There are countless reasons to travel across the world, be it the delicious cuisine, rich history, or breathtaking architecture. But let me make one thing perfectly clear: my true motivation is the shopping. Specifically, designer vintage.

There’s a particular high that comes with walking into a one-of-a-kind boutique and coming out with a find that you know no one else will have — it’s almost narcotic. Those boutiques are vanishing, replaced by commercial giants trying to cosplay individuality launching their own resale or “repair” services, while the big consignment players list pieces at nearly retail prices (so much for the thrill of a steal). 

With the rise of luxury resale, these smaller boutiques exude individuality through their curated collections. Think: a cream Armani sweater that now anchors my capsule wardrobe, or Celine sunglasses so coveted that they practically qualify as heirloom material.

Now, every time I land in a new country, my first instinct isn’t to unpack, it’s to dive into a social media hunt for “luxury vintage stores near me.” Then, after sifting through endless posts, I have my personal hit list of places — each promoting something worthy of a visit. It’s also a peek into cultural anthropology: London’s tailored nonchalance, Milan’s operatic drama, Tokyo’s avant-garde precision. Buying vintage isn’t just a wardrobe upgrade, it’s a portal into the psyche of chic locals.

From London to Milan, all the way to Tokyo, and every fashion capital in between, each destination’s second-hand luxury is nothing short of iconic. Those who are avid vintage shoppers already know the addiction, but for everybody else, high-end resale is the only addiction I’ll proudly recommend. For the uninitiated: welcome to the dark side. The clothes are better here.

These are the best high-end vintage stores outside of the U.S. 

Paris

the feet of two different women one wearing vintage black heels with pink toe nails and one wearing hot pink shoes with studs and a dog wearing a pink dress in paris
Courtesy, iStock

When it comes to Paris, most people focus on the romantic ambiance of the city and the thousands of clichés that will have you enamoured with the place. But let’s talk about the real Parisian love story: you and all the vintage clothes you’re about to discover. These stores have items that will consume you with lust, whether that be a golden Christian Dior pendant or a disgustingly cool Birkin. Good luck, because I’m already suffering from a broken heart without these pieces in my closet. 

Statement in Le Marais
51 Rue de Turenne
 Paris, France 75003 

Printemps Haussmann
64 Bd Haussmann
Paris, France 75009

Valois Vintage
8 Rue des Saussaies
Paris, France 75008

Depot Vente Luxe Passy
4 Rue de la Tour
Paris, France 75116

Opulence Luxury & Vintage
107 Rue Réaumur
Paris, France 75002

Bobby Vintage
89 Rue Réaumur
Paris, France 75002

Vintage Paris
97 Rue Vieille du Temple
Paris, France 75003

Palace Callas
16 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe
Paris, France 75004

Milan

woman in a pleaded pink and green skirt with beige shoes holding a white shopping bag in milan
Courtesy, iStock

Milan is one of the few places in the world where fashion isn’t merely something you wear, but the thing you breathe. So, it is no surprise that the vintage shopping here is to-die-for. As the home of iconic brands such as Prada, Gucci, and Versace, you can only imagine the pieces hidden within these secret spots that are only whispered between locals. 

Vintage Delirium
Via Giuseppe Sacchi, 3
Milano MI, Italy 20121

Alice in Vintage
Via Giuseppe Mercalli, 2
Milano MI, Italy 20122

Bivio Vintage
Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 4
Milano MI, Italy 20123

C.so Lodi, 18
Milano MI, Italy 20135

Via Lambro, 12
Milano MI, Italy 20129

Via Gian Giacomo Mora, 14
Milano MI, Italy 20123

Sous Vintage Shop
Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 52
Milano MI, Italy 20143

Cavalli e Nastri
Via Brera, 2
Milano MI, Italy 20121

Vintage Room Milano
Viale Abruzzi, 87
Milano MI, Italy 20131

Vendome
Piazza Velasca, 6
Milano MI, Italy 20122

Elevated Archives
Corso di Porta Ticinese, 48
Milano MI, Italy 20123

Offbeat Vintage & More
Galleria Unione, 5
Milano MI, Italy 20122

Copenhagen

two women in long skirts with designer colorful shoes and patterns in copenhagen
Courtesy, iStock

While Copenhagen may not have the screaming fashion reputation upheld by Paris or Milan, the city’s quiet luxury speaks for itself. It’s the place where a vintage store is filled, floor to ceiling, with the chicest designer bags and the most unique jackets you have ever seen. These locations will have you immediately booking a flight (trust me, I’m searching for one right now). 

