Shopping in Central Europe

In Europe, it's always a good idea to head for the market when looking for locally made products at the best prices. Markets are usually situated in the area of the historic Old Town. In larger cities, markets, boutique shops, souvenir and art stores compete with international department stores giving you a wide range of shopping options. Don't forget the wonderful antique stores where you can glimpse local history and culture as you browse.

Of course there are plenty of cafés where you can enjoy a coffee and a pastry during your shopping expedition.

Christmas Markets

The region is famous for its festive Christmas Markets, featured in this month's Planning article. These specialized markets open in early December. They are as much a place to socialize and eat as to shop. Here shoppers find Christmas decorations and crafts like blown glass balls, real hand decorated eggs, creative date and fig people and lots of things for children. Cuckoo clocks are also available with prices ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Switzerland

• Some of the best shopping avenues in Europe are found in Switzerland.
• One is Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich where you'll find outstanding shopping concentrated in a pedestrian only area.
• Best bets are Swiss Army knives, precision watches, jewellery, crystal, chocolate and cheese. Traditional souvenirs include cow bells, lace, music boxes and cuckoo clocks.
• Switzerland is an excellent place to buy ski wear and goods.
• Williamine, brandy made from Williams pears, has been a local specialty produced in the Alpine town of Martigny since 1889.

Germany

• City centres are shopping havens where enchanting side-streets in historical surroundings meet modern living.
• Düsseldorf is the fashion capital.
• Hamburg boasts Europe's largest sports shop, the world's biggest electronics store, and the largest shoe store in Europe.
• In Munich visit The Fünf Höfe (five courtyards) between Odeonsplatz square and Marienplatz square for everything from fashion to literature alongside cafés.
• Perhaps the ultimate German shopping experience is to pick up your BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi from the factory in Munich, Stuttgart or Ingolstadt respectively. You can then enjoy driving your new vehicle in Europe before dropping it off at a port for shipping. The "overseas delivery" program throws in some travel perks as well for you to enjoy during your European vacation.

Austria

• Shopping centers have sprung up throughout the country. Together with smaller boutiques and markets means the shopping is varied wherever you travel.
• Mariahilfer Strasse in Vienna and Landstrasse in Linz are the biggest shopping areas, and longest shopping streets. Clothes, leather goods, furniture and accessories, books and stationery are all found here with some wonderful specialty shops down the side streets.
• High end shopping and designer labels are found in upscale shopping areas like Vienna's Kärntner Strasse, located between St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Opera, with 160 shops.
• Austrian crystal is famous with companies like Swarovski and Riedel at the top of the list.
• For culinary specialties, you'll see Mozartkugel, Marzipan balls wrapped with Mozart's portrait, throughout the country. These are the most popular culinary souvenir along with Austrian wine and hazelnut cream wafers.

Czech Republic

• In the past 20 years the shopping scene has changed dramatically with an increase in both quality and quantity of goods. Especially in Prague, shopping malls have sprung up alongside the traditional markets and boutiques.
• Bohemian crystal is famous worldwide for its quality and design.
• Local souvenirs are glass, porcelain, garnets, decorated eggs, antique books, wooden toys, puppets and Marionettes. "Czech Tradition" is a chain of stores selling authentic Czech handicrafts.
• Design stores sell contemporary art, fashion, furniture and accessories which are creative and a good buy.
• Spa tourism is very popular. All the spa towns produce their own herbal liqueur and spa wafers which made great gifts. Natural body care products are also readily available.