Summer has arrived and, with it, warm weather and the holiday period. Unfortunately, a weaker British pound coupled with inflation is creating quite the squeeze on our bank balances. This makes it harder to satisfy our inner shopaholic at home.
Fortunately, it is still possible to save money on travel with some of these amazing deals. Even better, if you know where to go, you can save yourself money by buying high-quality products, as well as find unique items and enjoy some of Europe’s best shopping experiences.
Montmartre is the ideal place to buy paintings or to get a masterpiece of your own portrait.
Vintage stores are throughout Paris’ popular locations. However, the best prices can be found in one of the cities many flea markets. The largest and most popular is at the border of Clingancourt and St. Ouen where you can find imported goods and antique wears at bargain prices.
Tote bags are hand-crafted and hand-painted designer bags made entirely in Paris. They are not the cheapest but are truly one of a kind.
Similarly, Buly soap is all-natural soaps crafted by the famous distiller and perfumer, Jean-Vincent Bully.
Deyrolle in St-Germain-des-Prés has been offering shoppers glimpses of natural history since 1831…in the form of taxidermy. Shoppers after something a little more bizarre have their choice of “ex-living” kangaroos, emus and warthogs.
Fun places to shop: Montmartre
No visit to Paris is complete without a stop at Montmartre to sightsee the impressive Basilica of Sacré-Cœur, the fascinating museum of Salvador Dalí and one of the best views of the city. It is also one of Paris’ prime shopping spots, full of quaint antique stores, artists ready to paint your likeness and a wonderful flea market.
Rivalling Paris as Europe’s capital for fashion and designer goods, Milan is actually the better location for shoppers, where luxurious and leather clothes, shoes and bags can be purchased for less.
The place to get the best deals, especially if you don’t mind buying out-of- or end-of-season fashions, is at D Magazine Outlet at 44 along Via Manzoni. Clothing is half the cost and organised in alphabetical order by designer, including Armani, Gucci and Versace.
Panettone is sold throughout Italy but originates from Milan, where it is lovingly made in the more intimate artisan bakers, like Pasticceria Cucchi.
Milan is so proud of its designer reputation that many store owners have their own workshops. You can opt for more conventional bags and shoes, but why not spring for something a little quirkier, like a custom, hand-made Francesco Maglia umbrella from his workshop at via Ripamonti 194.
Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest and one of the most beautiful shopping centres in Italy. Find the Turin Bull on the floor of the main gallery and spin around its private parts and you’ll be granted good luck—something every shopaholic would like when bargain hunting.
Maximilianstrasse is Munich’s key street for luxury shopping
Munich is famous for Oktoberfest when partygoers from all over the world come to enjoy steins of beer and sing in the huge beer halls. However, Munich is also one of Europe’s cheapest cities to buy German beer, which, arguably, is the best in the world.
Hugendubel, in Salvatorplatz, is not just a bookstore. It is one of the only large stores of its kind which actively encourages visitors to sit and read before—or even instead of—buying.
The traditional Bavarian lederhosen and dirndl outfits are certainly unique in look but proudly sold throughout Munich.
The felt and linen fabrics are also used to make high-quality hats and bags from €30 to €50.
The Nine Streets is full of designer boutiques, including bag stores selling Hermès
The Netherlands is proud of the wide array of cheese it produces and nowhere shows this off better than De Kaaskamer, where the huge wheels are piled from floor to ceiling. However, for a better deal, head to one of the many markets, including Albert Cuyp and Noordermarkt.
Amsterdam is also home to trendy and specialist stores, especially dress stores, special linen and homeware accessories. Head to the picturesque Utrechtsestraat for the best choice.
Bols jevener predates British gin by several decades and is a gift unique to the Netherlands. Amsterdam’s stores are also full of its special brand of blue and white pottery, Delftware.
The Condomerie sells an interesting range of amusing condoms, from footballs and race cars to Thomas the Tank Engine (poor Thomas). However, behind the amusing products sold at the world’s first condom specialist store is a concept promoting fun but safe and hygienic sex.
De Negen Straatjes—The Nine Streets—is one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful shopping locations. Shops line the city’s central canal ring and the brick lanes are packed full of designer boutiques, vintage stores and cosy cafés. Vintage fashion hunters should head to L’Etoile de Saint Honoré at Reestraat 24, where there is a huge selection of designer bags, from Chanel and Hermès to Prada and Céline.
So, now you know where to go to Europe’s best shopping cities, are you ready to book your next trip? My Late Deals com will help you find the best travel deals for any holiday occasion.
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