What are the must-visit experiences in 2025? Dive into our curated selection in this article!
In Madrid, Mercado de Diseño combines inspiration, talent, and boldness
If you're looking for authentic, handcrafted creations, the Mercado de Diseño in Madrid is an unmissable destination.
Among the exhibitors, you'll fall in love with the artistic hats by Eliurpi, a duo redefining traditional millinery with a contemporary touch. Design furniture enthusiasts will be captivated by the creations of Heaps and Woods or by the sculptural works of Bisa, a project blending furniture, jewelry, and fashion.
Why visit?
- Unique local creations: support talented creators and take home original souvenirs.
- A creative and friendly atmosphere: enjoy a space where craftsmanship meets modernity in the heart of Madrid.
- A moment of exchange: meet the personalities behind each piece and learn about their inspirations.
When?
Every first weekend of the month.
Paris Fashion Week: pop-up stores recreate parisian fashion
While Paris Fashion Week immediately evokes grand runways, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to explore a universe beyond the catwalks. During this iconic week, Paris transforms into a true temple of fashion.
Don’t miss visiting the pop-up stores in the Marais district, teeming with ephemeral boutiques. The Espace Montaigne hosts high-end fashion events, while spots like the Small Boutique Fashion Week highlight emerging talents.
Why visit?
- Luxury and avant-garde fashion: discover pieces by the biggest names and emerging talents.
- Immersion in Paris: enjoy the vibrant and elegant atmosphere that takes over the city during this event.
- Exclusive shopping: access limited-edition collections and support young designers.
When?
- Men’s collections: January 16–21, 2025, and June 17–22, 2025
- Women’s collections: February 24–March 3, 2025, and September 23–October 1, 2025
- Haute couture: January 27–30, 2025, and July 1–4, 2025
Saint-Ouen flea market: the vintage soul of Paris
For those seeking vintage treasures or unique items, the Saint-Ouen Flea Market in Paris is a must-visit. This historic market, one of the largest in the world, offers an impressive range of vintage clothing, antique furniture, and collectible items.
As you wander its aisles, you may stumble upon rare pieces with stories to tell—some even inspired the decor of the iconic film Amélie. Legend has it that several furniture pieces and props used in the movie were sourced here, cementing the market’s status as a temple of vintage charm and authenticity.
Why visit?
- Vintage and antiques: a haven for discovering unique items, from retro fashion to exceptional furniture.
- Cinematic atmosphere: relive the magic of Amélie while exploring this historic locale.
When?
- Monday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekend: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Brussels: pure shopping bliss, from luxury to antiques and design
Brussels is a dream destination for design and antique enthusiasts, with two standout events.
The Brussels Design Market, the largest vintage design market in Europe, gathers exhibitors from across the continent, offering an exceptional selection of furniture, lighting, and decorative objects from the 1950s to the 1980s.
At the Sablon Antiques Market, immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of antiques and art objects. Nestled in the charming Sablon district, this market is brimming with antique jewelry, rare sculptures, classic paintings, and other treasures carefully curated by passionate antiquarians.
Why visit?
- More than just markets: an immersion into art and history, where every piece tells its own story.
- Discover unique treasures: whether you're a design enthusiast or simply curious, the Brussels Design Market and Sablon Antiques Market promise a refined and inspiring shopping experience.
When?
- Brussels Design Market: March 28–29, 2025
- Sablon Antiques Market: Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Optimize Your Shopping Experience with ZappTax!
From exclusive Paris Fashion Week trends to unique treasures at artisanal and vintage markets, shopping experiences abound. With ZappTax, reclaim VAT on your purchases and make the most of your budget.
What Products Are Eligible for VAT Refunds?
All purchases are eligible for VAT refunds as long as you carry the items in your luggage when leaving the European Union (EU). Note that auctioned items and works of art are also eligible, provided the seller issues an invoice with VAT charged.
What Is the Procedure?
- Request a VAT invoice in the name of ZappTax at the time of purchase.
- Photograph the invoice and upload it directly in the app.
- Automatically generate your tax-free form via the app.
- Validate the tax-free form before leaving the EU.
By simplifying the VAT refund process, the app lets you turn your in-store or online purchases into additional savings hassle-free. With quick and convenient processing through the app, you receive your VAT refund directly to your bank account or PayPal.
Maximize your shopping sessions and make 2025 an even more rewarding year!