EAST OF THE STRIP. A few miles east of the Strip, this large mall offers more than a million square feet of walkable terrain, giving shoppers the chance to browse and comparison-shop to their hearts' content. Palm trees add character to wide aisleways, and plenty of space means that folks don't feel crowded when they're making their way around. Along with anchors like Sears, Dillard's, Macy's, and JCPenney, Boulevard offers Gap, Victoria's Secret, and other retail favorites. Food options are available.

THE STRIP. Designed to evoke stops along the ancient spice route, this shopping complex is rife with exoticism. Street performers and acrobats enliven the walkways, and architecture recalls Moorish lands. Best of all, a harbor, complete with a full-sized ship, features lifelike rainstorms ­ a marvel of special effects. Representative retailers include BCBG Max Azria, Swarovski, The Sharper Image, Sur la Table and Tommy Bahama. Restaurant options include Crustacean Las Vegas (French-Vietnamese cuisine), and nightlife possibilities include V Theater's celebrated assortment of live shows.

EAST OF THE STRIP. Two million square feet of shopping. $1 billion in renovations. 7 anchor stores. 250 other retailers. 11,000 square feet of dining options. Fashion Show is truly Las Vegas' largest, most prominent shopping destination. And with a retractable runway for actual fashion shows and an exterior architectural feature called the Cloud that's both a shelter and a projection screen for interior goings-on, it's an attraction as well. Set along the Strip, the mall offers Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard's, Macy's, Robinsons-May, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's Home. Other possibilities include Talulah G, Z Gallerie, Coach, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Betsey Johnson, and Tommy Bahama.

THE STRIP. Classical architecture and statuary impart a refined ambience to this incredibly popular shopping center. Fountains and a glass dome further showcase the place's beauty, and a pedestrian plaza along the Strip provides a gracious welcome. Upscale shops include Lalique, Gianni Versace, DKNY, Fendi, Kenneth Cole, David Yurman, Roberto Cavalli and Estee Lauder. Resident restaurants include Spago, Planet Hollywood, The Palm and the Cheesecake Factory. The Appian Way Shops, also on the premises, offer even more options, especially in the way of apparel and jewelry.

HENDERSON. East of town about twelve miles, the Galleria gathers approximately 120 retailers for shopping convenience. Anchors include Dillard's, Macy's, and JCPenney, along with other large venues like Mervyn's and Dick's Sporting Goods. They all join a number of smaller specialty stores, including Gap, Sam Goody, B. Dalton Bookseller, Caché, Kirkland's, Bath & Body Works, and Foot Locker. A variety of fast-food options and kiosks helps suppress hunger pangs when they arise.