Collectors Cage
Amagertorv 31
København K, Denmark 1160

Clean Your Closet
Vesterbrogade 70
København, Denmark 1620

Tootsie’s
Gl. Kongevej 107
Frederiksberg, Denmark 1850

I Blame Lulu
Gl. Kongevej 101
Frederiksberg, Denmark 1850

2nd Rag
Gl. Kongevej 91A
Frederiksberg, Denmark 1850

O-S-V. Secondhand Fashion
Peder Hvitfeldts Stræde 4
København K, Denmark 1173

Time’s Up Vintage
Krystalgade 4,
Indre By, Denmark 1172

Tokyo

a group of women walking in tokyo with different vintage designer bags and jackets
Courtesy, iStock

If you haven’t already fallen down the Japan eBay rabbit hole, Tokyo’s second-hand stores are begging for you to visit. These iconic places have everything you can imagine, from discontinued gold Gucci watches to an archive of Chanel clothes and bags you’ve only ever dreamt of. 

Ginza Casanova Vintage
The Orb Luminous, 1階北, 7 Chome-10-18 Ginza, Chuo City,
Tokyo, Japan 104-0061

Amore Vintage Tokyo
5 Chome-1-15 Jingumae, Shibuya
Tokyo, Japan 150-0001

MixThinks
Shibuya, Jingumae, 6 Chome−28−6 キュープラザ原宿 1F
Japan, Tokyo 〒150-0001

Brand Collect 
Shibuya, Jingumae, 4 Chome−3−21 表参道 Nodera Bldg 1F 表参道A2出口から徒歩3分
Tokyo, Japan 〒150-0001

Komehyo
Shibuya, Jingumae, 5 Chome−1−16 地下1階、1階
Tokyo, Japan 〒150-0001

Okura
Shibuya, Udagawacho, 24−4 1~4F
Tokyo, Japan 〒150-0042

Qoo
Shibuya, Jingumae, 5 Chome−2−6 コロネード神宮前 B1F-2F
Tokyo, Japan 〒150-0001

London

women in big vintage fluffy coats on the street in london
Courtesy, iStock

Eclectic, refined, and a little rebellious, London’s vintage scene is just as posh as the city itself. Stumble through Portobello Market in hunt of your newest pair of designer glasses, or spend the day at Bricklane, where a simple pair of jeans fit like they were from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. These stores are effortlessly cool in the most intentional way possible.  

Sellier Knightsbridge
6 Cheval Pl
London, United Kingdom SW7 1ES

Lovers Lane London
77 Portobello Rd
London, United Kingdom W11 2QB

Vault Vintage
28A Hereford Rd
London, United Kingdom W2 5AJ

Selfridges Vintage Section
400 Oxford St
London, United Kingdom W1A 1AB

Archive by Natalie
49 Pembridge Rd
London, United Kingdom W11 3HG

Pandora Knightsbridge
16-22 Cheval Pl
London, United Kingdom SW7 1ES

The Hirst Collection
59 Pembridge Rd
London, United Kingdom W11 3HG

Sign of the Times
5 Elystan St
London, United Kingdom SW3 3NT

Amsterdam

woman in amsterdam wearing vintage black heels and white pinstripe pants while holding shopping bags
Courtesy, iStock

Amsterdam’s vintage is filled with surprises. It’s artsy, bohemian, and laid-back. From designer jackets made in the 70s to a timeless pair of pumps, every rack is a secret that is waiting to be exposed. These stores will have your jaw dropping in envy towards those who get to take each item home, so claim your favorites before these one-of-a-kind pieces are gone. 

Mor Store 
Herenstraat 13
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1015 BX

ENSŌ
Elandsgracht 12H
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 TV

AVC Vintage
Prinsengracht 226
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 HD

Fashian
Hartenstraat 1
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 BZ

Archive 1906
Haarlemmerdijk 157
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1013 KH

Gimme Glitter
Herenstraat 19
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1015 BZ

Laan
Utrechtsedwarsstraat 65 H
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1017 WC

L’Étoile Luxury Vintage
Reestraat 24
Amsterdam, Netherlands 1016 DN

Featured image courtesy of iStock.