Houston - Shopping Paradise

Houston is a shopper’s paradise. No matter what’s on the list, you are sure to find the perfect shopping destination. Whether you’re seeking charming specialty shops or wonderfully large malls, there are opportunities galore for collecting all sorts of treasures.

With its stunning architecture, exceptional store mix and distinctive style of entertainment, The Galleria is the number one shopping and tourist destination in Houston. Set beneath spectacular glass atriums, The Galleria features more than 375 fine stores and restaurants, an impressive ice rink and two Westin hotels. This world-class shopping complex showcases the best names in retail including Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Gucci, Macy’s, Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Ralph Lauren Collection, Louis Vuitton and Nordstrom. It is the fourth largest mall in the nation, with over 2.4 million square feet of retail space — It’s a city within a city.

The Galleria set the benchmark for a host of other shopping hot spots all over town. Just across the street, the Centre at Post Oak is a local favorite with phenomenal shopping and some of the city’s best restaurants. If you’re searching for gifts, look no further than this mall, with Tuscany in Town’s handmade tableware; Lerant’s china and crystal; candies from Chocolate Designs or IFLY, The Angler’s Edge for gifts for your fishing friends. Fashions include movie-star handbag store J. Tiras Classic Handbags. Fine dining and casual eateries include Arcodoro Ristorante Italiano, The Cheesecake Factory’s Grand Lux Café and Canyon Café.

Uptown Park, a European-style shopping center, takes you away to a shopper’s dream. Fountains, landscaping and colorful buildings give the city an elegant Italian-style piazza with shops, boutiques and cafés. There is plenty to see, do and buy, from relaxation at Uptown Day Spa to fine jewelry at Paul Carter Jewels; home décor and gifts from Longoria Collection and Olivine; and women’s apparel at Ann Taylor Loft, Mint Beverly Hills and Veneto Collection. Bill Walker Clothier and Lucho provide the finest in men’s apparel.

To the west is Katy Mills Mall — a great family day out. The mall features more than 200 manufacturers, off-price retailers and specialty stores including Bass Pro Outdoor World, OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Old West Warehouse, Sun & Ski Sports and Burlington Coat Factory.

Just 20 miles north of Houston, Old Town Spring is a destination promising fun for all. Shoppers love stores such as CR Collectibles and Chix Boutique along with the quaint collections of all sorts of treasures from candles to antiques to high fashion in the many shops scattered in old homes and original town buildings.

River Oaks Shopping Center, built in 1932, is an architectural gem and a graceful step into the sophisticated past. Cool white buildings with black detailing house more than 65 of the city’s most elegant shops, including Jos. A. Bank, Talbot’s and La Mode Lingerie — great for window shopping and leisurely strolls.

The Upper Kirby District is one of the city’s most well-traveled shopping spots. Marked by its trademark red British phone booths, Upper Kirby, or UK, has everything from bakeries to books to oriental rugs to home furnishings.

Close to Rice University, Rice Village is an enclave of trendy boutiques, family-owned businesses and big-name stores with over 300 stores. The Village Arcade, nestled in Rice Village, has great fashion accessories as well as fabulous restaurants and specialty shops.

Nineteenth Street is north of downtown in the historical Heights neighborhood. The charming, small-town streetscape is filled with antique shops, art galleries and home furnishings boutiques, as well as a delicatessen and delightful café.