Positions 11 to 20 are held by Dubai, Singapore, Berlin, Athens, Barcelona, Ho Chi Minh City, Dublin, Prague, Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur. The presence of Southeast Asian cities highlights the dynamism of a region that combines state-of-the-art shopping malls with night markets and vibrant street life.
Latin America also earns its place in the ranking. São Paulo is ranked 33rd, Mexico City 36th and Buenos Aires 49th. All three metropolises stand out for their blend of contemporary design, traditional craftsmanship and a growing local fashion scene, qualities that are drawing increasing interest from international visitors.
The list is completed by destinations as diverse as Istanbul, Toronto, Lisbon, Bangkok, Warsaw, Manila and Marrakech. The Moroccan city closes the ranking in 50th place, with its colorful souks filled with rugs, ceramics and leather goods that are an essential part of the traveler's experience.
To compile the ranking, more than 100 destinations were reviewed before the 50 finalists were selected. Each was assessed using a 100-point system based on nine weighted criteria. The most heavily weighted were the diversity of the retail offering and the local shopping culture, at 15% each.
Other factors included the presence of luxury retail, options for tighter budgets, iconic shopping districts and unique experiences. Accessibility, appeal to travelers and sustainability were also considered, the latter being an increasingly important factor for tourists seeking responsible consumption.
It is worth noting that this is an editorial assessment. The ranking does not measure sales volume, retail rents or actual visitor spending. Instead, it evaluates the quality and appeal of the shopping experience each destination offers.
The publication stresses that shopping has become one of the most influential parts of the modern travel experience. Today's tourists are not only looking to buy products, but also to connect with the identity of a place through its craftsmanship, design and commercial traditions.
This trend has a direct impact on local economies. Shopping tourism generates income for businesses of all sizes, boosts employment and helps preserve traditional trades. At the same time, it encourages destinations to take care of their shopping districts and to develop strategies to attract increasingly demanding travelers.
For the cities included, appearing on this list is an opportunity for international promotion. For those not yet featured, it is an invitation to strengthen their offering and showcase what makes them unique.
At a time when travelers are seeking authentic experiences, shopping is establishing itself as a way to discover a destination from the inside. Whether on a grand luxury avenue or in a small neighborhood market, every purchase becomes a memory of the journey.
