This shopping center and mini city (complete with apartments, office spaces, and tons of places to grab coffee or a meal) in the heart of the Energy Corridor offers shopping, family-friendly entertainment, food, fitness, and more. Spend some time in one of CityCentre’s many trendy shops, like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, or take a cooking class at Sur La Table, where you can also purchase new items for your kitchen. You can bring a date for dinner and a movie all in one place at Studio Movie Grill. Then, stroll down the walkable streets with a frozen treat from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream or a warm chocolate chip cookie from Tiff’s Treats. CityCentre is also located right next to Town and Country Village, which houses a Barnes & Noble (with cafe) among several jewelry and home decor stores. And if you happen to be in the area during theater season, you can catch a musical at Queensbury Theatre, located right between the shopping centers.

Looking for an area of Houston a little richer in character and history to satisfy your shopping urges? Historic 19th Street in the Heights is an eclectic shopping strip similar to Austin’s Congress Avenue, if a little smaller and quainter. Expect everything from vintage clothing and antiques to vinyl records, toys, art, and home goods, as well as ice cream parlors, a theater, and coffee shops. While walking along the strip, you’ll notice that most spots are locally owned, such as Manready Mercantile, Casa Ramirez Folkart Gallery, and the Houston Toy Museum. There’s also often live music and other pop-up events like the famous White Linen Night.

If you don’t live close to downtown or the Galleria, don’t fret: Houston Premium Outlets in Cypress is a great option for high-end brands like Karl Lagerfeld Paris and Swarovski, but also full of familiar faces like Forever 21 and Starbucks. Browse clothing, perfume, jewelry, and cosmetics in a variety of styles and price ranges. There are also food and beverage options, like Infuzion Bubble Tea Bar and the Texas-themed Longhorn Steakhouse. Houston Premium Outlets is not just a place to shop, it’s also a great community venue, offering kid-friendly seasonal events and holiday sidewalk sales.

M-K-T Heights, a new development that opened in 2020, is a thriving shopping destination that’s slowly been adding new businesses since its debut. These repurposed warehouses feature a mix of sleek boutiques, public art, salons, and restaurants, making it a dynamic place to explore. Stop by Pop-Up Co-Op for vintage finds and funky goods, check out Burdlife for clothes and permanent jewelry, and visit Suitshop for your next formal event. M-K-T’s industrial-chic charm and open-air concept makes shopping feel less stuffy than a traditional mall. Plus, there’s always plenty of parking. If you live in the Heights and plan on shopping light, the M-K-T walking trail goes conveniently right past the shopping area.

Montrose Collective is a trendy new enclave with a solid selection of boutique shops and dining experiences. Debuted in late 2021, the development has distinct architecture and focuses on local businesses and artisans like home goods shop Amano, the Plant Project nursery, and clothing store State and Liberty. Montrose Collective also has a range of dining options, from the upscale Italian restaurant Marmo to the swanky bistro and bar the Chelsea. While the complex is a bit compact, there is a parking garage on site, valet for quick trips in and out, or street parking. Don’t forget to grab a glass of wine at the just-opened Fiora’s Bottle Shop before taking a walkabout.

Perhaps you know Rice Village as one of Houston’s more classic shopping centers, but in the last few years, some new businesses, shops, and restaurants have opened their doors, giving the Village a revitalized, hipper feel. Hamsa opened in 2022 serving outstanding Israeli food, and the Bludorn team unveiled their seafood-centric Navy Blue later that year; both of these Rice Village newcomers are among the best new restaurants in all of Houston. Sip some wine at Sixty Vines before heading over to Crossroads to thrift a new (or rather, old) blouse. Rice Village also features big chains like West Elm and CB2, beauty spots like Face Haus and Drybar, or head to British Isles just outside the main hub, our go-to spot for anything tea (or Royal Family) related.

River Oaks is one of Houston’s oldest districts, home of historic landmarks like the River Oaks Theater, and its shopping center is one of the oldest in the United States (with some of it originally built in the 1930s). When you visit, you’ll soon realize that “oldie but goodie” has never rung truer. Enjoy the unique arrangement of small shops like Vikari French Boutique and Eklektic Jewelry Studio—which offers custom-made rings, earrings, necklaces, and more—and spots like Izakaya WA, Zanti Cucina Italiana, and Brasserie 19.

A more upscale shopping mall, the Galleria is Houston’s biggest home of luxury brands like Balenciaga and Dior (for starstruck window shopping, if nothing else). But it also offers a large mix of lower-key favorites like Adidas and Victoria’s Secret, and plenty of restaurant options for whatever you’re in the mood for—whether that’s Chipotle or Nobu Houston. Musaafer, a fine-dining Indian restaurant, has made waves on Houston’s food scene since it opened in 2020. The Galleria has over 2.4 million square feet to roam in style with friends (or to people watch), and you can even throw on a pair of ice skates and glide around the year-round ice rink. If you’re looking for something a little different during your next outing, plan a trip with friends to the Escape Game, or browse Off the Wall’s atelier gallery.

Looking for vintage finds, a bite to eat, and maybe even some handmade items? Montrose’s main strip is bursting with boutiques, small businesses, and resale shops. Start at a cute little gift shop like Space Montrose, or maybe even drop by Leopard Lounge or Pavement to satisfy your recycled clothing needs. If you get hungry during your haul, take a seat at Empire Cafe or Brasil for something casual, or Rosie Cannonball if you’re feeling fancy.

The Galleria may be your go-to for last-minute shopping but hang around close by and visit Uptown Shopping Center for any needs that the Galleria may not have met. Designed with European sensibilities in mind, you can window shop your way through artsy boutiques and fashion shops like Krewe and Elizabeth Anthony; aesthetically pleasing cafes and salons pepper the property as well. Acclaimed Houston chef Hugo Ortega opened his latest restaurant, Urbe, here, and you can also grab solid Thai food at Songkran Thai Kitchen.