There are certain destinations in the world that will be forever connected to images of luxury, elegance, and sophistication. Inevitably, there is also a price tag to match for those fortunate enough to make their retail premises, businesses, or even their homes there. These are the corners of the globe that shimmer with an enviable allure for those looking for the ultimate in exclusive shopping and lifestyle activities to enjoy. Finding property on the most expensive streets in the world may be an almost impossible task with prohibitive rental prices, and waiting lists that stretch out for years in the future, making it a dream for most.
Follow us on our exclusive guide through historical stories and cultural landmarks as we explore the most expensive streets in the world.
Fifth Avenue, New York
It is difficult to think of a more celebrated street on earth that conjures up the idea of expensive retail establishments and residencies. This is an incredible mix of luxury shopping, world-famous cultural institutions, ultra-prime real estate, and historic landmarks that makes any visitor feel like they are walking through a wonderful film set. Fifth Avenue is home to a dizzying list of impressive names from The Empire State Building to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tiffany & Co. to Saks, and St Patrick’s Cathedral to Central Park. Everywhere on Fifth Avenue makes you feel as if you have been there before, with the sidewalk beneath your feet almost as famous as the grand buildings that tower above you. The 6.2-mile stretch that divides east and west Manhattan commands an imperious rate of over $3000 per square foot – and makes a serious case to be recognised as the most expensive street in the world.
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Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay in Hong Kong is perhaps the most famous example of an Asian district that offers high-end experiences for retail, living, and leisure. This is a historic maritime destination that has developed over the centuries from a working port to a utopia of modern living. You can still visit the Tin Hau temple here, created in dedication to the Sea Goddess, Tin Hau to watch over Causeway Bay and it is safe to say, she has seen it prosper from strength to strength under her guard. Times Square here provides one of the largest shopping malls in Hong Kong with luxury international brands, restaurants, and entertainment spots all competing for your attention. Fashion Walk is now synonymous with independent boutiques and lifestyle shops, and the neighbouring Jardine’s Crescent is a district with some of the most interesting and elegant culinary delights on offer. With a cost per square foot of almost $2500, Causeway Bay is making big waves in the most expensive streets in the world category.
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Avenue Des Champs-Elysées
There is a wonderful combination of historical ages at play in the name of the Avenue Des Champs-Èlysees that brings together the Elysian Fields, a resting place for mythological Greek Heroes of old, and the renaissance grandeur of 17th Century Europe. These elements of drama and theatre are also perfectly represented in the landmarks that line this mile of Parisian perfection from the Obelisk of Luxor at the Place de la Concorde in the east to the Arc de Triomphe that stands regally in the west. This is also where you will find the global flagship stores of eternally stylish brands such as Chanel, Cartier, and Luis Vuitton, inside the epicentre of high fashion for the whole world. An air of timeless elegance and sophistication is everywhere, along the avenue with informal cafes, Michelin-starred restaurants, and historic brasseries standing alongside each other on the impeccable tree-lined fronts. Real estate here is exclusive and almost impossible to find, but it is thought to command around $1500 per square foot on the rare occasion it does become available.
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New Bond Street
London’s status amongst the most desirable cities in the world to live in has become firmly established in the early part of the 21st Century. It is no surprise that a street in the capital’s Mayfair district has found itself on the list of most expensive streets in the world. Bond Street has been associated with wealth, luxury, and the finest aspects of England’s high society since the 1700s. This stretch of shops, hotels, and restaurants is housed in beautifully preserved Georgian & Victorian buildings that epitomise English glamour and decadence with The Ritz, The Mayfair, The Connaught, and Claridge’s proudly on view. As the hub of the arts and antiques world, it goes without saying that this is where the world’s greatest and most distinguished auction house, Sotheby’s, also calls home. History, culture, and charm light up this street from Piccadilly to Oxford Street to make it an iconic destination. This is clearly reflected in the price per square foot of almost $1500.
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Via Monte Napoleone
This extraordinary street in Milan stakes a claim to be the most expensive in Europe and has some sources stating it is second only to Fifth Avenue in the entire world. It traces a line from the Roman empire along the city walls created by Emperor Maximian almost 2000 years ago and takes its name from a time when Milan was the bustling capital of the Napoleonic Italian Republic. Since the dawn of a new Europe at the end of World War II, Monte Napoleone has taken centre stage on the international fashion catwalk as the heart of the Italian fashion renaissance. These hallowed cobbled streets also hold some of the finest independent shoemaking boutiques that nestle between the flagship stores of Italian fashion giants and several exquisitely cool cafes and eateries. With a price per square foot of $1800, there is a heavy price to pay to stay on trend and in style here.
As our list shows, there will always be a property market for style, luxury, elegance, and timeless attraction. If ever you find yourself close by, then taking the time to wander along these infamous streets is a wonderful way to experience for yourself the rich history and cultural significance that they carry.
