Queen Victoria Building, Sydney: "High Victoriana" Top 5 Page for this destination State of New South Wales Shopping Tip by TheWanderingCamel

Not that I'm a shopaholic, far from it in fact - but no visit to Sydney is complete for me without a visit to the Queen Victoria Building. The gorgeous mix of high Victorian architecture and decoration, beautifully restored and maintained; chic shops and boutiques - some 200 of them on 3 levels; great little cafes perfectly set up for people-watching and excellent restaurants; and the absolutely OTT kitsch of the ornamental clock that hangs in the centre void, a pianist tinkling away on a baby grand, huge glass cases displaying such diverse things as replicas of the Crown Jewels of England and an amazingly elaborate Chinese carriage make it a shopping - or rubber-necking - experience like none other in Sydney or many other places anywhere.

What to buy: Take your pick - designer clothes, antiques, jewellery, perfumes, gifts and very expensive knick-knacks fill the little shops on every level.

I always head for the Antique Print Room at the far end of Level 2 to browse through their excellent selection of maps and old prints and I love Maggie Shepherd's gorgeous and individual designs in glowing silks and velvets.

What to pay: Entirely up to you!

Address: 455 George Street, Sydney
Directions: Open 24 hours a day, every day. Shops open normal business hours
Sydney Explorer Bus: stop #14
Train:City Rail - Nearest train station: Town Hall
Theme: Other