Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II & Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan, Italy
Known for its numerous luxury boutiques, the 'Quadrilatero della Moda' shopping district easily conveys why Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world. Here, the 'Galleria Vittorio Emanuele' is a must-visit as the world’s oldest shopping centre housing some of Milan’s most prominent boutiques in a sumptuous 19th century, four-story shopping arcade.
You can easily access this galleria using the Metro, using Duomo, lines 1 and 3. Don’t forget to look out for the mosaic under the central dome; a Savoy coat of arms which according to legend, grants visitors good luck if they step with their right foot on the bull and spin a 360° with their eyes closed.
Top tip: To experience Milan at its finest, visit during its Fashion Weeks which are held semi-annually in February - March and September - October. You won't be disappointed!
The Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE
Dubai, known for its opulent lifestyle and futuristic architecture, is also a shoppers' paradise. Here stands the 2nd largest shopping centre in the world, the Dubai Mall, located in the Downtown area. This sprawling complex offers more than 1,200 shops, two major department stores and hundreds of places to dine and relax and is certainly a haven for all shoppers.
After visitors have shopped to their limit, there's the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and an indoor theme park under the same roof as well as the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink for family-fun. Nearby, there’s the Burj Kalifa, which offers amazing views of the city from its observation deck!
Top tip: Enjoy tax-free clothes, cosmetics and gadgets when shopping here! And don't miss the Dubai Shopping Festival for great deals, held annually in December - January.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey
One step into the labyrinthine paths and alcoves of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, and it’s impossible not to be transported into The One Thousand and One Nights. There are a dazzling 64 streets to wander down, all selling items ranging from spices to ceramics, fabrics to jewellery, and of course Turkey’s world-renowned carpets.
The Grand Bazaar has a staggering 22 different doors to enter through, and is in the Sultanahmet area near the Çemberlitas and Beyazit neighbourhoods. The origin of the Grand Bazaar dates to the 15th century, during the time of Sultan Mehmet II, and it’s certainly easy to travel back in time when wandering around this collection of Istanbul’s treasures. We recommend visiting during spring (April - May) and autumn (September - November), since the weather is milder and there are fewer tourists around.
Top haggling tip: Haggling, or bargaining is very common in the Grand Bazaar. Offer a starting price if you’re genuinely interested and don’t back down once you’ve agreed a price! Doing so is considered an offence.
Marrakech, Morocco
With its lively souks and bustling markets, Marrakech offers a shopping experience like no other. Head into the walled Marrakech Medina (city centre) to experience its souks at their finest, set up in narrow endless alleyways. Each souk specialises in something different: silk embroidery, Berber rugs, exquisite glass lanterns, clothing, spices and oils, for instance. Souk Semmarine is one of the busier central souks with distinctive stone archways and shops selling everything from antique furniture to ceramics and colourful handicrafts.
Jemaa el-Fna Square in the heart of the Medina is a sprawling public square filled to bursting with entertainers, street food vendors and stall owners and has been around for hundreds of years. Souk el Attarine is perfect for spices while the Place des Ferblantiers on the old Jewish Quarter is where you’ll find the city’s metal crafters, and is often overlooked by tourists. We recommend visiting during winter, when temperatures are mild (between November - March).