Top 5 Christmas Shopping Destinations in Europe

Paris

It feels that including Paris on any list about shopping is mandatory, and it’s no surprise that it features here. Any type of store that you can think of, you’ll find here and with places like the shopping arcade Palais Royal, Marché St Pierre and Lafayette Maison, you’ll quickly realise why Paris is regarded as one of the best cities in the world for shopping.

If you’re looking for a base to work from, the three star Kiebar Hotel Champs Elysses Tour Eiffel (£58 per night) will help you settle in quite nicely as you start exploring what is a wondrous city.

 

Barcelona

It might be the home of the best football team in the world, but the city of Barcelona offers far more than sporting highlights. It hosts a number of diverse shopping areas like the The Portal de l’Àngel, Avinguda Diagonal and the large commercial centre Les Glóries, which has over 230 stores like Zara, Mango, and Pepe Jeans. It also has multiple bars, cinemas and restaurants spread over three levels. The Hesperia Sant Joan Suites Hotel is incredibly affordable at £24 per night so you won’t be breaking the bank should you decide to head over.

 

Rome

Home to many cultural delights, Rome is the place to be if you’re looking for a mixture of traditional and modern shopping experiences. You can book yourself into the four star Best Western Ambra Palace Hotel (£54 per night) or if you want to have that little bit extra for shopping, the Trinity B&B (£51 per night) will give you a mixture of comfort and affordability.

Rome is perhaps one of the more expensive European destinations featured here, but for the extra cost, you’ll uncover higher quality goods and the mixture of markets and modern department stores means it will be a while before you discover everything this city has to offer. Stores include local favourites such as Barbara Spinelli, Borsalino, Replay and many more.

 

Amsterdam

Another great cultural city that has a lot to offer, Amsterdam’s laid-back atmosphere, its fusion of trendy, antique and cheap goods, and numerous shopping corridors means that you’re guaranteed a relaxing shopping experience. The best place to go is the Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat. Here you will find the haute couture boutiques: Cartier, Gucci, Edgar Vos, Tommy Hillfinger and the very impressive Oger shop. One place you can stay in is the four star Moevenpick Hotel (£93 per night), which is located less than two kilometres away from the city centre, a perfect distance to cover on your bike.

 

Berlin

One of the trendiest cities in Europe was always going to be a haven for shopping and Berlin does not disappoint. From Kurfürstendamm, which hosts luxury designers and international chain outlets, to Mitte, where you can find trendier boutiques and trendy Berlin labels, you will find stores and areas that will satisfy you, no matter where you are. Visit The Schönhauser Allee Arcaden in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district and is home to some great fashion names such as Accessorize, Bonita, Esprit, H&M and much more.

A brilliant location is the four star Melia Hotel (£56 per night) which is located at the heart of Berlin, meaning that all culture and shopping highlights are within walking distance.

*prices correct at time of posting