Las Vegas Shopping
(Las Vegas, Nevada - NV, USA)
There is nowhere in the world that compares to Las Vegas for shopping. There are so many enormous malls and hotel shopping complexes both in and around the Strip, that it is difficult to decide where to go to spend your money. Las Vegas is home to literally thousands of shops, ranging from small, specialist shops to the largest chain department stores.
Shopping in Las Vegas can be particularly memorable when visiting themed complexes, which are often very atmospheric and lots of fun. Notable highlights include the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, as well as the Venetian's Grand Canal Shoppes. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants throughout the city where you can take a break, recharge your batteries, and get ready for some serious spending of your holiday cash.
South Strip
The south end of the Strip runs from Tropicana Avenue to the famous 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign post. On the east side of this part of the Strip you will find tourist centers, fast-food restaurants, motels and casinos. Situated on the west side of some typical, large hotel resorts, including Mandalay Bay and Luxor. Nearer to the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and the Las Vegas Boulevard, known as the four corners, you will find four major hotels, the Excalibur, Tropicana, New York-New York and MGM Grand. All of the large hotel complexes feature a wide variety of shopping areas, selling clothes, jewelry, luggage and many other items.
Center Strip
The midsection of the Strip provides some of the best shopping in the city. From Harmon Avenue to Spring Mountain Road are some of the most extravagant shops in the country, including a Parisian district, North African bazaars, Roman streets and much more. In particular, Bellagio and Caesars Palace are full of excellent shops, restaurants and more than you can imagine and ever need.
North Strip
The end of the shopping district to the north of the Las Vegas is marked by the Fashion Show Mall. However, there are numerous little shops and stores along this last stretch of the Strip, selling various souvenirs. In particular, Bonanza claims to be the world's largest gift shop and has an enormous selection of merchandise. Circus Circus is also located in this district and features a 40,000-square-foot retail center, filled with stores and restaurants.
Downtown
The Fremont Street Experience dominates downtown and features a four block pedestrian mall, which is covered by a huge canopy, with more than two million lights. This large complex sells jewelry, clothes, gourmet food, souvenirs and much more besides.
Maryland Parkway
Maryland Parkway can be found one mile east of the Strip. The best shopping areas in this district are at the intersections of Maryland Parkway, Flamingo Road and Tropicana Avenue. Here you will find countless malls, stores, national chains and in particular the Boulevard mall, which is one of the largest malls in Las Vegas.
Chinatown Plaza
Chinatown Plaza is located on Spring Mountain Boulevard, around 2 miles / 3 km west of the popular Fashion Show Mall. The Chinatown Plaza has a popular two-story shopping center, which includes numerous restaurants, including many excellent Chinese eateries, Asian food markets, gift shops, art galleries, jewelers, clothes stores, music shops and florists.
Sunset Road and Green Valley Parkway, Henderson
Henderson, close to Las Vegas, is one of the fastest expanding cities in Nevada and is home to numerous superb shops. Just minutes from the Strip, shopping on Sunset Road and the Green Valley Parkway offers a more relaxed atmosphere, and the numerous stores sell unusual gifts, such as hand-blown glass and chocolate from the famous Ethel M. Chocolate Factory.
Sunset Road and Stephanie Street, Henderson
Every part of Stephanie Street, near Las Vegas, offers superb shopping and there are also many excellent places to eat. Stephanie Street also features a gourmet grocery store, a Barnes and Noble bookshop and a two-story mall with over 135 shops.
Malls and Department Stores
Here are some of the most popular Las Vegas shopping malls and department stores:
- Appian Way at Caesars Palace - not to be confused with the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, these marble halls are based around a superb replica of Michelangelo's David in marble
- Belz Factory Outlet World - situated just a few miles from the Strip, this is one of the largest discount malls in Las Vegas
- Boulevard Mall - situated along Maryland Parkway, this is a large concentration of more than 150 stores
- Dessert Passage at the Aladdin - this vast complex has more than 130 retail stores and numerous restaurants
- Fashion Outlets Las Vegas - this large outlet mall is located close to Primm, about 30 minutes west on the I-15 highway
- Fashion Show Mall - next to the New Frontier on the Strip, this mall dwarfs the other malls and has a staggering two million square feet of retail space
- Forum Shops at Caesars Palace - resembling a Roman street, the Forum Shops are much more than just a large shopping center
- Galleria at Sunset - situated in Henderson, this sizeable mall has more than 140 varied stores
- Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian - this Italian-themed venue is one of the most elegant shopping complexes on the Las Vegas Strip
- Le Boulevard at Paris Las Vegas - this Parisian lane may not be the largest shopping center, but is full of Gallic charm and French cafés
- Showcase Mall - next to the MGM Grand, this mall is particularly appealing to children, since it has a multi-screen cinema, candy stores and toy shops
- Via Bellagio - this complex features designer fashion outlets, including Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Prada, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Tiffany and Co.