The city centre, with its large pedestrian areas, mix of quirky, independent shops, open-air market and spacious modern shopping malls make Norwich a unique shopping destination and it has recently been voted as one of Britains top 5 places to shop. Away from the city, market towns and villages provide the ideal opportunity to browse the range of individual shops in a relaxed, but vibrant atmosphere.

The many market towns around the city offer a wealth of shops with individual character and style. Diss, Wymondham, Harleston and Aylsham are among the towns that still have a weekly market day, as well as occasional antiques and collectors fairs, farmers markets and auctions. Meanwhile, head out to Wroxham on the Broads and discover Roys, the world's largest village store.

Norwich also boasts the country's largest open-air market. Recently refurbished, the colourful stalls offer a vast selection of goods. The market is a great place to grab a snack while you browse around soaking up the atmosphere, you can also snap up a bargain.

The medieval alleys and winding back streets in the heart of the city form the Norwich Lanes. Lined with a fascinating range of specialist shops, The Lanes are a must for those looking for an original gift or that something extra special. Designer clothing, books, antiques and even teddy bears are among the many found here. Nearby, The Royal Arcade is home to delightful small shops, including the famous Colman's Mustard Shop and Museum.

High street names and large department stores are well represented in the central area and the city's two major shopping centres, the award-winning Castle Mall and the Chapelfield shopping centre. John Lewis, House of Fraser, Boots, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams are among the well-known major outlets, as well as many fashion brands. Family-owned, Jarrold was recently named UK Independent Department Store of the Year.

Whether you're after a bargain or searching for an original gift, you are sure to find ideas in abundance in Norwich.

What's more a brand new shopping guide has been specially designed for anyone who loves to shop until they drop. The ShopNorwich map has been produced by VisitNorwich to promote Norwich's wide range of retail experiences from department stores to independent boutiques.

It features 20 different retail areas across Norwich, each of which are cross-referenced on a map of the city, and also provides information on transport links, shopmobility, park and ride, and visitor information contacts. The ShopNorwich map has been designed to help visitors get the most out of their shopping trip to the city and promote its outstanding retail offer to the wider marketplace regionally and nationally.

Clare Packer, Marketing Manager for VisitNorwich, said: "Norwich is fantastic for its range of shopping and at last this new map will help visitors and shoppers uncover the different delights of the city especially the independent stores and the smaller specialist shops within the cobbled streets and alleyways of the Norwich Lanes. It showcases the breadth and quality of the Norwich shopping experience and we hope it will encourage visitors and shoppers to come to the area time and again."

At the same time as launching the new ShopNorwich map, VisitNorwich has collaborated with VisitBritain and Now magazine in a national competition. The prize, for one winner and 3 friends, is a £5000 luxury shopping weekend in Norwich. Melanie Cook, Marketing and Web Sales Executive for VisitNorwich, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Norwich retail at its best we are delighted to be participating in this national competition. We have 22 superb sponsors from across the city providing prizes which include, luxury boutique accommodation, shopping vouchers, makeovers, hair styling, meals, drinks and beautiful gifts. The prizewinners will have an amazing time they will be totally spoilt and won't want to go home!" To enter the competition which closes 8th December, visit the web site link below.