The Faneuil Market Place has been part of Boston’s historical landscape for centuries. Once completely rundown, this area has now been transformed into a shopping hub and a vibrant gathering spot for locals.

Though French in name the market place was once named by Forbes Traveller as one of 25 most visited sites in America. The satire of the area is constantly changing to attract the attention of its foreign as well as local visitors.

To date what stands as part of the original Faneuil Hall dates back to 1742, and the lower floors of the building provide visitors with an idea of its once active retail history. The building in the center is where the Quincy Market Colonnade is situated and it’s also here that tourist could feast on a selection of confectionaries and local cuisine.

A highlight of the Faneuil Market Place is the famed grasshopper weather vane. There are many stories that surround this little feature including one where knowledge of the weather vane was used as a test to distinguish between spies during America’s revolutionary period. Spies would be asked to name the object on Faneuil Hall. Those who couldn’t answer correctly were convicted as spies. Historically the site is also the place where famous speeches by Samuel Adams were made and is included as a stop on the tour called the ‘Freedom Trail’.

Shopping for souvenirs is absolutely ideal, as many shops offer plenty of options. The restaurants and bars that line the marketplace are more often than not bustling with people. The site is also a good place to observe and become familiar with local customs and lingo.

What’s special about the market is that it capitalizes on merchandise and food that is largely available ‘only in Boston’. For shoppers who are fond of rummaging around at chain stores, the market offers many to look through. Shoppers usually pick up unique little souvenirs and gifts under the canopies that read ‘Quincy Market’. The numerous push carts loaded with items are virtually spilling with little handicrafts and give-aways.

What adds to a good vacation is how the day ends and if tourists wish to pamper themselves at one of the many Boston luxury hotels, then there is much the city has to offer in terms of choice. Among those the more popular ones include The Langham Boston which caters to both business and leisure travelers alike. This luxury hotel in Boston is located in close proximity to the Faneuil Market Place, which makes exploring this site all the easier.

With an impressive history that spans nearly a century Doha’s Souq Waqif is no mere weekend market for the masses. Conventional in form and purpose, this sprawling open-air market place is a traditional Arabic thoroughfare which is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Renowned for the sheer size and scope of the plethora of goods on offer, the souk’s also known as a one stop shop for specialty items that are available nowhere else in the Qatar capital. Situated in the centre of Doha the souk is located in the space between Al Rayyan Road and Musherib Street and is just a short walk away from the Doha Corniche.

Standing in clear contrast to the heritage theme parks around the city the Souq Waqif is a functioning market that has been constructed using traditional materials and architectural elements reflective of its almost hundred year old history. With its name meaning “the standing market” the souk is a hotspot for traditional wares such as thobes, wool, perfumes and jewellery. Hoards of residents and expats also flock to this market for aromatic spices, intricate handicrafts, souvenirs and Arabic garments.

A hotbed of activity for the local artistic community the souk also houses several art galleries with regular workshops, art events and concerts forming a part of its holiday seasonal calendar. The Souq Waqif Art Center is at the centre of all this activity as several art shops and exhibition rooms are located along its lengthy courtyards. Highlights include The Art Source painting shop, Soora photography studio, Heraf arts and crafts, Afkar Books and The Art Shop which stocks all types of art supplies.

Popular among foodies nationwide, Souq Waqif is also a Mecca for street food and feasting on delectable items from across the globe. Lebanese, Egyptian, Moroccan, Qatari, Iraqi and Indian restaurants are abundantly found here in addition to Persian, Italian,Yemeni and Southeast Asian delicacies.

Travellers on the lookout for bargain Doha hotel deals should be more than pleased with the holiday packages on offer at the Millennium Hotel Doha. Ideal for business travellers and leisure tourists alike this charming Doha hotel comes complete with a host of luxurious corporate and recreational facilities to suit all of one’s whims and fancies.

Known as the ultimate destination to indulge in a luxury shopping experience, Chicago has an array of shopping venues around the city. Ideal for shopaholics, these stores lining the streets are a mixture of high end clothing shops and accessory stores. Giving travelers an unforgettable experience, some of the shops include designer stores flaunting exclusive branded items. Perfect for those looking for a truly indulgent shopping experience, shoppers can stroll around the streets showcasing upscale shopping stores from Ralph Lauren to Vera Wang.

One of the most leading shopping destinations is at North Michigan Avenue. Known by many as the “Magnificent Mile”, travelers are able to stroll along a mile long stretch where you can encounter first rate shopping venues. Offering stunning views of Downtown Chicago, the shops lie between the Chicago River and Oak Street. Described as an experience that is quite simply unmatched, shopping around the area will make even the most jaded shopper delighted. The shops are situated in the most convenient areas where shoppers can traverse around the area with ease. Similar to Beverly Hills’s Rodeo Drive or New York’s Fifth Avenue, shoppers will be able to indulge in Prada, Giorgio Armani , Louis Vitton, Bulgari and Salvatore Ferragamo to mention a few. In addition, there are many other high rise malls and boutiques tucked away along the stretch.

Another shopping destination not to be missed is Chicago Palace. An eight story shopping mall, the Palace is anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue and features an array of shops. Catering to a variety of shoppers’ needs, it is home to a myriad of shops including jewellery, accessories, clothes, home furnishings and art. In addition, there are special gift shops and a large food court available for the shopper’s convenience.

The 900 Shops is yet another venue that will attract the avid shopper. A chic shopping complex, it features six levels of stores including Maxmara, Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, Marina Rinaldi, Coach and Preggers. Having around 60 other exclusive shops, some of the other shops include Ethel’s Chocolate Lounge and The Silk Trading Co.

Among the other fine shopping destinations, two of the notable stores are Hawthorne Centre and Gurnee Mills. Together, they offer the shopper a realm of exclusive shopping items from JC Penney and Sears to Nike and Carson Pirie Scott. In addition, they each showcase over 150 retailers offering shoppers a variety of shopping items from jewellery and shoes to sporting good and electronics.

For those interested in undertaking a trip to the city, there are many Chicago luxury hotels to consider. One such hotel is Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel Chicago. Offering some of the finest Chicago hotel rooms, guests are bound to have an exceptional vacation, travelling around the city.