Shopping!

Who doesn’t want to enjoy shopping in the heart of the vibrant city centers or at the sizzling boutiques? Just imagine a sophisticated mall lined up with a wide array of classy watches, or shirts of international brands, or perhaps gorgeous gold-plated jewellry. Here are some cities where shopping is considered an act of sophistication:

Bangkok – You will love shopping in Bangkok as it is considered to be one of the best Asian cities for shopping. Do you want traditional crafts, electronics, world class silk or the best designed jewelry? Millions of connoisseurs inhabit the shopping malls of Bangkok that enhance the chaos of this lively city. There is even one, Mah Boon Krong (MBK) Shopping Centre, devoted almost entirely to mobile phones! The thirty five acre Chatuchak Market brings everything for you starting from home goods, live roosters, multi-colored chicks and art material. However, the real finds are in the Siam neighborhood, which houses everything from massive malls to miniscule boutiques. For something entirely different, take a long-tail boat ride to the Floating Market.

Hong Kong – Everyone knows that Hong Kong is home to the best electronic gadgets, but the city’s market streets are also thronged with mega malls, designer boutiques, porcelain shops and many eye-catching stores. Starting from jade to silk, from clothing to technological gadgets, the Hong Kong street shops are continuously captivating customers. Hong Kong's hilly streets have your bundles and bunnions in mind, with outdoor escalators and moving sidewalks. If you visit Stanley Market, you will come across beautiful porcelain vases, silk garments and original Chinese craftsmanship, and a unique lesson in merchandising and store display. In fact, you don't have to go shopping to shop in Hong Kong; "Copy watch?" invitations will come to you at every step.

London – The chic boutiques of Covent Garden or the grand architectural Saville Row are definitely the major shopping attractions of London. Do try the tailored shirts at the Jermyn Street. Shopping in London is incomplete without visiting the shops of Oxford Street, the stalls of Camden Market, the excitement and delicious appeal of Borough Market, and the wide display of antiques at the Portobello Market. Discover the hidden treasure that is Maryleborne Street. Harrods, of course, is a mainstay - fast becoming the largest souvenir store in the world. Fortnum and Mason offers you delectable foodie treats like biscuits, cheeses, fine quality tea and many more - served by clerks in formal attire.

Buenos Aires – Apart from being one of Latin America’s gracious cities, Buenos Aires is noted for its shopping malls located in the downtown areas of the city. Often referred to as the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires has all the style--and sidewalk shopping chic--of its cross-pond neighbor without the brutal exchange rate. Microcentro in the city’s downtown brings some of the most fashionable stores and boutique shops in the world. Take a short walk along the pedestrian streets of Calle Florida and Calle Lavall where you will come across plenty of chain stores and boutiques, and maybe even a tango show. Buenos Aires is famous for offering high quality leather items; you can always find a handbag or a jacket or a pair of shoes you'll treasure forever. On Sundays, visit the San Telmo flea market, for vintage to avante garde in everything from clothing to furnishings. And any day is a good day to visit Eva Peron's favourite haunts (and ultimate grave) in the old-world elegance of the Recoleta. But in order to go beyond large international labels, you’ll need to wander through Palermo Soho.

Los Angeles – Los Angeles is considered to be the hub of shopping enthusiasts. Here you will come across quite a good number of celebrities spending long hours in the shopping malls of the city. The Grove is one of the most popular outdoor shopping centers where you can get hold of all sorts of commodities – from fresh vegetables to musical accessories. Or Costa Mesa's super trendy South Coast Plaza ... and spa. And of course Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive, where you don't have to be a "Pretty Woman" to shop, but it helps!

New York – When you land at New York, make your way towards Madison Avenue with its multitude of exclusive boutiques. Be it expensive designer fashions or rare books, New York promises to offer you everything. The mega stores of Manhattan like Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Bloomingdales, provide you with unending shopping options. Bring the kids, or the kid in you, to FAO Schwarz, for ultra-high-end toys and more. Enjoy some of your best shopping moments in NoLITa and SoHo. While Tiffany's doesn't serve breakfast, everyone should experience their flagship store at least once. And then walk across the street and compare it to Harry Winston's and Van Cleef and Arpels. The young ones will love to spend hours at the bargain-friendly Lower East Side. And you can spend more than just hours at Bergdorf Goodman.

Paris – The only problem with shopping in Paris is the constant distraction of food! Every streetside crêpe vendor, every patissiere, every boulanger seems designed to tempt you away from the main event. And the main event in Paris is Galleries Lafayette, or its rival Printemps. Don't miss the haute couture shops found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne. Or treasure hunt at the Clignancourt flea market. And then relax. Succumb to the temptations, take a table at Les Deux Magots, the most famous of the thousands of sidewalk cafes in Paris, and watch the world go by.

Milan – Walking the streets of this gracious Italian city, home to nonpareil designers from Armani to Valentino, is like taking a stroll through the yellow pages of the world's best designers. All the big names, such as Gucci and Prada, are contained within the quadrilateral of fashion formed by Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant'Andrea, Via Monzani and Via della Spiga, elegant streets that together with Via Manzoni, Via Borgospesso and Via Santo Spirito are the outer limits of the famous Fashion Quadrilatero. This area contains the most prestigious boutiques and showrooms in the world, full of minimalist design and high tech. Another of the characteristics of Milan that shopping lovers like is the many famous-label outlets in the city center that are usually only found on city outskirts.

Cape Town - For the international tourists, shopping in Cape Town is relatively inexpensive due to the favourable exchange rate and comparatively low production costs. Jewellery is particularly inexpensive and as many of South Africa's most talented goldsmiths and jewellery designers live in Cape Town, shopping for their sought after creations will delight those looking for serious bling. Textiles are well priced, in particular leather goods, sports and outdoor wear. The same applies to art works, antiques, books and wine. But of particular delight is clever local artwork and fashion accessories made from recycled wire, 78RPM records, and anything else.

Dubai – Serious shopaholics will love Dubai. With more than 40 themed malls, countless souqs and thousands of boutiques offering everything from the finest fashion labels, jewellery and cosmetics to home accessories, furniture and electronics, you'll be tempted by dazzling displays and bargains aplenty. Among many is Souk Al Baha, an Arabesque shopping mall and entertainment destination located in the heart of the prestigious Downtown Burj Dubai. What's more, Dubai is a tax-free haven. No wonder the city is touted as Do-buy!