wall hangings, car covers, and traditional Egyptian galabeya. It is also known for manufacturing appliqué panels that were originally used for decorating tents and pavilions.
5. Tawfikeya Market: Tawfikeya Market is located near 26th of July Street downtown. The shops and street vendors are open until early morning selling everything.
6. Souq El Gom’aa: Souq El Gom’aa also known as the Friday market is a popular market in Cairo where anything can be found. You can purchase furniture, cell phones, ceramic tiles, clothes, shoes, antiquities, stamps, and coins.
7. Wekalet El Balah: Wekalet El Balah is a market of the 19th century that sells second-hand imported garments. Shoppers can also buy affordable clothes, bags, and furniture. The products can be local or imported from countries such as China and Turkey.
8. Souq el-Fustat: Souq el-Fustat is a complex combining some of Egypt’s finest handcrafted arts that deliver an authentic, exclusive shopping experience. At this complex, you can shop for leather, glass, mosaic, copper, wood crafts, bedouin embroidery, and jewelry influenced by various traditions.
9. Souq el Ataba: Souq el Ataba is a popular Cairo street market for Egyptian memorabilia. In this market, you can buy clothes, shoes, fragrances, and other products of beauty.
10. Abdelaziz Street Market: Abdelaziz Street Market is the most popular destination for buying electronic devices, home appliances, cell phones, and accessories for smartphones.
Shopping in Luxor
Luxor offers a unique shopping experience and the products you buy here are not available anywhere else in the world. The best souvenirs to purchase in Luxor include paintings and moldings made of gods, pha-ratios, queens, alabaster vases, papyrus, glass perfume bottles, leather, silver, and gold. Most shops in and around Luxor City are closed every Friday, along with Sunday and Egyptian public holidays.
A note of the Arabic numbers is useful because while prices are often shown, they are typically written in Arabic only.
Popular Markets In Luxor
Luxor, a city in Egypt, is renowned for its historical significance and is a popular tourist destination. While it may not be known for bustling modern markets like some other cities, Luxor has traditional markets and bazaars where you can experience the local culture and find unique items.
1. Station Street: Station Street is the large road that leads to the railway station from behind the Luxor Temple. On this street there are numerous shops that sell shoes, clothes, and small electrical products are located here.
2. Television Street: Television Street is a long road leading from behind the palace of Old Winter to the east. It is a non-tourist area with fixed prices for visitors and locals.
3. Government Shop: Such shops belong to a governmental organization. You will get certified Egyptian goods by shopping in this government-approved store where you can buy a wide variety of items and souvenirs.
4. Savoy Market: The Savoy Market is one of the oldest tourist markets in Luxor. At this market, you can shop for paintings, trinkets, perfume bottles, Egyptian cotton, and carvings of pharaohs as souvenirs.
5. San Giovanni Bazaar: San Giovanni Bazaar is a nice place in Luxor for shopping and there are numerous stores that sell stuffed camels, jewelry boxes, statues, and dresses.
6. Oriental Market: The Oriental Market is packed with shopping treasures to delight shoppers. At this market, you can find true authentic antiques. There are a variety of vendors offering exquisite perfume bottles and regional flora fragrances.
7. Fair Trade Centre: The goal of the Fair Trade Center is to support local businesses. You can buy goods manufactured in Egypt, including the province of Sinai at this center. The complex is remarkable as it gives all profits generated to the poor. All the products made in these shops are handmade by Bedouins, village dwellers, artisans, and craftsmen. You can purchase authentic items like scarves, carpets, belts, pottery, bags, carved toys, rings, earrings, bracelets, perfume, and soaps.
8. Old Market Street: Old Market Street offers a journey into Egyptian life and is not a standard tourist shopping place. It has the genuine feel of a local market, a beautiful and colorful market that appeals to any visitor. At this market, you can shop for food, clothing, household goods, and spices.
Shopping in Alexandria
Alexandria has discovered the wonders of shopping centers recently, as there are numerous malls located around the city. It is home to a large range of shops, and shopping malls, which are also popular for their food, entertainment, coffee houses, and a common place for socialising and meeting places. Most shops in the city close on Fridays and public holidays, and some do not open on Sundays.
On the west side of the Midan Tahrir is a traditional market or souq, offering a memorable shopping experience. Be mindful that most costs are negotiable and can be significantly reduced with a bit of polite haggling.
If you want to see antiques and collectibles, you can enjoy a walk through the maze of backstreets in the Attareen neighborhood, with the vibrant attraction of Attareen Antique Market. The shops around Saad Zaghloul and Sharias Safiyya Zaghloul are hard to beat with high fashion, fashionable clothing, and stylish shoes.
