Gone are the days when Birmingham's dilapidated markets were an architectural scourge on the city - its new shopping centre celebrates something of a makeover in the Midlands' capital.

Built at a cost of over £500 million in 2003, it houses some of the country's top retailers in cutting edge surrounds.

Its striking 'bubble' facade in particular has become an icon for the city's recent rejuvenation, particularly along its extensive canal network.

Inside, 26 football pitches worth of shops and restaurants comprising two department stores and 140 retail outlets make browsing and buying here a full-day experience.

Top of the shops is the enormous Selfridges centre which, according to BirminghamUK.com, attracted 64,000 visitors on its opening day alone.

For more retail centres in the area, head to Merryhill in Brierley Hill, which boasts more than 300 stores under one roof.

The choice of holiday reading is wide in France thanks to Paris' famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore near Notre Dame.

Established in 1951 by the now legendary American-born George Whitman, it spans three floors crammed full of classics, best sellers, non-fiction, travel guides and magazines.

The sheer range of titles available, as well as its messy charm, have made the shop one of the most popular European book retailers in the world.

Notoriety grew further when it featured in the hit movie Before Sunset, starring local beauty Julie Delphy and Ethan Hawke as her short-lived love interest.

Shakespeare and Company is located in the 5th arrondissement on the left bank of the River Seine.

It also doubles up as makeshift accommodation for struggling writers who are visiting the city. Those too poor to make a donation towards their board can compensate by helping out on the shop floor for a few hours the next day.

Britain's Bicester Village is among the top places to visit for some retail therapy or if you need to stock up on designer outfits.

With clothes from Ted Baker, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren among those on sale, the shopping centre in Oxfordshire offers the big brand names any fashion aficionado would expect to see.

With the English summer weather typically short-lived, escaping the rain could be a perfect excuse for a trip to Bicester Village, where a range of eateries and cafes are open as well.

Additionally, for anyone with an eye for a bargain, a number of the stores at the village are offering summer savings, with boutiques promising to knock as much as 75 per cent off their normal asking prices.

Bicester is located midway between London and Birmingham and typically open until 7pm and later on Thursdays and Fridays.

Another mecca for shoppers is the Bluewater centre, which is two miles off Junction 2 on the M25, between Dartford and Gravesend.

Shop until you drop in style at Berlin's exclusive Departmentstore Quartier 206 on Friedrichstrasse.

The gorgeous glass-and-marble retail complex opened in 1997 and draws gasps as much for its incredible design as luxury stores.

It was built by the firm behind Paris' iconic Louvre pyramid and boasts as much French influence inside with a string of big-name Gallic fashion brands including Yves Saint Laurent.

Label-conscious bargain hunters should pay a visit to the basement where seasonal designer merchandise is sold at great discounts.

As well as the finest couture, the department store also boasts flowers, art, books, cosmetics, interior design and a good restaurant, all of which shoppers can peruse away from the crowds.

For another credit card workout head next door to Galeries Lafayette for elegant French designs and even a French library. The store is also renowned for its gourmet food basement featuring imported wines, premium meats, cheese and other delicatessens.

Old books, vinyl records, paintings, secondhand computers and Portuguese food specialities are just some of the diverse goods to be found at the Thieves Market in Lisbon.

The Feira da Ladra in the city's Alfama district is a busy flea market located in a street and has some of the best bargains around, according to some reports.

World Events Guide notes vendors sell local handmade cloths, while the New York Times likens it to the famous flea markets of Paris and Madrid, adding: "You can experience the fun of haggling for bargains … Nearly everything you can imagine is for sale."

Go Lisbon website says the market dates back around 800 years, though it may have been named Feira da Ladra as late as the 17th century.

It adds that today traders are "perfectly legal" but the Lisbon Connection advises shoppers to keep a tight hold on their purses and bags.

As well as shopping there are many cultural beauties to visit during a stay in Portugal's capital, such as the National Pantheon of Santa Engracia.

One of the world's largest toy shops, Hamleys is a child's dream shopping experience.

With seven floors, each devoted to different categories of toys, no youngster will leave the store disappointed, although their parents' bank balance may end up a little worse for wear.

Located on Regent Street, a few minutes walk from Oxford Circus, the massive store welcomes about five million visitors a year, eager to explore the huge selection of playthings.

Dedicated toy experts display the latest toys throughout the store and visitors will often be given the chance to have a go with some of the latest gadgets.

With toys ranging from teddybears to lego, barbies to electric cars, this is a heaven for kids and reminiscent adults alike.

Hamleys has another of other smaller shops around the UK, including one in London's Heathrow Airport.

When visitors tire of looking at toys, there are plenty of other shops nearby, with more exclusive stores on Regent Street and a huge array of high-street shops stretching along from Tottenham Court Road, through Oxford Street to Marble Arch.

One of the world's most famous department stores, Harrods specialises in luxury goods from every corner of the world and to suit almost every need, as long as customers' bank balances can take the onslaught.

Established around 150 years ago, the Knightsbridge store is now run by Egyptian businessman and billionaire Mohamed Al-Fayed.

With a huge selection of designer clothes, bags, cosmetics and everything else one can cram into 330 departments, those looking to splash the cash will be in shopping heaven. And those on a budget can revel in the glorious, over-the-top surroundings.

From the food hall to the jewellery, Harrods screams elegance and extravagance, most obvious in its opulently decorated Egyptian room, complete with gold surroundings and a Pharaoh statue.

One of the more recent additions to the decoration in the store is a bronze statue depicting Al-Fayed's son Dodi dancing with Princess Diana, who died with him in a car crash while they were holidaying together in France.

The conflict between the Al-Fayeds and the British royal family has failed to diminish the popularity of this opulent shopping and tourist destination, which also welcomes guests to its 28 restaurants.

Lapstone is a unique countryside experience in the heart of the picturesque Cotswolds.

The 'lifestyle store' provides retail, culinary and beauty therapy in an idyllic setting.

Housed in an 18th-century barn conversion and farm complex, the retail experience is provided in the form of a quaint shop selling a huge range of products including gifts and toys as wells as furniture, lighting and accessories for the home.

When tired of shopping, guests can tuck into a tasty meal at the cafe, which uses locally sourced products.

And those looking for the ultimate in relaxation can take advantage of the on-site beauty spa, the Escape, which offers a wide range of treatments.

Owner Simon Hudson said: "I have always believed in a different type of shopping: a gentle atmosphere and a relaxed environment."

And this is exactly what the charming hideaway in Chipping Camden offers.

The Cotswolds in the south-west of England boasts stunning views, beautiful walks and a variety of historic National Trust properties.