World-class shopping: The top cities for upscale retail experiences

Kickstart your holiday gift buying in these stylish cities that offer some of the most elevated urban escapes and superb shopping in the world.

By Cassandra Brooklyn | November 5, 2025

Discover world-class shopping this holiday season

From high fashion boulevards to indie boutiques tucked down cobblestone lanes, this holiday season, the world’s best shopping cities offer more than just retail therapy — they offer immersive adventures in style, luxury, and fashion. And at the end of each shopping spree, these four sophisticated hotels provide a soft landing with impeccable amenities, contemporary accommodations, and front-row access to the world’s most stylish streets. Here’s where to shop — and stay — in style around the world.

The best cities for holiday shopping

Paris

Classic couture meets avant-garde edge in Paris, which doesn’t just influence fashion — it defines it. Home to some of the most renowned fashion houses, explore the golden grandeur of Rue Saint-Honoré to the indie designers of Le Marais in the City of Light as you shop like a local, dress like a muse, and savor every espresso break in between. At SAX Paris, LXR Hotels & Resorts, elegance is reimagined with a distinctly Parisian twist. The boutique hotel merges 19th-century architecture with sleek, modern design, offering guests a curated experience that feels both exclusive and effortlessly chic. Not only is it close to the Eiffel Tower, but it’s also a short drive from the upscale department store Galeries Lafayette, where you'll find fine jewelry, perfume, menswear, and more, from acclaimed designer brands. After a day of treasure hunting, unwind on your private terrace or savor modern Japanese cuisine at Kinugawa, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.

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London

Whether it’s the bespoke charm of Mayfair or the creative grit of East London’s Brick Lane, the British capital is a shopping destination that caters to every retail aesthetic: traditional, eclectic, and everything in between. Perfectly positioned near Westminster, Conrad London St. James exudes contemporary elegance while offering a serene refuge after navigating vintage markets in Notting Hill, browsing the designer shops on Regent Street, or making a pilgrimage to the global flagship stores. The hotel’s dedicated concierge can help you develop a custom shopping itinerary according to your personal tastes and can even arrange a tour around town in a trendy Mini Cooper. Return to your hotel in time for afternoon tea at Orchard Room, followed by elevated British cuisine at The Pem Restaurant.

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New York

From Fifth Avenue’s iconic storefronts to the edgy showrooms of the Lower East Side, New York pulses with a style that’s both raw and refined, with designer fashion straight off the runway. Anchoring both uptown opulence and downtown cool, there are distinct stays for each side of the city. Waldorf Astoria New York, reimagined for a new era, remains a beacon of grandeur just blocks from the luxury corridors of Madison Avenue, the custom-designed uniforms echo the refinement of the fashion brands next door, and its dining options are the talk of the town. Upon your return from a day of holiday shopping, the dedicated team can unpack and prepare your new ensembles in your room for a night out on the town. Meanwhile, Conrad New York Downtown puts you just minutes away from Tribeca’s minimalist boutiques and SoHo’s fashion-forward finds. For stunning views of the surrounding area and across the Hudson River, don’t miss drinks at the hotel's open-air rooftop cocktail bar, Leonessa. Both hotels deliver expansive suites, skyline views, and intuitive service tailored to the pace of the city itself.

Find your New York stay

A man and a woman in dark elegant clothing walking down a hotel corridor, looking downward and smiling — Delight in your stylish surroundings at Waldorf Astoria New York

Man and woman standing on staircase looking upwards

Find your New York stay

Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, shopping isn’t just retail therapy — it’s a lifestyle. Browse Rodeo Drive for holiday party attire and gifts or explore the bohemian flair of Abbot Kinney and Melrose Avenue’s cult-favorite shops. Set in the golden glow of the city’s most coveted neighborhood, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a sanctuary of glamour with panoramic city views, impressive fine dining, and a rooftop pool that practically demands a designer swimsuit. It’s also a pet-friendly hotel, so your pup is welcome along for the festive season. The hotel’s concierge can even arrange a shopping spree that accommodates you and your furry friend. With house car access, you’re never far from your next retail excursion — be it a locally made linen kaftan or a hard-to-find handbag from the on-site luxury store, Bijan. Unwind after a day of shopping at La Prairie Spa, which offers a multitude of treatments and massages that will be sure to leave you well-rested and ready for the next day.

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Cassandra Brooklyn

Cassandra Brooklyn is a freelance writer and guidebook author specializing in travel, accessibility, sustainability, and all things outdoors. Originally hailing from the Midwest, she now lives in New York City but escapes to adventures around the world as often as possible. She's the author of the cycling guidebook, Cuba By Bike, has contributed to multiple guidebooks about Egypt, Portugal, and the United States, and she has bylines in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Geographic, Forbes, The Daily Beast, and Lonely Planet, among others.

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Experience an iconic urban escape in New York City

Discover the ultimate indulgence in New York City with unique culinary gems, world-class experiences, and relaxing opportunities for rejuvenation while staying at The Greatest of Them All, Waldorf Astoria New York.

Famous for celebrity sightings, glorious gastronomy and all the finer things in life, Beverly Hills is where the A-listers spend their time. From impressive art to renowned restaurants and upscale boutiques, there’s no shortage of unique experiences — including many that are pet-friendly.