Check out our top city shopping picks.
New York.
With no sales tax on items of clothing and shoes under $110, on Fifth Avenue start at the world’s largest department store, Macy’s. Wade into Bloomingdales for an equally frenetic time, before realising that size isn’t everything. In areas like NoHo, bigger brands mix it with cutting-edge boutiques. At 54 Bond Street, Billie Reid is fantastic for boots, sweaters and cotton shirts. Over in Brooklyn, Jan & Äya opened last year at 99 Franklin Street, with cool and quirky goods for the home in a stark shop. To nab a bargain, go to Broadway for Century 21 or the flagship Uniglo.
For flights to New York www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-New-York.aspx.
Chicago.
The Magnificent Mile is so-named because it contains four shopping centres as well as international boutiques and smaller shops owned by local designers. One of the department stores to wander is Chicago Place, with eight levels of luxurious shops including Saks Fifth Avenue. Out on the street, other diversions include Tiffany, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren's flagship boutique. On the Loop, Old Navy is part of Gap and has good clothes in an airy and fashionable loft-like shop. Over in Wicker Park, futurgarb boutique also features a loft area and fashionable pieces. The neighbourhood is packed with other shops, restaurants and bars.
For flights to Chicago www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Chicago.aspx.
Boston.
Also with no sales tax on similar items under $175, this Massachusetts city makes a savvy alternative to the obvious option of NYC. Start with a stroll down the famously high-end eight blocks of Newbury Street, with big hitters like Chanel chasing equally large wallets. In car-free Downtown Crossing, Filene’s was a historic department store which closed in 2006 but bargain hunters still go downstairs to Filene’s Basement. And ideal for families with young children approaching meltdown is the Build-a-Bear Workshop in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, where they can choose and stuff their own bear and even give it a heart.
For flights to Boston www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Boston.aspx.
London.
Go large at Selfridges or Harrods, downscale to the wooden creakiness of Liberty or the accessories floor at Harvey Nichols and then find the exit and head to smaller shops. Just opened at the end of October, US brand Anthropologie touches down at 158 Regent Street. It’s full of cool bohemian clothing and quirky but chic objects and furniture – expect cutting-edge window displays. Meanwhile on chi-chi Marylebone High Street, at number 38 homegrown designer Paul Smith has opened a second shop. Stocking shoes and accessories and shoes, it caters to both men and women.
For flights to London www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-London.aspx.
Milan.
The place that gave the world Versace and Armani is widely regarded as the clothing epicentre and no visit should miss the four floors of haute couture at Versace’s shop at Via Montenapoleone 2. The artery of fashion’s colourful heart in the city, it’s part of the so-called Golden Triangle that is the Quadrilatero della Moda, packed with major labels like Gucci, Missoni and Prada. For something at the opposite end of the scale, try the Viale Papiniano, the street market accessed by metro stop San Agostino on Saturdays.
For flights to Milan www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Milan.aspx.