LONDON, UK
FROM high streets lined with luxury brands to quaint neighbourhoods dotted with chic boho boutiques, London has it all. Swanky addresses like Selfridge’s (selfridges.com) and Harrods (harrods.com) are stocked with the latest designer wear. And then there’s Savile Row (savilerowco.com), known for the sharpest, made-to-order suits for the who’s who of the world. Beyond fashion, there are souvenirs to be bought. Artisanal tea, Harry Potter merchandise, Paddington Bear memorabilia make nice gifts to carry back. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, get a customised hat made at Lock & Co. Hatters (lockhatters.com). Covent Garden (coventgarden.london) and Notting Hill are charming enough to stroll, browse, window shop, and discover trendy boutiques and artsy galleries. Do save some budget and space to shop at Heathrow Airport’s Duty Free (londonheathrow.worlddutyfree.com). With more than 17,000 products at great value prices, take your pick from cosmetics, luxurious fragrances, designer sunglasses, limited edition champagne, and fine spirits.
PARIS, France
PARIS IS undeniably the fashion capital of the world. Fashionistas from across the world flock here to buy limited edition pieces from designers even before they hit the market. But shopping in Paris is delightful, no matter what your budget or style. Champs D’Élysées and Avenue Montaigne are probably the most famous streets lined with luxe brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermés, Cartier, Prada and Louboutin. Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré is home to smaller boutiques and galleries and the cobbled streets of Montmartre lead to kitschy stores with affordable prices. The most famous department store in Paris, Galeries Lafayette (), has been in business since the late 1800s. Besides being a popular tourist attraction, it has everything from high-end fashion to gourmet fare within its beautiful Art Nouveau building. If you love brands like Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Estée Lauder, Fendi, Gucci, Omega, Rolex, you’ll want to shop at the Paris Aéroport - Shopping Duty Free () that features more than 280 shops, where there are many attractive buying offers through the year.
