I wouldnt be out of my mind to state Europe as a synonym to terms such as couture, patronage, Shopping and even therapy! Home to worlds three most iconic fashion metropoles London, Paris, and Milan, along with the worlds first ever mall, Europe needs no introduction as one of the worlds best shopping destination. From historic malls, streets, boutiques to villages, the continent is abundant with world famous shopping places to keep luring you at your impulsive best (worst, ideally!).
And before the non-shopping enthusiasts sign off here, hold on! You dont have to see these top Shopping Centers in Europe to essentially shop. Just strolling through them is a great experience in itself too. A beautiful blend of the religions, traditions, and people, these destinations are a delightful insight. Promenading through Istanbuls Kanyon, or Londons Bicester Village are some unique ordeals you must absolutely take on while in Europe. And so we bring to you these destinations that will add value for your long awaited Euro tour.
1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
Image source: wikimedia.org
It couldnt get any more classic! A European shopping rendezvous at one of the worlds oldest shopping malls. Named after the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is centrally located and housed within a four-story double arcade. This is considered to be one of the best sites for Milanese luxury shopping, hosting many prestigious labels and brand shops. The Galleria is also famous for being home to some of the oldest shops and restaurants of Milan, such as the Biffi Caff (founded in 1867 by Paolo Biffi, pastry chef to the monarch), the Savini restaurant and the Art Nouveau classic Camparino in Galleria!
Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milano, Italy
What to buy?
High-end couture; Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Armani, Borsalino, Luisa Spagnoli, Brics, Tods, Swarovski and the likes.
2. Bicester Village, London
Image source: facebook.com/Bicester Village
I have had a virtual tour of this place many a times from every elated friend and relative who has shopped here! While they went on about it, I couldnt wait till I visited Bicester Village myself and sure was I thrilled! An easy day trip from London, this is one easily is one of the top shopping centers in Europe. A blissful mlange of designer outlet shopping along with a laid-back atmosphere of the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, this place is one of Englands premiere luxury retail destinations. You cant miss the stylish cafes for that afternoon tea, amidst the shopping frenzy.
Address: 50 Pingle Dr, Bicester OX26 6WD, United Kingdom
What to buy?
Luxury brands at discounted rates
Here are the Top souvenirs from Europe you must shop for!
Have a look at London Itinerary 5 Days before planning a trip to London
3. La Valle Village, Paris
Image source: facebook.com/La Vallee Village
Ecstatically located inside Disneyland Paris, the La Valle Village stunningly juxtaposes the surroundings with a distinctive rural French feel. The pretty hamlet brims with upscale designer boutiques, luxury home dcor stores, esteemed jewelry shops, and gourmet chocolate. Brands featured here are Armani, Burberry, Celine, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and much more, all offering huge discounts and deals. While Paris is one of the best cities for shopping in Europe, its La Valle Village that is the most successful outlet shopping destination in France. The village is a member of the Collection of Chic Outlet Shopping Villages, operated by Value Retail.
Address: 37 Rue d'Alsia, 75014 Paris, France
What to buy?
Discounted luxury brand
4. Harrods, London
Image source: wikimedia.org
One of the biggest department stores in Europe, Harrods is located on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. With a beautiful motto of Omnia Omnibus Ubique, meaning All Things for All People, Everywhere, the store strives to serve every possible demand. For more than 167 years, Harrods spread massively across a whopping 5 acres, has been a luxury shopping destination for exclusive collections and excellent service. Seven floors and 330 departments offer the finest products in food, fashion, homeware and technology. This undoubtedly is also one of the best shopping centers in Europe.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
What to buy?
Salon du Parfums
Tight on Budget? here are the best and biggest Flea markets in Europe
5. Kanyon, Istanbul
Image source: wikipedia.org
Hosting top brands from the whole of Turkey, as well as Europe Kanyon is a four floored shopping mall in Europe, home to 160 stores. A favorite Istanbul gourmet dine-out and shopping destination, a list of shopping centers in Europe is incomplete without the mention of Kanyon. This is rightly called an urban oasis in Istanbul. Top local and global brands, cafes, and open air performances are set in an atmosphere alive throughout the mall. A visit here is a must on your list of things to do in stanbul, given the malls ability to set the standard for shopping not only in Turkey, but for the entire South European region.
