When you think of New York, a lot of things come to mind. You’ll probably think of the famous cultural landmarks in New York or the stunning architecture of the city. You might even think of tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty. But there’s another thing New York is known for, and that’s shopping!
The city is filled with entire districts and streets that are hubs for shopping, and if you’re not looking to buy anything, they’re great places to walk around and browse.
So, let’s explore the Best Shopping Destinations in New York.
Shopping Streets In New York
1. Fifth Avenue
You’ve definitely heard of this one. Fifth Avenue stretches from north to south across Manhattan. It is renowned for its upscale shopping scene. The primary shopping area is concentrated between 14th Street and 59th Street. Fifth Avenue is synonymous with luxury boutiques and prominent department stores. Here, you’ll also find a wide range of shops, including Apple Store, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Gucci, Prada, Tiffany & Co, and many more. This is definitely one of the best shopping destinations in New York, so unleash your shopaholic and go wild!
2. SoHo
Although not a street itself, SoHo is a neighborhood that has become a symbol of shopping. It is filled with designer shops, luxurious chain stores, and prestigious art galleries, which makes it a very fun place to visit with friends in NYC. It’s more than just shopping. The elegant cast-iron facades and cobblestone streets of SoHo create a unique atmosphere. This neighborhood attracts fashionable crowds to its upscale restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
3. Madison Square Park
If you’re planning a trip to New York, you have to check out Madison Square Park. Just south of here, you’ll find Union Square, which is brimming with fantastic shops Union Square is home to a large Barnes & Noble store, perfect for spending hours lost in books. On the other side of the square, you’ll find a well-stocked Whole Foods supermarket for all your grocery needs. Here, you’ll find fashion, food, and houseware all within walking distance.
Shopping Malls In New York
1. Time Warner Center
The Time Warner Center is located next to Columbus Circle. It has a spacious shopping center with a variety of high-end shops. Here, you can find luxury brands like Hugo Boss, Swarovski, J. Crew, and more. A must-visit destination within the center is the Whole Foods Market located in the basement. This place has an extensive selection of gourmet food items.
2. Newport Centre
The Newport Centre in Jersey City is considered one of the largest malls in the region. It offers a wide range of fashion stores and a fantastic food court. You can browse through popular establishments like Bath & Body Works, Forever 21, and Kohl’s. Compared to New York, prices at this mall are generally more affordable due to lower taxes in New Jersey. Also, if you’re thinking of catching a movie during your visit, the mall has a great AMC theater with budget-friendly options.
3. The Manhattan Mall
The Manhattan Mall is near Herald Square, and it offers a selection of stores to explore. The mall’s main occupant is a large JC-Penney, and you can also find popular establishments like Victoria’s Secret, Hallmark, and Radio Shack.
4. Queens Center Mall
The Queens Center Mall often offers more affordable prices than stores in Manhattan. It features a variety of shops, including Target, Best Buy, Macy’s, and Designer Shoe Warehouse. It’s a great place for shopping on a budget in New York.
5. Grand Central Terminal
If you’re getting around New York, you’ll probably stumble across this place. Grand Central Terminal is known for its exquisite food court, where you can indulge in a diverse range of culinary delights. The terminal also has a collection of unique shops, like Banana Republic and Swatch. This place provides a delightful shopping experience within the grandeur of the historic landmark.
6. The Staten Island Mall
The Staten Island Mall gives excellent value for money and multiple shopping options. You can explore the sales section at H&M or browse through Victoria’s Secret. The mall gives you ample opportunities to spend an entire afternoon immersed in retail therapy.
Looking For Something More Specific?
1. The Real Real
You can fully experience the excitement of shopping in New York at The Real Real store. It’s a treasure trove of pre-loved designer goodies. Unlike traditional thrift stores, this upscale department store-inspired establishment provides a high-end shopping experience. At its SoHo and Brooklyn outlets, you can find vintage gems from some of New York’s finest wardrobes, as well as meticulously curated collections of designer fashion.
2. Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor is a well-known brand that offers stylish and trendy clothing, footwear, and accessories for women. Their collection mainly focuses on the latest fashion trends and designer labels. The store offers quality outfits at reasonable prices.
3. No.6 Store
No.6 Store initially gained recognition for its handmade shoes and printed silk dresses. Today, its small yet perfectly curated store in Little Italy has a wider range of items, like accessories, denim, swimwear, and more. It also has a thoughtfully selected collection of vintage and European designers.
4. Astro Gallery of Gems
Astro Gallery is the world’s most extensive gallery of gems, crystals, minerals, and fossils. Its captivating display will remind you of a museum. You can explore its fascinating collection, which includes home decor gems, jewelry items, and unique gifts. At this store, you can find some of the best souvenirs to buy in New York.
5. Rowing Blazers
Rowing Blazers is located at the intersection of SoHo and the Lower East Side. It adds to the vibrant landscape of special clothing boutiques in the area. Once you step into their flagship store, you’ll find that it stands out because of its old-school, wood-paneled ambiance. You can also find preppy rugby shirts, vintage lacrosse sweats, Ivy League caps, and more.
