Booking.com has conducted global research to uncover the most fashion-forward cities that any fashionista will need to add to their bucket list. Be prepared — you may need to pack a second suitcase.
Whether you’re looking to immerse in a cool food scene, shop ‘til you drop, soak up stunning architecture or party all night, Booking.com has the perfect accommodations across fashionable destinations worldwide to suit your style.
“There are so many incredible fashion capitals, the most dominant for me are Dubai, Las Vegas and Rome. Dubai has an extreme sense of opulence that is envied on globally. Las Vegas is the ultimate place to have fun and Rome is super chic and refined, and the style there represents that to a tee,” says top fashion designer and Booking.com style ambassador Christian Cowan. “I think it’s fun to visit places outside the traditional style capitals, some of these cities are up and coming, and totally experimental, so it’s a fun environment to sample new style personally.”
Paris
The city of love has long been regarded as a fashion capital of the world, from the exclusive runways of Paris Fashion Week to the designer clad stores along the exquisite Champs Elysées. But there is more to this glamorous city than expensive labels. Venture to one of Paris’ pop-up fashion markets to get style advice from some of the chicest Parisians in town.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Paris at La Clef Louvre, located opposite the Comédie-Française and just a short walk from the Louvre Museum and Jardin des Tuileries. Once you’re done with the shopping scene, check out the fine art museums and delicious food options in the area.
New York City
Whether you are on the hunt for a vintage treasure or avant-garde designer merchandise, New York City (NYC) is the place to be. Aside from the invite-only catwalks during New York Fashion Week, this city is home to some of the world’s most famous and largest department stores: Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Barneys and Saks. For something a little different, take a stroll along Lower East Side (previously dubbed the bargain district) and stop by vintage stores and flea markets for a spot of savvy shopping. Nolita is the place to see and to be seen for high fashion at high prices, or stop by the open air Green Flea Market for a vintage gem.
Where to stay: Located within walking distance from the iconic Soho, Greenwich Village and Union Square neighborhoods are the trendy East Village Apartments. After hitting the shops, book tickets to the theatre, go sightseeing or visit a fine art museum.
London
London’s unique allure is impossible to define and is a playground for fashionistas and shopaholics. From the hustle and bustle of Oxford Circus offering every style of shop and brand you can think of, the quirky market stores of Camden, to the premium boutiques and designer labels along the exclusive King’s Road in Chelsea. There is something to suit everyone’s style — and budget.
Where to stay: No1 The Mansions By Mansley are self-catering and fancy apartments situated in the luxurious borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Guests will love this home away from home stay. After you’ve hit the streets of London for shopping, other top things to do in the capital include sightseeing, learning about London’s history and visiting the theatre.
Milan
If there’s one city that’s worthy of the fashion capital crown it’s Milan, home to the prestigious Milan Fashion Week. The perfect place for fashionistas, Milan is the capital of Italian and international fashion. The Quadrilatero d’Oro (known as the golden rectangle) is home to some of the world’s most luxurious boutiques. Walk one of the most expensive and prestigious streets in the world, Via Monte Napoleone, or opt for the bustling trade fair of Milano Unica.
Where to stay: Located in Milan’s city center, with the Milan Fashion District a short walk away, is the charming Moscova Luxury B&B, featuring airy bedrooms, a shared lounge and kitchen. Besides shopping, Milan is also highly endorsed by Booking.com travellers for its cathedrals, ancient landmarks and city walks.
Tokyo
Similar to the studded skyscraper skyline, Tokyo fashion is on another level. The challenge to any shopper in Tokyo is knowing where to look. Shibuya is Tokyo’s liveliest shopping neighborhood from fashion boutiques to department stores. Harajuku is the place to be for vibrant street style, with its fashionably kawaii and eccentric charm. Dubbed as Tokyo’s Champs-Élysée, Omotesando Avenue oozes luxury dedicated to designer fashion, or for something a little different Nihonbashi is home to generations-old department stores and specialty shops.
