For many people, there’s nothing as exciting as shopping when they travel to a new city, especially abroad. In fact, the best way to get to know the traditions and the way of life of a city is to hit the shopping areas. We list the top shopping streets in the world, and tell you about their unique selling points.
Fifth Avenue, New York City
Dubbed the most expensive shopping street in the world, Fifth Avenue in mid-town Manhattan, specifically between the 49th and 60th Streets, is where the flagship stores and luxury designer boutiques are located.
The USP: There is something for everybody on Fifth Avenue and no, you do not have to have a big fat wallet to shop here, though that may help. Women can indulge in an ornament or two at the landmark Tiffany’s store or shop for a designer label at Prada, Versace or Bergdorf-Goodman. Meanwhile, men can step into the NBA store, shop for a natty suit at Brooks Brothers or browse for gadgets at the Apple Store.
Orchard Road, Singapore
Shopping malls line this street and stores stock the latest designer apparel. With 22 shopping malls to choose from, Orchard Street is truly
a shopper’s delight and a tourist’s haven. Sidewalk cafés provide entertainment and fun. Tangs or CK Tangs, as it is popularly known, is a popular retail company and a landmark here.
The USP: Ngee Ann City is the largest mall in Singapore, showcasing brands like Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Prada, among others. ION Orchard is the newest addition with four floors underground and as many floors over. Here, besides the flagship store for Louis Vuitton, you can also shop on a budget at smaller stores.
Orchard Road, Singapore
Shopping malls line this street and stores stock the latest designer apparel. With 22 shopping malls to choose from, Orchard Street is truly
a shopper’s delight and a tourist’s haven. Sidewalk cafés provide entertainment and fun. Tangs or CK Tangs, as it is popularly known, is a popular retail company and a landmark here.
The USP: Ngee Ann City is the largest mall in Singapore, showcasing brands like Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Prada, among others. ION Orchard is the newest addition with four floors underground and as many floors over. Here, besides the flagship store for Louis Vuitton, you can also shop on a budget at smaller stores.
Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles
Rodeo Drive on Beverly Hills is big on glamour. No, there are no cowboys here — just glitzy shops, designer boutiques and exclusive jewellery stores.
The USP: This is where most Hollywood stars shop. You may just bump into actors Jennifer Aniston or Julia Roberts while you are on a shopping spree.
Bond Street, London
Synonymous with elegance and bespoke clothing since the 18th century, Bond Street has been the high street of luxury shopping. It’s located in the heart of London in the West End district. The best designers in the world have their signature showrooms here — from Louis Vuitton to Versace, Armani to Chanel and Prada to Ralph Lauren.
The USP: Shop for diamonds at Asprey’s — they are also the Queen’s official jewellers. If you are an art collector, then pay a visit to Sotheby’s auction house and bid for a masterpiece. There are also the ubiquitous boutiques where you may pick a bargain or two of high
street fashionable clothes.
Via Montenapoleone, Milan
Milan spells style with a capital S. So it’s no surprise that Via Monte Napoleon houses the best of designers. The street dates back to 1804 — the days of Napoleon.
The USP: Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani and Prada are a few among the designers that have their flagship stores in this fashion capital. Even if you do not have a fat wallet (though you definitely need one if you want to shop here), pay a visit just to see where the rich and famous shop. Clothes, shoes, jewellery, handbags and furs — they are all available here. Apart from these five, a few other shopping streets across the world that you must check out include The Magnificent Mile, Chicago, PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam, Bagdat Avenue, Istanbul, Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich and Rue du Faubourg St-Honore, Paris
(with inputs from JourneyMart.com)