Best shopping destinations in the world revealed

For many who go on trips, a holiday cannot be complete without a good round of shopping. In some global cities, retail tourism is one of their main attractions and drive for its economy. American news media CNN consulted international experts Donegar Creative Services and Marie Bergfelt on the cities to have the best shopping experience. The company also publishes the Globe Shopper City Index - a guide to the best shopping cities around the world.These global cities are compared against each other on four main categories - accessibility, value and variety of its products, and the overall quality of the shopping experience.

According to the survey, the city must be convenient to get to and get around. It must also have a wide variety of goods and services.

The cost of the items available were also averaged out to find its value and compared against the other cities. This is to find out if the customer can get the same item at a more affordable price in another city. The last factor is the quality of service provided by the sales employees, and the beauty of the city. The results showed that out of its top 12 cities listed, four of them are in Asia. For people in Singapore, the top shopping cities in the world are just a short plane or car ride away. Find out which cities are ranked the best shopping places in the world.

12. Seoul, South Korea

Getting around: 4 Value: 7 Variety: 4 Experience: 6 = Total: 21
According to the survey, South Korea has a 'serious addiction to shopping. South Korea recorded more credit card transactions per person than any other country in 2011. It also said that all shop vendors are required by law to accept credit cards no matter how low the price.

In other words, "cash only, please" is probably unheard of there. The city also has a good mix of the old and new, said the Globe Shopper Index. The guide recommends the Seoul Folk Flea Market, Namdaemun Market and Gyeongdong Market for a shopping spree of more traditional goods.Seoul is also known to have four seasons. Thus, tourists can hit the beach for a tan or the slopes for a ski, after their shopping trips.

Some night shopping places in Seoul closes as late as 11pm, said the survey.

The city is also rich in history.

After shopping, visit one of their attractions such as the restored Namdaemun Gate (above) in Seoul.

The city is easily accessible by its well-connected train system.

11. Milan, Italy

Getting around: 5 Value: 5 Variety: 4 Experience: 8 = Total: 22

The next city in the list is Milan in Italy - home to some of the world's biggest names in luxury fashion such as Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace.

One of the best places to shop at is the Quadrilatero della Moda or Quadrilatero d'Oro. Many of their shopping places are housed inside buildings with beautiful architecture.

Even though the city may have the world's biggest brands, many of the local boutiques have top quality goods as well, including the ones at their outlet malls.

To get to any of them, one can hop onto their inter-city trams or even simply by walking.

If not, hop on a vespa and zoom to your next shopping place.

According to the guide, the streets are lined with jewellers, boutiques and lifestyle showrooms so one can easily stop and shop, or just browse.


10. Madrid, Spain

Getting around: 6 Value: 6 Variety: 4 Experience: 7 = Total: 23
Just a short plane ride from Milan, Madrid holds the 10th position for best shopping city.

It is also ranked third for best prices on general luxury items in the Globe Shopper Index.
One can get not only luxury goods, but also traditional goods such as comb ornaments or unique goods such as statement umbrellas with engraved silver handles.

The city is also known for its love for football and its gorgeous landscape. After a round of shopping, tourists can take a walk across the Plaza Mayor or visit one of the many museum.

9. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Getting around: 6 Value: 6 Variety: 8 Experience: 4 = Total: 24
It is not surprising to find Dubai in this list. It is one of the world's most beautiful and richest cities.

This kingdom is known to have enormous malls such as the Mall of Dubai and the Mall of the Emirates.


Their malls are not just regular shopping places, but full-service family entertainment complexes containing theme parks, waterfalls, Olympic-sized skating rinks and even an indoor ski resort.

After a day of shopping, one can 'browse' the many types of aquatic species at the aquarium and underwater zoo at the Mall of Dubai, one of the biggest malls in the UAE.

Dubai may be known to be one of the world's most expensive cities but during its annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February, one can find many great discounts on fashion and electronics, up to 70 per cent off, said the survey.


8. Vienna, Austria

Getting around: 6 Value: 8 Variety: 3 Experience: 8 = Total: 25


Even though Vienna is known to have the earliest closing hours around, it still ranks in the top 10 of this list, coming in at number eight, said Globe Shopper Index.
It is known as one of the best places to shop for luxury goods, coming in second on the Index for total cost of high-end items, said the survey.
Other than shopping, Vienna is known to be a beautiful and historically rich city of government buildings, opera houses and museums.

