If the word ‘souvenir’ conjures up images of offensive t-shirts, garish keyrings and knock-off handbags, we’ve got news for you.
The world of souvenir shopping is having a huge glow-up. Yes, really. Just look at Barcelona, which is planning to ban the sale of offensive tourist tat and has welcomed ‘The Most Sustainable Souvenir Shop in the World’.
And the Spanish city is not the only one redefining souvenirs across the world. In fact, traditional gifts your loved ones will actually like have always been around; you just need to know where to look.
From Japan to Italy, there are shops filled to the brim with dazzling gifts, trinkets and handmade goods. If you don’t believe us, ask the Financial Times, which has compiled a list of the best souvenir shops in the world based on insider intel from its readers.
There are some real gems, including A Vida Portuguesa, which has several outposts in Lisbon and Porto, and sells everything from traditional crafts to tinned fish. Elsewhere, there’s the aptly named GiftShop in Paris, a heaven for foodies that sells among its wares plates from the iconic restaurant Bistrot Paul Bert.
Outside of Europe, stationery lovers should hit up Kyukyodo in Tokyo. Originally founded in Kyoto back in 1663, the shop moved to the Japanese capital in 1880, where it has remained ever since. On the shelves, you’ll find a plethora of goods including incense, boxes and notebooks.
Several shops in London appear on the list, including Drake’s for its silk ties, the V&A and the London Transport Museum for contemporary art and design products, and L Cornelissen & Son and James Smith & Sons for art materials and umbrellas, respectively. The only other UK entry was The Fife Arms in Scotland.
The remaining best souvenir shops in the world are Charvet in Paris, Gunia Project in Kyiv and Lviv, Jean-Paul Hévin in Paris, Japanese chain Itoya and Patrick Roger in Paris.
To view the full, comprehensive list, you can do so on the Financial Times website.
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