As we head toward the end of 2018, it’s time to take a look back at the year in travel destinations – and as ever, there have been a handful that have stood out as the most fashionable of the year. Whilst we all head abroad in search of something different – whether it’s sunshine, history and culture, or a taste of the finer things in life – when it comes to city breaks, there are some places that have it all, and online fashion retailer, Zalando, has recently published the results of a study into the world’s most elegant cities. Some boast the most chic shopping experiences, and others have rare crafts and designer garments, if you know where to go looking – but one thing’s for certain – they are this year’s places to be seen.
If you haven’t visited these five hotspots yet, then it’s time to get booking those flights – as we can guarantee their popularity will continue well into 2019.
5. “Beauty of surface, of tone, of detail” — Venice
With its classic canals and gorgeous waterways, nothing says luxury quite like Venice. Built on a history of mask-crafting and glass-blowing for the Carnival of Venice, the city has evolved naturally from the sophisticated craft of unique masks to the stylish designs of fashion.
For designer boutiques, St Mark’s Square has everything you need on the streets of Calle delle Mercerie and Calle Larga XXII Marzo. There are plenty of little side streets to explore too, with independent sellers offering custom-made Venetian slippers and more.
With so much on offer, you might be wondering why Venice only came in at number 5 on Zalando’s list. Well, it has a lower number of fashion schools within the city, which was one of the survey’s scoring points.
Return flight: Business class return from £487.50*
Luxury accommodation: From £162pp per night for a 5* hotel
4. “It was called the city of lilies” — Florence
Florence is filled with local markets and family-taught leather craftsmen, which means it’s the perfect place to find a unique accessory. If you prefer your adornments to have a little more glitter than leather affords, head to Ponte Vecchio for jewellery sets with precious gemstones unlike anywhere else in the world.
Along with its charms, Florence also has a trendy vibe blossoming. The city offers a plethora of big name designer boutiques such as Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo, as well as a range of beautiful museums, and bright architecture – and of course, impeccable fine dining.
If sight-seeing is a must for you, be sure to visit the rooftop bar of The Grand Hotel Baglioni or the Torre Guelfa Hotel for an incomparable view of the city.
Return flight: Business class return from £448.64*
Luxury accommodation: From £157pp per night for a 5* hotel
3. “The streets of Vienna are paved with culture” — Vienna
Many readers might class Vienna as the most elegant city of them all, but like Venice, it lost a couple of points in Zalando’s scoring system due to its lack of fashion shows and fashion designers. Still, for those of us more concerned with luxury brands and local designer pieces, Vienna is certainly a hit.
Austria’s capital city is filled with sight-seeing-worthy buildings too, with gorgeous palaces and historic sites. In the city centre, international brands are available for you to browse and purchase at Tuchlauben, a shopping area in the Goldenes Quartier. If you’re looking for a more local design, Neubaugasse and Kirchengasse have everything you need.
Of course, you can’t visit Vienna without visiting the famous Lindengasse fashion mile. This stretch has a number of small boutiques with independent brands on offer.
Return flight: Business class return from £350*
Luxury accommodation: From £126pp per night for a 5* hotel
2. “For there is in London all that life can afford” — London
London is a truly unique city, with an unparalleled selection of quirky restaurants and bars and lavish high-end hotels. Look out over the cityscape from The Shard, or sip on award-winning cocktails at Dirty Martini — London’s eclectic mix has something for everyone.
Beyond its array of entertainment, London is also home to some of the biggest-name designers in the fashion world, so the shopping here is next to none. Taste the finer things in life across seven floors and 330 departments covering the best of the best in food, fashion, homeware, and more with a visit to the world-renowned Harrods. Then, head to Bond Street or Mayfair to continue browsing luxury goods to your heart’s content.
Return flight: If you live in the UK, then just jump in the car or hop on a train.
Luxury accommodation: From £263pp per night for a 5* hotel
1. “Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant” — Paris
In a surprise to no one, the city of love takes the top spot in Zalando’s list of the most elegant cities in the world. Paris is simply a city like no other, and it makes no effort to emulate anything but its true self. Paris is a city that envies no other, as other cities envy Paris.
The epitome of opulence and luxury, this lavish city is home to a range of one-of-a-kind boutiques in Champs-Élysées, which are pinned along place de la Concorde to the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t miss out on a trip to rue Saint-Honoré for classic and contemporary Parisian designers galore.
Return flight: Business class return from £468*
Luxury accommodation: From £174pp per night for a 5* hotel
*Based on flights to and from the UK, correct at time of writing.
Whether you’re planning a last-minute autumn getaway, or planning ahead for 2019, these five cities are certain to impress you, so book that luxury city break now.
This article has been researched and created by leading men’s footwear retailer, Frank Wright Shoes. Frank Wright Shoes offer a range of quality footwear, from classically elegant black Oxford shoes to trendy casual blue Derby shoes.
