Shopping in New York City

The Ultimate Shopper's Guide to New York City: Discover the Best Stores, Markets, and Boutiques

New York City is known for many things, and shopping is definitely one of them. From world-famous department stores to charming boutiques, the city has it all. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the best places to go shopping in the Big Apple, whether you're looking for high-end fashion or quirky souvenirs.

Laura Ratliff
June 12, 2023

New York City is a shopper's paradise, with something for everyone. Whether you're looking to splurge on designer clothes or hunt for unique souvenirs to take back home, the city has it all. From the bustling streets of Times Square to the chic boutiques of SoHo, there's no shortage of shopping destinations in the Big Apple. In this guide, we'll take you through some of the best places to go shopping in New York City, from iconic department stores to hidden gem boutiques - as well as souvenirs you shouldn’t leave the city without.

Fifth Avenue

Fifth Avenue is one of the most famous and iconic streets in New York City. It runs north-south through the heart of Manhattan and is known for its high-end retail stores, luxury hotels, and historic landmarks.

Be mindful of sales tax

In New York City, sales tax can be up to 8.875%, which can add up quickly, especially if you're purchasing high-end or luxury items. Additionally, some stores offer tax-free shopping for international visitors, so be sure to ask about this option if you're visiting from another country.

Fifth Avenue is particularly popular among luxury shoppers, who come from all over the world to shop at the street’s many high-end designer stores. Some of the most famous brands include Gucci, Prada, Cartier, and department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. The street is also home to some of the world’s most famous flagship stores, such as the Apple and Nike stores.

Address: Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, NY

SoHo

Soho, short for “South of Houston,” is a trendy neighborhood in Lower Manhattan known for its fashionable boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. Houston Street bounds the neighborhood to the north, Canal Street to the south, Crosby Street to the east, and Sixth Avenue to the west.

Soho is particularly popular among fashion-conscious shoppers, who flock to many high-end boutiques and designer stores in the neighborhood. Some of the most popular brands include Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, and smaller boutiques like A.P.C., Chloé, Acne, and more.

Address: SoHo, Manhattan, NY

Chelsea Market

Chelsea Market is a historic indoor market located in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan that originally served as the headquarters for the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) in the 1890s and was later converted into a market in the 1990s. Today, the market is a popular destination for foodies and shoppers alike.

Inside the market, you’ll find various food vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses, and several boutique shops selling clothing, accessories, and home goods. You’ll find stores like Anthropologie, which offers stylish clothing and home decor, and Artists & Fleas, which features a rotating selection of artisanal goods and handmade crafts. Several art installations and murals throughout the market pay homage to its history.

Address: 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY

Brooklyn Flea

Brooklyn Flea is a popular outdoor marketplace on weekends in various locations throughout Brooklyn. The market features more than 150 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts to antique furniture. It’s an excellent destination for anyone looking for unique and one-of-a-kind items.

One of the interesting features of the Brooklyn Flea is its rotating location. The market occurs in different neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn each weekend, allowing visitors to explore other parts of the borough and discover new and interesting vendors. The most popular locations include DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Park Slope.

Address: Multiple locations around New York

Westfield World Trade Center

Westfield World Trade Center is a modern and impressive shopping center located in the heart of Lower Manhattan, just steps away from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The shopping center is part of the larger World Trade Center complex, and inside you’ll find a mix of high-end and affordable retail brands and several restaurants and cafes. Some of the most popular stores include Apple, H&M, and Eataly, which feature a selection of Italian food and wine.

The complex is set within a stark and dramatic building called “The Oculus,” designed by architect Santiago Calatrava and serves as a transportation hub and public space. The shopping center is situated at the former World Trade Center site, which was destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The site has been rebuilt and redeveloped in recent years, and Westfield World Trade Center is a testament to the resilience and strength of the city and its people.

Address: 185 Greenwich Street, New York, NY

Macy's

One of the most iconic department stores in the world, Macy’s has been a fixture of New York City’s shopping scene for over 150 years. The flagship store is located in Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan and spans more than 2.2 million square feet, making it one of the largest department stores in the world.

You’ll find a vast selection of products inside Macy’s, ranging from high-end fashion to affordable clothing, home goods, beauty products, and more. The store is known for its impressive holiday window displays and annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, featuring giant balloons, floats, and performances. Today, the store is a designated National Historic Landmark symbolizing New York City’s retail history.

Address: 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY

Strand Bookstore

Book lovers won’t want to miss the Strand Bookstore. This iconic bookstore has been a fixture in New York City since 1927 and is home to more than 2.5 million books. You’ll find everything from new releases to rare and out-of-print titles here.

If you're shopping on a budget in New York City, take notice of the city's thrift stores and vintage shops. Not only will you save money, but you'll also find unique and one-of-a-kind pieces that you won't find anywhere else. Plus, it's a sustainable way to shop and reduce your carbon footprint.

In addition to its impressive book selection, The Strand also features a number of events and author signings throughout the year. These events offer visitors the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and discover new and exciting books. The Strand is also a popular destination for book lovers looking for unique and quirky gifts. The store features a wide variety of book-related merchandise, including tote bags, t-shirts, mugs, and gifts for writers and artists, like journals, sketchbooks, and writing instruments.

Address: 828 Broadway, New York, NY

The Best Souvenirs to Bring Home from NYC

I ♥ NY T-Shirt – This classic souvenir is a must-buy for anyone visiting New York City. The iconic “I ♥ NY” logo was designed by Milton Glaser in 1977 and has become a symbol of the city.

Bagels – New York bagels are world-famous, and for good reason. They’re crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and come in various flavors. Grab a dozen to take back home and enjoy for breakfast.

Statue of Liberty Snow Globe – The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and a snow globe is a great way to bring a piece of it home with you.

Broadway Playbill – Seeing a Broadway show is a quintessential New York City experience, and a playbill is a great souvenir to remember the show by.

Gray’s Papaya T-ShirtGray’s Papaya is a hot dog institution in New York City, and its colorful T-shirts have become a popular fashion statement in recent years, particularly among young people and fashion bloggers. The shirt’s bright color and retro design make it a fun and playful addition to any outfit.

About the author

Laura RatliffLaura Ratliff is a New York-based writer and editor who originally hails from Fort Worth, Texas. As a freelancer, Laura’s expertise spans numerous topics, ranging from travel and food and drink to reported pieces covering politics and human rights. She typically spends more than 200,000 miles on a plane each year.