MilinS

Hello All,

As usual my wife wants to know which is the best place to do alot of shopping for herself. We are visiting the below cities. Any help will be appreciated.

Amsterdam
Brussels
Paris
Venice
Rome
Florence

anyegr

Best shopping? Best of what?

Souvenirs? Clothes? Jewelry? Electronics? Food? What?

And are you asking about best as in cheapest price or best as in highest quality?

I don't do much shopping myself (except in a bookstore), but no one can answer your question without knowing what sort of shopping your wife wants to do.

Christina

Do you live in a place where you can't buy things easily? Depends what she wants, obviously, Italy is better for leather goods than Paris, for example. Haven't been to those Italian cities, I know they are good for some things, like shoes, but for the rest, I'd say Paris. Don't expect bargains. I guess Amsterdam might be good for diamonds.

sandralist

I think the question being asked is:

Where is the best shopping district for a woman shopping for herself (her person) in each of the following cities?

MiliS, is that correct?

Does your wife want to buy high-quality, unique items from each country, or does she like buying internationally known brand names? Or does she enjoy bargain shopping?

sandralist

By the way, MilinS, if your wife would do a google search like "Shopping in Amsterdam" or "Where to go shopping in Venice", she would get a full description.

http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visitin...to-do/shopping

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/venice/745268

nytraveler

How many thousands does she have to spend?

Is she looking for designer goods, local bargains (nice leather in Italy, not cheaper than at home but unique styles and good quality) or local specialties (enamel jewelry at all price points in Paris)?

She needs t check guidebooks and can ask at your hotels for local specialty shops.

sandralist

There is nothing particularly unusual about this travel question. When I go to the US, I do a lot of shopping for things I cannot buy in Italy or which are so expensive in Italy compared to the price in the US, it makes sense to buy them when I travel. There are also a handful of US made products that just don't have an Italian equivalent for quality. I would spend the same money shopping in Europe over the entire year, so however judgmental other people want to be, for some of us, travel shopping is not "sinful" and something to make sure others know you disapprove.

sandralist

(Not to mention, some people find shopping relaxing, enjoyable, a fun part of a vacation, more interesting than sitting around drinking.)

anyegr

sandralist: If your talk about judgmental and sinful is directed at me I think you misunderstood my comment. I don't see anything sinful about shopping. I usually do think it's boring and a waste of time, unless it's shopping for books. But it's certainly not sinful, as long as one doesn't buy more than one can afford.

But no one can give good advice on where to shop without knowing what a person wants to buy. I've had people (coworkers and relatives) telling me things like "if you're going to London you MUST go to Harrods to shop", when I'd rather have a list of used book stores. And "Amsterdam? Oh, you have to go to the diamond district!", completely ignoring the fact that I don't wear jewelry.

sandralist

it wasn't directed at you.

bilboburgler

no, it is sinful and environmentally bad.

bilboburgler

Tulips

In Brussel; Rue Antoine Dansaert for trendy boutiques. Avenue Louise/Blvd Waterloo for main luxury brands (I don't really like this area myself, but it's where you'll find the flagship stores). Sablon for antiques - this is a lovely area. Have tea at Wittamer.

In Amsterdam the 'nine streets' area is nice, with small shops. PC Hooftstraat for luxury brands.

sandralist

burgers are worse.

nochblad

More input needed from OP.

But if visiting Florence consider going to The Mall - https://www.themall.it/en/outlet-italy/homepage.html

Also OP does not say where he is from. If from outside the European Union you can items tax free (minimum amount of 155 Euros). As the standard IVA/VAT/Sales tax rate in Italy is 22% then you are able to recover 22/122 i.e. roughly 18%. Some places handle the tax refund themselves so you can eventually recover the full 18% whereas many places use one of the Tax Free handling companies which generally charge a 30% handling fee which means that your net recovery is only approximately 12.6%.

bilboburgler

it depends, clearly Gluttony is a sin and we have to be mindful of Envy

nochblad

sandralist: There are also a handful of US made products that just don't have an Italian equivalent for quality.

Curious - what would be such products?

kerouac

When are you coming to Europe? There will be huge sales everywhere in January.

pariswat

Rue Faubourg Saint-honoré in Paris close to (no, in front of) the Elysee, all fashion shops. the kind I hardly notice actually.

Tulips, rue Neuve in Brussesl (at least I know that one because there is a movietheater) ? I used to work about 6 years 100 m from Avenue Louise/bd Waterloo, never noticed high end shops...

denisea

It's Paris for me. If your wife is into Chanel then a visit to the original Chanel boutique on rue Cambon is a treat. I also love Le Bon Marche in Paris. Avenue Montaigne and rue Faubourg St Honore are excellent for high end designers. Paris is also full of unique, small shops. I love the area around the Madeleine church for great food items, as well. Rome is good, but I think Paris is tops!