Christmas is one of the most eagerly anticipated holidays in London. The Christmas break in London usually extends over four days and features cheerful family get-togethers that are characterized by much feasting and gift- exchanging.

Gift exchanging is an important tradition of the Christmas celebrations though shopping for gifts for friends and family is often considered by some folk to be a highly stressful experience as they have to battle hordes of other shoppers in the high street stores which are always jam packed during the festive season. For this reason London, like many other cities around the world hosts animated Christmas markets which give shoppers the opportunity to do all their Christmas shopping in one spot.

The Greenwich Christmas Market

Maritime Greenwich is a World Heritage Site which is situated on the bank of the River Thames in South East London. This area is famous for historic landmarks like the National Maritime Museum, the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Meridian Line and its Greenwich Market. The Greenwich Market is a covered market which is made up of nearly 120 stalls whose vendors are market traders, up and coming artists and crafts people who retail their works at the market and make it London’s best source for unique gifts , arts and crafts and antiques. The Greenwich Market hosts a special Christmas market every year that features live entertainment, Christmas lights and various other festivities. This Christmas market will be launched this year on Friday, 27th November. Besides the Greenwich Christmas Market, other popular London markets like Camden Market and Carnaby Street also host Christmas Markets which are extremely popular with shoppers they feature products like exclusive jewelry, bespoke fashion items, toys which are perfect as gifts and stocking stuffers.

London Hotel in Greenwich : Holiday Day Inn Greenwich London

Covent Garden Christmas Market

Traditional British Christmas foods like mince pies, Christmas pudding, Figgy puddings and cider are a big part of the Christmas revelry. London’s Convent Garden market which hosts the popular Real Foods Market all year long also has a special Christmas themed market for the festive season which features several traditional British Christmas delicacies which are sourced from local farmers, artisan producers and vendors. The Convent Garden Christmas market also features much live entertainment and music and is open every Thursday and Friday until December 18th for the Christmas season. Similar Christmas food markets are held at London’s other popular foodie heavens like Borough Market, the Slow Food Market at the South Bank and the Cabbages and Frocks Market at Marylebone High Street.

London Hotel near Covent Garden : Euro Hotel

Festive Fairs

Along with specialty Christmas Markets, London also hosts several annual festive fairs like the Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair and The British Red Cross Christmas Fair which offer shoppers an additional avenue to shop for gifts for all the family from a wide range of vendors. Both these fairs are held in mid-November and provide early birds a chance to get all their Christmas shopping done before the traditional rush starts.

Christmas Shopping on London’s High Streets

London’s most famous shopping districts like Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street which are collectively known as the West End are usually all dressed up for Christmas adorned as they are with elaborate illumination displays which are popularly known ‘Christmas Lights’. These Christmas Lights are switched on by celebrities at special ceremonies which are held in early November and these lights usually stay on until early January. All the famous British stores that are located here like Marks and Spencer’s, Fortnum and Mason, Selfridges and Hamley’s have their own Christmas promotions and events for the festive season but one of the best days to shop at these stores is on the Traffic Free Shopping Day London which this year is scheduled for Saturday 5th December. On this day, the entire West End like it has for the past five years is transformed into a huge car free pedestrian shopping zone that features much entertainment and festivities along with its many shopping opportunities.

Hotel in London’s West End : The Summer Hotel

Photo of Christmas store in London, UK,  by JohnBurke

This article is for those you who, like me, share a passion in life’s little collectibles.

1. Yendor Stripwinkel

If there was a comic book heaven out there, this would be it! Tucked away amidst the modern and trendy shops along Korte Hoogstraat, this charming comic book store is to die for. The showcase is decorated with cartoon goodies, an enticing promise of the treasures inside – Asterix serving bowl, Stargate Atlantis figurines (I needed a wraith for my window ledge), Tintin comic books and so much more!! You enter into a cozy section stocked with comic books. Tons and tons of comic books (in Dutch but the ones in the back had books in English). Tintin, Leonard, Asterix, Suske and Wiske, Bleach, Naruto, Superman, Wolverine … the list is endless. There is also an interesting collection of board games, from the more common ones like Scrabble to the hilariously silly ones like the Munchkin series. Upstairs (as well as a little section of the entrance floor) showcase an impressive collection of figurines. Collectors will have a field day here. A vast selection of Star Wars figures decorated the top floor. Look out for the Imperial Soldier helmet! There were also cute Simpson figures , macabre creatures from Tim Burton movies, creepy figures from classic Hollywood movies. As for non-American goodies, did I mention Smurfs, Barbapapa and Bleach collectibles? The bottom floor, with its vast selection of jigsaw puzzles, is what I like to call birthday gifts for my little cousins – from quaint world maps to ones inspired by artistic paintings, this floor is also worth checking out.

2. The Collector’s Company

This was just an absolute delight to explore. Whether you are a fan of animated lore or looking for something cute for the little ones, this store is a fun sightseeing choice. Located in Weena Zuid, this shop will be hard to miss – there is a life size statue of Mickey Mouse greeting you with open arms right outside the shop. I loved the various paraphernalia in the shop. Disney classics like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were available in the form of tea cups, bags and of course a quaint tea pot. There was also the pretty-in-pink Hello Kitty goodies, from gift size bath sets to adorable bags. Other than the interesting Tintin figurines (perhaps Tintin’s popularity can be attributed to the creator being Belgian?), I also noticed a fascinating collection of figurines – macabre little bits and pieces straight out of works of art from legends like Salvador Dali. The Collector’s Company also has their own website. Other than a useful online catalog, I liked the little bit about upcoming events in their shop.

3. Bully’s Fifties

A tiny shop, hidden away next to the hardware store in Havenstraat, Historische Delfshaven, I came across this shop by chance. It will be an absolute delight for fans of 1950s collectibles. I found a rustic coffee grinder, some beautiful tin boxes, fascinating collection of advertising signs ( one of a cheeky gnome caught my eye), a tiny orange tabletop television and various little knickknacks. One more thing about Bully’s – they are also interested in purchasing quaint 50s goodies that anyone is keen to sell.

Top 3 Hotels in Rotterdam

• Hotel Van Walsum – 3-star hotel – €85
• Golden Tulip Rotterdam Center – 4-star hotel – €90
• Hotel NH Atlanta – 4-star hotel – €113

Photo of toys in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, by moqub

Enchanted Traveler likes Fondation Maeght, a beautiful Museum of Modern Art is Saint-Paul de Vence, South of France, featuring works by Chagall, Giacometti, Miro, Leger, Giacometti, and many more 20th century masters. If you are on holiday on the French Riviera, do not miss a visit to this charming, picturesque village. A great day trip from Nice, Cannes or Antibes.

