WINNING TIP: Amoeba Music, Los Angeles
In a world where most music is just a hop, skip and a click away via a download, the magic of going to a store and purchasing a CD or a record is easily forgotten. Not at Amoeba Music - this is the world's largest independent music store, where you can spend hours flicking through row after row of every genre of music. They have a neat system that scans the barcode of a CD and brings up the tracks at a listening post, allowing you to listen to everything in store. It also hosts free gigs with really high calibre performers such as Elvis Costello, the Roots and DJ Dangermouse. They also have smaller (but still massive!) branches in Berkeley and San Francisco.
6400 Sunset Blvd, (+1 323 245 6400, amoeba.com)
moomin101
India
Chandni Chowk, Delhi
India excels at so many things – carpets, textiles, jewellery, inlaid marble, lacquer-ware, miniature painting, pashminas ... and Chandni Chowk is one of the best places to buy just about everything, and to do so while experiencing the authentic chaos and colour of India. Once the finest market in India, it forms a maze of busy lanes and noisy alleyways surrounding the main street of the walled city of Old Delhi. Avoid the heat of the day and visit in the evening, when the electrical shops flash brightly with strings of garish lights, and the streets become a swirl of bangles, sandals and spices. Visit silversmiths, textile emporia crammed with jewel-coloured fabrics and tiny shops selling handmade marbled paper.
troutiemcfish
Vietnam
Hoi An tailors
Visit Hoi's old quarter and you will be transported back to ancient times. You will also be overwhelmed by the number of delightful shops, offering everything that Vietnam is famous for. Lacquer-ware, ceramics and shoes are exquisitely made, but it is the tailors that are the real star buy. Go into your chosen shop, view the many fabrics or choose from catalogues for a tailored dress or suit. If you are not happy with an Italian style or general fitting, they will be very happy to make alterations. Just remember that bargaining is about building a rapport with the seller, so be pleasant and patient. A thoroughly enjoyable cultural holiday by the beach. One last hint: pack as little as possible!
Hibberto
Sri Lanka
The Spice Shack, Galle
For the best home-grown and dried spices visit the spice shack by the big Buddha near the indoor veg market (not the touristy spice market area on the seafront) in Galle. Here you will find the most friendly local guy who will talk you through recipes and tips without ripping you off because you're a tourist. It's truly, mouth-wateringly fab. Although beware, his stuff is hot!
PastyLovesCheese
UK
Haggle Records, London
A rarity among an ever-increasing, all-consuming swarm of commercialisation. A visit to Haggle Records is essential to any vinyl enthusiast or music aficionado visiting London. Owner Lyn is a truly captivating man, always has a story to tell, and is always offering advice when it is requested – a quintessential English gent with a wealth of knowledge of all genres, jazz in particular. I have spent hours in Haggle, sometimes on my hands and knees, trying to trawl through as many of the 40,000-plus titles as possible. There's everything from rock to soul, jazz to dance, classical to punk.
114-116 Essex Road, Islington (020-7704 3101, hagglevinyl.com)
dowee
Russia
Udelnaya market, St Petersburg
You can buy almost anything at this fleamarket, from Soviet antiques (though beware of fakes) to electrical goods, at rock-bottom prices. Haggling is a must and it's possible to pick up books and items of clothing for as little as 10p. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, it's still worth the visit just to see the stalls (as well as old ladies with their blankets covered in items spread on the ground), which extend as far as the eye can see. Come out of Udelnaya metro station, turn right and walk through the normal market stalls (this is not the flea market), then turn left and cross over the train track, turn right and pass between the other "halls" of shops until you reach the flea market. It's best to visit at weekends.
naomiunicorn
Morocco
Souks around Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech
Sure, you get the awful designer copies and culture shock when you first enter the souks, but it's also full of the most delicate, pretty and (very) cheap products you could possibly want. For those looking for a slightly more colourful or cultured home, I highly recommend this part of the world – it can get overwhelming, but so long as you know what you're doing, you'll be fine. I plan on heading back within the next couple of years so I can properly kit out my home.
KaySmythe
Souks, Marrakech
Buy a djellaba, a traditional, hooded robe. My husband bought a black one, charmed into believing he looked "like a typical Arab" in it. It's been a wonderful dressing gown for the last 12 years. The hood keeps out drafts and means it also makes an ideal monk or Darth Vader costume for scaring children at Halloween.
Cooperteacher
