The Galleria, Houston

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So AROUND the Galleria are a bunch of wonderful shops as well. Here you'll find Ethan Allan and other very nice stores that are not directly connected to the Galleria. It can be a VERY crowded area though, especially during the holidays so beware. Traffic is a b*****!!!

What to buy: My favorite store is here: LAKESHORE!!!! (It's a teaching store) :p

What to pay: Expect to pay more than you would at a normal mall.

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The galleria holds most of the upscale shops of Houston such as Tiffanys and Co. and Saks. Neimans is still there as is Macy's and other nice places. It is also connected to some of the more expensive restaurants and hotels in the area. It compares to downtown in sights and sounds.

What to buy: Whatever you can afford

What to pay: More than you would in most places....

If you like shopping AND you have BIG BUCKS, the Galleria is the place for you! It is a huge luxurious shopping mall with all the well-known expensive stores such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fith Avenue , Macy's, but also outlets of Versace, Armani, Chanel, Vuitton, and company. You also find "cheaper" clothes stores such as Banana Republic, Talbots, Gaps.. Well, you know, it is just a big classical shopping mall aimed at the wealthy!
You might notice that I put a tip on the Galleria in my "Tourist Trap" section as well. This is because lots of new comers in Houston are told that THE place to visit in Houston is the Galleria. This is not true. The Galleria is a shopping mall like any other around the US and the same thing can be found in all major cities!!
Finally, parking is free in the many parking buildings under and around the shopping center. It might be hard to find a parking place on a Saturday afternoon.

What to buy: Expensive clothes, shoes, beauty products, art, home furnishing, jewelry, craft...
There are also restaurants, hotels (Marriot, Westin, Hilton,...) and an ice-skating ring.

What to pay: Lots!

The Galleria Mall is by far the biggest mall in Houston, and one of the largest in the United States. It has been a fixture in town for over 30 years now, and is the cornerstone of the Uptown District shopping mecca. And after several expansions and renovations over the years, it is truly THE mega-mall of Houston. Several big department stores are located within it, including Macy's and Nordstrom's, along with 100's of retail stores such as Banana Republic and Abercrombie & Fitch. Many upscale stores like Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and Versace have locations here. The food court is huge! Whether you feel like fast food, or a fine dining experience, you have have plenty to select from. There are 2 Westin Hotels within the Galleria, and if you feel up to it, there is an ice skating rink right in the middle of it all. Pretty much anything you could ever want to shop for will be located right here.

What to pay: Generally the prices at the Galleria are a little higher than other shopping locations throughout town. But if convenience is what you are looking for, it's all right here!

This is absolutely THE mecca of shopping in Houston. It's an absolutely enormous mall with every shop imaginable inside. There are also great restaurants (try the Cheesecake Factory - which has a very extensive menu as well as 30 different kinds of cheesecake!) In the last few years they've added yet another wing which houses Nordstrom and Foley's as well as dozens of other shops. There is also an iceskating rink in the center of the mall, and at Christmas time they put an enormous tree in the middle of it. Parking can be a bit of a challenge so if you don't mind spending $5, they have valet parking outside of Saks 5th Avenue, in front of the Fox Sports Bar, and at Nordstroms (inside the parking garage.) I would highly recommend this during the holiday season because this place can get pretty insane at that time.

If you like shopping and you're in Houston, you definately have to check out the Galleria shopping mall. It is more a city in a city and is one of the most popular shopping and tourist destinations in Houston.
The Galleria features more than 375 fine stores and restaurants, an ice rink and two Westin hotels (see hotel tips). All the major brands are represented.
I in particulary liked the design of the Hollister store.

Since I listed Neiman Marcus as the place where you could go in Houston for the rich items.... I figure I would give you a lower cost alternative. Dillards is one of the places that Sarah and I are registered (feel free to get us a wedding present) (if you are serious, it is Mark Carroll and we are getting married March 19).

This is a typical department store, so it has a little of everything!

What to pay: Not alot.

For those of you that are true shopping addicts, the script writing in this picture keys you off immediately to figure out that this is a sign of high end retail love!

Neiman Marcus is the sign of high end clothing and Houston's Galleria is the main place to find this stuff!

It is definitely out of my league pricewise... and that is even with my fiance's employee discount!

What to pay: ALOT!