Five of the World's Best City Breaks for a Winter Shopping Spree
Shopaholics hardly need an excuse to hit the retailers but in winter it starts to become an activity of choice for many. It's a great way to while away the cold days and with Christmas on the horizon we're all seeking the perfect gifts for families and loved ones.
To help you find the ideal purchase, a great option is to combine a holiday and a shopping spree by heading overseas. Plus, you don't need to use Christmas as an excuse - if you're a shopping lover these cities are perfect to visit all year round.
Here are five of the world's greatest cities for a spot of retail therapy that are sure to offer a variety of stores. And if we could jump on a plane tonight, we would head for any one of these five major cities:
New York
With lengthy streets lined with some of the world's most famous stores, New York City has long been a mecca for shopping-lovers, offering a range of different experiences from vintage to outlet shops.
If you're looking for a one-stop-shop, head to any of the city's sprawling malls. The Time Warner Centre houses luxury stores and a huge Whole Foods Market in the basement. There's also Manhattan Mall near Herald Square and Grand Central Terminal, which offer a selection of stores for all tastes and budgets.
For a more unique purchase there is a wonderful array of flea markets located throughout the city. Hell's Kitchen flea market sells antiques, vintage clothing and original art each weekend, or head to the Brooklyn flea market in Fort Green for quirky finds and special presents.
However, it's the huge department stores that provide the city's most iconic shopping experiences. Macy's in Herald Square covers a whole block and boasts a dazzling range of fashion and homeware shops. Bloomingdale's is another famous option in the city, with a great selection of designer clothing. If you're seeking a bargain, make your way to Century 21 in Lower Manhattan which offers discounted prices on designer items.
New York City can seem intimidating at first, so it's worth swotting up to plan before going. NYCGo has plenty of useful information to guide you, so you can make the most of your time there.
If you want to take a road trip around New York then Your RV Lifestyle have some tips on the 100 best things to do in New York.
Milan
From magnificent shopping arcades and futuristic malls to thriving food markets, bring home a slice of Italy with a shopping break to Milan. Whether you are a collector of high fashion, prefer to root out vintage finds in independent shops or want to bring back something delicious from an artisan deli, the shops in Milan provide something to suit all tastes.
If you're looking to invest in some serious designer names or just looking for somewhere to do some aspirational window shopping, Milan's Quadrilatero d'Oro is the square for you; the place is a treasure trove for label junkies with over 150 stores from designer labels including Dior, Gucci, Cartier, Prada and Chanel.
Around the Piazza del Duomo you'll find the standard high street brand stores, but walk towards the Navigli area, down Porta Ticinese, and the shops become much more interesting. This part of town is a paradise for independent shoppers with stores selling a mix of retro, vintage and avant-garde clothing and accessories.
Milan is only a two hours flight from the UK and so is perfect for a weekend break. Find out more about the city and how to spend your time there with this Milan guide from London City Airport.
Dubai
Where better to head to spend your pennies than in a city that has a month long celebration devoted to shopping? 
Throughout the month there will be countless shows and a range of exciting entertainment throughout the city, including street carnivals, live music and circus acts, as well as huge discounts and citywide sales.
January may be a little late for Christmas shopping, but could be a great way to pick up gifts for anyone you may have missed, or simply a good opportunity to treat yourself to a few bargains!
It's not just in January that the city will appeal to shoppers. The bustling Middle Eastern-style bazaars (souqs) have been a draw for centuries, since the city was a popular trading port. These ramshackle markets are the perfect way to get a feel for the history of the city whilst picking up anything from beautiful textiles to the latest gadgets.
For the classic Dubai experience, you'll no doubt be spending some time in one of the city's sprawling shopping malls, which offer entertainment, eating options, theatres and even mosques inside. Not only do they offer ease from the heat, but they boast a range of shops and department stores. For example, the opulent Mall of the Emirates houses exclusive designers, chic boutiques, over 90 international dining and café options and even an indoor ski slope!
Find out more about Dubai at Definitely Dubai, which provides more information about the city’s excellent shops and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Hong Kong
The late December sale season is the perfect time to head to Hong Kong, especially in the run up to the Chinese New Year when there are plenty of exciting bargains to be had. Each district offers a different type of shopping experience, meaning a trip can be filled either with extravagant purchases or bargain buys.
Stanley Market on the south coast of the island is a great area for street markets and, although these are targeted at tourists, you’re still likely to be able to find original artwork, traditional fabrics and clothing items. 
For chic designer fashion, head to one of the city’s many shopping malls, especially Pacific Place in Admiralty, Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong and Landmark in Central. These huge centres boast a range of recognisable stores, from high end luxury such as Louis Vuitton, Harvey Nichols and Tiffany to high street brands like Hollister, Gap and Accessorize.
For tech fans, Hong Kong has plenty of bargains to offer, whether you’re in the market for a laptop, camera or the latest mobile phone. The Golden Mile in Tsim Sha Tsui offers a high concentration of electronics stores where you’ll be sure to find some great deals. Just don't purchase from stores that don't display the price - most places are legitimate, but there can still be a few disreputable sellers in the area.
There's almost too much to take in when it comes to shopping in Hong Kong. Discover Hong Kong has fantastic guides that will be able to help you plan your trip with ease.
Paris
From haute couture to flea markets, Paris is packed with a bounty of shopping opportunities. 
Perhaps the most iconic shopping area in the city is the Champs-Elysees, which houses numerous high end shops such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Dior. However, there are plenty of other options for luxurious purchases, such as the Canal Saint-Martin district, which has been gaining considerable buzz over the last few years for its up-and-coming artists and designers.
If you're after unique Christmas gifts or one-of-a-kind items, the Marche de la Création holds a market each Saturday in which over 100 local artists sell handmade jewellery, designs, ceramics and paintings.
Or head to Saint-Ouen to browse the city’s mightiest flea market, where you’re likely to find high end vintage items, home décor, antiques and treasures. Just make sure to brush up on your haggling skills if you're looking to buy.
You won't want to waste a second in this magical city; find out more about this great city with this guide from Go Paris
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