Go Green Travel Green shares several tips for reducing the impact of your travels on climate change such as using public transportation, buying local seasonal food, supporting sustainable businesses and more…

To those of  you who dream of a long-term travel abroad but are not sure to be strong enough to face the challenge, Travel Blissful recommends a new ebook by Anil Polat:  Overcoming the 7 Major Obstacles to Traveling the World.

Have Pack Will Travel shares tips on bartering while traveling.  Check out this blog post if you’re going on holiday in Morocco and planning a visit to the famous souks of Marrakech.

Photo of Lisbon, Portugal, courtesy of Hotel Borges

• Flights to Vancouver

So to start off, how can you get there cheaply? Economy Class goes without saying in this case – try to book flights at less peak times – flying on a Monday for instance could prove significantly cheaper. Getting a flight with a stopover could be an idea as it may lower the price further. Another fact to consider is that Seattle is only a two-hour drive away from Vancouver, so landing there and then travelling to Vancouver will give you the added benefit of being able to see two truly fantastic cities at once. Crossing the border into Canada isn’t as difficult as it once was, either, especially if you have a European Passport.

• Accommodation in Vancouver

A great place to stay in the Downtown area of the city is the Victorian Hotel which is ideal in terms of location and cost. There are also many other great places to stay around this area if you look around in advance.

• Getting Around Vancouver

Vancouver has quite a modern infrastructure, with an extensive modern metro network called the SkyTrain which runs four lines covering most of the city, making getting around cheaply an easy one here. There is also a ferry called the SeaBus, which travels from main Vancouver over water to the North part of the city. Renting a car is costly in Vancouver and probably not worth it, as well as being hardly necessary. Cycle hire is common and, depending on the weather, is a very viable and fun option. Increasingly more and more cycle lanes have been built, making the city quite cycle-friendly. Most public transport is also equipped with cycle racks, including many buses.

• Having fun in Vancouver

Couples or individuals travelling without children will enjoy the Public Art Walk, a 13 kilometre route through Downtown Vancouver. Here are many interesting buildings, sculptures, and gardens, many of which are of unique historical and cultural interest. This is a great way to see a lot of the city in a short amount of time. There is also Robson Street, an area chock-full of expensive boutiques, but they’re also intermingled with budget stores and many cafes in restaurants where you can have a snack or a drink and watch the world go by. The Vancouver Flea Market (for those unfamiliar with the term, a flea market is a market where very cheap, often used goods are sold) is a fun, little known place to visit, which may provide some cheap thrills. Additionally, entry is less than one Canadian Dollar.

• Eating out in Vancouver

Recommended is the Cassis Bistro serving inexpensive French food in the downtown area. The Shao Lin Noodle house is also very popular. Also worth visiting is the unique “Japa dog” stand, which serves Hot Dogs with Japanese favourites such as Teriyaki Sauce. There’s always the obligatory McDonalds and Burger King for those who don’t like variety!

Photo of Japa Dog stand in Vancouver, Canada by Tequila Partners

If you think Carnaby Street has lost its appeal of late, and is a bit to cool for school despite being full of chain shops, Kingly Court will put a smile back on your face.

Vintage boutiques, tiny little jewellery shops and enough crafty little places to grab any ‘last minute birthday presents’ in your lunch break. Here are my favourites:

Twinkled – 2nd Floor

Twinkled is a huge vintage Mecca on the second floor of Kingly Court. You’ll find anything from retro dresses to tableware and jewellery. The best buys are the household goods and accessories, but whatever your taste, you’ll find some retro and vintage goodies to suit you. The perfect antidote to all of the chain shops on Carnaby street.

Traffic People – Ground Floor

If you’re looking for a perfect timeless dress, this is the place to come. Reasonably priced at around the £50 mark, you’ll find a variety of colours, although the styles can be a little limiting. The staff are very friendly, and you’ll have fun. This shop has a concession in the flagship Topshop on Oxford Street, don’t pay extra in there, come here instead.

Bird Cage – 1st Floor

Bird Cage is the place to come for one-off gifts and lunchtime treats. Handmade purses in kimono fabrics, perfect jewellery, or lanterns. Whatever takes your fancy. If you don’t plan on spending any money until pay day, give this shop a wide berth. Otherwise you’ll come out with scented candles and all sorts of little trinkets you really didn’t need.

Black Pearl – 2nd Floor

This shop is great if you want to pick up something a little bit saucy. Nipple tassels ahoy! This is a great little shop to treat yourself to something fun. You can also pick up some great jewellery here. This is the perfect store for out of the ordinary items. Watch out for their special events as well, Cocktails and discounts all at the same time. Brilliant.

Mnini – 1st Floor

Mnini, despite it’s rather silly name, is cute. If you like your clothes to be one off ‘pieces’ then you’ll adore the collection in here. Well cut jackets and tailored items are the best buys, the rest of the items are a little over priced for what you’re getting. Hit this place in the sales and you’ll pick up some great bargains.

Marshmallow Mountain – Ground Floor

As well as a fabulous name, this vintage store is one of my favourite in London. Despite it’s highly sough after location, the prices aren’t too shocking, and you can pick up dresses for about £40. The shoes are fantastic, although as with most vintage shops, they do tend to be in the smaller sizes which is a shame. Everything is well laid out and the staff are helpful. It’s a joy to shop here.

Top 5 Trendy Hotels in London

• Haymarket Hotel -  Westminster, London
• Sanderson, A Morgans Hotel – Soho, London
• Hotel Sydney House – Chelsea, London
• Chiswick Moran Hotel – West London
• St. Jame’s Hotel & Club – Westminster, London

Photo of Kingly Court, London, UK by Lenkolaf

Thanks to a combination of metropolitan sophistication and historical roots, Kiev has something to offer to every visitor.

Shopping in Kiev

Downtown Kiev spirals out from a large central plaza, Independence Square, in rings of restaurants, Internet cafes, and European boutiques. Despite its initial resemblance to other large capitals, Kiev offers an interesting twist on Western fashions. Visitors can find nearly all the same brands available in Paris or London (often at a lower price depending on exchange rates) but with the added benefit of discovering local innovative designers. A massive shopping mall lies underneath Independence Square and is a great place to start (note that the mall spreads across several city streets and you may emerge blocks from where you started!)

Another great shopping destination is Khreschatyk Street, the main avenue leading from Independence Square, which boasts several blocks of clothing and shoes stores. You’ll also find small vendors selling ice cream, salty snacks, athletic scarves, hats, pins, jewelry, everything! An added plus – the street shuts down to road traffic for the weekends. Before you run out of steam, check out the Besarabsky Indoor Market at the end of Khreschatyk Street (in Besarabsky Square). This enormous covered food market of fresh fruits, vegetable, meat, and fish will enchant you with its myriad smells and sounds fighting for attention. Don’t leave without a sample of Ukrainian caviar (often offered free by the vendors!)

