Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian

Streetmosphere  The Grand Canal Shoppes have a number of strolling performers, a brief schedule of these performances is listed below. Artiste del Arte Ann Taylor: 11:30 a.m.and 6 p.m. St. Mark's Square: Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Movado: 11:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 12:45 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Living Statues Ann Taylor: Noon - 8 p.m. St. Mark's Square: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Gondolier March 9:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. The Venetian Trio: An Evening of Musical Elegance St. Mark's Square: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. More

From romantic gondola rides and live opera shows to rustic architectural facades, the Grand Canal Shoppes captures the true spirit of Italy. In addition to exquisite shops and fine dining, an experience at Grand Canal Shoppes offers more than your average mall trip.

The Grand Canal and the blue sky-painted ceiling make you feel like you're outdoors. There are plenty of things to see and do besides shopping. For a romantic date, enjoy a peaceful ride on one of the gondolas. The indoor gondolas travel through the Grand Canal Shoppes. The ride lasts about 15 minutes. At the turnaround, your gondolier begins his Italian serenade. Don't forget to kiss under the bridge, which we hear is good luck.

If you're a fan of opera, you can also catch Streetmosphere inside the shops throughout the day. Free and open to the public, the costumed opera singers, dancers and stilt walkers excite crowds of all ages.  

Since you're here, you may as well get some shopping done! Ladies can find the perfect outfit at popular retailers like Bebe, Ann Taylor and BCBG. Banana Republic and Kenneth Cole carry both men's and women's apparel. While guys are finding the perfect grooming kit at The Art of Shaving, gals can head to Sephora for all their makeup and beauty essentials. But be careful -- you can spend hours in here just by trying out all of the products.

Those looking for gifts are in luck. The Grand Canal Shoppes features a great selection of specialty shops. It'Sugar carries all of your favorite candy, cake-scented candles, jumbo-sized Rice Krispie treats and Tootsie Pops as well a spunky Hello Kitty purse collection. If you're really looking to splurge, you can buy a Laffy Taffy leather jacket, priced at a whopping $2,499. David and Goliath features accessories, sleepwear and T-shirts with funny word play.

Art lovers can look through the stunning digitally-enhanced photographs at Peter Lik Gallery. Jack Gallery features colorful artwork from the world of entertainment, movies, music, sports and more. If you're really in a museum mood, head to Madame Tussauds Interactive Wax Attraction, just outside the shops. Take pictures with all your favorite celebrity replicas and get ready to fool your friends back home.

After all the shopping and sightseeing, we're sure you worked up an appetite. If you like to people-watch, sit "outdoors" at Canaletto. You'll also a great view of the Grand Canal and the live opera shows throughout the day. For a quick pick-me-up, stop by the popular Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. There's also a gelato stand right by the Streetmosphere stage. The Grand Canal Shoppes also offers a food court. Those who came to Vegas to party can find Tao Nightclub inside the shops. 

To get to the shops from the parking garage, take the elevator to the casino floor. Veer right and walk past the lobby and the food court. To make navigating easier start on one side of the canal, then turn around and walk back toward the garage. This way, you'll be able to catch all of the stores. 

If you're looking for even more retail and dining options, The Shoppes at Palazzo is connected to the Grand Canal Shoppes through St. Mark's Square. 

-- Review by Jeannie Garcia