Top 10 Shopping Streets of the World

When you travel the question arises - to shop or not to shop. For many, shopping is almost an addiction, and then there are some (mostly men!) who hate the thought of setting foot into a store. Whatever category you belong to, the best place to actually get a feel of the city is in the shopping areas, so below we have listed out the top shopping streets in the world. It doesn't matter whether you do shop or don’t, just don’t miss out on visiting these streets!

Fifth Avenue, New York City
Dubbed the most expensive shopping street in the world, Fifth Avenue in mid town Manhattan specifically between the 49th and 60th Streets is where the flagships stores and luxury designer boutiques are located. Take a walk down this Avenue and it’s not only designer shops that line the street but also the very green Central Park and luxury high rise apartments that are home to the who’s who of this city. Further, Fifth Avenue also houses the Museum Mile (82nd to 104th) with a number of interesting museums along the way to keep you engrossed, in case shopping is not on your agenda.
The USP
The shopping. There is something for everybody at Fifth Avenue and no, you do not have to have a burgeoning wallet to shop here, though that may help! The women can indulge in a bauble or two at the landmark Tiffany’s store or shop for a designer label at Prada, Versace or Bergdorf-Goodman, while the men can step into the NBA store, shop for a natty suit at Brooks Brothers or browse for gadgets in the amazing Apple Store. And the kids? Well, they can pop in to FAO Schwarz and amuse themselves in the biggest toy shop in the world. Of course, don’t miss out on Saks Fifth Avenue while you are about it! And if shopping is not your thing, then walk along and window gaze at the goodies in the show windows.

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Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles
Smaller in size (just three blocks) than its cousins, the Fifth Avenue and the Magnificent Mile, the Rodeo Drive on Beverley Hills is big on glamour! No, there are no cowboys here- just glitzy shops, designer boutiques and exclusive jewelry stores where Hollywood celebrities shop and splurge. Built at an astronomical cost of over $200 million, Rodeo Drive the most expensive and exclusive shopping district in the world and is a must visit, even if it is just to people watch and window shop. There is nothing quite like it!
The USP
This is where your favourite Hollywood stars shop. Who knows you may bump into Jennifer Aniston or Julia Roberts out on a shopping spree in between shoots. Bottega Veneta hand bags, Jimmy Choo shoes and diamonds from Tiffany’s are just some of the exclusive designer stores to spend your money.

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The Magnificent Mile, Chicago
In Chicago, the Magnificent Mile is at North Michigan Avenue, just a couple of blocks off Lake Michigan and finds its place on this list because of its setting, and of course the shopping it has on offer.
Retail therapy is at its best here with the presence of shopping giants like Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Apple, Lord & Taylor, Brooks Brothers, and Hermes. Michigan Avenue is the ultimate shopping experience, with shops, shops and more shops! A plethora of great restaurants serve up a variety of cuisines here and at the end of the day there is nothing one cannot get here on terms of food, fashion, furniture or anything else that you may possibly desire. After a day's shopping, dine in style at any of the gourmet restaurants, and then later at night watch the fireworks light up over the lake. Alternatively, for caffeine freaks, there is a Starbucks at every corner. Beware – Prices at some stores are many atimes quite high, and so if you are not in dire need of anything and are strapped for cash, then for you, this Magnificent Mile will just have to suffice as a window-shopper’s dream come true.
The USP
At last count Michigan Avenue’s 2.6 million square feet of retail space had 460 stores, 2 unique museums, 436 restaurants and 22 million visitors every year to gain its place on this top ten list.

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Bond Street, London
Synonymous with elegance and bespoke clothing since the 18th century, Bond Street has been the high street of luxury shopping. Located in the heart of London in the West End district, Bond Street is now made up of the Old Bond Street and New Bond Street. The best designers in the world have their signature showrooms here – from Louis Vuitton to Versace, Armani to Chanel, Prada to Ralph Lauren - the who’s who of fashion have their presence on Bond Street. If diamonds and jewelry is what you are after, then what better than Tiffany’s or Cartier’s to shop at? Classic Brit brands like Mulberry and Burberry showcase their wares here too.
The USP
Shop like a queen (literally) for your diamonds at Asprey’s – after all they are the Queen’s official jewelers! If you are an art collector then pay a visit to Sotheby’s auction house and bid for a masterpiece. The stretch of Bond Street happens to have the most luxurious brands and shops that ooze style, class and wealth, but before you get the notion that you need to have a really fat wallet before you set foot upon the street, banish the thought as there are the ubiquitous small boutiques where you may pick a bargain or two of high street fashionable clothes.

