The most famous shopping street in Los Angeles is Rodeo Drive off Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Those without hefty bank balances can still go window-shopping at jewellery stores like Harry Winston and Tiffany's or the flagship stores of all the designer names, from Gucci to Tommy Hilfiger. At the end of Rodeo Drive are larger department stores, such as Barney's and Saks.

Not far away is the Beverly Center, that continues to be popular with celebrities, and Century City Shopping Center an outdoor shopping plaza; both with branches of Macy's and Bloomingdale's, as well as speciality shops.

For eight blocks from Coldwater Canyon to Laurel Canyon, in Studio City, Ventura Boulevard offers concentrated boutique shopping, including home decorating stores and exclusive designer outlets. Stacey Todd sells modern classic home, women's and men's wear to appreciative shoppers. Ventura Boulevard also has an enticing selection of restaurants.

Next to the famous Farmers Market (Third and Fairfax Streets) is The Grove. The upscale centre, with fashionable boutiques and department stores like Barney's and Nordstrom, has its fair share of favourite American high street stores, like Banana Republic and Gap.

Westwood Village, adjacent to the UCLA campus, is a low-key shopping center. Its range of inexpensive shops sell practical items such as electronics, books and groceries, as well as clothes. Melrose Avenue, between Highland Avenue and Doheny Drive, is lined with 20th-century antique shops and trendy fashion boutiques like Red Balls at 7365, featured in the opening credits of the TV show Melrose Place. La Brea Avenue, off Melrose Avenue, has more hip boutiques and vintage clothing stores, including the huge American Rag at 150. The Silver Lake area, on the border of Los Feliz and Hollywood (Vermont Avenue and Sunset Boulevard), is dubbed the ‘Soho of LA'. It has stalls and boutiques selling stylish vintage and retro clothing.

Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade is a pedestrianised mall that runs for several blocks and is lined with shops and outdoor cafes. At one end is Santa Monica Place, an indoor mall with department stores and boutiques. Fashion shopping can be found nearby on Montana Avenue, between Seventh and 17th Streets.

Downtown has various shopping complexes and gallerias, including the highly recommended Grand Central Market on South Broadway, offering a cornucopia of fresh foods, fruits and vegetables. In the Jewelry District (Hill Street between West Fifth and West Seventh Streets), visitors can find good bargains. The Fashion District is a real shopping experience - a 90-block mix of wholesalers, manufacturers and retailers selling discounted merchandise.

The kitsch shops along Hollywood Boulevard are best for fun souvenirs. The Hollywood & Highland Center, a shopping and entertainment centre, houses the Kodak Theatre (the Academy Awards venue) and a host of shops.

Shopping hours are generally 0900-1800 although malls will close at 2100/2200. Sales tax of 8.25% is not reclaimable.

© 2006 Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd. Disclaimer

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