To fuel up for more rounds of shopping, tourists can eat their way along 1.5 kilometers of 120 food vendors flogging local eats from kaiserschmarrn (dessert pancakes) to exotic cheeses at the Naschmarkt.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Getting around: 6 Value: 8 Variety: 6 Experience: 7 = Total: 27


One can find knick-knacks and unique finds at a flea market.

Or, head down streets filled with boutiques selling top quality leather and fashion apparel.

6. Hong Kong, China

The first Asian city to appear on the list is Hong Kong.

The Chinese-city is filled with a wide variety of goods from the flea market items to high-end luxury products.

The city is well-connected by its inter-city train system and also affordable taxis.

Almost every area the city has places to shop at that simply walking around by foot, one can browse and buy at the same time.
According to Global Shopper City Index research, Hong Kong salespeople are 'borderline stalkers'. They will follow you around the store and help you find the item you want.

If there is nothing you want, they will still find you something in the end.

Getting around: 10 Value: 5 Variety: 6 Experience: 7 = Total: 28
- See more at: http://www.relax.com.sg/photo-gallery/best-cities-in-the-world-to-go-shopping?nid=1884119&fid=125904&type=photo-gallery&theme=colorbox#sthash.8BBXW6ap.dpuf

Hong Kong is a great shopping city also due to its avant-garde and bespoke fashion. One can get artfully-ripped stockings or a high-end luxury jewellery symbolising harmony or good fortune from one of their jewellery boutiques. -

The city is not only well-connected by their underground train system, one can also cross the city via their ferries, and get a view of its skyscrappers.

5. Paris, France

Getting around: 6 Value: 6 Variety: 8 Experience: 9 = Total: 29

Paris is a city not only known for its high-end luxury shopping, but also for its many world-famous museums and structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre

Paris houses some of the best departmental stores like Printemps and Galleries Lafayette, and also top fashion labels like Louis Vuitton.

The survey said when one shops in Paris, they are not just buying ordinary items, they are buying a lifestyle.

4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Getting around: 6 Value: 10 Variety: 8 Experience: 6 = Total: 30

It is impossible for Malaysia's capital city not to make it in this ranking with three of the world's 10 largest malls located in Kuala Lumpur alone.

One of the malls, 1 Utama, the world's fourth-largest mall, houses more than 650 shops, said the survey.

Getting around is easy with its well-connected and affordable public transportation system. -

Their year end sale starts during the festive period of November to January.

According to the survey, Kuala Lumpur is ranked high due to its "winning combination" of high quality shopping, affordable prices and reliable sales service.

3. London, England

Getting around: 6 Value: 6 Variety: 10 Experience: 9 = Total: 31

London may be known for its high prices but the Globe Shopper Index still ranks the British capital city as a top fashion shopping destination for its variety of international brands. –

London is known for its bold fashion variety and lifestyle products to stock your home with.

One can find such items at Great Marlborough Street or Dover Street Market.

London is such a picturesque city that many of its streets have been used as a filming location for movies. Examples include Notting hill, The Parent Trap and Love Actually. –

2. Tokyo, Japan

Getting around: 8 Value: 8 Variety: 9 Experience: 9 = Total: 34

According to the survey, the Tokyo shopping experience begins at the department store.

Tokyo is a city highly ranked for its customer service, and shoppers can walk in and be treated like royalty, said the Globe Shopper Index.

Tokyo may be known to be an expensive city, but one can find many good bargains in one of its flea markets and shops along their busy shopping areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya.

In Isetan, one of their major department stores, customers can find employees who speak English, Mandarin and even Korean to help them with their shopping needs.

These shopping consultants can help with explaining the different products and also offer you advice on your shopping, said the research.

Tokyo offers not only the latest and most avant-garde fashion, it also has delicious street foods and attractions for the tourists to indulge in after their shopping trips. - See more at:

1. New York City, United States

Getting around: 8 Value: 7 Variety: 10 Experience: 10 = Total: 35

New York City is one of the most diversified cities in the world, said the Globe Shopper City Index, and thus, offers shoppers a multi-cultural experience.

From its luxury shopping on Fifth Avenue to unique finds in Greenwich village, New York City offers shoppers the best shopping experience, coming in at number one.

New York City offers not only uptown luxury goods, but also the low-end affordable discount items.

One can find sales at different corners of the city, offering up low prices for street fashion and knick-knacks

Culturally-diversed New York City is also home to festivals and events happening throughout the year.

From the Macy's Thanksgiving parade to an impromptu street dance, shoppers can have a unique holiday while hitting the 'Big Apple'.

Other than great shopping, New York City is also home to its famous Broadway shows such as award-winning musicals Book of Mormon, Legally Blonde: The Musical and Avenue Q.