Los Angeles, California

For something different, check out the world-famous Rose Bowl Flea Market. With more than 2,500 vendors selling everything from apparel, crafts, old furniture to vintage clothes and accessories, you will basically find everything here. The market attracts bargain hunters, collectors and antique aficionados.

Downtown L.A. is an eclectic mix of bargain stores, markets and ethnic enclaves and is well worth a bit of exploration. A good place to start is Santee Alley, between Santee and Maple Streets and Olympic Boulevard and 12th Street, where designer clothing can be found at very low prices. Olvera Street is a wonderfully lively pedestrian street near Union Station, where stalls selling Mexican goods and food of all sorts line the sidewalks and musicians wander up and down making nice sounds. Another spot worth checking out is the covered Grand Central Market (317 South Broadway, between 3rd and 4th Streets), which has been open since 1917. For a bargain price, you can pick up all manner of ingredients, both usual and unusual, and eat your way through the ethnic food stalls.

Hollywood Boulevard is one of Los Angeles’ most famous streets, and it has become a bit of a tourist Mecca with souvenir, T-shirt and poster shops lining its sidewalks. Melrose Avenue, between Fairfax and La Brea, is one of L.A.’s most exciting shopping streets, and great for people-watching. The latest fashions in everything can be found on this street, as well as a great selection of trendy restaurants. Even the storefronts are works of art. A true L.A. experience.

The Grove is a one-stop shopping destination which is like an adult Disneyland — complete with a trolley to transport shoppers from one end to the other. Here you will find everything from clothes, accessories to beauty and more. There are some great eateries, too, and the rooftop car park has a superb view of the city. Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Barneys New York, GAP, Swarovski, MAC cosmetics, Tiffany & Co. are just some examples of stores located here.