Europe is a treasure trove of luxury handcrafted products, from the haute couture houses of Paris to the artisans of Italy using ancient techniques. Each product tells a story of the region’s history, tradition and craftsmanship and is a beautiful way to remember your travels through the different corners of Europe. But with so many different crafts and products, what should you really buy? The Luxury Gold souvenir guide to Europe is a great place to start. From crystal and jewelry to clothing and decor to chocolate and wine, dive into our souvenir guide and discover some of the most exceptional and authentic luxury souvenirs to buy at the source in Europe.
Swiss watches – Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva has remained the heartbeat of the watchmaking industry since the 16th century.
Where to buy
Patek Philippe and Rolex are two titans calling Switzerland home. Vacheron Constantin is also renowned for its intricate designs, exemplary craftmanship and precise timekeeping.
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Waterford crystal – Waterford, Ireland
Since the 18th century, the city of Waterford has been synonymous with world-class crystal work.
Where to buy
The Waterford Crystal factory is the very best place to buy authentic Waterford crystal from the source.
French perfume – Grasse, France
Famed as the perfume capital of the world, Grasse is nestled in the hills of the French Riviera.
Where to buy
Visit the world-famous Fragonard, the French perfumery establish in 1926 in Grasse. Here you can develop your own custom fragrance that captures your essence. Global luxury fashion houses Chanel and Dior have their roots in Grasse, producing iconic fragrances.
Belgian chocolate – Brussels, Belgium
No European souvenir guide is complete without chocolate – and Brussels is globally acclaimed for its superior chocolate production.
Where to buy
Godiva and Neuhaus are the shining stars of Belgian chocolates. You might also like to purchase a bespoke chocolate box from Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini.
Read more: Where to find the world’s best hot chocolate
Scandinavian furniture – Copenhagen, Denmark
Embracing minimalism, functionality, and aesthetic appeal, the Scandinavian design movement of the mid-20th century redefined modern interiors.
Where to buy
Denmark’s Fritz Hansen and Carl Hansen & Søn are iconic brands representing luxurious design and comfort. A favorite piece is the Wishbone Chair by Hans J. Wegner, as it embodies the elegance and functionality of Scandinavian design.
Italian leather – Florence, Italy
Tuscany, particularly Florence, has been synonymous with premium leather goods and craftsmanship since the Middle Ages.
Where to buy
Since the iconic Gucci brand was established in Florence in 1921, it has become a global luxury icon. You can also find luxury leather shoes, bags, belts & accessories from this Ferragamo, a renowned luxury Florentine fashion house.
You can also visit the historic Scuola del Cuoio (School of Leather) in Florence. Not only can you purchase handcrafted leather items, but you can also watch artisans at work, keeping alive age-old techniques.
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Scottish whisky – Scotland
There are a few different European liquors included in this souvenir guide, including Scotland’s famous whisky. The country’s pristine waters and unique climate have given birth to the world’s most acclaimed whiskies.
Where to buy
Scotland is home to five whisky regions – Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland and Speyside – each offering a different spin on this beloved dram. In Speyside, visit the legendary like Macallan and Glenfiddich. Indulge in a whisky tasting at Balvenie, one of the few distilleries still practicing traditional whisky-making methods from malting the barley to bottle. If you prefer smoky whiskies, head to Laphroaig and Ardbeg distilleries in Islay.
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British tailoring – Savile Row, London, England
Tucked away in Mayfair, Savile Row is the mecca of bespoke tailoring with a history dating back to the 18th century.
Where to buy
Prestigious houses like Gieves & Hawkes, Holland & Sherry, and Henry Poole & Co. have dressed royalty, celebrities and dignitaries. For a blend of traditional and modern design, consider Ozwald Boateng.
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Dutch diamond jewelry – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam’s diamond district has been dazzling the world for over four centuries.
Where to buy
Gassan and Coster Diamonds offer breathtaking gemstones. You could also commission a unique piece from Royal Asscher, a brand with regal history.
Perugian textiles – Perugia, Italy
Set in the heart of Italy, Perugia is home to a rich history of textile weaving, especially famed for its intricate table linens and lacework.
Where to buy
Many of the region’s fabrics are still handwoven by local artisans in small workshops. Visit the Giuditta Brozzetti Museum-Lab, on our Ultimate Italy tour, and see how master weaver Marta Cucchia is keeping this ancient tradition alive.
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Delftware – Delft, Netherlands
This iconic blue and white pottery has been crafted in the Dutch town of Delft since the 16th century.
Where to buy
Royal Delft is the leading brand preserving this age-old tradition, and you can buy beautiful hand-painted pieces here.
French skincare – Paris, France
France, particularly Paris, has been the epicenter of beauty and skincare for centuries. With a philosophy that prioritizes preventative care, French skincare is designed to nourish and protect the skin. When in France, indulging in its skincare isn’t just a purchase; it’s a ritual and an experience of beauty passed down through the ages.
Where to buy
Brands like Lancôme, Clarins and Caudalie have set international standards in skincare, with products sourced from the finest ingredients. You can also dive into the luxurious world of Biologique Recherche. Their personalized approach and their signature product, Lotion P50, have achieved cult status among skincare enthusiasts worldwide. For a truly authentic experience, visit their flagship spa in Paris and immerse yourself in a personalized skincare ritual.
Murano glass – Venice, Italy
Just off Venice, Murano Island has been the center of opulent glassmaking since the 13th century. You’ll experience a glass-blowing workshop in Murano on our Ultimate Italy tour.
Where to buy
Brands such as Barovier & Toso, Venini, and Seguso have been producing Murano glass for generations. You can also get custom pieces from master artisans such as Simone Cenedese or Pino Signoretto.
