Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian

With a painted fresco overhead, spacious walkways and a gondola-laden canal, the Venetian provides the perfect ambience for shopping. Using the canal as a guide, patrons sweep along twists and turns, with plenty to browse along the journey. The strolling juggler and the opera trio, dressed in regal opulence, keep all entertained. And the human statue stationed in St. Mark's Square and the Oculus provides plenty of amusement.

You almost can hear the birds chirping (or is it the violinists?) as you walk among the detailed façades and street lamps, popping in and out of shops. The walkways converge in the simulated open-air St. Mark's square, where vendors offer Venetian glass figurines, trinket boxes and other souvenirs on their carts. Mosey around the spacious marketplace in search of treasures -- modest glass-blown figurines can be found for approximately $20. Masks, pens and other baubles also are abundant. And, of course, there's plenty of Venetian-logo merchandise for those who want to take home a more direct reminder.

This is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll -- even if you just want to window-shop, no one will bother you. Shopkeepers are attentive and courteous but don't hover over your shoulder. The specialty stores are what make the Grand Canal Shoppes special. The Venetian glass found here is exquisite; don't miss Ripa de Monti for the best selection of hand-blown fish, dolphins and other aquatic life. Next door, at Il Prato, you'll find masks, marionettes and fine papers, as well as ornate frames, mirrors and delicate accoutrements for creating a personalized wax seal. This is one selection you'll want to buy out. 

Make sure to stop by Peter Lik gallery, where'll you'll witness some of the most beautiful digitally-enhanced nature photographs in the world. For something fun and quirky, make sure to stop by Jack Gallery. Jack Gallery features a handful of funny pop culture paintings.

Women can browse through the mall's huge Bebe store as well as the cosmetic wonderland, Sephora. Looking for the perfect gift? Make sure not to miss David and Goliath, which carries some of the funniest and wittiest T-shirt sayings you'll ever see. David and Goliath also features baby clothes, pajamas and a wide selection of comfortable apparel.

The merchandise at the Grand Canal Shoppes is top-notch, and entertainment options abound for those who want to amplify their shopping experience. The Gondola Ride , the Venetian's most popular attraction, is located in St. Mark's Square. Modeled after Venetian gondolas, the ride takes passengers on a half-mile journey through the heart of the shopping center or outside the resort, giving them a chance to see the sights. And Madame Tussauds Las Vegas (a wax museum) is always a good bet. The sultry Tao nightclub is also located inside the Grand Canal Shoppes.

The layout of the shopping area allows patrons to navigate with ease. Beginning at the parking structure, enter the shops at Level 3, at the food court. Take a right and follow the canal to St. Mark's Square, cross to the other side, and you'll arrive at the Great Hall. From here, you can return to the garage and catch the stores you missed, take the escalators down to the casino, or exit to the Strip. Those coming from the Strip should enter at the Grand Canal Shoppes, adjacent to Madame Tussauds, walk to the right, cross over at St. Mark's Square and then return on the left.

If you want to continue your shopping experience, The Shoppes at Palazzo is connected to the Grand Canal Shoppes through St. Mark's Square. 

-- Staff Report