4 Best Places to Shop in Greater Houston, Houston and Galveston

Not to be confused with the neighborhood, this is the actual Galleria, the region's anchor shopping complex. It's famous for high-quality stores like Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Saks Fifth Avenue. But don't be scared off by all these big-ticket names—also here are establishments like Urban Outfitters, Macy's, Banana Republic, and Fox Sports Grill. Kids (and adults) will enjoy the year-round indoor ice rink; during the holidays you can skate around the giant Christmas tree.

Chic national retailers like Anthropologie, Williams-Sonoma, and Crate & Barrel grace this elegant, decades-old shopping plaza, where you also find scene-y restaurants Smith & Wollensky and RA Sushi.

Built in the round, this gigantic shopping center features Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Kenneth Cole Outlet Store, Cole Haan, the J. Crew Factory Store, and hundreds of other well-known stores. Need a break from shopping? Take in a movie at the AMC Theatres or enjoy a tropical-themed meal at the kitschy Rainforest Café.

This charming European-style outdoor shopping center gladly accepts plastic (and you'll need plenty of it) at its cafés, upscale restaurants, designer-clothing boutiques, fine jewelry shops, and day spas.