Oh, the joys of retail therapy! It can soothe the soul, even after the hardest of days. When you’re ready to treat yourself, what if you think outside the box?
What if you planned a shopping expedition in Rome, Madrid, or Tokyo instead of the local mall? One thing’s for sure: you’ll have the time of your life and zero buyer’s remorse.
Below, we’ll take you through 20 worldwide destinations just waiting to delight you.
1. New York, NY
Any article pertaining to retail therapy must start or end in New York City. When you stroll along Fifth Avenue, you’re dipping in and out of the flagship stores of many of our favorite chains.
Whether you’re aiming for Banana Republic in Rockefeller Center or “the” Tiffany’s where Audrey Hepburn first made us swoon, you can really have it all on Fifth.
Madison Avenue also won’t let you down when you’re on the hunt for exclusivity. Then, if you hop on the subway and head south to Soho, you’ll also be able to enjoy eclectic finds amidst an array of unique boutiques.
2. Los Angeles, CA
LA goes hand in hand with New York. When discussing retail therapy, everything is at your fingertips in this sizzling metropolis.
To feel like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, you can head to Rodeo Drive. But, you also have a series of other popular hotspots like The Grove (where people love to keep an eye out for celebrity sightings), and Universal CityWalk.
3. La Jolla, CA
La Jolla is a quiet little gem on the outskirts of San Diego. Not only does it have a splendid offering of lush, unique boutiques, it also has access to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for a Rolex or a new piece of art, La Jolla will deliver, time and time again.
4. Las Vegas, NV
While it’s mainly synonymous with casinos, shows, and grand hotels, Las Vegas is a great spot to spend all your cares away.
If you check into a luxury resort right on the strip, all you have to do is don your favorite pair of Gucci loafers as you dip in and out of the stores in style and stock up on some of your favorite brand names.
5. Savannah, GA
This was a tough choice in terms of southern cities: Savannah or Charleston. But, we have to go with Savannah for its Broughton Street.
Here, you’ll find one-of-a-kind shops like The Paris Market to outfit your home and wardrobe. All the streets that peel off Broughton also open the door to an array of art galleries.
As the host city of SCAD (The Savannah College of Art and Design), you can easily up the ante on your art collection during this bout of retail therapy.
6. Bloomington, Minneapolis
Minneapolis, you say? Well, how can something called the Mall of America not make it onto a list of retail therapy destinations?
With a sea of options when it comes to nearby accommodations, you can book a nearby Airbnb for a few nights. Just be sure to bring an empty suitcase that you can fill up and return home with.
7. Paris, France
Next stop – Paris! Whether you’re going for the big chains down the Champs-Élysées or something more unique on Ile St. Louis, there’s no woe in the world that Parisian retail therapy can’t fix.
Truth be told, Le Marais may be an even nicer experience, filled with colorful boutiques. As a hub for Paris’ lively gay community, you’ll find plenty of fashionistas in this corridor, along with a host of fantastic eateries.
Of course, you’ll want to be stylish while you’re exploring the streets of Paris; this guide to what to pack will position you for retail greatness.
8. London, England
Most women would love to look like Catherine, Princess of Wales. While she has access to the finest designers like Seán McGirr, the Creative Director for Alexander McQueen, she also mixes beautiful finds from High Street with aplomb.
Kensington High Street is the place to go if you want to avoid the crowds of Oxford Street. Then, like the Marais, when you’re ready for a snack, you’ll have oodles of options.
Speaking of the lovely Princess of Wales, this list of the top royal attractions will help you experience the elegance of royalty.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh isn’t just for Potterheads. It’s also the place to go for unique finds including the finest tweed in the world.
Chock full of tea houses, cafes, antique shops, and jewelry stores, you can find those truly one-of-a-kind gems that no one else anywhere in the world will be able to duplicate.
While you’re exploring the misty streets of Edinburgh, this list of the top 20 things to do will round out your visit beautifully.
10. Munich, Germany
The reason Germany belongs on this list is because of its delightful Christmas markets! Come here during the height of the season to drink in the warmth of Christmas cheer with a cup of mulled wine and an array of vendors offering handmade delights.
Kripperlmarkt am Rindermarkt is the most popular market put on by the city each year. You’ll be delighted by all the snacks and drinks on hand, as well as, of course, the handcrafted finds that only the Germans can engineer.