Kiev landmarks and cultural attractions

Kiev has more to offer than just great shopping or fashion. With a history stretching back over a millennium (1500 years), the city is rich with cultural and historical sites.

Kiev’s most striking attraction may be its network of Orthodox churches whose golden spires tower over the entire city. Must see locations include the cluster of sparkling churches and underground catacombs on the Dnipro Hills and the St. Sophia Cathedral. Both sites boast ornate and dramatic frescoes; the grounds at Dnipro Hills include an impressive miniatures museum.

The transportation system itself is a historical relic. The extremely deep metro stations (some over 100 meters deep) stretching throughout Kiev are holdovers from the Cold War, when a secret underground city was built to serve as an atomic shelter. According to local hearsay, metro employees that worked on this underground city were forbidden from leaving the country for five years after.

The Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Kiev’s memorial to World War II, should also be on every history buff’s agenda. Although the memorial is a bit out of the way (situated on the outskirts of Kiev in the district of Pechersk), it is well worth a visit. Weighty stone monuments built into the hillside, memorials marked by the names of fallen soldiers, and rows of preserved tanks, guns, and helicopters serve as a reminder of this dark period in Ukraine’s past.

Kiev Funicular

Other attractions worth investigating include the Funicular. Not only does this classic cable car offer an incredible view of Kiev, but also it provides a free adrenaline rush as you trundle your way to the top. Once there, you’ll be treated to a bird’s eye view of downtown Kiev and the winding path of the Dnieper River. The Dnieper is also a must-see visit. Be it winter or summer, Ukrainians make the most of this natural attraction, indulging in either ice-skating or swimming.

Kiev is a relatively short flight from many major European cities. Thanks to the ease of visa restrictions since 2005, the city is easier to visit and much more tourist friendly. What are you waiting for?!

Top 5 Kiev Hotels & Apartments:

• Kiev Hotel Rus – Central Kiev – Double room from €72.9 per night
• Hotel Oselya – Oselya District – Double room from €81 per night
• Apartment Shuta Rustavelli 44/2 – Downtown Kiev -  €77.8 per night
• Apartment Shuta Rustavelli 44/2 – Downtown Kiev -  €73.7  per night
• Apartment Saksahanskoho 12 – Downtown Kiev – €77.8  per night

Photo of the World War II Memorial, Kiev, Ukraine, by Loranchet

Morocco’s ‘Red City’ will send you red in the face if you don’t quickly become street wise enough to know that everyone is out to make and save a buck or two.

It’s not done in a nasty or deceitful way. It’s simply how they run things. Your days of trying desperately to knock the odd penny or cent off the price of something in a second-hand shop will seem like playschool after you’ve been to Marrakech.

First of all you need to know that there is very little in the whole of Marrakech that has a fixed price. Don’t just think of trinkets on a stall in a market however. We’re talking beers, food, bus fares and even hotel rooms sometimes. The Moroccans love to haggle and the second thing you need to know is they are very very good at it.

When you walk around the maze of the city, if you look like you’re a tourist then the locals will fly around you like mosquitoes showing you what they have to sell to you and assuring you that not only do you absolutely need the item but also that it’s the best price in the world. It’s not. Prices seem to have been plucked from thin air in some cases. A quick example being a very cheap Fez made from card, some velvet and a tassel probably cost under a £1 to make but worked out as over £20 as a starting price. If you aren’t confident, hugely suspicious and quick with your maths then you could get stung every day for the whole trip. So assume everything that everyone is selling is at least double than what you should pay.

Whether you’re buying leathers, lights, lanterns or lattes you’ll find a man running after you convincing you he’d be starving his children is he sold what you wanted for anything less. The best way to get what you want for the price you want is to have a good look at the item but then walk away as quickly as you can without showing any interest in it any more than anything else. Then do exactly the same at other stalls but make sure you compare the quality and prices of the item you want. Then head back to the stall where it was cheapest and start to barter.

Have a figure in your head and stick to it.

Make it one you feel it fare considering the other items you saw. The stall holder will then shake his head at you, as though you’re about to get laughed out of the country, but don’t worry, he knows it’s a fair price and also he knows at that point that this is probably going to be what he sells it for so he’s getting as used to it as much as you.

Then your simple tactic has to be one of firmness.

Walk away and say ‘no thanks’ and I assure you he’ll come running after you. Keep shaking your head and walking away until he drops to the price you want. He won’t follow you forever so don’t worry. Ignore him until he agrees. It’s hard but it works.

The only annoying part of this is that when you genuinely don’t want the item anymore there’s not really any way you can distinguish between this and expert bartering so at that point you might have to start running.

Holiday Apartments in Marrakech, Morocco:

• Residence Assounfou -  From €59 per night
• Flat Appart Slimania -  From €77 per night
• Palemeraie Village – From €87.5 per night
• Le Domaine de l’Ourika – From €100 per nigth

Photo of  Marrakech souk, Morocco, by Vtveen

The end of 2009 should see a multi-storey arcade of additions to Camden Markets indoor and a fresh outdoor series of stalls. An artist’s impression on display in Camden shows the type of goods on offer should be of the same ilk – weird, eccentric and downright strange.

Exotic grub

Camden Market is already a haven of home-grown food sellers touting passers-by to try their cuisine, be it pasta, pizza, noodles, bagels, doughnuts, coffee or cake. Notably, the passing of a new law in London meant Camden Market’s infamous magic mushroom stalls had to close down, but they have been replaced by a haze of shisha-pipe smokers sitting on cushions outside mock Moroccan cafes.

Cyber chic

Techno-fans will find the largest Cyber Dog store in the UK in Camden Market. It’s hard to miss, with two huge cybernauts outside, and often a plethora of tourist taking pictures (occasionally of the odd decked-out local or two). Upstairs is for gadgets, downstairs for doing yourself up techno-style, with neon lycra and plastic bodices, hot pants, cyber boots, day glow trousers and hair pieces on offer. Need directions? Listen out for the pumping techno music outside.

Retro glam

Around the corner from Cyber Dog is vintage corner, full of gear undergoing a revival from 60s glam through to 80s punk in the UK. Further afield are full length leather and PVC coats for fetishists, tartan, pierced and pinned attire that looks like it is trying to be something the godmother and godfather of punk, Vivienne Westwood or Malcolm McLaren, might have designed in the 70s. Go on the look-out for lots and lots of stylist hats, wacky scarves, dark glasses and cool gloves in the small stalls, full of little dinkies.

