When you’ve got a limited number of holidays to take from work each year you soon realise that it’s super important to make use of as many extended weekends as you can to travel. Thankfully Europe is more accessible than ever and there are plenty of travel offers available to make the most of your budget if your know where to look!
If you’re flexible and a little spontaneous you can find some great flights to some stunning destinations across Europe. Before you touch down though, it’s worth trying to find a bargain or two.
Say “Hello Europe”
The “Hello Europe” hub from American Express® is an online resource brimming with tempting offers* for Cardmembers – from five fantastic European countries, including hotels to stay in, restaurants to eat in and things to do.
Over the last year or so I’ve been exploring some of Europe’s top cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Hamburg, Dublin and even England’s own Brighton, Newcastle and of course London!
Here are my tips for shopping in my favourite European cities.
Barcelona
Barcelona has been one of my favourite destinations for a quick weekend break for a long time. It’s the perfect city, just two hours flight from London and is teeming full of culture, cuisine, landmarks and designer shopping.
Eating and Drinking
If you are on the lookout for restaurants, cafes, bookshops and flower stalls, head to Barcelona’s most famous street, Las Ramblas. You can easily grab some tapas and a bottle of cava on the go.
For unique fashion brands
Wander the narrow Gothic streets around Portal de l’Àngel (near to Place de Catalunya) for smaller designer fashion shops.
For designer fashion
If you’re looking for top end designer fashion head to Aviguda Diagonal.
Hamburg
Hamburg, the inventor of the hamburger! A city that actually has many more waterways and bridges than Venice. The city has a unique, cool vibe of its own. You can see it in its art, culture and music scene. Once a famous playground for a young band called “The Beatles”, Germany’s second largest city plays harbourside home to more of an eclectic electronic scene these days along with bustling neighbourhoods.
High End Shopping
If you’re looking for a street that has plenty of high end shopping with plenty of crepes and bratwurst then look no further than Moenckebergstrasse.
Designer Fashion
If your tastes are a bit more high end then shopping on Neuer Wall (get the U-Bahn to Jungfernstieg) might be just what you’re looking for. The street is 600 metres long and full of jewellery, clothes, furniture and shoes.
Boutiques
For a mix of the modern, old and retro you can’t go far wrong with Markstrasse featuring plenty of boutique and second hand shops. Wandering these streets you’ll find unique independently owned shops selling clothes, design and music.
Hamburg Fish Market
Ok so it might not be high end designer shopping but the Fish Market every Sunday morning in Hamburg really is a unique experience. This bustling market dates way back to 1703 and attracts customers from all over looking to grab a fresh bargain, it’s fascinating to watch.
Paris
Who doesn’t think of shopping along with stunning landmarks and amazing food when thinking about the French capital, Paris? Just over two hours from London on the train, Paris really is a top European city to get away to on quick weekend. With quaint pavement cafes, bistros, art galleries and museums plus some of the best restaurants in the world, Paris really is the complete city break.
Designer & High Street shopping
People usually associate Avenue des Champs Elysées with expensive high-end shopping but in reality it has a much bigger range than you might think. You’ll find famous designer shops and more expensive options along Avenue Montaigne.
For more high street stores head to Boulevard Haussmann. Rue de Rennes is worth a wander if you’re looking for trendy chains mixed alongside boutiques and Parisian shops.
Food Markets
If you’re shopping for fresh food or even just looking to explore, Marché Richard Lenoir is a lively market packed with fresh fruit, cheeses, bread, olives and wine. It’s worth going just for the sights, smells and to take in the local vibe.
I’ve only scratched the surface of these world-class European cities as there is just so much to discover, hopefully they’ll provide you with some inspiration. For more European travel inspiration and, offers available to American Express Cardmembers, take a browse around the Hello Europe hub.
The hub covers travel to France, Germany, Spain, Austria and Italy. Each section highlights some of the key sightseeing spots across the countries including famous markets, stunning cathedrals, beautiful wine regions, city landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It gives you a taster of what to put on your itinerary before delving into the breadth of offers* available. If you’re a savvy shopper you’ll find plenty of offers, from extra night stays at hotels, discounts on designer and high street brands as well as restaurants and even car hire.
So why not have a browse you may just find offers that’ll help you say “Hello Europe” for less.
This post was written in association with American Express. TravMonkey maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.
Promoter: American Express Payment Services Limited. Registered Office: Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX. Registered in England and Wales with Number 06301718. American Express Payment Services Limited is authorised in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority under Payment Services Regulations 2009 (reference number 484347) for the provision of payment services.
*Terms apply.
