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There are cities in Europe whose popularity among tourists stem not only from their famous monuments and cultural highlights, but also from the excellent shopping opportunities that they offer. With the holiday season just around the corner, this represents an excellent opportunity for savvy travellers looking to enjoy a great weekend getaway while simultaneously getting a head start on their holiday shopping. The hotel price comparison website www.trivago.co.uk has looked at ten of Europe’s best shopping destinations and put together a list of great hotel deals starting as low as 22 pounds. Whether the goal is expensive designer clothes, gourmet chocolates, cool accessories or something more heartfelt, these cities have something to offer for all price categories. From London and Paris to Barcelona and Istanbul, bargain hunters and window-shoppers alike can rummage through the stores without having the cost of their hotel accommodation diminish their shopping budget too drastically.
Here are ten of Europe’s best shopping capitals, and great deals at hotels which have received top ratings from the traveller community on trivago and its partner sites:
1. Istanbul, Romance Hotel
Located on the edge of the Bosporus, this coastal city is an ideal shopping destination. Local markets, bazaars and shopping centers offer a wide selection of clothing, jewelry and accessories. The Central Market in particular should be the first stop for any shopper; this impressive edifice contains hundreds of stalls, where visitors can haggle for gold jewelry, leather goods, carpets, perfumes, and countless other wares. For less exotic products, shoppers can also visit the Cehavir, one of Europe’s largest shopping centers, where modern labels and brands can be found among its 343 stores and boutiques. The elegant Hotel Romance, which lies in the middle of Istanbul’s historic old town, is an ideal place to explore the city from. Famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are within easy walking distance.
2. Budapest, Hotel Novotel Budapest Centrum
Vaci Street in Budapest is home to numerous jewelers, perfume shops and boutiques, and for dedicated fashion-enthusiasts, the international wares of Deak-Ferenc Street are the place to be. Any trip to Budapest should also include a visit to the century-old market place, where home-made jams, traditionally prepared peppers and garlic cloves, and countless other local delicacies are waiting to be discovered. The Hotel Novotel Budapest Centrum is an historical, Art-Nouveau style building which dates back to 1911. The four-star hotel combines the elegant charm of bygone days with a light yet artfully chosen modern touch. The in-house Cafe Palace restaurant provides guests with the fortitude necessary for a full day of shopping through the Hungarian capital, and the Klimt Bar‘s refreshing cocktails are an equally welcome treat upon their return.
3. Berlin, Hotel Henriette
Berlin is another excellent shopping destination, especially for gourmet explorers; the fifth floor of the well known KaDeWe department store is reserved exclusively for culinary treats. Trendy clothes and fashion accessories are also one of Berlin’s best shopping features; the Prenzlauer Berg district is home to many small boutiques, cafes and galleries that are worth a browse or three. Alternatively, the Kurfurstendamm is a good place for upscale brands. Henriette Hotel, located in the centre of Berlin, features 54 comfortable rooms and the highly reputed Shezan Indian restaurant. Its quiet ambiance and central location make this classy and elegant boutique hotel and excellent home base for shoppers in the German city.
4. Krakow, Rubinstein Hotel
Krakow is renowned for its medieval architecture and romantic atmosphere, but there are also many treasures to be found by the adventurous shopper. Krakow’s Sukiennice shopping mall is an excellent place to find traditional souvenirs such as amber jewelry and elaborate fabrics. The Kazimierz Galerie offers a vast number of perfumes and fashion labels and accessories, while the largest mall in the city, Galerie Krakowska, has 270 shops open to visitors. For those looking to take a break from their shopping, a stroll through the Renaissance Building and its surroundings is an absolute must. The Rubinstein Hotel, situated close to the historic Kazimierz district, closely embraces the city’s historic image. This four-star, 15th century building has 27 individually decorated rooms and suites, and its medieval painted ceilings and antique wood furniture combine to create a true time-travel experience.