Souk El Attarine is a maze of narrow alleys and streets. The souk explodes with all kinds of shops on both sides of the street. The souk has vendors who market all kinds of souvenirs and traditional artifacts from Egypt. You can buy Egyptian products such as sheeshas, colorful blown glassware, Gallabeyyas, belly dancing dresses, spices, and antiques. The Souk El Attarine is especially renowned for its antiques. Bear in mind that the sale of any ancient Egyptian antiquities without a permit from Egypt is forbidden.
Zan ah Al Sitat is a street market that is filled with women’s clothes, and accessories and that is unusual but absolutely beautiful.
Al Aksander Al Akbar and Ebadah Ibn Al Somet Souk have various shops selling shoes, clothes, accessories, and jewelry. Prices are written in Arabic so it is handy to keep a conversion chart with you. The rates in the shops are fixed but it is worth asking for a discount.
In Alexandria, western-style malls are becoming more and more popular with the middle classes. Both large and extra-large malls can be found in and around the town, some with compounds so big that they will dwarf typical European malls.
Shopping in Sharm el Sheikh
Sharm el Sheik has many popular Egyptian souvenirs available at shops, bazaars, and shopping centers. In Sharm el Sheik you can buy many famous souvenirs such as jewelry, leather goods, papyrus, postcards, rugs, silk shawls, vases, and water pipes. It is a common practice to bargain with shopkeepers in Sharm el Sheik markets. You will find plenty of places to satisfy your retail therapy from busy local bazaars and markets to fully-fledged urban shopping centers.
Popular Markets In Sharm el Sheikh
Welcome to the heart of Sharm el Sheikh, where the allure of Popular Markets beckons locals and tourists alike. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll navigate through the bustling markets, uncovering hidden gems, and offering insights to make your shopping spree an unforgettable journey.
1. Old Market: Old Market also known as Old Town entices you to walk along its winding paths to absorb the Egyptian culture along with smell, taste, sights, and sounds which are very popular with tourists. The smell of shisha, perfumes, and oil in one street quickly transforms into an exotic new scent of herbs, spices, and grilled meats, with the scene of camels lying around the entrance immediately transforming to glittering jewels and souvenirs as you go further into the market.
A wide range of items, including tapestries, herbs and spices, cotton and silk fabrics, ceramics, shisha, pipe, ornaments, jewelry, leather goods, handbags, purses, suitcases, and souvenirs can be purchased. The Attar or herb shop, especially those selling medicinal products and beauty products along with foods and herbs are particularly interesting. There are many cafés, juice bars, and conventional restaurants on the old street.
2. Naama Bay: Naama Bay is the biggest shopping destination in Sharm el Sheik and has the largest selection of shops and shopping centers. The vibrant tourist area is filled with fashionable clothing shops, jewelry stores, and gift shops. At Nama Bay, you can do duty-free shopping where you need to buy within 48 hours of arrival. Cafés, pubs, hotels, and nightclubs are popular at Naama Bay.
3. Soho Square: Soho Square is one of Sharm el Sheikh’s biggest shopping areas, with an array of shops and boutiques selling everything from clothing to jewelry. The square has many restaurants, bars, and clubs to keep the entire family delighted and entertained.
Shopping in Aswan
Shopping in Aswan is an unforgettable and pleasant experience. It is famous for local markets known as Souqs. In Aswan, you can buy Nubian handicrafts of high quality, fragrant spices such as hibiscus and saffron, lanterns, silk scarves, Nubian skullcaps, roast peanuts, spicy deep-fried snacks, and fruits.
Aswan is the most popular place to buy 18-carat gold because of its purity and quantity. A common jewelry item to purchase is the personalized gold cartouche with your name added in hieroglyphics.
Aswan is a popular place that produces essential oils such as mint and eucalyptus. They are ingredients for famous fragrances such as Chanel, Hugo Boss, and Christian Dior. The fragrances are known locally with names such as Queen Cleopatra and Tutankhamun.
Popular Markets In Aswan
When it comes to experiencing the vibrant culture and commerce of Egypt, Aswan stands out as a gem. Nestled along the banks of the Nile, this city boasts a rich history and is home to markets that offer a sensory delight for locals and tourists alike.
1. Night Market: The night market in Aswan is a popular outdoor market At this market you can buy spices, Nubian baskets, textiles, jewelry, souvenirs, and clothes. It is always crowded and a fantastic place to visit even if you don’t want to buy.
2. Sharia as-Souq: Sharia as-Souq is Egypt’s most beautiful souq. At this souq, you can buy Nubian talismans, baskets, Sudanese swords, African masks, live produce, fruit, vegetables, henna powder, T- T-shirts, perfume, spices, and statues.
3. Aswan Bazaar: The Aswan Bazaar is situated three blocks south of the Nile River. It consists of seven shopping blocks and offers a unique shopping experience to visitors. The Bazaar is full of stalls and draws tourists for its beautiful products. It is a shopper’s paradise where you can buy Persian rugs, and traditional smoking pots called shisha. You can buy from this market various souvenirs and gifts.