Where to stay: A trip to Tokyo is incomplete without a traditional Ryokan stay. The Miyabiyado Takemine features modern Japanese décor in the heart of Tokyo. In addition to its vibrant fashion scene, Booking.com travellers love Tokyo for its friendly locals, culture and convenient public transport.
Dubai
It’s no surprise that Dubai is on the list of fashion hotspots. The Dubai Shopping Mall is home to over a thousand stores, a spectacular four-story waterfall, a huge aquarium and even an Olympic sized ice rink. This mini-city houses brands from across Europe and the US and holds the first Bloomingdale’s outside the US. The Bur Dubai Souk is famous for its collection of colorful fabrics and textiles and the surrounding streets are full of tailoring and sari shops. In addition to the stores, Dubai is famous for its shopping festivals, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival for the entirety of January every year, attracting thousands of shoppers from around the world.
Where to stay: Feel like royalty with a stay at the JA Oasis Beach Tower Apartments. Situated on Dubai’s famous The Walk on Jumeirah Beach Residence just steps away from Jumeirah Beach, with endless shopping, dining and leisure facilities. Once you’ve hit the shops check out Dubai’s beautiful beaches, tasty food and vibrant nightlife as endorsed by Booking.com travellers.
Barcelona
The shopping scene in Barcelona is diverse, from high-street fashion, exclusive one-of-a-kind designs to colorful and authentic Spanish apparel. Travellers will love Barcelona’s shopping line, one of Europe’s largest retail areas (five kilometres long to be exact). Top hotspots include Mercat La Boqueria, the colors and atmosphere are what brings this market to life and La Maquinista, the most recent addition to Barcelona’s many shopping malls. When visiting a destination for its fashion and style appeal, global travellers revealed key criteria includes a cool food scene (52%), so it’s no wonder Barcelona makes the list with their delicious al fresco tapas scene.
Where to stay: La Casa Gran B&B is a traditional bed and breakfast, ideally located a short walk away from Passeig de Gràcia and Gaudi’s La Pedrera. Other top reasons to visit Barcelona, as endorsed by Booking.com travellers, include sightseeing, food and beaches.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles (LA) has long been the hub and home of A-list stars and the most dazzling of parties such as the Oscars, making a name for itself in the fashion world. Check out the Fashion District in Downtown LA for wholesalers and designers, Melrose Avenue for fabulous boutiques and the iconic Rodeo Drive for the finest of fashion labels.
Where to stay: Experience world-class service at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, situated in Beverly Hills and just a short drive from Rodeo Drive. Once you’ve hit the shops, check out the beaches, art museums and array of restaurants that this city has to offer.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has always been the destination for bringing out people’s wild sides, with the famous saying, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” So why not embrace this free spirit attitude to your style? The Forum Shops at Caesars is arguably one of the largest and elaborate malls along the Strip, or head to Las Vegas North Premium Outlets for savvy shopping. When visiting a destination for its fashion and style appeal, global travellers revealed key criteria includes great nightlight (40%) which is unavoidable in this city that never sleeps.
Where to stay: Signature Rental by Owner Direct are set in the Las Vegas strip just 750 yards from Crystals Shopping Centre. After spending the day shopping, relax in your hot tub and fluffy bathrobe. Booking.com travellers’ top endorsements for Las Vegas include entertainment, gambling and people watching.
Rome
The designer powerhouses Versace, Armani and Prada have upheld the reputation of Italian fashion for decades. Rome, Italy’s so-called ‘eternal city’ may no longer be in the shadow of Milan. Offering everything from haute couture to flea markets. Via Condotti is the place for high fashion, or aspirational window shopping. Via del Corso is good for high-street staples and Porta Portese is one of the largest flea markets in Europe, open every Sunday from 7am until 1pm. When visiting a destination for its fashion and style appeal, global travellers revealed key criteria includes stunning architecture (44%) and you can’t help but stop and stare at every turn exploring the incredible streets of Rome.
Where to stay: The Bricks Rome is a stylish hostel with rooms that feature balconies (perfect for taking those fashion-forward selfies), a shared large outdoor terrace with sun loungers, a lounge and private bathrooms. Booking.com travellers’ top endorsements for Rome are sightseeing, history and food.