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Norwegian knitwear – Oslo, Norway
With its chilly climate, Norway has developed a unique style of woollen knitwear, especially the iconic Norwegian sweaters. While these famous patterns and designs are copied around the world, you can’t beat the original and some of Norway’s most iconic brands cannot be found outside Scandinavia.
Where to buy
Dale of Norway and Oleana are known for their traditional and luxurious knitwear. Marius, with its distinctive pattern, is another Nordic emblem.
Champagne – Champagne, France
Champagne is the only region in the world that produces authentic Champagne.
Where to buy
Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot are legendary names, and you can also tour the cellars of Krug for a delightfully bubbly experience.
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Mozart Balls – Salzburg, Austria
Every good souvenir guide needs some sweet treats. Born in the Austrian town of Salzburg, these are delightful chocolate bonbons filled with marzipan and nougat.
Where to buy
Get your Mozart Balls at the original Salzburg Mozartkugeln by Fürst. They offer the most genuine experience of this sweet treat.
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Camembert cheese – Camembert, France
This soft, creamy cheese hails from the town of Camembert in Normandy. As raw milk cheese is illegal in the US, You can’t find authentic camembert in the United States since raw milk cheese is illegal there, so if you want to taste the real thing, be sure to pick some up in France.
Where to buy
You can source genuine “Camembert de Normandie” anywhere in the town of Camembert, but ensure it bears the AOC/AOP label.
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English bone china – Stoke-on-Trent, England
The potteries in Stoke-on-Trent have been crafting fine china since the 17th century.
Where to buy
Wedgwood and Royal Doulton epitomize English elegance. You can also seek out hand-painted pieces from Spode.
Lindt chocolate – Zürich, Switzerland
Switzerland is a chocolate paradise and Lindt is a legend of its chocolate history. Now a globally adored brand, Lindt and its Sprüngli factory was founded in 1845 in Zurich.
Where to buy
Head straight to Lindt’s Home of Chocolate in Zürich, where you’ll find the biggest Lindt Chocolate Shop in the world. You should also visit Confiserie Sprüngli, loved for its luxurious chocolates and Luxemburgerli macarons.
Turkish rugs and carpets – Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey is one of the best places in the world to buy textiles and carpets, with a rich heritage in carpet weaving dating back to the Seljuk era.
Where to buy
Hereke, Isparta and Milas are iconic names in Turkish carpet-making, with intricate designs narrating unique stories.
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Bohemian crystal – Bohemia, Czech Republic
The Bohemia region of the Czech Republic has a sparkling history of producing high-quality crystal since the 13th century.
Where to buy
Moser and Preciosa are pioneers in Czech crystal craft. You can also find mesmerizing artisanal pieces at Rückl Crystal.
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Port wine – Douro Valley, Portugal
This beloved fortified wine is exclusively produced in the Douro Valley, making it the very best place to buy port wine at the source.
Where to buy
Head to the historic houses of Taylor’s and Sandeman or pick up a vintage bottle from Quinta do Noval.
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Saffron – La Mancha, Spain
The Spanish La Mancha region is renowned for its high-quality saffron, the world’s most prized spice. The region uses traditional methods of harvesting and roasting which all give the saffron its distinct quality. While saffron is notoriously expensive, you can find authentic saffron here for a fraction of US prices in Spain.
Where to buy
You can find saffron at local farmer’s markets. Look for the “D.O. Azafrán de La Mancha” which certifies the authenticity and supreme quality of the saffron.
Amber – Gdańsk, Poland
Nicknamed the amber capital of the world, Gdańsk is the heart of the amber-rich Baltic coast.
Where to buy
You’ll find dozens of boutiques selling amber in Gdańsk. Fir handcrafted amber jewelry, head to Art7, known for authenticity and design.
Cognac – Cognac, France
From the town bearing its name, Cognac is France’s most luxurious brandy. If you’re a Cognac fan, be sure to buy it at the source on your next trip to France.
Where to buy
Global icons like Hennessy, Rémy Martin, and Courvoisier have defined the essence of Cognac. Rémy Martin, in particular, produces the only Fine Champagne Cognac. You can also visit the exceptional Delamain, which offers vintages and blends that are a connoisseur’s dream.
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Portuguese cork – Algarve, Portugal
With more than a third of Portugal covered in cork oak trees, it makes sense that it’s the world’s largest producer of cork, with Algarve at its heart. The material is used for everything from plugging wine bottles to luxury goods like bags and home decor.
Where to buy
Pelcor and Artipel are known for transforming cork into luxury goods. Rutz is another brand creating vegan cork footwear, blending sustainability with style.
Swarovski crystal – Wattens, Austria
Founded in 1895, the iconic crystal producer Swarovski transformed crystal into a brilliant industry in Austria.
Where to buy
Visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens for a dazzling and immersive crystal experience.
Olive oil – Crete, Greece
While you can find premium locally-grown olive oil all over Greece, the sun-kissed groves of Crete produce some of the world’s finest olive oils.
Where to buy
You’ll find several family-owned olive oil estates across the island. Head to the town of Kolymvari, which produces the koroneiki olive, harvested from centuries-old olive groves. Olive oil producers here even hold the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) certificate.
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German craft beer – Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria, the heartland of German beer culture, is home to Brauerei Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest still-operating brewery.
Where to buy
Breweries like Weihenstephaner and Erdinger offer traditional Bavarian flavors. You can even purchase a limited edition brew from G. Schneider & Sohn, the masters of wheat beer.
Spanish leather – Ubrique, Spain
Ubrique has a rich history in leather craftsmanship, known for its superior quality.
Where to buy
Loewe and Castañer both have Spanish roots, creating excellent leather products.
Discover all the destinations included in this souvenir guide at Luxury Gold.
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