One of the advantages of living in London is that we are close enough to enjoy weekends away in Europe without it being considered a 'real' holiday.
Make the most of your shopping experience when on holiday by finding your local hidden haven. Let's face it. We all do it, particularly when on holiday. For many of us it's right at the top of the list of things to do. No matter whether I am heading for cheese in Greece or boutiques in Paris, shopping always seems to form an essential part of any holiday, well, for me at least.
It’s often those little hidden shopping gems we find that stick in the memory. For me some of my best finds have been markets that only the locals know about, where you get the true authentic shopping experience. Here are a few places in Europe that are worth investigating when out shopping.
Plaza de Cascorro, Madrid, Spain
On a Sunday the streets are transformed into one of the largest markets in the world. Antiques, clothes and lots of misc items are on sale. It's worthy of a visit for the character of the market alone. Open from 10:30 - 3pm. The nearest metro station is La Latina and Tirso de Molina.
Cormanco, Milan, Italy
The market at Cormanco near Milan is home to 150 stalls and thousands of bargains. The area is famous for silk as it has been making silk since the C14th. Did you know? Como produces 80 percent of Europe’s silk? Take your time and browse around the market as you’ll be sure to find some stunning fabrics amongst the household goods, toys and old clothes. There are also glass and silverware available too. This is an absolute haven for bargain hunters, You’ll need to be up early as the market starts at 7.30am every Saturday and closes by 2pm. The early bird catches the worm!
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Shopping on holiday isn’t just about items for your home, souvenirs or clothes. There are so many intriguing food markets throughout Europe you’d be foolish not to have a look. The central covered market in Cagliari, Sardinia – Mercato di San Benedetto – has one whole floor filled with fish stalls. There’s a huge array of fish to choose from and all fresh from the sea. There will be a few types which you might not have seen before. What better way to sample the real Italy than with a fresh fish dish?
Istanbul, Turkey
You’ve probably all heard of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and while this is a treat to go and visit, some of the stalls in the vacinity of the famous tourist attraction have much more to offer in terms of delicate and ornate Turkish jewellery and at a much more real price. Precious and semi-precious stones set in gold and silver with intricate designs are the bulk of what is on offer. Don’t rush in, have a good look round and brush up on your haggling skills. There really are some great deals to be had if you haggle hard enough.
Vieux Quartier – Annecy, France
Nestled in the old quarter of this quaint French town the Vieux Quarter in France is a real find and reflects the regional rustic focus of its wares. From wooden tools and utensils, fishing gear, cowbells, paintings, wooden chests or armoires, you’ll never be quite sure what you’ll find here, which just adds to its charm.
Mofu – Athens, Greece
If homeware is your 'thing' then a trip to Mofu in Athens is a must for you. Retro fans will fall in love with the eclectic range of 50s, 60s and 70s furniture, lamps and random designer collectables. The store staff are very friendly and shipping can easily be arranged. Remember to stay on top of the exchange rates to ensure you’re getting the deal you think you are.
Shopping Europe: 1994: How to Shop Like a Professional in More Than 1400 of the Greatest Shops of Europe! (Fielding's Shopping Europe)
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Make the most of London with a Guided Tour - scheduled & private tours available
Make the most of your shopping experience when on holiday by finding your local hidden haven. Let's face it. We all do it, particularly when on holiday. For many of us it's right at the top of the list of things to do. No matter whether I am heading for cheese in Greece or boutiques in Paris, shopping always seems to form an essential part of any holiday, well, for me at least.
It’s often those little hidden shopping gems we find that stick in the memory. For me some of my best finds have been markets that only the locals know about, where you get the true authentic shopping experience. Here are a few places in Europe that are worth investigating when out shopping.
On a Sunday the streets are transformed into one of the largest markets in the world. Antiques, clothes and lots of misc items are on sale. It's worthy of a visit for the character of the market alone. Open from 10:30 - 3pm. The nearest metro station is La Latina and Tirso de Molina.
Cormanco, Milan, Italy
The market at Cormanco near Milan is home to 150 stalls and thousands of bargains. The area is famous for silk as it has been making silk since the C14th. Did you know? Como produces 80 percent of Europe’s silk? Take your time and browse around the market as you’ll be sure to find some stunning fabrics amongst the household goods, toys and old clothes. There are also glass and silverware available too. This is an absolute haven for bargain hunters, You’ll need to be up early as the market starts at 7.30am every Saturday and closes by 2pm. The early bird catches the worm!
Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy
Shopping on holiday isn’t just about items for your home, souvenirs or clothes. There are so many intriguing food markets throughout Europe you’d be foolish not to have a look. The central covered market in Cagliari, Sardinia – Mercato di San Benedetto – has one whole floor filled with fish stalls. There’s a huge array of fish to choose from and all fresh from the sea. There will be a few types which you might not have seen before. What better way to sample the real Italy than with a fresh fish dish?
Istanbul, Turkey
You’ve probably all heard of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and while this is a treat to go and visit, some of the stalls in the vacinity of the famous tourist attraction have much more to offer in terms of delicate and ornate Turkish jewellery and at a much more real price. Precious and semi-precious stones set in gold and silver with intricate designs are the bulk of what is on offer. Don’t rush in, have a good look round and brush up on your haggling skills. There really are some great deals to be had if you haggle hard enough.
Vieux Quartier – Annecy, France
Nestled in the old quarter of this quaint French town the Vieux Quarter in France is a real find and reflects the regional rustic focus of its wares. From wooden tools and utensils, fishing gear, cowbells, paintings, wooden chests or armoires, you’ll never be quite sure what you’ll find here, which just adds to its charm.
Mofu – Athens, Greece
If homeware is your 'thing' then a trip to Mofu in Athens is a must for you. Retro fans will fall in love with the eclectic range of 50s, 60s and 70s furniture, lamps and random designer collectables. The store staff are very friendly and shipping can easily be arranged. Remember to stay on top of the exchange rates to ensure you’re getting the deal you think you are.
Make the most of London with a Guided Tour - scheduled & private tours available
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