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Orchard Road, Singapore
Orchard Road has come a long way from the time when once not long ago it was an area of pepper farms and fruit laden orchards. Today it is a hub of Singapore and a major tourist hangout – shopping malls line the street and stores stock the latest designer apparel. With 22 shopping malls to choose from, Orchard Street is truly a shopper’s delight and a tourist’s haven. Huge shopping malls and department stores, eclectic boutiques and sidewalk cafes provide entertainment and fun times for all. Tangs or CK Tangs as it is popularly known is a landmark, Paragon is the mall with designer brand names like Gucci, Mui Mui, Prada and Coach, 313@Somerset houses Zara and Forever 21 for the trendy and upwardly mobile shopper.
The USP
Atmosphere prevails on Orchard Road with Ngee Ann City being the largest mall in Singapore showcasing Hermes, Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Prada amongst other high end luxury brands. ION Orchard is the newest addition with four floors underground and as many floors over. Here besides the flagship store for Louis Vuitton, one can also shop on a budget at smaller stores. The food court here is at popular attraction and is always buzzing with activity.

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PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s answer to New York’s Fifth Avenue, PC Hoofstraat may not be as big, but packs a pretty punch. You will know you are on the right street, when you see an army of luxury cars parked on the street. The street spells style and elegance with big ticket names like Gucci, Chanel, Hermes and Cartier leading the pack. For those with lighter wallets, there is Mexx and Benetton where one can splurge. PC Hoofstraat is where the fashionistas head to, when they want to shop for elegant clothing and luxurious goods.
The USP
Scores very high on the well kept, squeaky clean street and the friendly customer service offered by the sales persons in most of the stores.

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Bagdat Avenue, Istanbul
If you thought that all your shopping needs in Istanbul would end after a visit to the Grand Bazaar, think again! Trundle down to the Asian side of Istanbul and discover Bagdat Street – a veritable shopper’s paradise. Spanning six kilometers in the Kadikoy district, that run parallel to the Maramara below, the street is flanked by trees and reminds one of the Champs Elysees in Paris. It’s a one way street and has little boutiques, street shopping, as well as department stores, restaurants and sidewalk cafes where one can sit and sip a coffee while people watching. The shops that line the avenue are a mix of high street brands and local ones.
The USP
Besides housing designer stores and smaller boutiques, Bagdat Avenue is also considered to be the largest open air shopping mall with most of the shops being open every day of the week, even on Sundays.

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Via Monte Napoleone, Milan
Milan spells style with a capital ‘S’ and so it’s no surprise that Via Monte Napoleone houses the best of the best designers and have all the high priestesses of fashion from Hollywood actresses to European royalty shopping at the elegant and exclusive stores on this world famous avenue. Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Prada are a few among the designers that have their flagship stores in this fashion capital. Even if you do not have fat wallet (make no mistake - you need one, if you want to shop here!), pay a visit, even if it is just to see where the rich and famous shop! Clothes, shoes, jewelry, handbags and furs – they are all available here.
The USP
The street is considered one of the most fashionable strips in Europe and dates back to 1804, the days of Napoleon. In the old days the ‘family shops’ were popular, but have slowly closed down and only a few remain.

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Bahnhoftstrasse, Zurich
Elegant, exclusive and expensive are the three ‘e’s that define Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. Located in the city centre just off Paradeplatz, the avenue is lined with all the designer stores from Armani to Cartier, Chanel to Hermes and Prada to Louis Vuitton. Alongside the designers there is also H&M and Mango, so everyone can find something to suit their pockets. Jelmoli is the large department store that sells everything you will ever need. Stop by the world famous chocolate shop Café Sprungli and buy a box to take back home. The very best in shopping is available here. As some say, Zurich is Bahnhofstrasse and vice versa!
The USP
The Bahnhofstrasse is a pedestrian street, so no cars and buses, but watch out for the trams. Lovely sidewalk cafes spill out onto the street and the atmosphere is electric. It’s a busy street and it’s a beautiful way to spend an afternoon strolling down and window shopping. And when you are done with the shopping, head down to the lake and relax by the waterfront.

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Rue du Faubourg St-Honore, Paris
Rue du Faubourg is located just behind the Elysee Palace, residence of the French President. Cited as one of the most fashionable streets of the world, it is understated, and can easily be missed except the giveaway sophisticated awnings that quietly state the name of every high end fashion designer from Chanel to Gucci, Ferragamo to Valentino and so on – you will find every designer worth his salt has a presence on this fashionable high street.
The USP
Lanvin and Hermes may have their flagship stores on the street, but you will also find interspersed with the big names, little boutiques selling very affordable knick knacks. If you want to know what the latest fashion and trends are just take stroll down this street and get updated!

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