Idyllic converted 18th-century grape press chock-a-block with tasteful antiques hand-picked by the owners. The gardens are beautiful, as is the local aperitif 'Pineau' that used to be made there. A true oasis!

www.holidayatmoreau.com/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If up near the castle it is well worth wandering down through the Grass Market as a previous reader has remarked. Where the road continues into West Port there are some splendid shops tourists might not otherwise find. Just by walking a bit more I came across a wonderful shop, Cabaret Antiques and Curios, which is spread over two floors and has an extraordinary selection of antiques, knick knacks, curios, books and other treasures. I found presents for several people in here and the prices seemed very reasonable. The owners seem happy for you to browse and take your time. It was an unexpected surprise and proves it is well worth exploring sometimes away from the usual tourist areas. Edinburgh is definitely a city for walking and exploring, especially the old town bit all around the castle which so dominates the city.

137 West Port
Edinburgh
EH3 9DP
0131 229 4100

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is a very unusual and enjoyable shop selling antiques and vintage things. Loads of lovely old jewellery, ornaments, chandeliers, art glass.

It is an ecological way to buy extravagant goodies.

It's near to Bar Piralta in San Carlos north of Santa Eulalia.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

An antique shop now occupies this building, which actually comprises a house from c1450 at the front merged with the Victorian era hall.

It’s the 15th century part that captivates everyone however, being a marvellous example of Tudor architecture. It’s now restored to a mellow-looking sandy colouring rather than the black and white that most people associate with this type of building. Inside is just as appealing as out but be careful, you may end up buying an antique to remind you of your visit.

St Andrew Street

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Spend the morning wandering around Arundel. The bookshop at the bottom of town is fantastic. There are serious antiquities in shops just off the high street, particularly down the side of the post office. For cheaper curios, head down Tarrant Street and check out the Nineveh centre, a converted church with lots of small shops. Think of it as like a better version of Camden or Portobello, without the crowds.

High Street and Tarrant Street, Arundel.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This auction house-cum-bar is in an artisan village, Santa Gertrudis. It's a great place to watch the world go by with a Rioja and fantastic tapas.

Santa Gertrudis is about 10km from San Antonio;
tel: 971 197 023;
email: casitodo@telefonica.net

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

The best place to shop for antiques is just across The Lakes from the city centre where over 30 antique dealers are gathered in one street - Ravnsborggade. All independent and varied but conveniently located side by side. A nice walk - whether you're window shopping or looking for hardcore bargains on 'old things'.

Start at the corner of Nørrebrogade and Ravnsborggade. Just across Dronning Louise's Bridge. Check this website for more info (click on the Union Jack for UK version): www.ravnsborggade.dk/

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Stroget, the long pedestrianised shopping street, has some good places on it, but - rather like London's Oxford Street - has acquired too much tourist tat. The smaller streets running parallel and at angles either side are much more interesting. There are some very good antique shops in the city - concentrated around Bredegade (beyond Kongens Nytorv).

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you are after antiques (genuine, reproduction or curios), this has to be near the top of your list. On the second floor there are quite a few shops ( all visible from the car park). From Moghul pieces to Belgian colonial lamps ... get it all here.

Gulshan-2 (by the roundabout) going towards Gulshan 1.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

A pursuit dear to the hearts of many foreign visitors to Istanbul is the hunt for an authentic Turkish carpet. Of course, everyone who has ever sought to nab one has experienced, or at least heard of, woeful tales of deception, misrepresentation, false threading and just too much free tea for the trouble.

That said, a little advice picked up from the experts in the business might be useful.

When looking for carpets, be sure to look around and compare before committing (a little home study before arriving is great too). Try to look for shops with serious tradition (family-owned is a good sign) and an attested reputation; such firms are keen to keep up their business and good name and enjoy repeat business- another good indicator.

Further, you'll be wise to demand Turkish rugs only, with certification. The last few years have seen a proliferation of cheap, mass-produced carpets from Afghanistan and Pakistan passed off as the real thing.

Third, avoid the touts and well-attired persuaders strategically located nearby the prime tourist sites; they are working on commission and not particularly scrupulous.

Now that you know what to look out for, where to go?

The Grand Bazaar is of course the prime place for shoppers (though not the only), teeming with over 4,000 shops of all kinds. Although there are many excellent carpet dealers, one unique and rather hip one is Ethnicon, a small but now quite well known outlet offering unique “fusion” rugs and wall hangings, or "kilims."

The vision of the company was to cater to an emerging market (the modern urban interior of varying degrees of minimalism) while at the same time addressing an acute need: the increasing scarcity of antique carpets coming from Anatolian family collections, which have gone from a flood to a trickle over the past 20 years.

To get around this lack, Ethnicon decided to use what was to be found from damaged antique partial carpets, nomad tent coverings, soft casings, scraps and so on, patching them all together through a 15-step process. The result is alluring rugs and wall decorations that combine old ingredients with modern deco tastes. With widespread media attention, the Ethnicon style has become a brand in its own right.

Ethnicon- Grand Bazaar, Kapalýcarsý Takkeciler Sok. 58-60

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Xanthi’s folk history museum is located in a double mansion built between 1870-1880. The imposing residence, which today features all the original furnishings and is decorated throughout with paintings and ornamental flourishes, was built by the Kouyioumtzoglou clan, a family enriched by the tobacco trade during Xanthi’s late-19th century peak. The mansion also features various relics and texts of historical value, and occasionally hosts classes for the Open University of Greece. The friendly staff will be happy to show you around.

5-7 Antika St., Xanthi

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Cat Street, also known as Upper Lascar Row, is a lane in Sheung Wan not far from the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road.
It oozes character and is crammed with shops selling everything from antiques to bric-a-brac, attracting serious collectors, dealers and the casual shopper.

Take the steps across the road from Man Mo Temple, and it's the first lane on your left.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

An amazing aray of Japanese antiques furniture & crafts trucked into the scerenity of the Togo shrine in Harajuku, an area more commonly known for its comtemporary Japanese hip-hop pop boutiques, than for traditional culture.

Just of Takashimaya dori, from 7.00am on the first, fourth & fifth Sunday's of the month. Metro Yoyogi Koen

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends