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15th March 2018
Can’t wait to spend your foreign currency on some fancy new European threads? From the impossibly chic Champs Elysées in Paris to the hidden wonders of Milan’s factory outlets, we can tell you where to find the best destinations for shopping in Europe.
Barcelona, Spain
The vibrancy of Barcelona’s fashion scene makes it a haven for shopaholics. The central business district is dominated by the Passeig de Gràcia, a sweeping avenue lined with high-end fashion outlets. It’s one of the most popular shopping destinations in Spain, and the soul of the city’s retail industry.
If you’re looking for quirky gifts, be sure to pay a visit to Carrer de Verdi, one of Barcelona’s quirkiest streets. Located in the suburb of Gràcia, this meandering stretch of shops, cinemas and bars offers the perfect blend of retail therapy and entertainment.
Once you’re done shopping, you can pop into the closest café for a refreshing glass of sangria.
Paris, France
We hope you’ve saved plenty of cash ma chérie, because shopping in Paris can tempt even the most disciplined penny pincher into parting with their savings. Whether you want to shop at Chanel’s flagship store or go bargain-hunting in Paris’s famous flea markets, the city of lights is brimming with iconic retail locales.
If you’re not sure where to start, wandering along the Champs Elysées is the perfect introduction to Paris’s identity as a fashion powerhouse. Located in the 8th arrondissement of the city, this legendary avenue is home to some of the most well-known brands in the world.
For thrift shopping, make your way to Les Puces de Saint-Ouen. Covering 7 hectares, this classically French flea market is packed with fashion, furniture, antiques, handmade jewellery and quirky homewares. Getting lost among the stalls of Les Puces is the ultimate Parisian shopping experience. To browse more upmarket brands, pop into Galeries Lafayette, a lavish department store located in the 9th arrondissement.
Milan, Italy
With its world-renowned fashion week and couture heritage, Milan’s reputation as a premier shopping destination is one of its main drawcards. The city has the world’s oldest active shopping mall, the glorious Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
To make the most of your euros while in Milan, pay a visit to the Serravalle Designer Outlet, the largest collection of factory outlets in Europe. Stocked with over 300 designer brands (including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and La Perla), this is no ordinary outlet mall. Busting with beautiful clothes at bargain prices, it’s the ultimate treasure trove of affordable high-end fashion.
Getting to the Serravalle Designer Outlet is easy. All you need to do is get on the A7 Milano-Genova motorway and take the Serravalle Scrivia exit. From the railway stations of Arquata Scrivia, Serravalle Scrivia and Novi Ligure, you can catch a shuttle bus that runs at regular intervals throughout the day.
London, England
A mecca for fashionistas, London boasts several iconic retail hubs.
Oxford Street is arguably the most famous – not to mention the oldest. Built along an ancient Roman road, it was transformed into a shopping district around the 19th Century. The first department stores in Britain opened on Oxford Street, many of which still operate today. It has over 300 shops, and sees half a million visitors each day.
Of course, Harrods also deserves a mention when it comes to shopping culture in London. Covering one million square feet of retail space, it’s the city’s most well-known department store. Even if you can’t afford to buy any of the luxury goods on offer, you can always grab a tasty treat in Harrods’ huge food hall.
Before you can start shopping in Europe, you’ll need to get your foreign exchange organised. It doesn’t matter if you need euros, pounds, ringgit or another type of currency – Travel Money NZ can ensure you have the right kind of cash ready for your trip.
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