Luxury Shopping: The Most Impressive Department Stores in Europe
They tempt us through their window displays and leave us wanting more.
European department stores are a cultural and experiential phenomenon unlike anything found elsewhere.
Here are spme of the most impressive department stores in Europe, especially magical during the Christmas season.
Amsterdam: De Bijenkorf
The flagship of the Dutch department store chain, De Bijenkorf, spreads over six floors offering clothing for adults and children, luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, accessories, cosmetics, home goods, and even an entire floor dedicated to restaurants and food.
The departments are super modern, although prices are high.
During Christmas, visitors from all over the world admire the magical window displays, which draw people inside to experience the festive atmosphere even if they do not shop.
Opening hours: Sunday 12:00-19:00, Monday 11:00-19:00, Tuesday-Wednesday 09:30-18:30, Thursday-Friday 09:30-21:00, Saturday 09:30-19:00
Address: Dam 1 Street, Amsterdam
Paris: Le Bon Marché
The first department store ever built in Paris, Le Bon Marché, opened in 1852 in the Saint-Germain district. Today, it is a Parisian fashion icon, offering clothing for men, women, and children, furniture, housewares, and a huge food department called La Grande Épicerie de Paris. Everything is of the highest French tradition, including the prices. A visit here is an experience in itself, giving a true Parisian feel.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday, 09:30-19:00
Address: Rue Sèvres 24, 75007 Paris
London: Harrods
Harrods is the most famous and luxurious department store in London, covering 20,000 m² over five floors with top brands and gourmet food. It features luxury restaurants, confectioneries, high-end clothing and cosmetics, and even luxury products for pets. Children can enjoy a whole floor dedicated to toys and accessories, including Disney products. Gift-wrapping stations are available during Christmas, with the option of personalizing selected gifts. Although expensive, Harrods offers a unique experience, and significant discounts are available during sales starting January 1.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-21:00, Sunday 11:30-18:00
Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London
Milan: Rinascente
Founded in 1865 by the Bocconi brothers, Rinascente is a luxury department store chain with nine locations across Italy. The largest store in Milan near the Duomo has eight floors offering luxury clothing, cosmetics, toys, furniture, and restaurants. The top floor includes a tax assistance desk, a hair salon, sushi bar, lounge, and cafe. During Christmas, the store is decorated with colorful lights, Christmas trees, and traditional treats like gingerbread cookies and chocolate boxes.
Address: Piazza Duomo/Via Santa Radegonda 3
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Barcelona: El Corte Inglés
El Corte Inglés is the largest department store chain in Spain with three main locations in Barcelona. The largest branch is near Plaça de Catalunya and close to La Rambla. The store offers a wide range of luxury clothing brands such as Escada Sport, Prada, and Gant, cosmetics, electronics, furniture, and gourmet restaurants. It also features a large supermarket and tourist services including tickets, travel bookings, and currency exchange.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-22:00
Address: Plaça de Catalunya 14
Berlin: KaDeWe
At the start of Berlin’s busiest shopping street stands KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens), a luxurious department store opened in 1907. With seven floors of international goods, an enormous cosmetics section, and two floors dedicated to restaurants and colorful food stalls, it is a must-visit. Before Christmas, the store is decorated with thousands of lights and traditional ornaments, offering warm mulled wine and various delicacies.
Opening hours: Sunday-Thursday 10:00-20:00, Friday 10:00-21:00, Saturday 9:30-20:00
Address: Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin
Athens: Attica
The largest and most fashionable department store in Greece is Attica. With four locations in Athens and two in Thessaloniki, it is the leading shopping destination. Opened in 2005, Attica offers designer clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and personal care products. The store has an art-deco style, a top-floor restaurant and cafe with a panoramic view of Athens, a fitness center, and a luxury spa.
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-21:00, Saturday 10:00-19:00
Address: Panepistimiou St. 9, 10564, Athens