What would Sin City be without one of America’s favorite vices – shopping? 

As one of the premier fashion centers of the US, Vegas is home to scores of top designer retail stores and hip boutiques. 

Shopping in Vegas is not just an activity – it’s an experience. 

Here is a list of some of the most impressive shopping venues in Vegas.

(Note:  click on any of the images below in the full article view  to see a larger version of that photo).

Wynn Esplanade

Oscar de la Renta. Jean Paul Gaultier. Alexander McQueen. Manolo Blahnik.  These are just a few of the designer retail stores you can find at the Wynn Esplanade. 

Add to that the array of fine restaurants (like the ultra-posh Alex) and the Ferrari-Maserati showroom and you’ve got a consumer force to be reckoned with.  Oh, and I think you dropped your jaw.

Located at 3131 S. Las Vegas Blvd, on the Strip.

Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian

Gondola rides through water-filled canals, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, the popular Tao nightclub, and roaming street performers make this outdoor mall an all-day excursion in itself. 

Of course, there is plenty of shopping to be done, with more than 80 high-end boutiques, galleries, restaurants and more.

Located at 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd, on the Strip.

The Shoppes at the Palazzo Hotel

The Venetian’s twin sister, the Palazzo embodies Italian chic with its offering of high-end fashion stores like Diane Von Furstenberg, Barney’s New York, Burberry and Chloe, and fine dining establishments under world-renowned chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and Shimon Bokova. 

Located at 3325 S. Las Vegas Blvd., inside the Palazzo Hotel.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace

Built to mimic the streets of ancient Rome, The Forum Shops at Casesars Palace contains more than 160 retail stores, and 15 restaurants. 

Features two animatronic shows:  Fountain of the Gods, where Roman gods come to life and Atlantis, based on the legendary city and set against a gigantic saltwater aquarium. 

Located at 3570 Las Vegas Blvd S., on the Strip.

Fashion Show Mall

Almost 2 million square-feet of shopping area sits under the Cloud, a structure twenty stories above the mall, which shelters an outdoor plaza and serves as a screen for multimedia presentations at night.  In addition to a number of department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom’s, the mall houses about 250 other shops and restaurants.  Located at 3200 S. Las Vegas Blvd, on the Strip, next to Treasure Island.

Via Bellagio

Home to Nevada’s only Tiffany & Co., as well as Hermes, Chanel, Armani and Prada stores, the Via Bellagio is one more reason why shopping in Vegas can’t be beat.  

Art-lovers may also want to check out its gallery of fine art.  Located at 3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd, on the Strip.

Mandalay Place at Mandalay Bay

Following the exotically themed Mandalay Bay, the offerings at the hotel’s shopping center are more off the beaten fashion path. 

Check out Fornarina for cutting edge fashion, Elton’s Men’s Store for unique menswear, and TeNo for contemporary jewelry. 

There are a number of specialty stores, as well, including tobacconists Davidoff and eco-friendly furniture store Lik Design.  Located at 3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd, inside Mandalay Bay.

Deal Alert:  the Shop and Dine Gourmet Package for the Grand Canal Shoppes

If you love great deals, check out the Shop and Dine Gourmet package for the Grand Canal Shoppes.  Priced from only $50, the package is a great deal since it offers Vegas coupons and special offers worth thousands of dollars from select retailers, restaurants and attractions at the Grand Canal Shoppes, The Shoppes at the Palazzo, and Fashion show.  If you love great food, and you love shopping, then you'll love this package.  Click the Save! icon to reserve your package.

Photo credits:  Photo of Wynn Las Vegas shoping bag and packade is courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas.  Photo of The Shoppes at the Palazzo is courtesy of the Palazzo. Photo of The Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace Las Vegas (also shown at the top of the article) is courtesy of Harrah's License Company.  Photo of Via Bellagio at Bellagio Las Vegas, and photo of Mandalay Place at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas are courtesy of MGM Mirage.