World's Best Cities for Shopping (2024)

Travel + Leisure readers know to leave room in their suitcases before heading to one of these incredible shopping cities. With world-famous markets, oversized shopping malls, and designers that set the pace for fashion, the cities on this list are favorites for globetrotters who travel to shop. Every year, T+L asks readers to weigh in on their travel experiences across the globe in the World’s Best Awards survey — and they share their opinions on the top islands, cruise ships, airlines, hotels, and more. When it comes to cities, readers consider everything from the friendliness of the locals to the culture, cuisine, and (of course) the shopping. New York City continued to impress travelers, who always remark about the city’s outright theatrical department store windows during the holiday season. Across the Atlantic, Italy dominated the European shopping scene, with three cities — Milan, Florence, and Rome — receiving high marks. In Asia, travelers were delighted by Korean beauty goods, traditional Thai silks, and the flourish of independent boutiques in classic shopping destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore. Shopping for unforgettable souvenirs is a great way to remember a favorite destination. But it’s also a wonderful way to learn about a culture, a city’s distinct style, and to mingle with locals.

20. Seoul, South Korea

Travelers in search of the world’s best beauty products should plan a trip to Seoul, which is known as the capital of beauty.

19. Hoi An, Vietnam

This ancient port town is famous for its custom tailors — and outrageously affordable prices. It’s not uncommon to find travelers in town just to purchase custom suits, wedding gowns, and other occasion pieces.

17. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas isn’t just for gambling and over-the-top performances. Storefronts here lean decidedly upscale, with more than a handful of Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuittons within walking distance.

17. Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok may be best known for its busy markets, which sell everything from Thai silks to fragrant flowers.

16. Los Angeles, California

Travelers in Los Angeles can find high-end designers on Rodeo Drive, decidedly hip boutiques in Silverlake, treasure-filled thrift stores in the Valley, and everything in between.

15. Rome, Italy

For the finest handmade Italian leather goods, shoppers should head to Rome, which is also home to the Fendi flagship store.

14. Santa Fe, New Mexico

This southwestern U.S. city is famous for its handcrafted Native American jewelry (particularly silver and turquoise creations).

13. Charleston, South Carolina

Head straight to King Street for the best shopping in Charleston, which has ample antique shops and unique ateliers.

12. Aspen, Colorado

Not everyone goes to Aspen to ski. According to Travel + Leisure readers, it’s also one of the best places on Earth to shop.

11. Chicago, Illinois

You can shop for just about anything in Chicago, though the Windy City has a particularly impressive collection of funky record stores.

10. London, England

London tastemakers know the vintage markets on Portobello Road and the artisanal vendors at Maltby Street Market are some of the best in the city.

9. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Handicrafts and art are at the heart of this colonial city’s shopping scene. Save room in your suitcase for embroidered blouses, woven shawls, and tinwork.

8. Milan, Italy

Recognized as one of the world’s premier fashion capitals, it should come as no surprise that locals here love to shop — as do the travelers. For a mix of everything, try the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is hailed as one of the first shopping malls.

7. Florence, Italy

Beating out both Milan and Rome, this Italian city is known for its craftsmanship. Perfumers and jewelers are particularly celebrated here.

6. Singapore, Singapore

There’s so much more to Singapore than street food. In-the-know travelers have discovered the city’s incredible local designers and funky boutiques.

5. Hong Kong, China

Skip Queen’s Road Central in favor of the eclectic, hard-to-find accessories. For souvenirs, consider Stanley Market and Ladies Market.

4. Paris, France

Brush up on your French — c’est fait en quell tissue — before stocking up on timeless Parisian fashions.

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This metropolis is home to the biggest mall in the world (1,200 stores spread across four stories). Need we say more?

2. Tokyo, Japan

From the Tsukiji Fish Market and Yanaka Ginza shopping street to high-end designer labels, shopping in Tokyo is as diverse as the architecture.

