Don’t lie, we know everyone loves souvenir shopping.
Personally, we don’t leave a country until our suitcases are at least five kilograms heavier and overflowing with small plastic replicas of landmarks entangled amongst about 600 fridge magnets.
If your clients are looking for something a little more meaningful, Loveholidays has asked tourism authorities from over 50 capital cities around the world which souvenirs best encapsulate their destination.
The site asked its tourism partners to provide them with the main item that they would recommend purchasing, along with food/drink items, clothing, alcohol and artisanal pieces.
Here’s what they uncovered from the top 10 capital cities across Europe.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Miniature grachtenpand
These iconic houses line the canals of Amsterdam and are now a well-known symbol of the Netherlands. Take a more portable version home as a memento of your trip.
2. London, England: Hamley’s teddy bear
This seven-floor toy shop has been a significant London landmark since 1760 and is one of the oldest and largest toy retailers in the world. Pick up one of their iconic teddy bears as a cuddly keepsake.
3. Prague, Czech Republic: Czech Philharmonic Orchestra CD
A recording of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra performing Czech composer Smetana’s ‘My Country’ or Dvorak’s ‘Slavonic Dances’ is a wonderful and unique way to remember your trip to Prague.
4. Athens, Greece: Worry beads and evil eye pendants
Found within the Athens flea market, these symbolic pieces of jewellery will help to keep the negative energy and stress juju away post-vacation.
5. Lisbon, Portugal: Ceramic sardine
The sardine is considered by a lot of people to be the symbol of the Portuguese capital. Purchase a colourful ceramic version of the fish to always remind you of your visit.
6. Paris, France: Miniature Eiffel Tower
It should be no surprise that the Eiffel Tower remains the most recognisable image when thinking of Paris. Find a model version from Les Parisettes as a token of your trip.
7. Dublin, Ireland: Lemon soap
Featured in James Joyce’s modernist novel, Ulysses, a bar of the famous lemon soap from Sweny’s Pharmacy is the ideal memento from your visit to Ireland’s capital city.
8. Brussels, Belgium: Manneken Pis
A figurine mimicking the cheeky Manneken Pis, a much-loved fountain sculpture, is said to be the best souvenir to take home from your travels to the Belgian capital.
9. Madrid, Spain: El Oso y el Madroño statue
Translated as “the statue of the bear and the strawberry tree”, this is one of Madrid’s most symbolic landmarks. Take a miniature statue home with you as a keepsake.
10. Berlin, Germany: Buddy Bear statue
Buddy Bear statues can be found across the city of Berlin as a symbol of optimism. Find a Buddy Bear figurine with the Brandenburg Gate design as a token of your trip.
Check out the full list here.
Featured image credit: Vladimir Sukhachev
