Grocery stores are hardly the most awe-inspiring of places. They usually have no windows, are lit by fluorescent light, and are nothing but endless, soulless, identical-looking aisles. However, there are some grocery stores in Europe that just refuse to believe that doing your groceries should be dull and monotonous. So, if you’re traveling around the continent, here are 7 of Europe’s most absolutely stunning grocery stores that will make you look up from your shopping list or shopping list app in awe and wonderment.
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#1 Harrods, London, UK
Image credits: www.flickr.com
Let’s start with possibly one of the most famous stores in the world: Harrods. Your usual association with this high-class store might be designer clothes, perfume, and maybe even fast cars. But, you can also get your groceries done there, too!
Harrods food halls are exquisitely decorated rooms where, despite the unmatched quality of the food on offer, the products are not the stars here. Decorated tiles, gilded columns, and even exotic Egyptian theming, will simply take your breath away.
If you do feel peckish, some of the food halls have now been turned into dining areas so you can put something into your mouth as it sits agape!
#2 Fortnum and Mason, London, United Kingdom
Image credits: en.wikipedia.org
Whilst you’re in London, you might as well swing by Piccadilly and do a bit of shopping at Fortnum and Mason.
This grocer to the Queen, no less, is as classy as it comes. Chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and more luxury grocery goods than you can shake a gold-plated stick at.
But, the real jewel of the building is the mechanical clock on the store’s facade. Every hour, 2 figurines of the founders of the store, come out and bow to each other. This mechanical marvel often goes unnoticed by the crowds of Londoners careering along the street. But, it’s well worth a watch.
You can also buy honey that is made on-site from 1 of their 4 6-foot (2-meter) tall beehives located on the building’s roof.
#3 Biedronka, Krakow, Poland
Image credits: www.dlahandlu.pl
Krakow in Poland is best known for its astonishing Medieval market hall, the Sukiennice. However, on this historic square is also a supermarket that is also as Instagram-worthy as its central focal point.
Biedronka (which translates as “Ladybird”) supermarket is situated inside an old “Delikatesy”. Although a chain more known for drab stores across the country, the company pulled out all the stops to make sure this prime shopping location isn’t an eyesore. They decided to decorate it in the style of its previous occupants: an old turn-of-the-century grocery store.
So, not only can you pick up a bargain here, you’ll also get a little bit of free time travel!
#4 Teatro Italia, Venice, Italy
Image credits: www.flickr.com
Theatrics isn’t something you’d associated with groceries. But, Despar in Venice thinks otherwise.
Situated inside an old movie theatre, you can do your grocery shopping in perhaps one of the most stunning stores on the continent. The building has kept it’s original ceiling frescos and other features like the beautiful cast-iron staircase.
Here, you can make your shopping trip as glamorous as Audrey Hepburn’s Roman holiday!
#5 Eliseevsky, Moscow, Russia
Image credits: www.flickr.com
If you weren’t dazzled enough by Teatro Italia in Venice, then hold on to your hats if you ever find yourself in Moscow.
“Regal” and “palatial” don’t even start to cut the mustard to describe just how grand this grocery store is. Often dubbed “the world’s most beautiful grocery store” by umpteen travelers, you could honestly think you were in heaven upon entering its doors.
The sheer ornamentation of the decor is mind-boggling. Chandeliers dangle like crystal dew-drops. Gilded patterns weave and wend their way around columns and arches. Nobel antique portraits gaze down upon you.
You might find yourself constantly pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming!
#6 Spar, Budapest, Hungary
Image credits: www.archdaily.com
If you’re after something a bit more modern, you should certainly head to Hungary. Here, Spar’s flagship store in the country is a real marvel.
The interior, designed by LAB5 Architects, makes you feel like you’re on a sci-fi adventure rather than a regular shop. Wooden slats rise and curve to form arches and tunnels, as well as form displays for the store’s goods.
This grocery store is as sleek and as chic as they come.
#7 Markthal, Rotterdam, Holland
Image credits: www.flickr.com
We’ve been reluctant to include any market halls on this list because there are countless beautiful ones we could include from all over Europe.
But this one really takes the biscuit.
Wow.
Just look at it!
The giant horseshoe structure is often referred to as “the Sistine Chapel of food”, and it’s not difficult to see why when gazing upon its towering kaleidoscopic painted interior.
If you’re lucky enough, you can also live in one of the apartments located in the structure. At least the residents don’t have to go far for perhaps one of the most stupefying grocery shopping experiences on the continent.
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