Six Fashion-Forward Destinations Around the World Every Fashionista Should Visit in 2024
Whether it’s scouring the season’s runway, hunting down the latest designer trends or leafing through racks of vintage clothes, the world is full of destinations to satisfy every fashion lover out there. With over half (56%)* of travelers wanting to take a vacation to rediscover themselves, what better way to inspire new style choices this year than visiting a fashion-forward destination? With global fashion weeks for 2024 kicking off in January, we present a selection of cities around the world sure to inspire any fashionista. Flocking to the well-known fashion capitals of the world is so last season darling, so for those considering a new year style reinvention upgrade to one of these highly-recommended alternative destinations that will spark some exciting retail therapy.**
Cannes, France
Even though many global fashion brands originate from Paris, travelers should not overlook the stylish city of Cannes. Situated on the Côte d'Azur, Cannes is famed for its annual film festival, sparkling sunshine and upmarket shopping. Designer fashion boutiques line the iconic palm-shaded Boulevard de la Croisette along the seafront, while high street brands can be found in Rue d’Antibes. French Riviera style is a fusion of classic tailoring, chic separates and lavish accessories, and many stores have personal shopping assistants to help dress different body types. For treats that are more on budget, head to Le Suquet, the historic old town with its labyrinth of independent boutiques, and watch out for flea markets called ‘La Brocante,’ selling second-hand designer goods for a bargain. Visitors can Explore the Insta-worthy Spots of Cannes with a Local to amp up the style factor on social media, from the beautiful Bay of Cannes to the Palais des Festival, where the glitterati gather each year for the film festival.
Where to stay: Located just a short walk away from the main shopping streets, La Croisette and Rue d’Antibes, travelers can enjoy an incredible stay at the bijou Palais Miramar Imperial Croisette. This apartment complex is centrally located and right on the beach, with cultural must-visits such as the Palais des Festivals around the corner, making it easy for guests to explore the city by foot. These elegant apartments are typically decorated in a classic French style and feature quaint little balconies offering bright blue Mediterranean sea views.
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Ultra-modern Dubai is a favorite metropolis for many fashionistas, but the cultural city of Abu Dhabi offers a shopping spree that will not disappoint along the Persian Gulf coast. Visitors can head to one of the many mega malls that offer a luxury shopping experience, including the Abu Dhabi Mall, with over 200 stores, and the Galleria on Al Maryah Island, with over 400 stores and set in an impressive Arabic-style glass building. Where Dubai has risen from the desert with its skyscrapers and malls, Abu Dhabi provides a more lived-in and authentic experience: travelers will find a myriad of fabric shops and generations of local tailors located inside the Madinat Zayed Shopping Center for those who want to have clothes made at low cost, while the open-air Souk Central Market offers traditional attire and handmade shoes. Book an Abu Dhabi Half-Day Tour to discover the city’s major markets and monuments, and observe Islamic designs blended with modern architecture at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Where to stay: Fashion lovers will rejoice at the five-star Royal Rose Hotel, situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi and within walking distance of Abu Dhabi Mall and the Galleria. This palatial Baroque-inspired hotel has everything from a rooftop pool and two chic restaurants to an opulent bar and separate spas for men and women. Stately rooms offer balconies and upgraded suites include whirlpool tubs and butler service. Guests can feel assured that this Booking.com Travel Sustainable hotel is supporting the local area, as it invests a percentage of its revenue back into community projects and offsets a portion of its carbon footprint.
Miami, Florida, United States
Move over New York and Los Angeles, Miami is cementing itself as the fashion capital of the US. From top-tier runway shows during Miami Fashion Week (January 24-28) to its evergreen sexy street style, there's a definitive look in this coastal metropolis which is distinctive around the world. Travelers can stroll through its streets and al fresco malls, soaking up the sun while they take in the art deco architecture and tropical gardens. Start with Lincoln Road Mall in the heart of South Beach, or for a more chilled-out experience head to Sunset Harbour overlooking Biscayne Bay, with its open-air malls and department stores, or the stylish Bal Harbour and Design District for luxury boutiques and designer flagships. From high fashion to vintage goods, travelers are bound to find something on a shopping excursion in Miami. To explore the city on water, book a Millionaire's Row Boat Cruise from Biscayne Bay to the lavish mansions of Millionaire’s Row, and view iconic sites from Fisher Island to Miami Beach along the way.
Where to stay: Bed down at the chic citizenM Miami Worldcenter in the heart of downtown Miami, a short drive or train ride away from Lincoln Road Mall and within walking distance of Bayside Marketplace along Biscayne Bay. Fashionistas will love the quietly kitsch rooms and the super friendly staff at this Booking.com Travel Proud stay, which boasts a fabulous rooftop pool and beautiful bay views. As conscientious about the environment as it is about its guests, this arty hotel has a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its efforts towards sustainability including offering local artists a platform to display their work.