Funky furniture

Deck your house out Camden style with a super-size bean bag, laminated-picture deckchair or restored furniture from the warehouse-size shops opposite the new build alongside the canal. Even if the price tag is a little more than you can afford, it is a great place to wander round the paintings, sofas and tables, if only to pick up some cool, off-the-wall ideas.

Canal-side booze

Taking a breather by Camden locks proves popular on a sunny day, where there are a few bars and pubs to let your hair down and watch the world go by in their garish get-up. Add this, to a trip past the tattoo parlours, piercing boutiques and spin-off stalls along Camden high street and you have got a day to remember. Just don’t forget to wear your pink, pedal pushers, cyber boots and spike your hair.

Top London Accommodation near Camden Market:

• Holiday Inn Camden Lock
• Apartment SO Quartier

Photo of Cyberdog shop in Camden Town, London, UK, by Punchup

Travel Answer Man lists the world’s 15 best food markets including the Spice Market in Istanbul, Turkey, Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, Thailand, Mercado De La Merced in Mexico City, Mexico, Mercat De La Boqueria in Barcelona, Spain, Mercato Coperto in Modena, Italy, Pike Place Market in Seattle, USA,  Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, Morocco,  the English Market in Cork, Ireland, Ferry Plaza Farmers Market in San Francisco, USA, and more colorful street markets all over the planet.

Hens and Stag Parties

On Times Online, check out the most popular destinations for stag and hen parties in Europe according to Hotels.com and Wedding Ideas Magazine. It seems like most of hens’ favorite places for stag parties are in the UK with London, Brighton and  Edinburgh at the top of the list.

Italian Beauty

Italian Notebook shares some nice pictures of Ancona, a seaside city on the East Coast of Italy that offers visitors spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea.

Eat organic in the City of Lights

Secrets of Paris lists six organic restaurants, shops and markets in the French capital. So if you’re looking for organic food in Paris, head to BioArt, Victoire Supreme de Coeur, Bio Coop, Cojean, Boulangerie du Monde and Marché Biologique Raspail.

London iPhone applications

If you’re planning a trip to the UK and possess an iPhone, read Anglotopia.net and get useful tips for traveling to London with your Apple phone.

Photo of Istanbul Spice Market by Alaskan Dude

The Italians are a race that look beautiful enough even without their clothes on so it’s almost unfair they dress so well too. Although people are fashion conscious in the most far-flung villages in the Italian countryside, the hubbub of fashion is, and always will be, the northern city of Milan. The streets are full of the biggest and most famous designers as well as being awash with high street names you all know and love. Here is a quick run down of the best places to drag your hundreds of shopping bags along to.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan

Perhaps the most contained and grand area for shopping in Milan, the Galleria Vittorio is a must-see. If you head for the Piazza del Duomo entrance then you can’t miss the beautiful stone arch leading you in to the shopping mall. The inside is laid out like an octagon, with a majestic glass ceiling that never makes one feel claustrophobic but only enhances the feeling of class. In the very centre of the octagon, all roads lead to the dome, where the glass roof makes you feel like you’re in a see-through cathedral. The history of the building has always been rooted in clothing. For over 120 years there has been dressmaking and tailoring on the site. But now there are dozens of catwalk labels and high street names from Gucci to H & M.

Via Dante, Milan

If you like to be out in the sunshine then this subtle little pedestrian street is a brilliant walkway for shopping in Milan. Found between the Renaissance castle Castello Sforzesco and one of the most famous and lively squares in town, the Piazza Cordusio, this quaint cobbled street has some brilliant little stores where you’ll find something a little different from the norm. It’s not all clothes though. There’s jewellery and knick-knacks and also some perfect little cafes and bistros, where certain male members of your party might like to take the weight off for a little while.

Fashion Quadrilatero, Milan

This is where things get very serious. There are a few big streets in this area that add up to being the most important fashion area in Milan and then possible the world. Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea, Via della Spiga, three street names you have to tattoo on your arm before you find an item of clothing to cover it with. The boutiques around this area have some of the most distinctive and glamorous items of clothing for both men and women. From Prada, to Armani, to Kenzo, to Gucci, Versace, Luis Vitton, D&G and YSL. If you want to come home with no money but the coolest clothes in the world, then this is where you should spend most of the day.

Trendy boutique hotels in Milan, Italy

• Watttredici Hotel
• Enterprise Hotel
• Hotel Straf

Picture of Vittorio Emanuele II Shopping Gallery in Milan, Italy, by Dan Kamminga

If you are in Berlin during this fantastic time, you should definitely put shopping to you list of the most impressive things to experience in the German capital. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, there are so many things to window-shop! You can first dive in to the shopping districts of the Friedrichstrasse and the Kurfurstendamm and then gravitate towards little charming stores around the Hackescher Markt and Kastanienalleein in Mitte and the Frankfurter Allee in Friedrichshain. Glossy trend-setting designer establishments and funky boutiques – what else do you need to satisfy the most dedicated shopaholic?

Fashion represents the city as it is with its unique mixture of small independent shops and department stores. If you are short on time and still want to get the most out of the urban, cosmopolitan and multicultural spirit of the metropolis, here are some suggestions to bright up your urban style. It’s shoptime!

1. Le Gang

Walking down the Pappelallee in Prenzlauer Berg, you cannot help but drop into this wonder store. Le Gang represents a vibrant Berlin style subculture. Except for the beautiful graphics on the walls, the store is free of fussy details. It is a wonderland of T-shirts and what if not a T-shirt has a simple style and always reflects a personal touch? This shop space is a paradise for young and hip shoppers. They say that soon they are going to expand their stock of this small T-shirt gallery to shoes and trousers. Besides, it a great place for some teeny-tiny robot toys shopping!

Address: Pappelallee, 85

2. Styleserver

Styleserver, previously known as a solely online style guru, expanded to the real land store to indulge the needs of Berlin shopaholics and their traveling friends. This place offers a lot of fiercely modern but street-friendly aesthetic wear to upgrade the look of fashion aficionados. Berlin fashion labels represented in this store can fulfill the dreams of demanding female audience. Styleserver mainly features collections by POP Cph, Tofu, Minimarket, Realitystudio, Esther Perbandt and Julia & Ben that will help you to generate creativity and express it through your look with unpretentious, energetic and casual fashion, smooth fabrics, fresh colors and unusual cuts. There is no way you can find better baggy pants and dress-able-shirts in the city!

