Shopping abroad can be one of the most exciting parts of any trip. In some cases, it can be reason enough to plan one. The souks of Marrakesh and the night markets of Bangkok spell big adventure, while high-tech gadgets and tax-free shopping are a splurge away in Tokyo and Dubai.
Some of the best shopping destinations in the world are defined as much by their shopping culture as they are by their landmarks, with treasures tucked into vintage stalls, artisan workshops, and chic boutiques. Whether you want to update your wardrobe or your home decor, we’ve put together a global shopping guide to ensure your suitcase comes back filled with the best shopping haul each destination has to offer.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
For Designer Fashion
Repeat visitors to Paris get a hall pass to skip the iconic sights and head to the shopping landmarks instead. Department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps will keep you entertained for hours as you browse through all the European labels, but walking down the city’s chic streets in search of your latest luxury find is a real treat. Avenue Montaigne, home to fashion houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, shouldn’t be missed. Keep the theme going by checking into Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel, in the former Louis Vuitton building.
In London, Notting Hill and Shoreditch are packed with vintage boutiques, antiques markets, and secondhand fashion finds — enough to fuel your vintage shopping dreams. Don’t skip Portobello Road and Nordic Poetry. London Marriott Hotel Park Lane serves as the perfect base from which to scout Mayfair’s top-notch boutiques.
Travelers in search of premium leather goods should make their way to Florence. This Italian city has been synonymous with leather craftsmanship for centuries, with workshops and boutiques selling handbags, jackets, belts, and other made-in-Italy pieces. The streets around San Lorenzo Market are lined with leather stalls and small workshops, while the Scuola del Cuoio (the leather school) offers handcrafted bags, wallets, and accessories made using traditional techniques. After hunting down the perfect leather piece, settle into The Excelsior, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Florence on the Arno River.
Dubai is another favorite destination for high-end purchases. The Dubai Mall houses the likes of Louis Vuitton and Chanel, while Mall of the Emirates lets you shop designer labels and hit an indoor ski slope. For international visitors, the opportunity to claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases adds another incentive to shop. After indulging in some retail therapy, recharge at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.
For Brand-Name Shopping
For brand-name shopping, Miami is difficult to beat. Aventura Mall is packed with familiar names like Nike, Gap, Levi’s, and Coach, and is minutes away from the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, where you can rest for the night before embarking on a second day of shopping. At the Miami Design District, you’ll find a mix of fashion, art, architecture, and dining, and for a dose of luxury in a gorgeous indoor/outdoor setting, browse the boutiques at the Bal Harbour Shops.
For Handcrafted Treasures
In southern Mexico, the city of Oaxaca lures travelers not just with its mouthwatering regional cuisine and smoky mezcal, but also with its one-of-a-kind artisan handicrafts. In the bountiful markets, galleries, and workshops, you’ll find colorful handmade textiles as well as pots, vases, and figurines made of black clay, which gives them a unique, almost silver patina.
Even if you don’t bring any home, spend some time admiring the alebrijes, intricately hand-painted sculptures of fantastical beings that will capture your eye as much as your imagination. For a stay as colorful as the destination, head to City Centro by Marriott Oaxaca in the Jalatlaco neighborhood.
Interior decor enthusiasts will find interesting markets in Marrakech, Morocco. The city’s mazelike souks are filled with lanterns, ceramics, woven baskets, and other striking home decor pieces. If you’re in the market for a rug, Souk Zrabi is the place to go. The exquisite furnishings at Amerruk, Marrakech, Autograph Collection are bound to inspire what to purchase to restyle your home.
For Vintage and Rare Finds
Often called one of the world’s great literary cities, Buenos Aires is home to both cozy independent bookstores and the famous El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a celebrated bookstore inside a restored early-20th-century theater. Touted for having more bookstores per capita than anywhere else, Buenos Aires is the place for collectors to pick up copies of books by Argentine greats like Jorge Luis Borges and Julio Cortázar.
Surrounded by some of the city’s most famed landmarks, Marriott Buenos Aires Downtown perfectly complements the cultural experience.
For Independent Styles
Copenhagen is known for its cutting-edge Nordic boutiques, independent designers, and stylish concept stores. In the Danish capital, trendsetting is an art, whether it takes the form of minimalism or maximalism. If you’re new to Scandi design, start at Ganni and Baum und Pferdgarten. The waterfront Copenhagen Marriott Hotel is the ideal base for your shopping adventures.
For the Ultimate Beauty Haul
Skincare enthusiasts should head to Seoul, the heart of K-beauty innovation. South Korea’s capital is packed with beauty boutiques, flagship stores, and skincare brands. Trendy areas like Myeongdong are particularly popular with shoppers. If you start feeling overwhelmed with the bright lights and the number of stores to choose from, you can’t go wrong with Olive Young, a Sephora-like beauty haven.
After a day of shopping, relax with a body-scrub and a good night’s rest at JW Marriott Hotel Seoul in Gangnam. One of the largest in Asia, the hotel’s wellness center uses locally sourced beauty products and features a lap pool, thermal pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
For Food and Flea Market Fans
Strolling the aisles of a bustling market can be one of the highlights of any trip. In Barcelona, you’ll find one of the world’s most famous food markets: La Boquería. Here, you’ll find everything from jamón Ibérico to plump olives to bottles of vermouth — just keep in mind that not all of these will be able to fly home with you. The tranquil ocean views at W Barcelona will balance out the excitement of a hectic day at the market.
In Bangkok, Thailand, street food fans can eat to their heart’s content in the night markets. Jodd Fairs Ratchada is worth a visit for its trendy street food, while Talad Rod Fai Srinakarin (also known as the Train Night Market) mixes street food, nightlife entertainment, and vintage shopping.
When it’s time to rest your head, retreat to the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.
For Big-Ticket Tech Finds
Those looking to splurge on high-tech gadgets will find their place in Tokyo, where major brands release cutting-edge innovations before rolling them out globally. The Akihabara district, packed with stores selling the latest gadgets, gaming gear, and tech products, is a paradise for electronics lovers.
A favorable exchange rate can make the deals even sweeter, and so will a stay at the sleek The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon.
Practical Tips for International Shopping
Before you start filling an extra suitcase, keep a few practical considerations in mind. Dozens of countries offer Value-Added Tax (VAT) or Goods and Services Tax (GST) refunds. This allow international visitors to claim a refund on certain taxes paid on eligible purchases, so it’s worth keeping receipts and asking retailers about the process before you leave. Since specific rules and regulations for tax refunds vary by country, it’s worth doing a little research before you fly. Refunds can happen onsite, at the airport or a refund center. Often retailers have tax-free stickers on their storefront.
If you’re bringing home fragile finds such as ceramics, glassware, beauty products, or decorative pieces, pack them carefully using clothing or other soft items for cushioning. When possible, carry especially delicate (or expensive) purchases in your carry-on. If you are buying local liquor or wine, consider a padded wine carrier or bottle bag that seals in the liquid in case it breaks in transit.
Finally, check customs regulations and duty-free allowances before you travel. Rules vary by country and can apply to everything from luxury items and artisanal goods to alcohol and beauty products. Regulations around cheeses, fresh produce, and meats are often particularly strict. A little planning can help ensure all of your souvenirs make it back in one piece.
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