The world’s most expensive streets report has just been released (a great summary was written by FinFacts Ireland), showing off some of the cities where it is quite easy to empty your wallet while shopping. Here’s a quick wrap up of the top ten places – so get ready to splash out some cash!
New York
It is no surprise that New York tops the list, being home to Sex and the City as well as many of the world’s designer shops. From Madison Avenue’s chic charm to smaller outlets in the Lower East side, this bustling island has it all.
My Tip: Don’t miss boutique styles and designer fashion for a bargain at Century 21! If I only had 24 hours in NYC, this would be at the top of my list, seriously. If you aren’t a shopper, then go for a walk across the Brooklyn bridge while your travel partner loads up the shopping bags.
Hong Kong
I LOVE Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan centre of culture. I’m not surprised to see it on this list as pretty much everywhere you go, there’s shopping. And when you can pay for purchases often with the same card you use on the subway, you know they mean business.
My Tip: Temple Street Night Market! They have everything and if you’re good at bargaining, you can even get the good stuff at a great price. Art, clothing, sunglasses, watches, luggage, souvenirs….they’ve got it. Just have a good look at the quality before you buy; some sunglasses I bought are falling apart just months later, whereas the clothes I got are probably better quality that I’ve found in high street shops.
Paris
Ah, tres chic Paris! Even when you’re shopping you can admire gorgeous, jaw-dropping architecture such as the balconies pictured above at Galeries Lafayette, so you don’t have to tear yourself from all the amazing museums and art galleries. However, that unique Parisian charms comes at a price, but be guaranteed that you’ll become an instant supermodel with any well-appointed purchase.
My Tip: FOOD shopping! There are tons of places but the epicentre for good Parisian food shops is Fauchon, where you can find the perfect pink souvenir. Now we all know the reputation French cuisine has, so why not pick up the amazing ingredients and unusual utensils your kitchen needs to make it happen.
Milan
Milan is the fashion capital, though, sister to Paris in terms of chic awareness. However, I’ll go public and say that I didn’t love Milan. It is gorgeous and has some amazing food, but the shopping for me…was lacklustre. However, I’d be remiss not to include it, especially as one of the top five most expensive shopping streets.
My Tip: Cafe culture. In Milan it’s easy to get a caffeine injection to help boost your shopping speed and manoeuvres. 10 Corso Como is a good spot – its not only a cafe but also an art library and fashion shop.
Tokyo
I think the picture says it all: Tokyo is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to a shopping paradise, but with such a crown comes the immense crowds you’ll find all over Tokyo. The only way to enjoy it though is just to dive in head first and enjoy the ebb and flow. Now, take a deep breath….
My Tip: I actually have six of them! Check out my article on Unearthing Asia about six things to do in Tokyo (which includes a few shopping suggestions).
Readers: Where’s your favourite ‘luxury’ shopping street and/or its alternative? What’s your tip?
Photos by scalleja, Kakashi Sensei, hans_s, tavallai, jonrawlinson
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice list, I won’t be dropping cash anytime soon at these places, but it is great to dream:)
Okay, I’ve been to 3 places of your top 5, guess that means I dropped a lot of cash already
And have a trip planned to New York for the Holidays…what can I say, I love traveling and shopping 
Thanks for sharing your tips on these destinations.
ah, a list after my own heart! sadly i haven’t been to any of these cities yet.
Great list Andy. I am just back from NY and Century 21 was closed for the Jewish New Year – which was a great thing for the staff and beneficial to my credit card! I have been lucky enough to be to all of the cities mentioned except Tokyo. I love to window shop ( usually revert to my old tried and tested brands for real purchases) and each of these cities do window dressing/merchandising extremely well.
And – unlike my experience in London – we were welcomed in all of the shops we ventured into whether we were dressed the part or not!
Great list – having lived in two of those places and traveled to the rest, I have to agree with you that these cities burn holes in my pockets! They also all serve as great “restocking” locations for those traveling for long periods of time.
@D&D Yeah I know what you mean. I’ve dropped cash in many of them – so it was nice reminiscing. :0
@Isabelle I’m not a *huge* shopper, to be honest, but indeed I couldn’t help but notice the ones on the expensive list were still good places to go regardless
@Jackie – That’s a good point. I think the shopping atmosphere in some places (that aren’t on the list) leaves a little something to be desired. I would have been heartbroken if Century 21 was closed but sounds like you made the most of it :0
@Jennifer – Never thought about it that way, but you’re right. Not that I needed it, but I definitely restocked/refuelled in Hong Kong and am still feeling the benefits