Among the many great shopping cities in the world, the three that come up trumps are Hong Kong, New York and Paris: all bustling cities which will confound your expectations.
Paris: France’s capital is famed for its high-end designers and boutiques. But here’s an inside scoop on the less mainstream Parisian shopping experience: Paris’s flea markets, such as Marche aux Puces de St Ouen, are a brilliant way to soak up Parisian culture and track down rare pieces that would be impossible to find elsewhere, from one-off antiques to clothing that’s simply ‘le chic’. Marche aux Puces de St Ouen contains a number of different markets with a variety of merchandise to suit all tastes. Tour Eiffel Apartments provide a striking view of one of the city’s most famous landmarks and are only a fifteen minute taxi journey away, or take a look at our wide range of other Paris serviced apartments.
Hong Kong: The streets of Hong Kong are bustling with hawkers and market stalls, leaving you no shortage of choice when it comes to shopping. The number one shopping area in the city is Mongkok, located in Yau Tsim Mong. An unusual must-see in Mongkok is the Goldfish Market in Tung Choi Street. The market doesn’t solely sell goldfish; visitors can also take their pick from reptiles, various tropical arachnids, turtles and crabs. Even though it would be impractical for tourists to purchase anything from the market, it’s a visually arresting and rather surreal place to spend an afternoon, and it’s completely free.
If you’re after a more conventional shopping experience, the Peak Tower shopping centre, 396 metres above sea level, is a futuristic-looking building which provides a 360 degree view of the city and contains shops, entertainment facilities and restaurants. SilverDoor represents serviced apartments in Hong Kong within half an hour of Mongkok that will allow you to relax after a hectic day of sightseeing. Yee Wo Street Apartments are also only a fifteen minute drive away.
New York: Typically known for its huge department stores, New York also has some of the world’s best flea markets. Brooklyn Flea is an eccentric vintage market also known for its food - so visit on an empty stomach. Elsewhere you can rummage through the antiques in the SoHo antiques fair, gaze at the glamorous stock in Noho Market or visit GreenFlea Market for local farming produce. SilverDoor represents a vast range of furnished apartments in New York; the apartments in Centria @ Rockefeller Plaza are only thirty minutes from Brooklyn Flea via the subway.
Pictured: the view over Hong Kong from the Peak Tower shopping centre.
