While you don’t need to be a millionaire to window shop along these world-renowned luxury destinations, you will probably need deep pockets to actually purchase something in the shops that line these streets.
For fashion lovers and shoppers, these luxury shopping spots are paradise on earth. Hobnob with the wealthy, the celebrities and the tourists in these popular shopping destinations for a glimpse of the best stores the world has to offer.
Fifth Avenue, New York, New York.
Iconic, timeless and revered, Fifth Avenue is a dream destination for many shopaholics with large bank statements. Lined with high-end boutiques carrying emerging and established European and American designers, luxury department stores and designer flagship stores, serious retail therapy occurs along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Saks Fifth Avenue, Burberry, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel represent just a portion of the fashion set taking up residence on Fifth Avenue. For the little ones, FAO Schwartz with its keyboard of Big fame is located in the midst of this shopping mecca.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, California.
Alternately immortalized and lampooned by Pretty Woman, 90210, Beverly Hills Cop and a slew of other films, Rodeo Drive is a must-see for shoppers, fashionistas and movie buffs. More than a backdrop for movies, this shopping destination boasts designer stores like Hermes, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Etro and Max Mara.
While Rodeo Drive is the most recgonziable street name, the shopping extends beyond the short three blocks into the surrounding streets—where you will find labels like Ferragamo, David Yurman, Michael Kors and Miu Miu taking up residence. The four-floor Rodeo Collection mall has home collections for the interior design lover as well as spas for those who need a respite from all the shopping.
Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest draws of Rodeo Drive is the opportunity to rub elbows with celebrities while browsing the designer shops or dining at the world-renowned restaurants.
The Commons, Destin, Florida.
You might initially consider Florida when you think of luxury shopping as it doesn’t have the same name recognition as Manhattan or Beverly Hills; however, the under-the-radar nature of this hidden gem is part of the reason why it is one of the top luxury shopping destinations of the world.
Located in one of the best beach resort cities in the United States, The Commons of Destin, Florida is anything but common with its collection of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. Stay at any one of the many upscale Destin condo rental lining the beaches or along lush golf courses and shop until you drop at the award-winning Destin Commons for an unforgettable experience in one of the “10 Most Beautiful Places in America.”
Champs Elysees, Paris, France.
With the awe-inspiring Arc de Triomphe on one end and the jaw-dropping Place de Concorde on the other, Champs Elysees has to boast impressive luxury specialty designer shops and entertainment to compete for the attention of the distracted tourists.
One of the most well-known upscale shopping streets in the world, it is home to a number of French designers’ stores, including Louis Vuitton and Cartier. The fashion powerhouses extend beyond the thoroughfare of Champs Elysees—wander a little off to the Avenue Montaigne and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Dior, Chanel and Chloe.
Via Montenapoleone, Milan, Italy.
Sharing the stage with Paris, London and New York as one of the world’s fashion capitals, it is no surprise that Milan has an entry on the list of best luxury shopping destinations. With the stores spilling off the main street,Via Montenapoleone is now considered Milan’s most fashionable shopping district and features shops from (and occasionally the headquarters of) the Italian houses of Armani, Versace, Gucci, Ferragamo, Prada, Zanotti, Valentino and more.
This shopping district’s draw is such that it also is home to international luxury labels like Celine, Yves Saint Laurent, Bulgari and Dior.
Bond Street, London, United Kingdom.
A mix of boutiques and fashion heavy-hitters, Bond Street is London’s most posh shopping destinations. Major jewelry houses, like De Beers, Cartier, Harry Winston and Bulgari, are represented along this tiny street. What sets Bond Street apart from many of the other luxury shopping streets and districts is that Bond Street features many specialty shops catering to men—like stores that create bespoke suits and shirts.
Wafi Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Known for its extravagance and love of luxury, Dubai’s shopping options live up to those expectations. Shaped like an Egyptian pyramid, the Wafi Mall’s walls are decorated with hieroglyphics and its walkways are lined with gold pillars.
Located in the Wafi complex—which is like a small city boasting a hotel, restaurants and nightclubs—the Wafi Mall boasts some of the best shopping in the world. Versace, Calvin Klein, Montblanc and Rolex all have outposts in this shoppers’ delight.
Whether you are just window shopping or looking to break the bank, these luxury shopping spots are sure to have something to awe and amaze you. Gorgeous destinations, historic monuments, movie backdrops and more shopping than can be done in a day, these destinations around the world are must-sees.
Author: Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer from Southern California whose writing covers a range of industries, including travel, business, marketing and health. She loves shopping, especially when she’s traveling around the world!