7. American Girl Place
American Girl Place is a famous doll house located on Fifth Avenue. Inside, you’ll find a great collection of girly toys and dolls on display. The store also has a delightful cafe where girls and their moms can enjoy a memorable experience.
8. Burberry
Burberry is a British luxury brand known for its exclusive menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear. The store holds designer labels and has lavish interiors and exteriors. It’s also known for its responsive customer service and glorious product display style.
9. Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce & Gabbana, a must-visit place to visit in New York. It is a high-end fashion outlet. Here, you can experience the allure of their exclusive luxury clothing, bags, and beauty products. Please note that the store features premium pricing, so try to avoid it if you’re on a budget.
10. Khaite
Khaite was launched by designer Cate Holstein. With its elevated take on classic designs, the brand has captured the attention of A-listers, influencers, and fashion editors. You can visit its striking store on Mercer Street in SoHo to replenish your wardrobe with chic and timeless staples.
11. Dyson
Dyson’s store on Fifth Avenue is a huge center for household appliances. You can explore their collection, which includes electronic appliances, vacuum cleaners, hair care electronic products, air purifiers, and headphones. Again, you can expect premium quality and higher price points for these exceptional products.
12. Everlane
While exploring SoHo and the Lower East Side, visit Everlane to find your perfect pair of jeans. Instead of ordering online, visit one of their two New York outposts, where you can meet America’s sustainable denim experts in person. This will allow you to discover a timeless range of denim styles, from high-rise flares to low-rise shorts.
13. Elie Tahari
Elie Tahari is a luxurious women’s fashion outlet known for its designer collection of casual, formal, and outerwear dresses. Here, you’ll find trendy and expensive couture pieces.
14. Seven Wonders Collective
If you’re exploring tourist attractions in New York, a must-visit spot in the Lower East Side is the Seven Wonders Collective. This vintage dreamland houses hand-picked treasures from 18 different vendors in their newest store, making it a paradise for vintage enthusiasts.
15. Johnston & Murphy
Johnston & Murphy is an exclusive clothing store for men and women. You can browse through their selection of shirts, tops, jackets, blazers, shoes, and other accessories, all of which exude high quality and come with a higher price tag.
16. Sea
Sea, founded by childhood friends Sean Monahan and Monica Paolini, is known for its distinctive textures and original motifs that infuse classic silhouettes with a fresh edge. You can visit their SoHo store next to their workshop to check out their “polished bohemian” style, whether you’re looking for maxis, midis, or modern separates.
17. Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret on Fifth Avenue is not only a renowned women’s clothing store but also a hotspot for spotting famous people who live in New York. With its exclusive collection of sleepwear, swimwear, and sportswear, it’s a favorite destination for both locals and celebrities alike.
18. Ulla Johnson
Ulla Johnson is known for its unique style, especially the puff sleeves, which is their staple. The designer draws inspiration from New York street life and her global travels. You can easily immerse yourself in her adored printed dresses, woven bags, statement earrings, and sustainable denim at her flagship NoHo store.
19. Zara’s
Zara’s SoHo store is a Spanish fashion outlet that epitomizes luxury and style. You can find their exclusive range of trending fashion clothing, shoes, and accessories for women. They also hold designer labels.
Department Stores In NYC
1. Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s is a stunning department store tucked within the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This store gives you a delightful shopping experience without overwhelming crowds. You’ll find yourself lost in a world of designer fashion, with an impressive selection that includes household names like Michael Kors and Steve Madden. Whether you’re looking for the latest trends or timeless classics, Bloomingdale’s is sure to have something that catches your eye.
2. Macy’s Flagship Store
The Macy’s Flagship Store in Herald Square is a must-visit spot in NYC, not just for shopping but also for catching glimpses of NYC influencers and celebrities who often frequent this iconic location. Spanning an entire city block, the store offers magnificent window displays that are a feast for the eyes, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. If you’re not in the mood for shopping, simply strolling past the store to admire its displays is worth it. While the flagship store is bustling with activity, Macy’s has other locations throughout the city, including a more relaxed and less crowded experience at Macy’s in Downtown Brooklyn. International visitors can also benefit from the free 10% discount card available on Macy’s website, adding to the allure of exploring this iconic New York institution.
3. Century 21
Century 21 is located in lower Manhattan. It’s the ultimate destination for snagging discounts on designer clothing. Before splurging on designer items at expensive boutiques, go to Century 21. You’ll often find the same high-end pieces at considerably lower prices. If you’re on the Upper West Side near Lincoln Center, there’s a great Century 21 branch on West 66th Street that’s well worth a visit.
Conclusion
These shopping destinations are some of the best places to visit in New York. When exploring New York City, consider these budget tips for making the most of your visit. Not only are thrift stores great for finding items to buy at affordable prices, but they’re also perfect for leisurely strolls or taking a moment to admire the displays and interior designs. Choose a destination that aligns with your budget, and enjoy a fulfilling shopping experience!
