Salzburg
For a whiff of nostalgia and a packet of sage throat pastilles, nip into this wonderfully old-fashioned, wood-panelled pharmacy. Salzburg’s oldest, it was…
Must-see shopping in Europe
Nice
Down in the heart of Nice's antiques district, this amazing shop specialises in vintage musical instruments of every description, from hunting horns to…
Ciutadella
This richly scented gourmet emporium has entrances on two streets. Whole cheeses, shelf upon shelf of them, fill the shop window, and stacks of Menorcan…
Hamburg
Stylish shoe heaven: rare brands of women's shoes plus Krupka's own designs are sold in this leather-scented shop. It's one of many alluring boutiques in…
L'Eixample
Dating from 1888 (though remodelled in 1998), the iron-clad Mercat de la Concepció has around 50 stalls selling food, flowers, wine and more, including…
Milan
Rocking a range of mod-vintage styles from the 1950s and '60s, this cult eyewear brand from Abruzzo crafts beautiful made-in-Italy frames that you won't…
Seyðisfjörður
Inside one of Seyðisfjörður's oldest houses, Erna hosts a pop-up store in her living room, selling stylish Icelandic souvenirs including clothing,…
Cortona
Classic Italian accessories – shoes by Exton and Carvari, hats by Borsalino and Panizza, umbrellas by Pasotti – are on offer in this classy boutique in…
Palermo
This hole-in-the-wall gallery showcases the work of talented local artist Loredana Lo Verde, whose main studio is a short walk away.
Veliky Novgorod
Small store selling Novgorod’s best selection of local arts and craft souvenirs, including woolen hats, jewellery and matryoshki. It has an art gallery…
Mardin
Viticulture has been practised by Syriac Christian communities throughout the region for more than 5000 years and this small shop stocks a fine range of…
Chueca
With 80 Spanish and 240 European cheese varieties, this fine cheese shop is the best of its kind in Madrid. The range is outstanding and the staff really…
Ribatejo
With more discerning taste than most, artist Paulo Baptista picks out the best of regional handicrafts as well as hawks his own creations fashioned from…
Valletta
Fine filigree work is the speciality at this traditional workshop that's been in the same family since 1972. Current artisan Matthew Borg is the son of…
Klaipėda
Just off Theatre Sq, this is a great place to look for delicate lacework, traditional woven sashes, linenwear, woolly mittens and contemporary art – all…
Rhodes Town
Stylish boutique with an interesting mix of goods: from embroidered kaftans, beachwear and stunning one-off jewellery to fine alabaster busts of classical…
Temple Bar
Owner Wendy carefully selects every item of clothing from Irish and international labels including Armor Lux and Manley, plus accessories by Baggu and…
Skyros
Beautiful traditional Skyrian embroidery and handmade jewellery by Amerissa Panagiotou, who also offers embroidery classes. A typical island wedding dress…
The Julian Alps
Of all the lace shops in town, we like the superior Studio Koder, a small, but stylish shop across from the TIC – the quality is unimpeachable, and there…
Leith
One of the best tartan shops in Edinburgh, Kinloch Anderson was founded in 1868 and is still family run. It is a supplier of kilts and Highland dress to…
Marquês de Pombal & Around
Shop for Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana and the like here. It's the male counterpart to the top-end Fashion Clinic boutique nearby.
Split
Call into this little shop to check out Ana Gjivoje's range of bright and patterned handbags, tote bags and shoulder bags, many of which are made from…
Rovinj
This cute little women's fashion boutique carries the work of Croatian and international designers, including interesting linens and scarves, and some…
Golfe du Morbihan
If you've got children with you then there's no way you'll get past colourful Bilboquet – a classic old-fashioned toy shop – without buying a train, a…
St-Jean de Luz
Dating back to 1884, St-Jean de Luz' grand market offers a delight for the senses, with its vendors selling fresh fruits, cheeses, cured meats, breads,…
Languedoc-Roussillon
Millau's covered market brims with stalls selling fresh fruit and veggies, meat, poultry, fish, cheeses, wines, flowers, honey, chestnuts and other…
Paris
Paris' historic flower market, the Marché aux Fleurs Reine Elizabeth II, transforms into this cacophonous bird market on Sundays.
Zürich
In business since 1882, this distinguished old stationery shop displays a mind-boggling collection of fine pens, inks and art supplies across its two well…
Toruń
The place to purchase Toruń’s favourite gingerbread, housed in the Artus Court on the southern side of the main square.
Kraków
This small gift and souvenir shop features handcrafted and other items made exclusively in Poland, including distinctive pottery and plates from the town…
Lyon
One of Lyon's two main outdoor food markets, Marché St-Antoine is a great venue to stock up on gourmet items, including cheese and charcuterie. It has…
Bay of Naples
One of the best shops at the Mercato di Pugliano. Ask politely to check out the rare stock upstairs, often borrowed by international designers for study…
Erzsébetváros & the Jewish Quarter
A bright, open space, stuffed with vintage fashion like US college jackets and Converse sneakers, plus a selection of new alternative lines from…
Barrio del Carmen
This interesting space in a historic building has a handful of small stalls selling enticing arrays of clothing, including some vintage gear, and…
Heidelberg
In a courtyard off Hauptstrasse, L’Épicerie is filled with luscious pralines, spices, oils and preserves, and accoutrements such as pepper mills, mortars…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Beautiful fabrics, buttons and threads are stocked at this boutique, along with homewares (light fittings, curtains, cushions and more) and children's…
Vatican City, Borgo & Prati
A vast indoor market in a modern building. Hundreds of stalls sell clothing, food, housewares and fine fabrics. Depending on your needs, it can be one big…
Glens of Antrim
Watch craftspeople at work at Steensons, the designer jewellery workshop that produced the jewellery worn in Game of Thrones. Pieces are also available to…
Paris
Not the most stylish fromagerie in town, but it always has great deals out the front, where you can pick up a preselected assortment of cheese for under …
Milan
Stocked to the rafters with classic vinyl, and used and new CDs, this tiny shop is heaven for music aficionados searching out that hard-to-find '70s…
