The world’s best shopping outlets

Plan a holiday around an outlet shopping opportunity and you might get a holiday plus designer souvenirs for the same cost as buying those must-have items full price.

Here are the world’s best outlet shopping destinations for hunting down designer bargains.

Bicester Village, UK

Just a 50-minute train ride from London, Bicester Village has over 160 outlet stores selling designer labels for up to 70% off. Laid out like a traditional English village, brands like Gucci and Missoni are housed in cottages with flower-filled window boxes, while the paved pathways are lined with decoratively-pruned hedges. There are cafés and restaurants like Le Pain Quotidien and Soho House’s Farmshop for breaks between bargain hunting. And a free, 3-hour personal shopper programme available if you book ahead. Spend the night at The Zetter Townhouse, an elegant hotel just a short walk from Marylebone Station, where you can catch the train to Bicester.

Gotemba Premium Outlets, Japan

Not only does this Japanese outlet centre have views of the snow-capped Mount Fuji, it also houses rare outlet brands like the avant-garde Maison Martin Margiela, Balenciaga, Alexander Wang, Issey Miyake, Vivienne Westwood and Bottega Veneta. With over 200 shops, it’s the largest outlet mall in Japan and is only a few hours’ train ride from Tokyo. Stay at the suitably-fashionable and central Tokyo Station Hotel, from which Gotemba is an easy day trip.

La Vallée Village, France

Just half an hour from the fashion capital of Paris, La Vallée Village feels like a relaxed, provincial French town with added glitz, thanks to French brands you won’t find in other outlet destinations (such as Celine, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent and Zadig & Voltaire). Of course, there are international fashion houses including The Kooples and Max Mara, too, but this is a great place to pick up Parisian style for less. Owned by the same company as Bicester Village, this outlet is designed with the same attention to detail, meaning pretty architecture, greenery and high-quality eateries (treating yourself at Ladurée or La Maison du Chocolat is highly-recommended). Check into citizenM Paris Gare de Lyon, a fashion-conscious hotel that’s close to the station from which you catch the train to the village.

Sicilia Outlet village, Italy

Combining a holiday to Sicily with a discounted designer shopping spree is a pretty tempting proposition. Sunbathe on the island’s pristine beaches, gorge on Mediterranean cuisine, visit the ancient, hilltop town of Enna and then the nearby Sicilia Outlet village. Here, you’ll find luxury brands including Gucci, Prada, Tod’s, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace and more in an open-air setting with cobbled streets, leafy squares and cultural events like concerts and competitions at certain times of year. Stay at Dimora Umberto, a B&B in a beautiful, old Sicilian building in the Baroque city of Catania, not far from the outlet village.

Foxtown Factory Outlets, Switzerland

With 160 designer stores all under one roof, the three-storey Foxtown outlet complex in the Swiss town of Mendrisio is an easy place to source sought-after labels at heavily-discounted prices. Thanks to its close proximity to the border with Italy, this outlet is home to renowned Italian labels like Prada, Valentino and Versace, with year-round savings of 30 to 70%. And there’s even an on-site casino if you’re feeling super flush after all those discounts. Stay at Morgana, the most highly rated accommodation in Mendrisio.