Address: Oderberger Strasse, 49

3. Flagship Store

Styleserver is not the only shop you cannot miss being in the Oderberger Strasse neighborhood. Visit to the Flagship Store continues your introduction to the city’s designer scene. Looking for a perfect Berlin outfit by German designers? There is a unique concentration of seven fashion schools in Berlin not for nothing. Even though this place is surrounded by a number of other stores, the unique character of such designers as Froks, Butterflysoulfire, Klar Berlin, Ansoho, Stylein, and Slowmo make it stand out. And these are only a few of the featured labels. The Flagship Store is named so for a reason: it carries the leading affordable, unique creations from designers living in Berlin – and there are always fresh and exciting things to find!

Address: Oderberger Strasse, 53

4. Flex

If you value exclusivity and do not want to look like every second person on the street and still not willing to pay a fortune for your outfits, you should go check Flex out. This new shop offers really nice clothes by rare designers that are hard to find: sophisticated male attire by Van Dale, cheerful prints by Gitte Wetter, cute tube dresses and jumpsuits by Samsoe Samsoe, Surface To Air, Modern Amusement and fantastic knit wear by Wear It For The Boy. Most of the enumerated names are Scandinavian fashion labels and who if not them are famous for their stylish people. Here you are sure to find a stylishly Scandinavian bargain!

Address: Kastanienallee, 13/14

5. Made in Berlin

Bit by bit, Germans start to increase their interest in vintage clothing. And so do all world’s biggest shopaholics. The number of brand spanking new places selling second hand pieces in Berlin rapidly is rocketing. I especially like Made in Berlin. This place is sometimes too packed by local hipsters, however you should be patient in order to find you look. Made in Berlin offers tons of stunning pieces that are emblematic of vintage couture style. Here you can fuse different styles picking up high fashion clothes and fast fashion hot oldies; mix colors, shapes and fabrics and create your own Berlin vintage flare style. Look for Adidas, Nike, Burberry and Lacoste and some nameless but pretty special brands.

Address: Neue Schoenhauser Strasse, 19

And just some more friendly tips:

• Take a BIG shopping bag with you. When it is Sales Time, people running crazy in the stores will pass this addiction to you and you will need a huge bag for your purchases!

• Take your best friends – credit cards. You might find some items that will leave you no chance to stay indifferent. And cash might do no good for you in this case.

• Tell you shopping-unconcerned friends or parents that you are visiting some museum or at least a gallery, so they would not be too worried if you get disappeared for hours and hours. Enjoy the shopping!

Photo of vintage clothing shop in Berlin, Germany, by ariaddna

There are only two alleyways leading into the Yard, both of which are fairly unassuming, and give little hint of what lies beyond. Neal’s Yard is almost like a secret garden in the center of London, well off the main drag, and visited only by those who know exactly where they are going.

I had walked up and down Neal Street loads of times before I became aware of the existence of nearby Neal’s Yard, but by happy chance discovered it when I went there to do a student job with a company that had its offices right on the Yard itself, and there I found the gorgeous Neal’s Yard Bakery, the delicious yogurt ice cream, the New Age bookshop, and the Remedy Shop.

So how did this discreet little haven in the center of London come about? Well, the late Nicholas Saunders was a well-known figure in the

trip traveling around England and Wales in a van, he produced the amazing book “Alternative England and Wales” which was a cornucopia of advice aimed at those attempting to live some sort of alternative lifestyle, and included advice on how to squat empty houses, how to live on a low income, and incorporated a clear emphasis on communal living and spiritual development.

It was in 1976 that Saunders moved into an old warehouse in Neal’s Yard, which at the time really was just a scruffy backyard behind warehouses and other buildings. With his emphasis upon alternative and healthy living, Saunders set about opening up a wholefood shop, and the enterprise proceeded to be a huge success. Going from strength to strength Saunders then set up a dairy, a cafe, and an apothecary specializing in alternative remedies and healing.

The whole Yard was also brought to life by sculptures from Tim Hunkin, a Cambridge graduate who first made his name by producing the informative cartoon “The Rudiments of Wisdom” in the Observer newspaper. Hunkin created the magnificent water clock that is on the outside of the wholefood shop, and the animated sculpture of people standing in line at a baker’s within the Yard itself.

Since its debut, this cosy backwater and its shops have simply gone from strength to strength, so if you happen to find yourself in Covent Garden, be sure to visit Neal’s Yard, as you will be in for a real treat. It is the perfect place to have lunch outdoors in the summer, and in winter you can warm yourself up with a massage in the Therapy Rooms followed by tea and a healthy snack in the Bakery and Tearoom.

Neal’s Yard is three minutes from Covent Garden tube station, and five minutes from Leicester Square tube station.

Photo of Neal’s Yard, London, UK, by Okinawa Steve

Even the best travelers fall from time to time into the “accidental tourist” category (reference to Anne Tyler’s 1985 novel about travelers who wish they were at home), when a chic short espresso just doesn’t compare to an alto Starbuck’s macchiato, nor a traditional Napolitano wood-fired pizza to a greasy slice of Domino’s. There are a few places around Turin that appease the occasional longing for our United States. I’m not talking about the Golden Arches – although there is a McDonald’s at the edge of Piazza Castello, if that’s your fix – but an English-American pub where the international staff speak fluent and friendly English; an English bookstore; a multi-level shopping center complete with megaplex movie theater; and a fantastic to-go soup joint that recalls such healthy options as Fresh Choice or Panera.

English-American Pub in Turin

If you crave a hefty cheeseburger with all the fixin’s… try the 1870 Huntsman Pub on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele II, 43. Located just a stone’s throw away from central train station Porta Nuova, The 1870 offers a fine spread of English and American dishes, in addition to typical Italian plates. The rich dark wood interior, all black and brass and cushioned bench seats, makes it both cozy and grand. The establishment is broken into several sections – pool tables, bar, restaurant, sports center – each one clean and cheery. Jacket potatoes, or a hot dog? Check. Amstel light, Budweiser, Guinness? Check, check and check. A thai curry entrée goes for 8,50 euro; small blond beer, 4,50. The weekend crowd varies from local Italians to international university students, and gets pretty jovial in the wee hours. Open from 11,00 until 05,00. I came in with a friend of mine one Saturday afternoon, and in a few minutes we’d struck up conversation with an Irish au pair who took the train in from a neighboring city to watch her rugby team play on the big screen. A pair of English men here on business jumped in from across the room, as they were cheering for the other team, and as we all heartily toasted beers I momentarily forgot that I was in Italy…

English Book Store in Turin

Looking for Newsweek or The New York Times, in English? The Luxemburg International Bookshop on Via Cesare Battisti, 7, is right in the center, not far from Piazza San Carlo. The shop is stuffed to the brim with books, magazines and international newspapers, with an entire floor dedicated to English texts. When I went in search of an ESL textbook (they also specialize in teaching materials) I found the upstairs salesgirl to be polite without smiling, and helpful but not overbearing. She spoke English, understood English, and, after a brief explanation of what I wanted to study, helped me find exactly the book I needed. Now that’s customer service! This historical bookshop is open all week, from Mon-Sat from 8 am until 7:30 pm, and on Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm, and from 3-7pm. (Barely) more information available at www.librerialuxemburg.com.

