The Best Travel Destinations for Fashion and Beauty Lovers

 

PHOTO: Woman on a boat near London's Tower Bridge. (photo via lolostock/iStock/Getty Images Plus)

Destinations for Fashion & Beauty Lovers

Whether it's walking the runway, strutting your style in the streets, scouring racks of vintage clothes in resale shops or shopping for beauty products in cities famous for their skincare and makeup, the world is full of destinations to satisfy every fashion and beauty lover out there. From Milan to Seoul to Lagos, Nigeria, fashion and beauty are as diverse as these destinations.

Milan, Italy

Milan has long been known as the fashion capital of the world, home to Milan Fashion Week, one of the most famous fashion weeks in the world that takes place twice. It also hosts the Green Carpet Fashion Awards, which recognizes designers for their commitment to sustainable and ethical clothing, as well as the Milano Unica, a trade fair for European-made clothes and jewelry. A stop in Milan is not complete without a trip to the Quadrilatero d'Oro, or the Golden Rectangle, four streets that have some of the most expensive and luxurious shops in the world. Lastly, it is home to the MICAM, a footwear exhibition that is hosted by the city once a year. Visitors can strut their own unique style all across the city, while taking in the city natives' signature looks.

Paris, France

Paris is another fashion capital, home to the ever-popular and simplistic Parisian style of clothing, characterized by basic essentials paired with one statement accessory. Besides people-watching (because who doesn't do that whenever they go traveling?), Paris offers the fashion and beauty lover much to see and do. The Louvre has its own museum-within-a-museum of fashion, which is unsurprising because France has churned out global designers such as Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent and more. The Palais Galleria is another place to find historical fashion icons, such as the stunning black dress Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Le Merais and the Boulevard Saint-Germain are great places for shopping and strutting your style across town.

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea has grown in prominence with the popularity of K-beauty, K-pop and K-dramas. The capital city of Seoul is easily one of the trendiest places in the world (remember that Dalgona coffee fad everyone tried at the beginning of quarantine? Yup, you can thank South Korea for that awesome new recipe). The best place for shopping is the area of Dongdaemun, which has shopping available night and day. A lot of local shops and beauty brands are located in the Garosugil, which has pretty tree-lined streets. Don't be afraid of the vast city and its various districts; with a fast, efficient public transport system, you won't have to worry too much about traveling across the city.

Hollywood, California

If you dream of seeing your name in bright lights or just adore watching celebrities walk the red carpet before award shows, go to the movie capital of the country and visit Hollywood, famous for its collection of luxury shops on Rodeo Drive and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. You might even be able to spot some famous people, or at least take a selfie with an Elvis impersonator (they're not just in Las Vegas, you know).

Shanghai, China

Shanghai is known as a modern city with a very characteristic skyline. The city's municipal government hosts the bi-annual Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival, which lasts an entire month. The city's upscale mall, Shanghai IAPM, is where you'll find Gucci and Prada, as well as a collection of different restaurants. The Bund, the waterfront and road, is the perfect spot for some Instagram-worthy photos. Head over to Nanjing Road to try your hand at bargaining for traditional clothes or jewelry. For a slower pace, try the Yu Garden, which dates back to medieval times. Lastly, if you're a Disney fan, you have to go to Shanghai Disneyland and experience the magic of Disney on a whole other continent!

Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos is becoming an important city for fashion in Nigeria. The city's majority youth population and recovering textiles industry are some reasons why, as well as the biannual Lago Fashion Week, which hosts designers from all over Africa. Visit the Lekki Market to indulge in some retail therapy, where you'll find everything from traditional handicrafts to vibrant fabrics and clothes. Art galleries and nightlife abound in this city: one of the best places to experience Lagos nightlife is at the New Afrika Shrine, where you can watch Afrobeat performers.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna, famous for its gorgeous architecture and classical music scene, is a posh city to explore. Several fashion designers make their homes and flagship boutiques in this city, too. The best place for luxury shopping is definitely the Goldenes Quartier, while the Kohlmarkt is a great place to find jewelry. But a cheaper, more multicultural experience is at the Naschmarkt, a mostly outdoor market where you can find everything from traditional Austrian goods to foreign candy and more. A definite must-visit is the MuseumsQuartier Wein, where you'll find incredible museums of art, modern art and architecture to explore. There are so many photo-ops in this city; the Hofburg Palace, Belvedere Palace and the Schonbrunn Palace are some great places to dress up and take some photos for your Instagram.

New York City, New York

Home to the MET Gala, New York Fashion Week, and the Guggenheim Museum, New York City is one of the world's fashion and art capitals. In between visiting movie-famous locales like Central Park, Tiffany's and more, take some time to explore the Museum at FIT, a fashion museum where photography is encouraged. The Metropolitan Museum also has the Costume Institute, with exhibits from five continents. Visit the East Broadway Mall, where you'll find incredible Asian food, Chinese cosmetics and clothes, then go dress up and watch a stunning Broadway performance. Seventh Avenue is famous for being the fashion street in New York, where you'll find luxury brands, or visit the flea market, Artist and Fleas for some cheaper clothes.

Florence, Italy

From world-class museums to Renaissance architecture, Florence is a great city to bask in the beauty of mankind's marvels. Via Tornabuoni is a great place to window-shop, with numerous luxury brands located there. While you're in the city, check out the Piazza Santo Spirito or the Mercato Sant'Ambrosio, which both host vintage flea markets every so often. It's a great place to find not only vintage clothes but also local food, produce and more. Le Murate, a cultural center that had been converted from a prison, is a great place to sit back and watch the locals and listen to live music, poetry readings and more. Lastly, visit the Uffizi Gallery, Strozzi Palace and the Accademia Gallery to start your cultural education in Florence.

London, England

London is another high-energy fashion capital. Home to the London Fashion Week, several incredible museums and tons of charming architecture, frenetic nightlife and a thriving arts scene, it's truly a city that never sleeps. The Victoria & Albert Museum is a great place to learn more about fashion, as well as the Fashion and Textile Museum. Old Spitalfields Market is a great place to purchase some vintage English clothes and jewelry. Visit the neighborhoods of Shoreditch, Hackney and Camden for eclectic boutiques, quirky nightlife and thought-provoking street art.

Tokyo, Japan

Home to the best of Japanese beauty brands and the biannual Tokyo Fashion Week, this mega-city thrums with thoughts of the future, while also preserving elements of the past. From relaxing thermal baths to bustling street markets to temples that are small oases of calm within the city, those who love fashion and beauty will find plenty to explore and learn about here. Visit the Sogetsu Foundation for a calming lesson in the art of flower arranging before heading off to the secondhand markets in Shimokitazawa or the Isetan, Tokyo's most famous department store.

Dubai, UAE

Last but certainly not least is Dubai, home to luxury brands as well as incredible local markets. Dubai is home to the world's largest mall, with over 1,200 stores. The mall's dedicated Fashion Avenue is a great place to shop for luxury brands, or just window-shop. For some local shopping, visit the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a market that sells every type of clothing item you can think of. Dubai is also home to the Dubai Design District, which is another must-see for fashion lovers, nicknamed d3. The Dubai International Financial Center also has art galleries, trendy cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal place to see some art and watch the locals.