Used to sleeping in on Sundays? Think again—here in Paris, we wake up early every Sunday to hit the market. While many shops have traditionally been closed on Sundays here in the French capital, that’s starting to change. And the tail end of the weekend has been market day for as long as we can […]
shopping
Paris Then & Now: Rue Mouffetard
To wander through rue Mouffetard is to walk through Parisian history. One thing is certain: there is no shortage of beautiful streets in Paris. But one tiny street stands out among the rest: rue Mouffetard. As the oldest street in Paris, it exudes unparalleled charm and personality. If you’d like to experience the authentic Parisian […]
Hidden Paris: Passageways
Welcome to the Passage du Grand Cerf! It’s one of the prettiest covered passageways of Paris, tucked away in the second arrondissement. This iron and glass arcade from 1825 houses 20 or so boutique shops and businesses, a few offices, and apartments. The Passage du Grand Cerf, like many other hidden Paris passageways, is many […]
Everything You Need To Know To Navigate A French Market
Open air markets are one of the great joys of life in France—and occasionally confusing for some visitors to navigate. Food markets are still an enormous part of French culture, as they offer both seasonality and real value. They are often less expensive and usually far better quality and selection than what you’d find at […]
Where to Shop in Barcelona: The Ultimate Guide
It’s no secret by now that chic, stylish Barcelona is a shopper’s dream come true. The even better news: the diversity and variety of the Catalan capital makes it easy to find anything and everything you could possibly want. Glitzy luxury brands? Quirky, eccentric boutiques? Handcrafted artisanal goods? You name it, Barcelona’s got it. This […]
Vintage Finds: Top Thrift Shops & Flea Markets in Seville
Don’t be fooled by Seville’s prim, posh reputation—locals aren’t above taking advantage of a good bargain when they see one. The treasure trove that is your average thrift shop or flea market becomes even more fascinating in Spain. Not only will you come across great deals on secondhand clothes and knickknacks, but you’ll also get […]
The 5 Food Markets in Paris No Trip Would Be Complete Without
You may think your town has a thriving farmer’s market scene, but you haven’t been to a Paris food market yet. If you’re lucky enough to stay in an apartment with a petite Parisian kitchen, you won’t want to skip a trip to the market. The traditional French shopping experience is a process. Sure, you […]
A Love Letter to Paris: Rue Paul Bert
This post is part of our Love Letter series: first-person accounts of what we love about Paris. It was a grey mid-December day, but it still seemed like I could see all of Paris. There I stood, nose to floor-to-ceiling window of a sixth floor, one-bedroom on rue Paul Bert in the 11th arrondissement, contemplating […]
The 5 Food Markets in Rome No Trip Would be Complete Without
Sure… the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Pantheon should definitely be on your to-do list during your Roman holiday. But let’s get real for a second: no trip to Rome is complete without diving into its culinary culture. And essential to that culinary culture are Rome’s food markets. So buckle up and get ready to […]
Shopping for Foodies: Your Guide to Grocery Stores in Seville
Learn all about the different types of gourmet grocery stores in Seville (and what to buy there!), in our guide to shopping for foodies. We all know that the best souvenirs are the ones you can eat (or drink). But there’s a problem – there’s just too much choice. Going grocery shopping in Seville can […]