We’ve already covered the essential countries for European fashion in France and Italy. Now we’ll venture off of the catwalk a little bit with destinations in some of the less celebrated fashion capitals of Europe.

Munich:

Munich is the heart of Bavaria. Known for its mind-blowing beer, savory schnitzel and over the top oom-pah bands, Munich is also a great city to cure the common fashion bug for both the seeker of traditional culture and patron of modern conveniences.

Perhaps the best thing about Munich is that all the main sites are within walking distance of a number of shops. The area around Marienplatz, the most famous part of the city, hosts shops like H&M and Zara, some of the largest department stores of Germany, and Galleria Kaufhof.

Whether you are looking for some traditional Bavarian dress (tracht & dirndl), beer steins, Birkenstocks, or a new pair of shorts, you will find it. Easily accessible by metro or by foot, this pedestrian-only avenue from Karlsplatz to Marienplatz is perfect for shopping, beer, food, and people watching. (Karlsplatz is a 5 minute walk due east of the train station or take the metro to Marienplatz and explore the city from here.)

North of the Train station, starting at Oedonplatz, traverse down the old royal avenue of Brienner Strasse. A few blocks to the east you can find the Luitpold block. This mall hosts a variety of stores but most importantly, the lavish Café Luitpold. For a real delight, indulge in some of their cherries or chocolates.

From here, head east a few more blocks (or north a few blocks from Marienplatz) to Maximillianstraße to find the most exclusive stores of the city like Dolce & Gabbana and Escada.

If you need a refresher, the farmer’s market (Viktuailenmarkt) offers the best würste of all kinds, beautiful flowers and fruits harvested by local farmers. The Viktuailenmarkt also offers a chance to interact with the locals to practice your rusty German and get real insight on the best that Munich has to offer.

Zurich:

When you think of Switzerland, you think of bank accounts, watches, knives, and chocolate, but surprisingly Zurich offers some of the finest shopping in Europe.

Some of the best retail shops can be found along Bahnhofstrasse. Not only can you find enormous department stores (complete with food courts), but you can also find staples like H&M and Zara and everything from flowers, to wine and chocolate. I suggest enjoying this shopping avenue by starting at the train station and working your way south on Bahnhofstrasse.

Some of the more famous stores can be found as far south as Paradeplatz. Also, you can find more small shops and large department stores on the streets to the west. If you’re in need of some chocolate therapy, stop at Confiserie Sprüngli for some of the finest chocolates in the world! They have a café at Paradeplatz, a boulevard restaurant along Bahnhofstrasse, and another café closer to the train station at Lowenplatz.

On the opposite side of the Limmat (a five minute walk to the east and south of the train station) lies the Niederdorf district. Among the winding narrow streets and 14th century houses, you will find many inexpensive restaurants and eclectic boutiques. Also, due to its close proximity to the university, there are a great number of pubs and clubs for the night owl in all of us. Its charm will entertain you as you wonder among the fashionable boutiques and antique stores.

Barcelona:

Barcelona is the place to be for tapas, beaches, never-ending parties and Zara!

The main shopping route can be found from the lower end of Las Ramblas up to Placa de Cataluyna and all the way down Passeig de Gracia to Metro Stop Diagonal. I suggest starting at Metro Stop Liceu and walking (if you have the energy) all the way to Diagonal.

My picks: Custo (near Liceu),  Zara, H&M, Desigual, and department stores like Sfera and El Corte Ingles. If you forgot your swimsuit and your hostel mates invite you to go to Sitges, Sfera has an entire third floor devoted to Roxy/Billabong.

If you’re looking to hit the beach looking like a local, I suggest Calzedonia. Another Spanish must is Bershka; their styles for young women are sure to catch people’s attention. The more haute-couture stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton can be found along Passeig de Gracia. While perfect for window shopping, there is no need to spend money at these lavish stores thanks to Barcelona’s abundance of amazing style at affordable prices.

While you are in Barcelona, you MUST check out the market on Las Ramblas near metro stop Liceu: El Mercat de la Boqueria. In addition to the mounds of fresh fish, fruit, and cheeses, the Mercat has a number of tapas bars where – if you’re lucky enough to catch a seat – you will be treated to some of the best seafood you’ve ever been delighted to try! Even if you do not have time to stop and grab some tapas, make sure you get a very refreshing smoothie from one of the vendors (from 1-2 euros each).

The other must in Barcelona is around Bari Gothic (the Gothic Quarter). Along the pedestrian-only Carrer de l’Argenteria and Portal d’Angel, you can find numerous boutiques and mainstream clothing stores. The shops along these streets among the Gothic Quarter have every good imaginable as well as the culture to make you feel at home. Best way to get here is to begin at metro stop Jaume I and explore the area between the church Santa Maria del Mar and Las Ramblas near the Mercat de la Boqueria.

Adios!