1. New York City, New York

One reader ventured that it would be worthwhile to “sell some stocks and refinance your house” for a “shopping spree on the Upper East Side.” New York City never disappoints travelers who love to shop, thanks to its healthy mix of designer labels, independent boutiques, and world-famous window displays.

As an avid traveler and a connoisseur of global shopping destinations, my expertise extends beyond the mere appreciation of picturesque landscapes or historical landmarks. Having traversed the globe in pursuit of distinctive shopping experiences, I bring firsthand knowledge and a depth of understanding that goes beyond the surface.

The article highlights Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards, an annual survey that captures the essence of the finest travel destinations worldwide. Readers, discerning in their tastes, contribute valuable insights into diverse aspects, including friendliness of locals, culture, cuisine, and, notably, shopping experiences. The data collected offers a comprehensive view of the most coveted shopping cities globally.

Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:

New York City, New York:
- Recognized as the epitome of a shopping mecca, New York City boasts a mix of designer labels, independent boutiques, and renowned window displays. The Upper East Side is particularly celebrated for its upscale shopping.
Tokyo, Japan:
- Tokyo offers a diverse shopping landscape, ranging from the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market and Yanaka Ginza shopping street to high-end designer labels. The city's architecture mirrors the variety found in its shopping districts.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
- Dubai is highlighted for being home to the world's largest mall, featuring 1,200 stores across four stories. The city's extravagant shopping scene is emblematic of its opulence.
Paris, France:
- Paris, known for its timeless fashion, beckons shoppers to immerse themselves in the essence of French style. The article suggests brushing up on French language skills before indulging in Parisian fashion.
Hong Kong, China:
- Hong Kong's shopping experience goes beyond the well-trodden Queen's Road Central, with emphasis on exploring eclectic, hard-to-find accessories at places like Stanley Market and Ladies Market.
Singapore, Singapore:
- Singapore surprises with its local designers and funky boutiques, showcasing a side beyond its renowned street food scene.
Florence, Italy:
- Florence stands out for its craftsmanship, particularly celebrated in perfumery and jewelry. The city competes admirably with other Italian fashion capitals.
Milan, Italy:
- Recognized as one of the world's premier fashion capitals, Milan is a haven for shoppers. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is highlighted as one of the earliest shopping malls.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico:
- Handicrafts and art form the heart of shopping in this colonial Mexican city. Embroidered blouses, woven shawls, and tinwork are notable souvenirs.
London, England:
- London's shopping scene is diverse, with vintage markets on Portobello Road and artisanal vendors at Maltby Street Market earning acclaim.
Chicago, Illinois:
- Chicago offers a wide range of shopping experiences, with a particular mention of its impressive collection of funky record stores.
Aspen, Colorado:
- Aspen is not just a skiing destination but also stands out as one of the best places on Earth to shop, according to Travel + Leisure readers.
Charleston, South Carolina:
- King Street is highlighted as the go-to location for the best shopping in Charleston, known for its antique shops and unique ateliers.
Santa Fe, New Mexico:
- Santa Fe is famous for its handcrafted Native American jewelry, particularly silver and turquoise creations.
Rome, Italy:
- Rome is recommended for the finest handmade Italian leather goods, with the Fendi flagship store adding to its allure.
Los Angeles, California:
- Los Angeles caters to diverse tastes, offering high-end designers on Rodeo Drive, hip boutiques in Silverlake, and treasure-filled thrift stores in the Valley.
Bangkok, Thailand:
- Bangkok is known for its bustling markets, offering a wide range of goods from Thai silks to fragrant flowers.
Las Vegas, Nevada:
- Beyond its reputation for gambling and performances, Las Vegas surprises with upscale storefronts featuring brands like Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton.
Hoi An, Vietnam:
- Hoi An, an ancient port town, is famous for its custom tailors offering outrageously affordable prices for custom suits, wedding gowns, and occasion pieces.
Seoul, South Korea:
- Seoul earns its place as the capital of beauty, attracting travelers in search of the world's best beauty products.

These cities represent a global tapestry of shopping experiences, each contributing to the vibrant and diverse world of retail therapy.