New York City

New York City is easily the favorite shopping city for all kinds of travelers. Luxury shopping lives in New York, with the flagship stores of many top designers, lining 5th and Madison Avenues. Designer sample sales are popular with fashion lovers who want a bargain. Mainstream/national chains are in Manhattan, particularly in SoHo, but it's best to bypass those and check out the city's numerous boutiques and emporiums. About's Guide to New York City Travel has a New York City Shopping Walking Tour Map for those who wish to visit the famous department stores (Saks, Barney's, Tiffany) of Midtown. Elsewhere, Frommer's has an excellent break-down of the Top Shopping Streets and Neighborhoods of New York City.

Chicago

The 13-block stretch of North Michigan Avenue known as The Magnificent Mile is usually what ranks Chicago among the best cities for shopping in the United States. Everything from high-end and mainstream department stores, boutiques, and jewelers, attract visitors to this mile-long shopping boulevard. Shopping malls are also squeezed into this strand, notably Water Tower Place, an eight-story, open atrium of more than 100 shops. Frommer's offers aShopper's Stroll of North Michigan Avenue as well as details on other Chicago shopping districts, including State Street/The Loop, the galleries of River North, and boutiques and artisan shops of trendy Wicker Park.

Los Angeles

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is one of the best-known shopping addresses in the entire world. It is here that Hollywood stars shop for chic clothing and jewelry, some spending in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in one shopping excursion. But Los Angeles has more than just luxury shopping. Watch this video to check L.A.'s Fashion District, which is full of chic bargains. About's Guide to Los Angeles travel also has the low-down on other discount, mid-range, and expensive shopping areas in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Hollywood, and beyond.

San Francisco

Many different influences going into making San Francisco one of the most exciting places to shop in the country. Silicon Valley is nearby, making this city a testing ground for new gadgets and tech accessories. San Francisco is also known for its independent spirit, which is evident in boutiques and vendors on Fillmore Street, Union Street, and The Mission. For high-end and mainstream retail, Union Square, in the heart of downtown, is the place to go. Find more information on San Francisco shopping deals, curiosity shops, and more from the San Francisco Travel Association.

Minneapolis/St. Paul - Mall of America

Shopping malls are integral to U.S. shopping culture, so it'd be remiss to leave the Mall of America off of the list of America's best places to shop. The Minneapolis/St. Paul attraction receives 40 million visitors annually and is so large that 32 Boeing 747s could fit inside the mall. As for shopping, there are more than 520 stores. Other venues to part visitors with their money include the SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, the Nickelodeon Universe theme park, flight simulators, theaters, and more.

Houston

Forbes' Magazine recently ranked Houston as the #1 shopping destination in the United States because of its "total number of retail locations and malls, sales tax, consumer price index and, yes, number of Walmarts." Houston is also home to the Houston Galleria, the largest mall in Texas, with more than 375 stores and boutiques. About's Guide to Houston provides an overview of the best places to shop in Houston during the holidays. The articles, which includes links to Houston outlet centers, is a handy resource for any travelers looking for bargains in America's fourth largest city. Visit Houston has more listings for Houston's boutiques, markets, shopping streets, and top shops.