Five of the Best Shopping Destinations in Europe
If you’re anything like us, your shopping addiction is very real and in full swing as we start buying for our spring closets. After depending on loungewear for much more than lounging this past year, we’re ecstatic to revamp our wardrobe. If one of the best feelings is coming out of your last class of the week and heading to the mailroom for your long-awaited package with your new ZARA jeans or another Amazon dupe that TikTok led you to try out, trust us when we say this list will have you over the moon. While receiving one of these packages is definitely exciting, nothing beats a good old-fashioned shopping trip with your best friends. What’s even better than a trip to your local mall? Shopping abroad in some of the fashion capitals of the world! Here is a list of some of the best shopping destinations to check out if you find yourself abroad in Europe, in no particular order.
1. Champs-Élysées
Location ~ Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
One of France’s top overall attractions, the Champs-Élysées is every shopper’s dream strip of stores. Dating back to the 17th century when its streets were nothing more than a swamp, the Champs-Élysées has come a long way to become one of the world’s most renowned commercial shopping destinations. Champs-Élysées is famous for its luxury shopping options with Gucci, Dior, Valentino, and Hermès being just a few examples. Comprising 36 stores, and stretching over a mile long, Champs-Élysées offers a plethora of stores to match various different styles and budgets.
2. Via Monte Napoleone
Location ~ Via Monte Napoleone, 20121 Milan, Italy
Centered in the fashion and style capital of the world, the Via Montenapoleone is known for its upscale fashion. Located in the Quadrilatero Della Moda shopping district of Milan, the Via Monte Napoleone is home to the most expensive strip of shops in Europe. This street consists of boutiques of world-famous fashion houses, Italian shoemakers’ boutiques, and jewelry shops. From hand-crafted leather bags to sparkling pendants, you’ll be sure to be dreaming about the goods for quite a while after. It’s nearly impossible to visit Milan and not at least go window shopping on this magnificent street.
3. Negen Straatjes
Location ~ Wolvenstraat 9, 1016 EM Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Negen Straatjes-- English for “Nine Little Streets”--takes after this translation as it comprises both retail stores and local boutiques, along with cute little restaurants. These nine streets are all combined together to form a sub-neighborhood of Amsterdam, Grachtengordel, “Canal Belt”. The city’s famous canals separate divisions of the street, but they make for the perfect scenic pause to snack on stroopwafels as you walk from store to store.
4. Oxford Street
Location ~ Oxford Street, London, W1D 1NN, United Kingdom
Known for being Europe’s busiest shopping area, Oxford Street has over 300 stores for visitors to enjoy, including both shopping and restaurants. Before COVID-19, Oxford Street was known to attract over half a million shoppers on a daily basis. Only essential stores of Oxford Street are currently open due to the pandemic, but it is definitely an ideal shopping destination to check out! Hopefully dipping in and out of the hundreds of stores is not too far away, but for now, peeking in through the storefronts will have to do.
5. Passeig de Gracia
Location ~ Passeig de Gràcia, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
The Passeig de Gracia is Barcelona’s most sacred shopping street for business revenue, along with it being a critical part of the city’s architectural culture. Keep an eye out for Gaudi’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà. Between the beautiful floral mosaic and bizarre bat-like arches, you won’t miss it! It is located in the Eixample-- a district between the old city and neighboring towns of Barcelona. The Passeig de Gracia is made up of high-end stores and upscale restaurants, and is known as the most expensive street in all of Spain. It is so popular that it is recommended by trip advisors to book a tour when you visit.
Consider yourself lucky if you have ever had the chance to shop at any of these glamorous European gems. Make sure to tag @theedgemag in your photo if you ever find yourself wandering down these streets and perusing the bountiful ways to lighten your wallet!