4. Spice Market: Aswan is known for its spices and the cuisine of Egypt is full of flavors and the secret behind it is its rich spices. In Aswan, the spice market is a dedicated market solely for the spice trade and is packed with a variety of condiments that you will find at various spice shops in this market. The colors and aromas of spices such as cumin, fennel, peppermint, and basil will attract you to this market situated along the Nile’s river valley.
5. Hubia Craft Center: Nubian art in ancient times was considered sacred. The Hubia Craft Center is an endeavor to rekindle the art form and to employ the various artists in this genre. The Centre displays and sells different components of this art form. Visitors can see sculptures and figures carved from stones and bronze. You can also buy ancient postage stamps.
Shopping in Hurghada
Hurghada has several gift shops selling perfumes, jewelry, trinkets, rugs, papyrus, and pots around the city. You can also find a large selection of clothing stores and fashion shops, where designer T-shirts are for sale.
Popular Markets In Hurghada
Hurghada’s proximity to the Red Sea makes its seafood market a must-visit. Dive into a seafood extravaganza with a variety of fresh catches, from succulent shrimp to flavorful fish. Experience the essence of coastal living through the local culinary offerings.
1. Senzo Mall: You can walk and stroll at leisure in Senzo Mall. The mall has numerous places to shop such as Spinney’s hypermarket, and numerous large and small international clothing stores including Aldo, Adidas, Geox Tommy Hilfiger, etc.
2. Hurghada Marina: Enjoy the Mediterranean feel on the waterfront of Hurghada Marina. It is situated directly at the picturesque marina with shops and restaurants welcoming visitors.
3. Cleopatra Centre: The Cleopatra Center is located in Sekalla, and is a good place to shop if you are tired of bargaining with set prices for all shops. If you want to buy souvenirs and presentations like Egyptian gifts, jewelry, leather clothes, and bags, the Cleopatra Center is a great choice.
4. Sheraton Road: There are a number of large and small shops and small shopping centers on Sheraton Boulevard. It is a famous Hurghada street and one of the best shopping places for souvenirs. It pulsates with real Egyptian life, especially along the side street, called Sherry Street is reminiscent of roads in residential areas of Cairo.
5. Downtown: Hurghada’s old town is full of local crafts, t-shirts, spices, and other souvenirs. It is the oldest tourist shopping district in Hurghada, and some parts of the road are pedestrian zones. At night, it bursts with mobile vendors who put tables on sidewalks with their products.
Shopping in Dahab
Shopping in Dahab is something to experience with each shop owner welcoming you to visit their store. At certain stores rates are fixed and haggling can be done over the final price. Dahab offers a variety of shops from big stores to small shops where you can shop for souvenirs, jewelry, carpets, perfumes, T-shirts, postcards, spices, artwork, and glass pieces, among other products.
Best Places For Shopping In Cote D Ivoire
Discover vibrant markets and unique finds while shopping in Cote D’Ivoire. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of this West African gem.
Discover vibrant markets, unique boutiques, and local treasures while shopping in Cote D’Ivoire. Experience the true essence of Ivorian culture through its bustling shopping scene.
It is ideal to shop for souvenirs at local markets also known as Marches which are available across town and on the outskirts of every major city in Ivory Coast. The central markets sell different kinds of crafts in Ivory Coast, world-famous for their unparalleled quality and design. Some common purchases include kente cloth, wax prints, weaves, indigo material, wooden statuettes and carvings, pottery, basket ware and necklaces made from beads.
Things To Buy In Cote D Ivoire
Senufo Masks
Senufo Masks are hand-crafted ceremonial masks or sculptures and the artisans in Korhogo are renowned for making beautiful masks. These intricate designs are made using centuries-old techniques.
Kente Cloth
Kente Cloth is lovingly nicknamed as Pagne Baoulé in Ivory Coast. The textile gets its name and origins from the Baoulé, Akan people of Ivory Coast. The fabric is worn during community gatherings, special events, traditional events, and festivities.
Bead Necklace
Bead necklaces are colorful and handcrafted with beach-inspired glass African beads. This multi-strand statement necklace is a bold piece that draws attention to any outfit.
Wooden Statue
Colon statues are the most famous wooden statues found throughout Ivory Coast. It is a style of wooden figurative sculpture of African art originating in the Colonial period.
Wax Prints
Wax African fabrics usually referred to as Wax Côte d’Ivoire has unique style and colour. You can purchase various items such as tablecloths, cushion covers, bed sheets, and clothes.
Shopping in Abidjan
Abidjan is also known as the Paris of West Africa due to its numerous shopping opportunities. It offers something for all kinds of shoppers from ivory masks, to African crafts and trinkets.