5. Barcelona, Hotel Regencia Colon
Barcelona is a very popular destination for tourists; its instantly recognizable landmarks such as the Templo de la Sagrada Familia and Gaudi-designed architecture have captured the curiosity and imagination of millions. Nevertheless, shoppers will find much to discover in the Catalan capital as well. The lively La Rambla Boulevard is nearly 5 miles long, and is home to numerous souvenir shops, small boutiques, and stalls. Side streets are particularly worth exploring, as these contain hidden boutiques with unique designs and wares. More adventurous travellers will want to visit the El Raval district, which despite its dodgy reputation has excellent night clubs, restaurants and bars. The city’s gay district is also well known for its music stores and alternative fashion shops. The cozy city hotel Regencia Colon is located in the heart of Barcelona, not far from the Cathedral. Its bright, hardwood floors and floral patterns give the hotel a decidedly friendly character, and is a good place to recover after a long day in this eventful, exciting city.
6. Lisbon, Hotel Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa
Lisbon is a popular destination for bargain hunters. On the Rua Augusta, the city’s central shopping area, international retail chains compete with small, traditional shops offering leather goods, jewelry, and local souvenirs. The Colombo Shopping Center and its 400 shops and 65 restaurants is another central destination for shoppers. Located nearby is the luxurious Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa hotel. The rooms of this elegant five-star hotel are modeled in the style and colours of the 4 elements – fire, water, earth and air, creating a visually unique atmosphere that distinguishes itself from the city’s regular hustle and bustle. The hotel’s in-house La Ganesh bar and its cocktails are the perfect place to unwind after a successful day of shopping in the Portuguese capital.
7. Milan, Andreola Central Hotel
Milan has a sterling reputation as the fashion capital of the world, and its many shops are a living testament to this. A veritable plethora of luxury brands and unique fashion styles can be found in the ‘golden triangle’ of Via Monte Napoleone, Via Santa Andrea and Via della Spiga. Should this not be enough for the veteran shopper, the largest shopping street in the city, Corso Buenos Aires, is brimming with even more shops and boutiques and offer wares from every category imaginable. Within walking distance is the Andreola Central Hotel, a traditional hotel in the centre of Milan. Valuable wooden furniture, heavy fabrics and subtle colours give the hotel a very stylish and unique character, and its Stradivarius restaurant offers guests typical regional specialties such as risotto and rigatoni, along with an excellent view of the city.
8. Paris, Hotel Champlain Paris
No list of shopping cities would be complete without the inclusion of Paris. The Champs Elysees Boulevard is home to countless fashion designers, and the luxury department store Lafayette has a massive selection of goods to offer. The covered shopping arcades Galerie Vivienne and Galerie Colbert are also worth the visit, not only for their boutiques, but also for their impressive 19th century architecture. The Hotel Champlain is located between Montmartre and the Arc de Triomphe. This elegant town house dates back to the 1930s, and has 51 modernly decorated rooms. This three star hotel is right next to the Parisian metro system, with which travellers can easily reach the city’s famous landmarks and monuments.
9. Amsterdam, Hotel Citizen M Amsterdam City
Amsterdam is a true paradise for the modern travel-shopper. From shoes and clothes to antiques and art objects, the city has something to offer everyone. Exclusive designer boutiques can be found on the P.C. Hooftstraat, while more budget-conscious buyers can find their joy in the Kalverstraat. The Albert Cuyp market is also worth checking out, as many exceptional bargains can be found there. Visitors to Amsterdam may enjoy the modern comfort of the Citizen M Amsterdam City hotel. The trendy lounge-atmosphere of its lobby and high-tech rooms, where everything is controlled by a central touchpad, is an impressive experience.
10. London, Church Street Hotel
London is another city renowned for its shopping, in addition to being one of the leading art and culture centres of Europe. Between the bargain deals of Oxford Street and its 300 businesses, the upmarket designer labels of New Bond street, and tourist favourite Camden Market, where a multitude of trend-setting fashions, colourful clothes and unusual accessories are to be found, London has something for everyone. For visitors to the capital or residents looking for a change of scenery, the Cuban atmosphere of Church Street Hotel in the south of London is an excellent consideration. The South American flair of its high ceilings, dark oak furniture, and bright colours are an absolute treat for the senses.
The ranking is based on the best rated hotels on trivago.co.uk with the best deals during the month of November in Europe’s best shopping destinations.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
