While we are usually excited about travelling and seeing the world, we also like to bring back gifts and souvenirs from our visits. And the best souvenirs are those that you find cheap and brag about when you get home. If you too love bargain shopping at flea markets and street shops, here's a look at 8 fashion-frenzied cities where you can travel and shop in style without paying hefty prices.
List of Best Places For Good Shopping Deals
From busy streets to expansive outlets and malls, the following cities are a must-visit for bargain hunters-
Bangkok, Thailand
With low prices and a vast selection of clothing, textiles, housewares, and knock-off electronic products, you could easily spend days in Bangkok immersed in retail therapy. Start with the shops in and around Siam Centre and Siam Paragon on Sukhumvit and work your way through the malls on Petchburi Road, like Platinum Fashion Mall, which is fantastic for cheap clothing. There are some markets, like the Pratunam Market and Chatuchak Market, that offer dirt-cheap prices. The latter is said to be the biggest weekend market in the worl,d selling everything ranging from wood carvings, pottery, and ceramic wares to different items of furniture.
Dubai, UAE
The city is known for its luxury and is a favourite spot for bargain shoppers, especially during the Dubai Shopping Festival or DSF. Held annually, the DSF offers amazing deals on international brands which can not be missed. The Karama Market, with its cheap souvenirs, and Meena Baazar, with a traditional ambiance and ethnic wear and gold collection, are must-visit open markets. The Dubai Outlet Mall is perfect for great deals on everything from electronics to designer goods and jewellery.
Istanbul, Turkey
The Baazars of Istanbul are historically known for their culturally rich ambiance and diverse price offerings on utility and luxury items. The Grand Baazar, a space with 4000 shops, is a shoppers’ paradise. The stores here stock locally made carpets, ceramics, and ornaments. The Spice Bazaar offers a wide range of traditional spices and herb mixes. If you are looking for great deals on leather goods and handwoven home décor items, there is no place better than the bazaars of Istanbul.
Orlando, USA
Popular for its theme parks, Orlando is also a hub of shoppers. With outlet stores of renowned brands and cheap designer goods, the city is fashionistas’ favourite. Orlando International Premium Outlets, Lake Buena Vista Factory Store, and factory outlets of Nike, Adidas, and Calvin Klein offer unbeatable discounts for all the top brands. You can visit these shops on weekdays to avoid the crowd and pick your favourites from the fresh stock.
Madrid, Spain
With a blend of European charm and budget-friendly shopping options, Madrid is a tourists’ favourite shopping and travel destination. El Rastro, the cherished flea market of the city is a must-visit spot in the itinerary of international shoppers. You will get jaw-dropping deals on leather articles, local crafts, and vintage handicrafts. Go to El Rastro early in the day to avoid overcrowding and get the best possible deals. You can also visit the Las Rozas Village, where several retail outlets of brands like Prada and Armani offer discounts on their collections.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City are a treasured shoppers' hub. Local and international brands at affordable prices can be found at Saigon Square. Here, articles such as shoes and sports attire are sold at wholesale rates. A unique shopping experience is offered by Ben Than Market, where you can find gifts, readymade clothing, handmade artwork, coffee, and lip-smacking street food.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A mix of high-end malls and crowded street markets make shopping in Kuala Lumpur an unforgettable experience. This city is ideal for bargain hunting, with great options of knock-offs and gifting material available at Petaling Street, Chinatown, and pocket-friendly fashion goods sold at Sungei Wang Plaza. Everything from the latest electronic gadgets to the ancient craft of Batik can be purchased in these markets. Visiting Malaysia during the annual Mega Sale Carnival has to be on your list because it is a great occasion to steal amazing deals.
Lisbon, Portugal
Tradition and modernity come together in the markets of Lisbon. Fiera de Ladra, the famous flea market, is ideal for buying antique art and pre-loved collections. Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet is perfect for getting great deals on famous brands. With a large collection of local wines, ceramics, clothes, and crafts available at negotiable rates, these markets in Lisbon are famous among tourists looking to make bulk purchases.
Conclusion
With such an extensive list, it's time to pack your bags but leave enough space to stock up on the fabulous finds from around the world. Since bargain shopping can involve haggling over prices in crowded markets, there are chances of losing your valuables or pickpocketing. Invest in good international travel insurance to stay financially protected from such risks.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.