Shopping

London:

For just about anyone traveling to London, shopping has been relegated to souvenir or special item shopping due to the rising currency exchange. Though you aren’t likely to find a bargain when shopping in London, you will find some interesting souvenirs, and there are some great markets on Portobello Road that are worth checking out whether you plan to buy something or not.

London is on par with New York and Paris as a major fashion capital of the world, and there is an overwhelming amount of shopping options. Regent Street is one of the vital veins of this shopping network. Many of the most popular brand stores and bargain outlets can be found here. Nearby, department store enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll along either Oxford Street or Knightsbridge. These streets are home to the ever-popular Harrods and Harvey Nichols, both of which are insanely appealing for local and foreign shoppers. Some English goods to look for include Wedgewood and Royal Doulton porcelain, teas, jams, teddy bears and just about anything else from Harrods.

Edinburgh:

Edinburgh is the best city for shopping in Scotland. The Royal Mile is a network of streets that begins around Edinburgh Castle and offers a plethora of trendy boutiques and tourist shops to pick up any Scottish souvenir. Scotland is known for its knitwear, especially cashmere and lambswool. Other Scottish-made products are kilts, bagpipes and shortbread cookies. The majority of department stores can be found on Princes Street with stores such as Marks & Spencer, Frasers and Jenners. The popular Harvey Nichols is located on St. Andrews Square. For upscale clothing boutiques head to George Street. On the opposite end of the shopping spectrum, New Town, Broughton Street and the Grassmarket offer shopping that’s lighter on your wallet with thrift stores selling clothing, jewelry and antiques.

Dublin:

The two main shopping areas in Dublin are located on Grafton Street and Henry Street. On both of these streets only foot traffic is allowed. Grafton Street is where you can find trendier shops and designer stores, such as Weirs, which is an exclusive jeweler. Powerscourt Town Center is a small shopping center that is also located in this area. Henry Street has a host of department stores such as Arnotts. Nearby is Moore Street, which is known for the food market located there. In this area is also O’Connell Street, known as Dublin’s main street, where you can find Eason’s Booksellers and Clery’s Department Store.

Dublin offers several markets including the Blackrock Market, Irish Farmer’s Market and the Temple Bar Book Market. The Blackrock Market is considered Ireland’s best weekend market, open Saturday from 11am to 5:30pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5:30pm. At this market you can find any range of items from fine art to usual flea market trinkets.