The 5 Best Shopping Cities In The World

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Now, I am firmly of the belief that a shopper worthy of the name could find a treasure anywhere, even some small dusty shop in a backwoods town. After all, it is just something we do no matter where we are. But for the ultimate shopping experiences, where shopping transcends mere purchasing and becomes a positively mystical experience there are those cities of shopping legend. Here are a few of those.

Paris, France

No surprise to find this city top of the list. The shopping experience here is like nowhere else. I only have to look up at the domed ceiling of the Galeries Lafayette or gaze in wonder at a window display in Au Printemps, to know that the angels of shopping are on my shoulder.

Of course, there is the Champs Elysee for the Cartier, Dior, et. al, but for a mall experience Parisian style try the new Forum des Halles on the site of the old markets. I love the old passages for their historical glamour, visit the Passages du Grande Cerf in the second arrondissement to see what I mean.

Miami Beach, Florida, USA

This is a beach town with ultra shopping credentials. Where to begin?

Art Basel seems a good place, with over 200 galleries and boutiques – it’s an eye popping delight. The Design District has the best selection of design stores and luxury boutiques around. The big names are all represented but a personal favourite is Maison Martin Margiela.

Head to 'The Road' for Burberry, Etro and Sonia Rykiel or Adventura Mall for Nordstrom, True Religion and Misso. For Italian shoes go to Wynwood's Del Toro. If you are a vintage freak like me then a visit to C. Madeleine's on Biscayne Boulevard is an absolute essential.

Rome, Italy

Shopping in Rome is all about the object. So much on sale here is hand made from the most superb materials. The crafts people who work in this city are artists. For some bespoke goodies try Flanella Grigia for shirts, Marini for shoes and for sparkly jewellery, Nicostra De San Giacomo. For off-the-rack top Italian designers, visit Piazza di Spagna and make a pilgrimage to Centro Storico's Via Giulia for Rome style at is best.

With history all around you, your mind is sure to turn to antiques and this city has some of the best antique markets in the world - one of the most reliable is the Porta Portese Market in Travestere.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai has not only one city wide festival of shopping, it has two which means that it has to be top of the list for any serious shopper. In the peak season January and February, the city is one big high-end sale. The other is Summer Surprises (June to August) when the mercury climbs to 45 degrees but don't let this put you off in this city of malls.

Shopping is a way of life in Dubai - there are over 50 malls. A personal favorite is Mall of the Emirates with its own ski slope, as well as all the all the best designer stores. For a genuine souk experience with air conditioning, visit Souq Madinat Jumeirah.

New York City, USA

I heart NY and every last shopping emporium which takes up space in its magnificent avenues. Of course you will pay homage at the iconic Manhattan department stores but also just wander and let yourself explore to find those more unusual pieces.

Call into Dover Street Market. A true shopper will even venture into darkest Brooklyn to check out what young designers and crafts people of Williamsburg have on show at Artist and Fleas. The rents are cheaper here and creativity is flourishing. For all good shopping experiences there has to be that thrill of finding the best thing in the most unexpected places.

Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to great cities for a shopping vacation; these are just my personal favourites.  So if you are looking for an exciting vacation destination for shopping, architecture and a long list of activities to keep you busy, these cities are a great place to start.