Shopping mall in Turin

However delightful, sometimes Italy’s fresh produce markets and tiny designer boutiques can get old. Sometimes a girl gets a hankering for a good ol’ American shopping mall with fluorescent lights, tiled shop floors, and packs of idle teenagers eating sour gummy candy out of cellophane bags. For a real Western shopping mall experience. Try Lingotto Torino, an enormous shopping center complete with a grocery store, stores of all sorts – clothes, lingerie, housewares, special foods – and the Pathè multiplex cinema showing all the latest films (in Italian, unfortunately, but with an oversized tub of yellow popcorn you can pretend you’re at the neighborhood AMC). Reachable from the center by bus lines 1, 18, or 35.

Soup Restaurant in Turin

For a take- away lunch that isn’t pizza, focaccia, or one of the slightly depressing tiny panini (sandwiches) you find crouching pathetically in the plastic case at any café, visit this delicious soup restaurant on Via San Dalmazzo, 8/a, right off of main tourist drag Via Garibaldi. The blackboard outside the store lists the three features soups, each with a little hand-drawn flag denoting its place of origin. When I visited I had a Guinness soup from Germany, and it was incredible! Most of the staff speak English; in fact, when the man at the cashier heard me remark to my friend about the art inside the store, he offered to personally escort us to the neighboring gallery to see more. The cafeteria-style layout of this hip joint gives you the control, contrary to traditional Italian restaurants, to choose: make-it-yourself salad, one of three hearty soups made fresh daily, and/or a side of rice, barley or bread. With a drink, coffee and dessert one can eat a healthy and delicious lunch for 11 euro, and feel like she’s back in Colorado again. Check out www.soupandgo.com for more photos of the place, and info about their yummy soup.

Photo of American hot dog by TheBusyBrain

Paris Food Culture

BootsnAll Travel takes you to a foodie tour of Paris with stops at the Rungis fresh food market, the 200-year-old Au Grand Richelieu bakery, and the Hidden Kitchen underground restaurant.

Hotel Room of the Future

The Sydney Morning Herald presents room number 1014 at the Pullman Paris Bercy Hotel.  Designed by Natasha Froger, this concept hotel room features special key card, mobile phone entry, floating TV set, 3D fabric, see-through shower and more ultra modern amenities.

Paris Hotel for Chocolate Lovers

Hoosta Magazine reviews the Hotel du Cadran. Located in the very heart of Paris, a few steps from the Eiffel Tower, this design hotel boasts a zen-like ambiance and offers a chocolate bar where guests can sample yummy chocolates and desserts.

Eco Shopping Tour

The green friendly Hotel Gavarni recommends taking a Paris eco-chic shopping tour that will make you discover trendy clothing stores, accessories and green cosmetics.

Design Metro Station

On Eye Prefer Paris, see  pictures of the brand new Evry underground station by Richard Nahem, who discovered this design and very colorful Paris RER train station during a visit to the Cathedral of the Resurrection.

Photo of French baguettes in Paris by ….antonio….

If you’re an eco-conscious traveler lucky enough to be heading to Paris, there’s no need to fear that you’ll have to leave your principles behind in order to sample the city’s famed cuisine: Paris has a wealth of organic dining options. Unlike a half-decade or so ago, when you had to do some serious digging to figure out where to find organic products, these days, even ordinary supermarkets have “bio” foods (pronounced “bee-oh”) on their shelves, and organic restaurants are sprouting up in the trendiest neighborhoods. Take a look below to see where you can find the best organic foods.

Organic Restaurants in Paris

Paris is home to more than two dozen organic restaurants. While most of these are vegetarian, a few offer organic meat dishes as well. Keep in mind that in France, restaurants can claim the label “bio” if approximately 80% of its products meet French ecological agricultural standards. Some restaurants, however, are careful to mark the dishes that are not 100% organic.

• Le Potager du Marais – This reasonably-priced vegetarian restaurant has one of the best reputations in Paris. Sit down at the long communal table for dishes such as Indian-style curries, eggplant caviar, stir-fried tofu and vegetables, and pasta. The dishes are 95% organic and the chef offers gluten-free alternatives upon request. Address: 22, rue Rambuteau, 75003. Tel. 42 74 24 66. Open every day from Noon – midnight. Main course: 12-15 euros.

• Au Grain de Folie. Not only is vegetarian, organic food served at this cozy restaurant, but the dishes are lactose, ovo, and vegan-friendly. The menu usually only offers two choices for the main course and the service is reputed to be quite slow, but many people find the wait-time and limited menu to be part of its home-style charm. Address: 24, rue de Vieuville, 75018. Tel. 01 42 58 15 57. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 1:00pm -2:30, and 7:30-10:30. Plate of the day – 12 euros.

• Phyto Bar. This restaurant serves organic meat and wild fish in addition to veggie dishes – not to mention organic wine and champagne! Dine here for notably innovative creations. Address: 47, Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75005. Tel: 01 44 07 36 99. Open daily from noon to midnight. Appetizer + main + dessert – 18.50 euros.

• Soya. It’s not easy to find (the restaurant has no sign) but some say it’s worth the hunt for Soya’s delicious lentils and hummus. The menu is not strictly vegetarian and only 80% bio, however, the teas and coffees are 100% fair trade. Address: 20 rue de la Pierre-Levée, 75011. Tel. 01 48 06 33 02. Opening hours: from Monday to Saturday, from 8am until 7pm. Main course + dessert – 11-13 euros.

• La Chandelle Verte – This restaurant has the distinction of serving classically French bistro meals (think salad of duck gizzards) with principally organic ingredients. Items that are not 100% bio are indicated by an asterisk on the menu. Address: 40 rue d’Enghien, 75010. Tél. 01 47 70 25 44. Open Monday to Friday, for lunch only, from noon until 2pm. Appetizer + main + dessert – 19 euros.

Paris Markets

Many of Paris’s outdoor markets have at least one or two stands that sell organic produce, but the following markets are well-known to wear the “bio” label.

• Raspail Market – People come here to shop among the French glitterati as much as for the bursting stalls of organic fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. And if you’re missing your weekly shot of wheatgrass juice, you can find it here. Be prepared to empty your wallet. Address: Boulevard Raspail, 75006. Open Sundays, 9am -2pm.

