The 3 Best Cities For Shopping Might Surprise You

For many of us, shopping is one of the best parts of traveling to a new place. Visiting a store you don't have access to at home is a dream come true for the shopping fanatics of the world. And, stuffing your new buys into your already overstuffed suitcase is sure to give fashionistas a dopamine rush just in time to make the trip home. If you're a travel aficionado or just a self-proclaimed "material girl" who's ready to book your next trip, you may be wondering what the best vacation destination to shop in really is. Before spending money on plane tickets, jet-setting shoppers should know where the best place to spend your money is. Surely, you've got a thought or two in your head about which city is the shopping capital of the world, but the expert opinions may not be the ones you expect.

What makes a city a perfect place for shopping depends on several different factors. According to Hey Discount, which cities landed at the top of their list came down to an exact science. From the number of clothing and department stores a city has to the amount of boutiques that carry designer names, this list narrows down the real best of the best. So, which cities are a shopper's dream, and what makes them superior when it comes to grabbing great finds to remember your vacation by?

According to Hey Discount's research, the third best city to shop in is Paris, France. If you're an authentic fashionista, Paris' spot on the list probably doesn't surprise you too much. Paris is known for its high-end fashion. From Dior to Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton to Chanel, Paris is home to some of the most famous luxury brands in the world. Paris doesn't just top the charts in shopping quality; it's also ahead of the competition in quantity. There are 1,116 shopping spots in the city, as well as 102 high-end designer stores.

Paris is the shopping destination for you if you're in search of some serious shopping ambiance. According to stylist, Karen Park-Goude, "Fashion is a cultural pastime in Paris, and shopping here is more about the atmosphere, like the gorgeous layout at Le Bon Marché" (via CNN). So, if you're looking for a shopping trip that's browsing stores and sightseeing all wrapped up in one, a Parisian excursion should be next on your list.

Second on the list is London, England. Just because London isn't as well-known for its luxury brands as Paris, that doesn't necessarily mean you should head there looking for sales. London can be on the pricey side. However, if you're ready to splurge and you're looking for vibrant, exciting fashion, London is the place to visit (via CNN). 

Luckily, London isn't only for the big spenders of the world. Among the 300 stores on Oxford Street, this famous spot is home to the Primark flagship store, and that alone makes this city a worthy destination for thrifty shoppers (via Visit London). London has 100 malls and even more flagship stores (via Hey Discount). The collection of flagships includes popular brands of all different types, from Smeg to Tiffany & Co. and Adidas to Charlotte Tilbury. With big names like these, this city has some of the top shopping spots in Europe, and no matter what you're looking to purchase, you can find the best of the best.

What's the world's best city for shopping? That title goes to Tokyo, Japan. Surprised? So were we. But, what sets Tokyo apart from other cities is its variety. No matter what you love to shop for, you can find it in this city. With nearly 2,000 shopping spots, you won't run out of stores (Hey Discount). Another reason to head to Tokyo for shopping? It won't break the bank like some other cities (via Live Japan).

Tokyo also has many separate areas full of different kinds of stores. For instance, Kappabashi is known for all things cookware, Roppongi is loaded with high-end shopping options, and Akihabara is the place to go if you're looking to invest in electronics (via japan-guide.com). Tokyo is so great for shopping, it even has an island full of malls. Odaiba is a shopping district in Tokyo Bay. If you're looking to go somewhere where you can have a whole new shopping experience every day of your trip, now's the time to book those tickets to Tokyo.