Listopedia: Ultimate Shopping Experiences

If you love to shop, a holiday is a chance to check out the latest, greatest and iconic from around the world. From handmade ceramics and cutting edge couture to downright quirky, here’s our Listopedia of shopping experiences. 

Sydney, Australia: Strand Arcade

Dating back to 1881, this small but beautiful shopping arcade is home to the crème de la crème of Australia’s artisan designers. The Strand Arcade’s beautiful arched atrium roof lets in plenty of light as you stroll the corridors around the main atrium. You’ll find hat designers and herb specialists on the bottom floor, jewelers and fashion designers in the middle and high end wedding dress specialists, leather repair stores and artisan cakes on the highest level.

Istanbul, Turkey: The Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar is on every tourist’s to do list when in Istanbul but the trick is not to take a peek through one entrance, but to allow yourself time to peruse the 60 covered streets that house more than 5,000 small shops. From delicate Turkish ceramics piled high on the ground to dozens of different types of Turkish delights, this is the spot for a few very special souvenirs. Keep an eye out for colourful sequined slippers and don’t forget to look up at the bold murals on the domed ceilings.

Florence, Italy: Ponte Vecchio

This famous bridge dates back to the 1300s and has long been home to beautiful gold and jewellery stores. These days there are gelaterias, buskers and plenty of pedestrians. Built from stone, the Ponte Vecchio spans the Arno River and is itself a sight worth seeing when in Florence. The Corridoio Vasariano, a small corridor tucked into the top of the bridge, was commissioned by the influential Medici family in the 1500s to provide a route above the street.

Dubai, UAE: Mall of the Emirates

Like many international cities, shopping and Dubai go hand in hand. However, what sets this city apart is the anything and everything mentality. The Mall of the Emirates is the world’s first “shopping resort” – shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, theatre, kids entertainment park and ski resort. Yes, Ski Dubai is a fully functioning, albeit fake, ski resort where you can escape the heat of the desert, rent some skis and practice your carving. There’s jumps and ski school too.

Paris, France: Colette

Ah Paris, the city of love and shopping. And the love of shopping. Shopaholics from around the world flock to this city to pick up the latest designer threads. From the Champs Elysees and rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, to the rue Cambon and Galeries Lafayette, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities. For something a little different, pop into Colette while you’re wandering rue Saint-Honoré. You’ll find everything from men and women’s fashion, tech, beauty and books to surprise bags, jewellery and the water restaurant. The basement water-bar restaurant offers discerning guests more than 90 different brands of water to choose from. There is also food on offer but perhaps this is the secret to how French women don’t get fat!