Nottingham
Opened as an extension of its own publishing imprint in 2013, this splendid independent bookshop is hidden down a passageway off Low Row. In addition to…
Must-see shopping in Western Europe
The West End
The biggest and oldest toy emporium in the world, Hamleys houses six floors of fun for kids of all ages, from the basement's Star Wars and Harry Potter…
Paris
Tucked inside Galerie Vivienne since 1880, Legrand sells fine wine and all the accoutrements: corkscrews, tasting glasses, decanters etc. It also has a…
Guernsey
This beautifully restored windmill is the original studio of local award-winning jewellery designer, Catherine Best. The jewellery is set with precious…
Northumberland Coast
Mead made on Lindisfarne by St Aidan's Winery to a traditional Roman recipe using locally drawn water and honey. Free tastings let you try its three…
Faro
Chocolates made in Odemira in the neighbouring Alentejo region are enticingly displayed in glass cabinets at this little shop. Dark, milk and white…
Latin Quarter
At any one time this beer-lovers' fantasyland stocks around 500 different craft and/or international brews, along with four on tap to taste on the spot…
Nice
Since 1947, locals have been trusting the owners of this atmospheric cave (wine celler) to find the best wines from across the Alpes-Maritimes and Var. It…
Paris
One of Paris' four big department stores, the 10-storey La Samaritaine is finally emerging from its much-contested and drawn-out 15-year, €700-million…
Honfleur
A favourite of both locals and out-of-towners in the know, Gribouille is one shop you should not miss. This small store is packed to the ceiling with fine…
Montmartre & Northern Paris
Allow plenty of time to browse this super-stylish boutique-gallery, with a carefully selected collection of designer fashion put together by stylist…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
Established in 1865, this wonderfully preserved shop with original timber cabinetry produces lacquer stamps for wax seals (and sells sealing wax), brass…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
One of those achingly way-too-cool-for-school addresses, this concept store sizzles with gift ideas for your homme: clever board games, French wine…
Bordeaux
Only in Bordeaux, a city known for its rampant bicycle culture, could a shop come up with such an inspired invention: clip-on umbrella stands for bikes,…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Coco-ginger bites, caramels and chocolate sculptures are among the sweet treats created by this master chocolate maker from Brittany. But it's his syrupy,…
Miragaia
This modern concept store is rightfully positioned in the midst of Porto’s art district, where it showcases the wares of Portuguese designers. Owners…
Western Canal Ring
On the Herengracht, this boutique is the flagship store of lingerie brand Love Stories, which was set up by Amsterdam interior designer and stylist-turned…
Brussels
Said to be the biggest market in Europe, this sprawl of colourful stalls next to the railway lines has an international flavour, with North African and…
Bordeaux
This artisan fromager and crémier is a sheer delight for local foodies who shop here for boutique cheeses and creamy yellow butter hand-moulded in fat…
Galway City
Truffles using Burren-produced Hazel Mountain chocolate are made on-site daily at this airy, contemporary shop behind a duck-egg-blue facade. It doubles…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Only French-sourced fabrics (silk from Lyon, lace from Calais) are used by lingerie designer Sabbia Rosa for her ultra-luxe range at this boutique, open…
Faro
The Algarve's first craft brewery opened in 2018, producing organic, preservative-free, vegan brews inspired by the region, such as piri-piri pilsner and…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
Overrun with creatures such as lions, tigers, zebras and storks, taxidermist Deyrolle opened in 1831. In addition to stuffed animals (for rent and sale),…
Montmartre & Northern Paris
Over 600 craft beers from across France and around the world are stocked at this beer emporium. Pick them up to take away or taste them on site,…
Alto Alentejo
Near the Paço Reial, this sunny gallery has a beautiful collection of drawings, watercolours, oil paintings and, most of all, works in marble. They range…
Ribeira
Everything you ever wanted to know about Portuguese olive oil becomes clear at this experiential store, which maps out the country's six Protected…
St-Germain & Les Invalides
The flagship store of luxury children's wear label, Bonpoint, is worth a meander even if you don't have money to spend. Filling several rooms of a 17th…
Savoie
The potter's studio, a rambling, poster-plastered workshop and gallery, is tucked away near the church in the centre of St-Gervais. Local legend Monsieur…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
'Made by Me', aka handmade, is the driver of this appealing boutique on trendy rue Oberkampf – a perfect address to buy unusual gifts, from women's…
Chester
Britain's largest shopping outlet, Cheshire Oaks has 145 stores offering discounts of up to 60% on goods from previous seasons. The village layout means…
Jersey
Jersey's last working tower mill is home to the workshop and studio of internationally renowned jewellery designer, Guernsey local Catherine Best, who has…
Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela
'Free verse' is the name of this split-level design store, where Fernando has a story for every object. The high-ceilinged space showcases Portuguese…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Few brands are as conscious of their carbon footprint as this Paris-based fashion company that plants a tree in France for each product it sells, and has…
Luxembourg City
Chocolatier Natalie Bonn and her two daughters handcraft pralines, truffles and 18 different chocolate spreads (including chilli, pistachio and strawberry…
Marseille
Opened in 1781, this is the oldest bakery in Marseille; it's been passed down between three families, and it still uses the original 18th-century oven. It…
Latin Quarter
One of the best fromageries (cheese shops) in Paris, this cheese-lover’s nirvana is filled with to-die-for delicacies, such as St-Félicien with Périgord…
Fabrica Alentejana de Lanificios
Alto Alentejo
This is the last remaining hand-loom producer of mantas alentejanas (handwoven woollen floor rugs). The owner and/or weavers are happy to show you around…
Counties Wicklow & Kildare
Shoppers come from all over the country to buy discounted designer brands at this village-like outlet mall, the biggest of its kind in Ireland – more than…
Le Marais, Ménilmontant & Belleville
Lovers of Italian food will have a field day in this culinary paradise combining several eateries with market counters selling meat, breads, cheese, fresh…
Snowdonia National Park (Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri)
This cracking craft-beer shop takes localism very seriously, stocking an enormous range of North Welsh beers, and focusing on the stori (story) of their…
