Take A Trip To Some Of The World’s Most Beautiful Shops

22.12.2023 - 15:35 / forbes.com / Art

While shopping on Amazon is great – and super convenient – for some people, there’s nothing like actually going into a brick-and-mortar store. Especially if it is incredibly beautiful.

But which stores are making people put down their phones and step back into a real store, to experience beauty and opulence like no other? Eager to find out, a company called Alan Boswell Business Insurance recently analyzed Instagram hashtags, reviews and mentions of “beauty” for shops around the world, to rate – and crown — some of the world’s most beautiful retail destinations. Take a look – and you just might want to renew your passport.

Boekhandel Dominicanen (Maastricht, Netherlands) – Scored 83.3/100

Almost 20 years ago this 13^th-century Dominican Church was transformed into a bookshop, overflowing with history and literature. Boasting 7,350 Instagram hashtags, 3.1% of reviews declaring this location “beautiful” and a 4.7/5 review score, it just may be the most beautiful store in the world.

Serge Lutens (Paris, France) – Scored 72.5/100

The only palace in the ranking, this store scores 72.5 out of 100. Opened by Serge Lutens in 1992 in the Palais Royal, this dark and striking store is full of violet and black. Situated in the middle of the store is a spiral staircase that leads to an equally fascinatingly adorned upstairs area. This hidden flagship store is often missed by travelers who are drawn into the Louvre a stone's throw away but still brandishes a 4.5-star review score. When you’re there – take my advice – get a bottle of the irresistible Rahat Loukoum – a seductive and sweet scent that will remind you of Turkish candy. I bought my bottle of it when I visited the store a few years back — and it was absolutely one of the highlights of my trip to Paris. What a gorgeous place, and filled with fabulous fragrances.

Prada Marfa (Texas, USA) – Scored 70.6/100

Although technically not an operating store, this artistic Prada installation brings intrigue and, of course, Instagram tags with a score of 70.6 making it tied for third place. Set in the beautiful Chihuahua desert, this “store” was a response to commercialism, built in 2005. Originally left to decay, this art installation has been maintained and become a beacon for fashion fanatics and art lovers, attracting 75,294 posts to date. This store has grown beyond initial intention, even featuring in an episode of The Simpsons, and the dreamy desert location only adds to its charm. This faux store has earned itself a 4.6-star review score on Google, even if you can’t step inside.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - Scored 70.6/100

Another bookstore graces the top five with a score of 70.6 in joint third place, frequently named as the