We've always looked to the continent when it comes to style. And with the Fab Four, being able to say, "Oh, this little thing? I got it in Europe," is that much easier.
Start your shopping adventure in the gay (as in happy) city of Copenhagen — several recent sociological studies peg Danes as the happiest peeps on the planet. We have a suspicion it's because of their insane concentration ofnkiller design. Begin the spree with a special one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry at Guldsmed Malene Helweg-Larsen, a favorite of Michelin-starred chef Henrik Yde-Andersen. Those bold-yet-elegant silver cufflinks look great on you. Next, head to Normann Copenhagen (right). Located in a refurbished cinema, 18,000 square feet of sublime homeware collections will have you browsing for hours. Check out the new Cognac Glass by designer, Rikke Hagen. Don't miss one bit of fashion forwardness with Pede & Stoffer, containing a brand list that runs from Acne to Opening Ceremony and Comme des Garçons and the coolly avant garde Henrik Vibskov (with lesser known, but equally fab, local designers like Han Kjøbenhavn).
Continue your spending journey to "poor, but sexy," Berlin, a gay traveler's Euro wunderland, perfect for fashionistas on the budget fence. Germany's stylish and sassy side will inspire you when making your way through Drykorn (left), the self-proclaimed brand "for beautiful people." Pick up the latest in menswear from denim, jackets, and shirts to socks and hats. Move on to the up-and-coming talent of Berlin's aspiring right-brained minds at Berlinomat, where DIY-inspired accessories, such as cement tables from BentonWare or street art books and other artifacts, scream Berlin Kultur. To view — and maybe even buy — some noteworthy culture, head to the Me Collectors Room, where you can stroll through crazily curated exhibitions that mash 16th century pieces with more modern artworks. On our radar: "My Paris – Collection Antoine De Galbert." Exit through the gift shop to pick up exclusive limited editions from the art on view.
Over in Amsterdam, let your euros do the talking at Moooi (translation: "beauuutiful"), where cutting-edge, over-the-top, and in-your-face design, such as their iconic horse-shaped lamp, bursts at the seams. Afterward, jump on a bike (the only way to travel in the 'Dam) and pedal your way to family-owned Floris van Bommel Boutique for a pair of classic, modern, and refined leather or canvas sneakers. Here, the shoes do really make the man, and the bachelor of the family — front man, designer, and middle son, Floris — has tweaked one of the city's oldest and most traditional shoemakers for the modern age. No shopping trip to Amsterdam would be complete without an amble through 9 Streets (right), blocks upon blocks of Dutch fashion shops and upstart pop-ups laying side-by-side with vintage stores. Snag some hot designer accessories, like luxe leather travel cases and quirky vintage art objects, from Domino.
Finish off your shopping adventure in "Downtown Switzerland," a.k.a. Zurich, where you can shop with a view and enjoy a city bursting with international charisma. If you've started to miss Poochy back home, make sure you pick up something for the "children." Andys Tierhüsli, in the vibrant Kreis 4, offers crazy things like tail-wagglers, high-end raincoats, and non-alcoholic beer for four-legged fluffsters. After an extensive renovation, life has energetically returned to the abandoned railway arches of the Viadukt Mall (left) in the form of an upscale indie experience. Shop No.29 (Fashionslave) for quality menswear from Raf Simons and newcomers like Patrick Mohr. For lunch, head to Markthalle, which offers food specialties from the Zurich region and associated farmers market hall. For dessert, end your vacation on a high and indulge in world-famous Swiss chocolate. At Sprüngli everything is handmade and priced accordingly. Get lost in a world of mind-altering chocolate truffles and Luxemburgerli macaroons — after buying swank souvenirs for everyone else, Papa deserves a little sugar, right?
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
With an exuberant wave of top chefs, designers, and futuristic architects, along with whole new neighborhoods, Amsterdam flexes the brawn that originally pulled it out of the sea.
GERMANY
Strategically placed at the heart of the continent, from Cologne to Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg, Germany is a gay traveler's Euro wunderland.
FAB FOUR TOURS
Whether you're looking for museums to feed your mind, stores to fill your wardrobe, or planning ahead for a summer of Pride with a circuit of clubs and culinary delights, just follow our lead.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Danes rank as some of the happiest folks on earth. And with a capital chock full of cutting-edge design, white-hot gastronomy, and an overtly charming populace, what's not to smile about?
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Connecting lovely landscape and urban action, "Downtown Switzerland" is the locale of choice for Swiss seeking style, substance, and a huge range of options for getting their gay on.
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Point A to C and back again, navigating between the Fab Four -- and within them -- is a cinch. Here's how.
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