Address: Bykdere Cd. No:185, 34394 Levent - ili/stanbul, Turkey
What to buy?
High-end street fashion
6. The Quartier 206, Berlin
Image source: flickr.com/Jean-Pierre Dalbra
Founded by Anne Maria Jagdfeld (owner as well) in 1997, on the precise idea of how she wanted her ideal shopping destination to be like, the Departmentstore Quartier 206 came into being after she ventured across the world to buy all the products for this department store. Today the store stands in elegance of the cosmopolitan world of shopping, Jagdfled created. The stores featured everything from international designer fashion, couture, leading avant-garde designers, it-labels and young contemporary fashion, accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, books, art, flowers to interior design.
Address: Friedrichstrae 71, 10117 Berlin, Germany
What to buy?
Hot couture
Explore the shopping scene with this berlin itinerary 3 days
7. Royal Galleries, Brussels
Image source: pixabay.com
Situated right next to the Grand Place, the Royal Galleries is home to several luxury boutiques, clockmakers and chocolate shops along with all kinds of restaurants. Two hundred meters of listed glass galleries are what makes the entire place. Around 6 million tourist throng this 19th-century shopping gallery annually. This one place where your thirst for European fair will be quenched, as you will be urged to shop till you drop. The well-lit cafes are an amazing way to rest those tired feet after all the running around. The operetta and revues here are worth catching, before or after your shopping.
Address: Galerie du Roi 5, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
What to buy?
Lovely boutique couture and assorted chocolates
8. La Roca Village, Barcelona
Image source: facebook.com/La Roca Village
Hosting over 1000 luxury boutiques and stores, the La Roca Village is a shopping paradise situate just outside the vivacious Barcelona at a distance of 35 kilometers. The Catalan-inspired architecture will mesmerize you as get tempted to buy everything from clothes and accessories to cosmetics and home essentials here. Prestigious local and international designers will impress those who are fans of unconventional labels. All this along with a chilled out multiethnic ambiance, reasonable prices, cute cafes and trendy restaurants sum up to a memorable experience at this wonderful European shopping place.
Address: La Roca Village, s/n, 08430 Santa Agns de Malanyanes, Barcelona, Spain
What to buy?
Unconventional labels
9. Magna Plaza, Amsterdam
Image source: wikimedia.org
Formerly the main post office in Amsterdam, the remarkable architecture building got converted into a shopping mall in 1992. With an eccentric European vibe to it, shopping at this mall is like going back in time. Only until the luxe brands, bum you out delightfully. The indoor shopping mall is located right behind the Royal Palace. Indulge in everything from clothes, footwear to beauty therapies, as the plaza has some excellent variety of shops. The non-shopping fans can revere the neo-Gothic architecture and impressive interior that combines classical grandeur with a modern experience. The basement level also has some great exhibitions going on very frequently.
Address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182HS, 1012 SJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
What to buy?
Mango, Swarovski, gsus, Lacoste and more
10. Trafford Centre, Greater Manchester
Image source: wikipedia.org
Essentially a huge indoor shopping center, the Trafford is Manchester's answer to Europes's best shopping centers! From high street shops to upmarket stores, Trafford is home to every kind of fashion. Majority of the stores in the centre are tax-free so you can indulge a little more. Strolling across the three miles of granite and marble boulevards of Trafford will prove to be a special English memory. Other than shopping, the center is abuzz with activities like fashion shows, tea dances, book signings, pop concerts and film premieres! So there is something for everyone here, but coming back to top shopping centers in Europe, you can't go wrong with this one!
Address: Regent Cres, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA, United Kingdom
What to buy?
Artwork, couture, parfums, home decor
With this list of top shopping centers in Europe, you are bound to awaken the shopaholic in you, for the ultimate European couture rendezvous.
Featured Image source: facebook.com/La Roca Village
You may also like to read:
Christmas markets in Europe
