World’s Best Cities for Shopping

Getty Images

Travel + Leisure readers know to leave room in their suitcases before heading to one of these incredible shopping cities. With world-famous markets, oversized shopping malls, and designers that set the pace for fashion, the cities on this list are favorites for globetrotters who travel to shop.

Every year, T+L asks readers to weigh in on their travel experiences across the globe in the World’s Best Awards survey — and they share their opinions on the top islands, cruise ships, airlines, hotels, and more. When it comes to cities, readers consider everything from the friendliness of the locals to the culture, cuisine, and (of course) the shopping.

New York City continued to impress travelers, who always remark about the city’s outright theatrical department store windows during the holiday season. Across the Atlantic, Italy dominated the European shopping scene, with three cities — Milan, Florence, and Rome — receiving high marks. In Asia, travelers were delighted by Korean beauty goods, traditional Thai silks, and the flourish of independent boutiques in classic shopping destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore.

Shopping for unforgettable souvenirs is a great way to remember a favorite destination. But it’s also a wonderful way to learn about a culture, a city’s distinct style, and to mingle with locals.

Start Slideshow

1 of 20

20. Seoul, South Korea

Getty Images

Travelers in search of the world’s best beauty products should plan a trip to Seoul, which is known as the capital of beauty.

2 of 20

19. Hoi An, Vietnam

Getty Images

This ancient port town is famous for its custom tailors — and outrageously affordable prices. It’s not uncommon to find travelers in town just to purchase custom suits, wedding gowns, and other occasion pieces.

3 of 20

17. Las Vegas, Nevada

George Rose/Getty Images

Las Vegas isn’t just for gambling and over-the-top performances. Storefronts here lean decidedly upscale, with more than a handful of Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuittons within walking distance.

4 of 20

17. Bangkok, Thailand

Getty Images

Bangkok may be best known for its busy markets, which sell everything from Thai silks to fragrant flowers and exotic pets.

5 of 20

16. Los Angeles, California

Donato Sardella/WireImage/Getty Images

Travelers in Los Angeles can find high-end designers on Rodeo Drive, decidedly hip boutiques in Silverlake, treasure-filled thrift stores in the Valley, and everything in between.

6 of 20

15. Rome, Italy

Getty Images

For the finest handmade Italian leather goods, shoppers should head to Rome, which is also home to the Fendi flagship store.

7 of 20

14. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

This southwestern U.S. city is famous for its handcrafted Native American jewelry (particularly silver and turquoise creations).

8 of 20

13. Charleston, South Carolina

Getty Images

Head straight to King Street for the best shopping in Charleston, which has ample antique shops and unique ateliers.

9 of 20

12. Aspen, Colorado

Robert Alexander/Getty Images

Not everyone goes to Aspen to ski. According to Travel + Leisure readers, it’s also one of the best places on Earth to shop.

10 of 20

11. Chicago, Illinois

Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

You can shop for just about anything in Chicago, though the Windy City has a particularly impressive collection of funky record stores.

11 of 20

10. London, England

Getty Images

London tastemakers know the vintage markets on Portobello Road and the artisanal vendors at Maltby Street Market are some of the best in the city.

12 of 20

9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Shopping in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Eye Ubiquitous/UIG/Getty Images

Handicrafts and art are at the heart of this colonial city’s shopping scene. Save room in your suitcase for embroidered blouses, woven shawls, and tinwork.

13 of 20

8. Milan, Italy

Getty Images

Recognized as one of the world’s premier fashion capitals, it should come as no surprise that locals here love to shop — as do the travelers. For a mix of everything, try the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is hailed as one of the first shopping malls.

14 of 20

7. Florence, Italy

Awakening/Getty Images

Beating out both Milan and Rome, this Italian city is known for its craftsmanship. Perfumers and jewelers are particularly celebrated here.

15 of 20

6. Singapore, Singapore

Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

There’s so much more to Singapore than street food. In-the-know travelers have discovered the city’s incredible local designers and funky boutiques.

16 of 20

5. Hong Kong, China

Getty Images

Skip Queen’s Road Central in favor of the eclectic, hard-to-find accessories. For souvenirs, consider Stanley Market and Ladies Market.

17 of 20

4. Paris, France

David C. Phillips/Passage Unreleased/Getty Images

Brush up on your French — c’est fait en quell tissue — before stocking up on timeless Parisian fashions.

18 of 20

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ian Cumming/Axiom RM/Getty Images

This metropolis is home to the biggest mall in the world (1,200 stores spread across four stories). Need we say more?

19 of 20

2. Tokyo, Japan

Getty Images

From the Tsukiji Fish Market and Yanaka Ginza shopping street to high-end designer labels, shopping in Tokyo is as diverse as the architecture.

20 of 20

1. New York City, New York

Tony Shi/Getty Images

One reader ventured that it would be worthwhile to “sell some stocks and refinance your house” for a “shopping spree on the Upper East Side.” New York City never disappoints travelers who love to shop, thanks to its healthy mix of designer labels, independent boutiques, and world-famous window displays.

Replay gallery

Your Profile

The World’s 20 Best Cities for Shopping

1 of 20

20. Seoul, South Korea

1 of 20

2 of 20

19. Hoi An, Vietnam

2 of 20

3 of 20

17. Las Vegas, Nevada

3 of 20

4 of 20

17. Bangkok, Thailand

4 of 20

5 of 20

16. Los Angeles, California

5 of 20

6 of 20

15. Rome, Italy

6 of 20

7 of 20

14. Santa Fe, New Mexico

7 of 20

8 of 20

13. Charleston, South Carolina

8 of 20

9 of 20

12. Aspen, Colorado

9 of 20

10 of 20

11. Chicago, Illinois

10 of 20

11 of 20

10. London, England

11 of 20

12 of 20

9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

12 of 20

13 of 20

8. Milan, Italy

13 of 20

14 of 20

7. Florence, Italy

14 of 20

15 of 20

6. Singapore, Singapore

15 of 20

16 of 20

5. Hong Kong, China

16 of 20

17 of 20

4. Paris, France

17 of 20

18 of 20

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

18 of 20

19 of 20

2. Tokyo, Japan

19 of 20

20 of 20

1. New York City, New York

20 of 20

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Share the Gallery