Brisbane, Australia
Even though fashion down under is usually connected to Sydney, which hosts Australian Fashion Week each year, Brisbane is one of the greatest shopping destinations in Oz. In the heart of Queensland’s capital, fashionistas can shop for a new wardrobe at Queen Street Mall, a shopping and lifestyle precinct with over 700 shops, while over on James Street in Fortitude Valley lies a leafy strip of boutiques and bars and is a decadent place to refuel after hunting down the latest trends. For those interested in vintage fashion, head to Given and Latrobe Terraces in the Paddington neighborhood, which is lined with upscale second-hand boutiques run by passionate owners. Brisbane’s many laidback open-air markets have a bohemian vibe, and stalls sell everything from sustainable cork handbags to bold-print recycled maxi dresses. Outside of shopping, travelers can explore Brisbane’s beautiful bay on a Moreton Bay Boat Cruise with Lunch, visiting three scenic islands and their unspoilt beaches, dunes and lagoons, with the opportunity to snorkel in crystal clear waters and spot kangaroos.
Where to stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane is a magnificent restored 1920s art deco building in a prime location overlooking the Brisbane River and a stone’s throw away from Queen Street Mall. Renowned for its exceptional service and friendly staff, guests can recharge at this Booking.com Travel Proud hotel that offers stylish rooms fit for fashionistas, a wow-factor heated pool and a plush underground bar. The hotel also has a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge, with its fine-dining restaurant Donna Chang serving locally sourced, organic Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine complete with vegetarian options.
Hamburg, Germany
Germany of course has trendy capital city Berlin, but Hamburg is a shopper’s paradise on a smaller scale and ideal for time-pushed travelers. From exclusive boutiques to young local labels and hip second-hand stores, this wealthy port city houses some of the best addresses for fashion lovers. The main shopping street is Mönckebergstraße, where travelers can find department stores and designer brands, or for trendy boutiques visit the Pöseldorf district, which is where world-renowned fashion designers Jil Sander and Wolfgang Joop started their careers. For visitors into vintage shopping, Karoviertel is a must-visit with its maze of narrow streets lined with boutiques and second-hand stores selling preloved clothes and those made by local designers. After non-stop shopping, relax on an Evening Cruise at Port of Hamburg with Commentary along the Elbe River to discover the city during twilight, including the striking Elbphilharmonie concert hall and Speicherstadt, the largest warehouse district in the world.
Where to stay: Located in the heart of the historic center of Hamburg, the modern Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments - Hamburg Suites are just a short walk away from the main shopping street of Mönckebergstraße. This Booking.com Travel Proud property ensures all guests experience an inclusive and welcoming stay, and each spacious apartment has all the equipment needed to provide a home away from home. A wide range of cultural activities are within walking distance, and this trendy Booking.com Travel Sustainable stay even offers local artists a platform to display their creative talents.
Busan, South Korea
South Korea has grown in prominence in recent years with the popularity of K-style and K-pop and, while its capital Seoul is popular with shopaholics, a trip to the trendy city of Busan offers non-stop shopping both night and day too. Shinsegae Centum City, located in the heart of Busan, is officially the world's largest department store, spanning two buildings and 510,000 square meters (5,487,595 square feet), and features leisure and entertainment facilities such as a traditional Korean spa, an indoor ice-skating rink and a multiplex theater. Across town, the vibrant Biff Square, lined with affordable boutiques and markets, is sure to catch the eye of travelers, while all districts in this vast city are easy to access via a fast public transport system. Fashionistas will love a Busan Night Small Group Photo Tour with props and a professional photographer on hand to capture photos at the best night viewpoints, including Samgwangsa Temple, which lights up with thousands of lotus lanterns to celebrate the birthday of Buddha.
Where to stay: The elegant AG405 Hotel is a stone’s throw away from Guanganli Beach with beautifully furnished rooms featuring large windows overlooking sweeping sea views. Particular attention has been paid to the colors of each room to facilitate a restful stay and, with Shinsegae Centum City department store within walking distance, it’s an ideal spot for guests to recharge after a day of shopping. What’s more, this property has a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its water-efficient facilities and ban on single-use plastic.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 42,513 respondents across 33 markets (2,000 from USA, 1,008 from Canada, 2,000 from Mexico, 1,000 from Colombia, 2,000 from Brazil, 1,000 from Argentina, 2,000 from Australia, 1,000 from New Zealand, 2,000 from Spain, 2,000 from Italy, 2,000 from France, 2,000 from UK, 2,000 from Germany, 1,000 from Netherlands, 1,000 from Denmark, 1,000 from Sweden, 1,000 from Croatia, 1,000 from Switzerland, 1,000 from Belgium, 1,000 from Ireland, 1,000 from Portugal, 1,000 from Israel, 2,000 from India, 1,000 from China, 1,005 from Hong Kong, 1,000 from Thailand, 1,000 from Singapore, 1,000 from Taiwan, 1,000 from Vietnam, 1,000 from South Korea, 1,000 from Japan, 500 from UAE). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months, and planning to travel in 2023 and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in January and February 2023.
**Endorsement data from Booking.com based on some of the top endorsed destinations by global travelers for Shopping.