Houston Night Life : Houston City Guide

It says something about a city when one of its top tourist attractions is a gigantic, glamorous mall. But really, is that so wrong? After all, this is Houston, Texas, where everything is supposed to be big. Houston's shopping destinations aren't just big in size, but they are also expansive in selection too. There isn't too much you can't find here, day or night. Whether living the luxe life at The Galleria or lingering over a good read at the Brazos Bookstore or scoring a major deal on Harwin Street, Houston truly is a shopper's paradise.

It takes a village — Not known as a pedestrian-friendly city, Houston does have slices of life that are best seen on foot. That is just one of the lures of the Village Arcade near Rice University. A magnet for soccer moms, urban fashionistas and skateboarding high schoolers, Rice Village is a mix of well-known retailers such as Gap, Express, Banana Republic and Victoria's Secret, plus funky boutiques like Hemline (713-942-2016) for women's clothing and Z Bead (713-526-2216). Street level parking is hard to find, so shoppers tend to find a spot and then roam through the outdoor center that also includes restaurants, clubs, hair salons and a spa. Both train enthusiasts and those with a nose for perfumes will find just what they are looking for at this eclectic shopping locale. Kirby Drive at West University Boulevard; Visit www.chinatownconnection.com, Chinatown Houston for more information about Houston, Chinatown, and much more.