Shopping

Europe is a shopping mecca, from its trend-setting fashion capitals like Paris and Milan to the famous Scandanavian designs in Copenhagen to the countless boutiques found all over the continent. For a seasonal treat, visit Europe’s Christmas markets which light up around this time of year, bustling with shoppers looking for the perfect Christmas presents, exploding with colorful sights, lively sounds, and scrumptious scents like gingerbread, sweets, and freshly baked bread. You don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy the experience of these festive markets, and even travelers who swear off souvenir buying will likely enjoy taking in the scene or simply watching the entertainment. The hot spiced wine served at the markets is sure to warm up a cold day!

Towns small and large hold Christmas markets in Europe, but a few of them are massive and very well-known. Realtraveler C’est la Vie experienced a couple of these markets last winter and wrote about them in her blog. Here is an excerpt from her descriptive recounting of the events:

“Our story begins on the Eastern edge of France in the heart of the Alsace region. Tickling the western flank of Germany, about three hours from Paris by train, is the city of Strasbourg. Strasbourg is said to have one the largest and most elaborate Christmas markets in Europe- Marchés de Noël. Having now walked its glorious isles, I can honestly say I know of no other market that is even worth mentioning in the same breath…this year there were thirteen sprinkled throughout the city, containing various themes such as books, cinema, photo exhibitions, ice gardens, Romanian artisans, and of course the traditional Christmas pomp and circumstance. The two largest and most elaborate are the Christkindelsmärik in Place Broglie and the Marché de Noël in the Place de la Cathédrale.

The Christkindelsmärik was as impossible to believe as it is to say. Claiming an entire city block, rows of storefronts resembling miniature wooden chalets, each spangled with color and lights and fluffy snow, paintings and toys, dominated the street. Inside each chalet was a new world. Some sold armies of miniature painted nativity characters, all aligned according to size and function so precisely that it looked as if they marched into place themselves and are waiting for their next orders. They came in every color imaginable (and some unimaginable), sported a real feather and an air of self-righteousness that made them stand out in droves over the traditional round bauble. Some booths sold hand crafted toys that looked like they had actually been made by elves: velvet puppets, ceramic marionettes, wooden puzzles, stuffed reindeer, baby dolls and plush animals…” (more…)

Plan your own European shopping extravaganza with these useful links:

Trip Planning:

Europe Travel Guide
Europe Travel Map
Top Spots in Europe
Europe Travel Deals

More Resources:

Winter Vacations in Europe
More Editor Picks’ Shopping Guides
Christmas Markets 2007 Guide

Realtravel Blogs about Christmas Markets:

Meg’s Adventure in Vienna
Kerry Taylor in Germany and the Netherlands
C’est la Vie in France
More Europe Travel Blogs

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The brightly colorful city of Buenos Aires borders on magical. Walking the streets of La Boca, for instance, as the sun shines off the cobblestone streets, it’s hard not to find yourself in a wonderful mood — after all, all you have to do is look up to see couples entwined in the romantic dance of the tango, and it takes little more than an expression of interest before you find yourself dancing too. In addition to the friendly faces, kaleidescope of colors, and the charming European architecture, Buenos Aires is a fantastic shopping destination. From exciting street markets, to fun antique fairs, to upscale galleries and boutiques, you’ll be sure to unearth just the right treasure for you in this warm and beautiful Argentine city.

Pedestrian Malls and Galleries

One of the most popular pedestrian malls in the city, Calle Florida (or Florida Street) is lined with such a variety of shops and restaurants, and such a bustle of people, that just being here is an experience in itself. The people-watching is its own event, but when you’re ready to get down to some serious shopping, you’ll find everything you need along this mile-long stretch, including clothing, jewelery, music, books, fantastic leather products, and lots more. Nearby, you’ll find the Galerias Pacifico, a three-story mall packed with upscale shops. Here, you can relax and refuel in the basement food court, take in a movie at the cinema, or check out the international art exhibitions at the Centro Cultural Borges.

Shoppers seeking the ultra-chic will find it at Patio Bullrich, the city’s most upscale mall. Once a opulent mansion, the building was transformed into a mall in the late 80’s — neoclassical architecture fuses with modern refinements, making Patio Bullrich one of the city’s most interesting buildings. You’ll find candy and chocolate shops, bookstores, high-end footware, jewelry, leather goods, lingerie, clocks, toys stores, and a wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops to relax in after a long day of filling your bags.

RealTraveler atchang spent an afternoon inside the opulence of Patio Bullrich, finding great deals on leather goods:

“For shopping we checked out Patio Bulriche (nice upscale mall) where I got a Carpincho leather wallet for my dad. And Mulriche 666, which is like “leather alley” and you can get good quality stuff for like a third of what it would cost in the States (you need to buy local brands though).” (more…)

Located in the bario of Recoleta, Avenida Alvear offers seven elegant blocks of beautiful homes, small palaces, and some of the city’s coolest haute couture. Vercase, Parda, and Nina Ricci are represented here, as are the National House of Culture, the National Academy, and the Alvear Palace Hotel, one of Buenos Aires’ most magnificent hotels.

Markets

For those who prefer more, Buenos Aires is full of colorful and exciting street markets. In Plaza Dorrego, the oldest square in Buenos Aires, the San Telmo Market comes to life every weekend, with hundreds of people gathering to buy and sell everything from inexpensive trinkets to pricey antiques. With countless booths, numerous sidewalk cafes, and entertaining street performers, the atmosphere is one of festivity and fun.

RealTravelers Ivan and Sarah describe San Telmo in their blog, Buenos Aires:

“We then headed to San Telmo, another old district known for it´s Sunday antiques market. The streets were thronged with people and lots of stalls selling everything from antique soda bottles, silver cutlery, gramaphones and vintage clothing. There were numerous street entertainers, from tango dancing to puppet shows.” (more…)

Also taking place each weekend in the park surrounding the Recoletta Cemetery is the Recoletta Fair. Souvenirs, crafts, great food, and live entertainment combine to provide a fun day outside. The fair has grown over the years to become one of the city’s largest and most lively, and some argue that the shopping here is better than at San Telmo.

The La Boca Fair is a great place to people-watch and see tango performers, and to enjoy the colorful homes and friendly vibe of La Boca. Souvenirs and crafts are abundant, though, because of the tourist draw, prices are high. The La Boca Fair is fun to watch, but you may wish to do your shopping at one of the many other markets found throughout the city.

More Useful Links:

RealTravel Shopping Stories:
Buenos Aires by atchang
Buenos the second time around by jen manor
Buenos Aires by Ivan and Sarah

Travel Guides, Resources, and more:
Buenos Aires Travel Guide
Buenos Aires Travel Map
Buenos Aires Pictures
Buenos Aires Outdoor Markets

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