• Marché des Batignolles – A more laid-back version of the Raspail market with equally high-quality products, though only marginally less expensive. Address: Boulevard des Batignolles, 75008. Open Saturdays, 9am-2pm.

• Marché des Enfants Rouge – this quirkily named market (“Market of the Red Children” – referring to the red-robed orphans that used to reside there) isn’t entirely organic, but has the distinction of having several organic stalls with eat-in/take-away options. There’s also a stall that has superb collection of bio wines, and a very tasty organic restaurant, Au Coin bio. Address: 39, rue de Bretagne. Tues-Thurs. 8:30am – 1pm; 4pm-7:30pm; Fri.-Sat – 8:30-1pm; 4pm-8pm; Sun.: 8:30am -2pm.

Organic Shops in Paris

If you want to prepare your own meals, but don’t have time to go the market, you can easily find organic foods in numerous shops throughout Paris. Naturalia and La Vie Bio are omnipresent with 24 and 12 Parisian stores respectively. There’s also Bio Génération (with eight stores) and BioCoop (five stores), and a host of individual boutiques. The “mecca” for organic shopping, however, is Les Nouveaux Robinsons, which is just outside of Paris and offers 3,000 square feet of every organic product imaginable, including food, clothes, makeup, paper, linens, and more. Address for Les Nouveaux Robinsons: Place de la Republique, 93100 Montreuil-sous-Bois. Open Mon – Sat. 10am-8pm.

Supermarkets

Finally, there is the humble supermarket, which generally doesn’t have much by way of organic food. However, every supermarket usually has at least one section filled with bio products, such as soy milk, juices, rice cakes, crackers, jam, etc. The leading brand is “Bjorg” but there are others available as well – just look for any product that has a green AB label on it (AB is an abbreviation of “Agriculture Biologique,” meaning that 95% of the product has been prepared with ingredients that meet French ecological standards). On occasion, you may stumble across a supermarket that sells packaged organic chicken breasts, and you should be able to find organic milk and eggs pretty much everywhere.

Photo of Le Potager du Marais organic restaurant, Paris, France by digitalmama824

1. Book a French Cabaret show

Cabaret shows are amongst the most popular attractions in Paris. If you are looking for the sexiest revue in the city, spend the evening at the exciting Crazy Horse Paris cabaret, which has been entertaining Parisians and tourists alike with its “Art of Nude” shows for over 50 years. You can also book a dinner-revue at the world-famous Moulin Rouge and enjoy a French Cancan show in the Pigalle sex district, well known for its strip clubs and peep shows. Other great cabarets in Paris are the Lido on the Champs Elysées, the very Parisian Paradis Latin, the Belle Epoque-inspired La Nouvelle Eve music-hall, the exotic Brasil Tropical revue, the glamorous Folies Bergères and the popular BobinO theater in Montparnasse.

2. Visit the Erotic Museum of Paris

Located just before the Moulin Rouge, in the sin-soaked Pigalle area, the Paris Museum of Eroticism houses Alain Plumy and Joseph Khalif’s private collection of erotic artworks as well as temporary art exhibits by French and International artists. Amongst the numerous joyful artifacts illustrating pleasure and lust displayed at the Paris Erotic Museum,  visitors can find sacred sex art objects,  historical and contemporary erotic art pieces,  antique sex education books, fetish photos, sex comics, rare pictures of brothels, anal jewelry, chastity belts,…

Musée de l’Erotisme
72, Boulevard de Clichy – Paris 18th
Open 7/7  from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

3. Go shopping at a Sex Supermarket

For more naughty fun in Paris, go shopping at a Supermarché de Charme Concorde. All located in quiet neighborhoods of Paris,  the Concorde supermarkets are huge sex shops offering over 10.000 different sexy items.  The convivial atmosphere of these adult-only shopping stores attracts a large and varied clientèle, including both straight and gay couples, who shop for adult magazines, erotic DVDs and videos, sex toys,  aphrodisiacs,  hot lingerie, fetish shoes and accessories, with the help of the friendly staff.  These sex stores in Paris also feature ultramodern private projection booths where clients can watch more than 3000 adult movies of all kinds.

Supermarchés de Charme Concorde
7, bd Magenta – Paris 10th
6, rue Dahomey – Paris 11th
117, bd de l’Hôpital – Paris 13rd
179, bd Lefebvre – Paris 15th
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

4. Take a Naughty Paris Tour

If you are planning an exciting girlfriends vacation in Paris, visit the “Naughty Paris A Lady’s Guide to the Sexy City” website. Naughty Paris offers a free guide to sexy Paris and blogs about fun and sexy entertainment in the French capital, such as sensual Burlesque Boulevard striptease show at the trendy Le Lup lounge bar and absinthe tasting night at the sexy Curio Parlor. The Naughty Paris team also sets up private parties, as well as customized Naughty Paris Tours (for ladies only) that take you to places loaded with erotic atmosphere, hot clubs, cabarets, bars and restaurants, pole-dancing lessons, erotic art exhibitions, chic lingerie shops and fetish boutiques.

Photo of  the Moulin Rouge at night, Pigalle, Paris by Goldmund100

1. Shopping at Paris Barbes Market

If you are traveling on a budget or are not that into luxury shopping in Paris, why not do like the locals do and enjoy a morning stroll at a picturesque French market? Read this travel article by Blaire Dessent and find helpful tips for shopping at the Barbes market in Paris.

2. English Book Stores in Paris

If you are looking for English books in Paris, go shopping at these recommended English bookstores. You will surely find the perfect novel to read while soaking up the scenery and sun at the terrace of your favorite Paris café.

3. How to Meet People in paris

If you want to make new friends on your next Paris vacation, read this article by Jessica Mordo on how to meet people in the French capital. Jessica’s tips for meeting people in Paris, include joining a French-English language exchange, taking walking tours, attending Paris Meet Ups events and participating in English-language treasure hunts.

4.  Top 7 Alternative Paris Museums

If you are looking for interesting art exhibitions in the French capital, visit these seven alternative art museums in Paris including Le Laboratoire, the Musée des Arts et Métiers, the Museum of Decorative Arts, the Musée Nissim de Camondo, the Musée Maillol and La Maison Rouge contemporary art space.

5. Top 10 Dessert Shops in Paris

If you are planning a gourmet holiday in France and looking for the best desserts in Paris, check out our Top 10 ice cream, chocolate and pastry shops including Joséphine Vanier, La Maison du Chocolat, Chocolat Michel Cuizel, Ladurée, Angelina Chez du chocolat, La Fougasse, Berthillon, Amorino and Pozzetto.