11. Zurich, Switzerland
We’ve joked about a Rolex watch a time or two already. But, if you’re serious about your watch game, you simply must seek out a Swiss timepiece.
Maurice de Mauriac is one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the entire country – which is really saying something. Zurich is the proud home of their flagship store and the odds are high you’ll find a vintage piece to treasure forever.
12. Milan, Italy
If you prefer to have one quality pair of shoes instead of eight cheaper pairs, you know where to source your leather: Italy.
In Milan, you’ll find all the classy designer boutiques to splurge on. But, you can also support any number of homegrown shops for equally superb craftsmanship that will last a lifetime.
13. Rome, Italy
When in Italy, you might as well put the expression, “When in Rome…” to good use. Of course, the leather goods on display here will rival anything you find in Milan.
But, this is also a nice city to find gorgeous Italian ceramics, decadent stationery and fine writing supplies, as well as one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry. Step into an antique store for a gold ring to dazzle and delight you throughout the ages.
As your day winds down, it can only get better as you dine on a true Italian dish and top it off with some gelato by the brightly-lit Coliseum.
For a leg up, we’ve detailed some of the best hotels in Rome to help you start your itinerary.
14. Madrid, Spain
Like London, Madrid offers a lovely blend of low and high-end fashion. You can blend big-name brands with more approachable brands like Mango and Zara with ease.
What’s really enjoyable about Madrid is that even their weekly flea markets are brimming with unique finds. El Rastro on La Ribera de Curtidores Street, for example, has over 700 stalls just waiting for you to discover their antiques, handcrafted goods, and other delightful treasures.
15. Singapore
The Lion City is such an eclectic metropolis. Marina Bay Sands is a great starting point when you’re ready to unleash your savings. The trendy area of Orchard Road also serves up several swanky malls on a silver platter.
When you’re done, you can luxuriate in the sun on the sandy shorelines of Sentosa Island with an umbrella drink in hand, riding high on the heels of the thrill that only a proper dose of retail therapy can provide.
For more on how to take in the sights of the Lion City, check out this full list of the top things to do in Singapore.
16. Istanbul, Turkey
Sadly, this corner of the world may need to wait until some of the heart-wrenching unrest ceases. You don’t want to get too close to Syria, for example.
That said, if, for some reason, you find yourself in this colorful corner of the earth, you simply must indulge in Turkey’s bustling bazaars.
The oldest, largest, and most popular one is the Grand Bazaar. There, you’ll find phenomenal Turkish antiques, carpets, fabrics, jewelry, and more. You’ll also be happy to go home with an array of spices you can’t pick up at your local market.
17. Sydney, Australia
What’s lovely about shopping in Sydney is that it lacks the feverish hustle and bustle that New York and London possess.
When you stroll down Oxford Street or the quirkier Newtown, you’ll have a lovely adventure on foot, filled with low levels of stress and high levels of happiness.
18. Tokyo, Japan
The neon lights of Tokyo are incomparable. Although it’s a tech mecca, it also has a host of unique boutiques, as well as big name brands. Most people head to Ginza, a luxury shopping haven.
All across Tokyo, you’ll pick up an array of trendy finds with the beauty of an Asian flair. It also blends sightseeing opportunities with public parks to sit and sip a cup of tea in between shopping sprints.
19. Seoul, South Korea
If your version of retail therapy has more to do with skincare, lotions, and creams than leather shoes and watches, you simply must get your retail therapy fix in Seoul.
The finest South Korean skincare lines often have flagship stores in Seoul. According to renowned expert, Dr. Rachel Ho, two standouts are the Sulwhasoo flagship store in Bukchon and the Amore Pacific flagship store in Seongsu.
20. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
With your eye on a few new pieces of jewelry, head to City of Gold. Many of the best options are housed in Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, and the Mall of the Emirates for all your high-end brand name faves.
Spend Your Hard-Earned Money: You Deserve It!
Few things in life beat the thrill of a new trinket. Whether you’re staying stateside or broadening your horizons in Singapore or Dubai, we hope you find every little thing your heart desires!
Before you go, be sure to lean into one of our destination guides to help you craft the perfect itinerary.