United States of America Shopping and nightlife
Shopping in United States of America
The U.S. is home to some of the largest shopping malls in the world, including the sprawling Mall of America in Minnesota, which features over 500 stores, an indoor amusement park, and even an aquarium. Other notable malls include King of Prussia Mall (Pennsylvania), South Coast Plaza (California), and Aventura Mall (Florida). Malls are often destinations in their own right, offering dining, entertainment, and endless opportunities to browse.
Outlet shopping is hugely popular, especially among international visitors. Outlet centres, such as those run by Premium Outlets or Tanger Outlets, offer brand-name and designer goods at discounted prices. These are often located just outside major cities, and popular spots include Woodbury Common near New York, Desert Hills Premium Outlets near Los Angeles, and Orlando International Premium Outlets in Florida.
For those who prefer a more urban shopping experience, cities offer vibrant retail districts. In New York City, Fifth Avenue, SoHo, and Herald Square are iconic. Los Angeles has Rodeo Drive for high-end fashion and Melrose Avenue for trendier finds. Chicago's Magnificent Mile, San Francisco's Union Square, and Miami's Lincoln Road are also well worth a visit.
A few things for tourists to keep in mind: sales tax is not included in the price tag and varies by state (typically 5–10%), so the final price at the till may be slightly higher. Bargaining is not customary in stores, but you may find deals during seasonal sales or special promotions. Many large retailers offer international shipping or tax-free shopping programmes, and credit cards are widely accepted, though a passport may be requested for large purchases or card verification.
Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun 11:00-18:00 (most shops).
Nightlife in United States of America
Nightlife in the United States is as varied as the country itself, ranging from glitzy rooftop bars and world-famous clubs to laid-back jazz lounges and honky-tonk bars. Whether you're looking for cocktails with a skyline view, live music in a smoky dive, or late-night comedy and theatre, you'll find plenty to keep you entertained after dark.
New York City never sleeps, and neither does its nightlife. From Broadway shows and rooftop bars in Manhattan to warehouse parties in Brooklyn, there's something happening every night of the week. Las Vegas is another nightlife giant, known for its casino culture, headline concerts, world-class DJs, and over-the-top clubs. Meanwhile, New Orleans offers a completely different rhythm, with live jazz pouring out of bars on Frenchmen Street and festive crowds on Bourbon Street.
On the West Coast, Los Angeles and San Francisco have thriving nightlife scenes that blend live music, dancing, craft cocktails, and quirky-themed bars. Austin, Texas, known as the "Live Music Capital of the World", has nightly gigs and lively bar-hopping on Sixth Street. Other notable nightlife cities include Miami (for Latin beats and beachfront clubs), Chicago (for blues and late-night eats), and Nashville (for country music and dancing).
Many bars and clubs stay open until 02:00 a.m., though some cities (like New York or Las Vegas) have venues that go much later.