Photo of tourists in Paris, France by Damien Roué 

Where international travel destinations are concerned, Madrid is oftentimes referred to as the “new kid on the block” and that is quite a misconception in itself. Though the city is a relative newcomer to the tourist industry, don’t let that fool you. In our opinion, this is one city in Spain that you won’t want to miss. The attractions, the countryside, and the cuisine make Madrid a very desirous destination for many international travelers. However, if it’s a shopping vacation that holds the most allure for your travel agenda, the city will absolutely amaze you with the abundance of bargains that you will find.

Consider the flea market concept, found in abundance all over Western Europe, as being your format for a trip to Madrid. Why? It’s simple - Madrid’s flea markets are one of the best kept secrets in the international travel industry. The city’s busy markets will amaze you not only with their character but because they are so full of life. You can spend the entire day just browsing or find tons of quality merchandise at exceptional bargains.

Best of all, you will have a ball just enjoying the atmosphere in general with all the colorful banter occurring when the locals are negotiating the best deals. Here are three excellent flea and cheap markets that you won’t want to miss while visiting Madrid:

1. El Rastro (The Trace)

El Rastro is situated at the Plaza de Cascorro, the Calle Ribera, and on the adjoining side streets. They have turned the streets here into some of the biggest flea markets that you will find anywhere in the world. Antiques, clothing, and just lots of useless tidbits are what you find in abundance at El Rastro. The character of this market area alone makes this a must-explore destination.

2. Mercado Puerta de Toledo (Toledo Gate Market)

Formerly a busy fish market, Mercado Puerta de Toledo has been transformed into shopping metropolis filled with galleries and stores. Antique shops, art galleries, fashion retailers, cafés, pubs, and restaurants abound here, so plan on spending the day adventuring. However, you will quickly discover that one day may not be enough time to experience all there is to take in once you see the uniqueness that each establishment holds for the traveler.

3. Cuesta de Moyano

Located at Calle de Claudio Moyano, Cuesta de Moyano is one of the busier street market centers in Madrid, well-known for the abundance of values that you can find there. There are roughly 30 outdoor stalls filled with merchants buying and selling merchandise – specifically assorted literature and books from ages gone by. Serious book collectors from all over the world shop here, so be prepared to hear some of the finest negotiating you will hear anywhere in Madrid.

Photo of El Rastro Market, Madrid, Spain by Sylvain Bourdos

Historically, Milan has always been one of the wealthiest cities that you will find anywhere in Europe and it has a global reputation for being the capital of design and fashion. Some of the world’s most influential fashion designers have called Milan their home and you will quickly discover why this is the case as well as being amazed at how affordable that experience can be.

There are four adjoining streets in Milan located just north of the Duomo called the Quadrilatero d’Oro or Golden Quadrilateral – specifically, Della Spiga, Via Borgospesso, Via Montenapoleone, and Via Sant’Andrea. Despite the fact that the shopping in these areas are characteristically “ritzy”, you will be amazed (with a little due diligence and exploration) how many bargains you can find. Via Montenapoleone is definitely the main artery with the most to offer, but don’t shop exclusively in the “Golden Quadrilateral.” Here are our recommendations for bargain fashion shopping in Milan:

Armani Megastore

Despite the renowned name and the attached misconception that if it’s Armani, it has to be expensive, you owe it to yourself to explore the bargain and close-out racks buried deep within this 8,000 square foot fashion Mecca. And if the kids are tagging along on this excursion, you’ll be happy to know that there is a children’s recreation area in the basement.

Gianfranco Ferré

Women’s wear and accessories are in plentiful abundance here and you won’t have to dig through racks and shelves to find the best bargains available since the store is loaded with excellent values front to back and side to side.

Il Salvagente

Despite being located slightly off the Golden Quadrilateral, this shop is well worth exploring. This retailer specializes in designer seconds, imitations, and last year’s fashions, as well as a wide array of other bargains. Don’t let this format fool you because even the keenest eye can’t spot the imperfections (unless of course you’re a fashion expert). The merchandise is comprised of discount overstocks from big name brands such as Armani, Fendi, and Prada.

Navigli

This is another bargains shopper’s haven and a cluster of shops to satisfy every fashion palate imaginable. Four different shops – Biffi, Corso Buenos Aires, Eliogabaldo, and Floretta Coen Musil – stand out as some of the best fashion bargain treasure troves that you will find anywhere in the city.

Calzaturifico di Parabiago

Catering to both men and women with high-quality fashion at unbelievably affordable pricing. Additionally, the selection is enormous and the sales staff is amazingly tourist-friendly. Taking all this into consideration, this is one shopping experience you won’t want to miss.

Photo of  Vittorio Emanuele shopping gallery, Milan, Italy by karynsig

Working as an au pair on a fixed income, I shopped around but always ended up at the same 5 places when I wanted to buy something new without much cash to buy it with.

5. Ciao Ciao

You can find several of these around Florence and conveniently enough there is one directly across the street from  the main train station. This is the place to go when you need the basics ; underwear, socks, tee shirts I got a jacket here for 10 euro and three scarves for 3 euro each! They often have huge sales which is great because 90% of the merchandise is already under 20 euro.

4. Oviesse

This is a chain that is everywhere in Florence. It is a bit more costly than a student/traveler may be used to but carries something for everyone. Here you can find office wear, a huge assortment of casual skirts and tops plus baby clothes and a full department for men in addition to the shoes and accessories offered. Most items I purchased here were in the 22 euro range.

3. Piazza Italia

Piazza Italia is the same idea as Oviesse but offers clothing that is more dressy. A majority of the apparel in this two storey shop is black and business. There are several accessories and shoes as well as purses and men’s selections. This is the place to shop if you’re looking for upper class casual but not overly formal for around 25euro.

2. Promod

Promod is by far my favorite place to shop in Florence. Everything in this store was funky and fresh ; two things I love about new clothes! The look definitely says “put together lady” and the prices are very reasonable, especially the sale room in the back of the store! Skirts, tops, jewelry, it’s all here but the one thing that really makes me stop and walk in is the huge selection of beautiful dresses. Whether you’re dancing at the club, going on a date, having a girl’s night out or need something for that special occasion, they’ve got you covered. Prices average in the 35 euro mark.

1. San Lorenzo Market

I am definitely one for unique finds and the market has it all. You can find a complete outfit with jewelry to compliment for 30 euro; depending on your bartering skills. You will often find “2 for” deals and because there is so much competition amongst vendors, you will most often get the price you ask for – just don’t offer anything too insulting, these people work like crazy. If you need a great pair of boots or shoes, there is plenty of choice on the street as well as in surrounding shops. Don’t forget to stop for a gelato on your way home!

Photo of Euro coins by Nils Geylen