As the Global Luxury Goods market is said to increase to an enormous $382.6 billion by 2025, the team at Wizz Air reveal some of the most renowned shopping destinations around the world – from the well-known fashion capitals of the world to the lesser-known but equally luxe destinations.
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Milan
Milan is renowned for being the fashion capital of both Italy and the world. In fact, Milan is recognised as being the best city in the world for luxury shopping. Home to the world’s oldest shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an Art-Nouveau style mall that boasts designers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, Milan is also home to renowned and exclusive brands, with names such as Armani, Versace and Prada lining the Quadrilatero d’Oro district.
Milan is also where numerous powerhouses in the fashion world set up their headquarters. Moschino, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana were all created in the world’s most important fashion capitals.
Rome
Ranked as the thirteenth most luxury shopping destination in the world, Italy’s capital city boasts history, culture, and fashion. Visit Via Condotti, the most renowned and fashionable street that is located opposite the beautiful landmark of the Spanish Steps. Via Condotti is the street that contains the greatest number of Rome-based Italian fashion retailers, with Valentino, Versace and Hermès all taking pride and place in the delightfully tourist centre.
If shopping malls are more your kind of shopping scene, visit La Rinascente on Via del Tritone, a luxury multi-brand mall that hosts big names in fashion, beauty, homewards and even gourmet food.
Spain
Spain’s capital Madrid boasts a multitude of shopping streets, malls, bespoke boutiques, and markets that caters to all budgets. Whether you’re seeking out a new season designer bag or dress, or handpicking vintage homeware pieces and antiques, Madrid offers something for everyone. For those who want to combine their shopping with cultural sites, visit the almost mile-long shopping street, Gran Via. Renowned for its incredible architecture, dining establishments and luxury brands, Gran Via is perfect for those who want to spend the whole day weaving in and out of stores.
For those on tighter budgets, Barcelona boasts the title of being the most “cost-effective, luxury shopping destination,” thanks to its low retail prices for luxury items. The most famous high-end shopping street in Barcelona is Passeig de Gràcia, which combines international brands such as Chanel and LOEWE with more accessible high-street shops such as Mango and Zara.
Abu Dhabi
Despite its reputation for being one of the more renowned places to visit in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is known for its decadent malls, bustling markets and wonderfully charming shops and souks. For a premier shopping experience, where everything you need is under one roof, then take a trip to one of the most beautiful areas of the city: Yas Marina Mall. Home to over 400 international fashion and leisure stores, including DKNY and Tommy Hilfiger, and boasting a breath-taking view of the sea and cityscape, you can easily spend an entire day here.
If gold and jewellery are luxury items you particularly want to splurge on, then Abu Dhabi is the best place to go. As the United Arab Emirates is known for its gold shops, visit the Madinat Zayed Gold Centre, home to an abundance of fine gold and jewellery stores that guarantee something for everyone. What’s more of a marker of grander and affluence than fine gold and jewellery?
Budapest
Budapest is one of the best shopping destinations in the whole of Europe. Boasting charming streets that are home to both intimate boutiques and outlandish malls, Budapest is a shopaholic’s paradise that offers something for every type of shopper. If you prefer sourcing vintage gems then Budapest is home to countless vintage shops, or else if international label hunting is more for you then there’s plenty to explore.
Andrassy Avenue, a boulevard in Budapest that is recognised as World Heritage Site, is home to some of the most famous fashion brands in the world. From YSL to Dior, Burberry and Ferragamo, Budapest boasts luxury for a more democratic price compared to larger powerhouses in European fashion.
