The Shopping Streets Of The World

Allow me to take you to the most exclusive shopping streets in the world where you’ll find one stellar shop after another. Some of my favorites include Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, Via Condotti in Rome and the Boulevard de la Croisette in Cannes.

Athens, Greece: Tsakalof Street, Voukourestiu. The town of Plaka has trendier boutiques and restaurants as well.

Atlanta, United States: Peachtree Road. There are a lot of Peachtree streets, roads, avenues, terraces, places, and circles around Atlanta, but I’m talking about THE Peachtree Road that spans the length of Buckhead, Midtown and Downtown Atlanta. If the usual high-end designers (Versace, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, etc.) are your cup of tea, then Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square are your best bets.

Auckland, New Zealand: Queen Street. Queen Street starts at Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront, and runs all the way into interior residential suburbs.

Bangkok, Thailand: The Emporium Shopping Complex, Siam Paragon

Barcelona, Spain: Paseo de Gracia, Ramblas, Placa de Catalunya , Passeig de Gràcia , Avenue Diagonal.

Beirut, Lebanon: El-Moutrane Street

Cannes, France: Boulevard de la Croisette. It extends from the Palais des Festivals along the Rade de Cannes, with its fine sandy beach; from it there is a magnificent view of the gulf and the offshore Lerin Islands. The boulevard is dominated by high end boutiques and luxury hotels.

Capetown, South Africa: Victoria Wharf Shopping Center

Chicago, United States: North Michigan Avenue. The windy city is more like the freezing city in the winter months, so be prepared to dress warm. If you don’t have the necessary gear in your closet arsenal, no worries; hit up the retail chains along Michigan Avenue and you’ll find everything you need.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Boulevard at Jumeirah, Fashion Avenue, Via Rodeo at Mall of the Emirates

Geneva, Switzerland: Rue du Rhône

Istanbul, Turkey: Macka Caddesi

Johannesburg, South Africa : Nelson Mandela Square Sandton

Kiev, Ukraine: Khreschatyk/Zanykovetska Street

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

London, United Kingdom. Bond and Sloane Street. are new stores opening every week on New and Old Bond Street not to mention major international and British brands. You will be overwhelmed with what this vibrant street has to offer. Oxford and Regent Street are also great places to shop.

Los Angeles, United States: Rodeo Drive. The infamous Rodeo Drive- you’ve heard about it, seen it in magazines, and watched it on television. I think you will be surprised to know that Rodeo Drive is not as large as you think. Nevertheless, it is fun spotting celebrities throwing down a small country’s GNP on some Fendi shoes. Melrose, Third Street, and Sunset Plaza are other amazing places to shop.

Las Vegas, United States: Las Vegas Boulevard. Where else can you ride your luck and buy high-end designer items on your winnings? From the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace to the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian, Vegas offers some of the finest stores from around the world and a multitude of specialty shops, antique collectors, and plazas across the strip.

Manama, Bahrain: Al A’ali Shopping Complex

Melbourne, Australia: Collins Street

Mexico City, Mexico: Presidente Masaryk

Miami, United States: Bal Harbour Shops, Collins Avenue. Runner up: Ocean Drive. Two words: South Beach. It’s not just an experience; it’s truly a way of life. This is the only city I know where you can wear close to nothing and get away with it. Drawing upon the culture and free spirited vibe of South Beach, trendy boutiques – mixed in among the high-end hotels and restaurants in the area- sell everything from designer bikinis to couture evening gowns.

Monte Carlo, Monaco: Avenue de Monte Carlo

Moscow, Russia: Tretyakovsky Proezd

Mumbai, India: Galleria Nariman Point

NewYork, United States: Madison Avenue . If you can’t find it here, you won’t find it anywhere. Given the abundance of designer pieces in NYC, you will find a greater quantity of high-end items on sale. It’s simple supply and demand economics. Resident New Yorkers know what I’m talking about. Runner up: 5th Avenue

Paris, France: L’avenue Montaigne . Did I mention that the Christian Dior boutique is the size of a museum? Ok- I’m exaggerating a tiny bit, but if that’s not enough to get you excited, you’ll be pleased to know that several high-end European fashion houses are headquartered in this area with ample retail space below their offices.

Rome, Italy: Via Condotti: If being near the Spanish steps isn’t enough, the old architectural style will have you feel like you are walking in time. Now, in addition to Valentino, other designers such as Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo all have stores on Via Condotti.

Sao Paulo, Brazil: Av. Chedid Jafet

Shanghai, China: Shanghai Times Square, Shanghai Centre, Chang Le Road, Zhangyang Road

Singapore, Singapore: Paragon, orchard road

Stockholm, Sweden: Birger Jarlsgatan

Sydney, Australia: MLC Centre

Tel Aviv, Israel: He Beiyar Street

Tokyo, Japan: Ginza

Toronto, Canada: Bloor Street West

West Palm Beach, United States: Worth Avenue. True to its name, it gives Rodeo Drive a run for its money. World class jewelers coupled with high-end designer boutiques and large retail chains cater to the fashion elite and yacht-club card carrying members.

-CP