A 500000 sq ft shopping mall attached to the Venetian Hotel and Casino is patterned after Venice, complete with Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs, and all the other famous sites. Opened in 1999 and expanded in 2007, it receives over 20 million visitors per year drawn by 65 upscale shops ranging from Mikimoto pearls to Movado. Famous restaurants include Mario Batali and Wolfgang Puck outlets and a New York City pan-Asian favorite of ours, Tao.

The main entrance from Las Vegas Boulevard is over a nice replica of the Rialto Bridge. The old world setting is enhanced by winding cobblestoned walkways, the ubiquitous trompel'oeil blue ceilings with clouds, and Venetian style facades. The central square modelled after St. Mark's featuring street performers with musicians, actors, and singers. At the center, living statues attract a lot of interest especially since benches are provided. Also at the center of the square, exorbitantly expensive but absolutely delicious gelatos. Many of the most famous restaurant offerings spill out on to the square as well.

This was one of our favorite malls, a little smaller than most and surprisingly authentic looking, with a somewhat eclectic collection of stores