10 Best Shopping Spots In New York City

shopping in new york
Philip
Philip 
Updated
| 5 min read

One of the world’s true must-see destinations, New York and its litany of majestic landmarks will be familiar even to people who have never set foot in North America before. The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge are just some of the stunning locations which bring legions of curious tourists to the Big Apple every year. But, of course, you won’t just be coming to New York to enjoy the city’s many fine sights. No, you’ll also likely have cash to splash - be it on a night at the theatre at one of Broadway’s iconic shows, or a trip to some of the city’s numerous top shopping spots. If it’s the latter though, where do you start? In a city where Manhattan Island alone stretches for more than 13 miles (21km) from end to end, there’s a lot to explore. Read on for just some of the top shopping spots in New York City.

1. Times Square


Time Square stands out as one of the most instantly recognisable locations in one of the world’s most famous cities - helped in no small part by its innumerable appearances on the big screen. Home to New York’s theatre district, its fame means it is always bustling with tourists. And as well as the area’s spellbinding shows, it also boasts a wide array of big-name stores on the likes of 42nd Street. Swarovski, of crystal fame, Gap, H&M, the Disney Store, Foot Locker, Levi’s and T-Mobile are just some of the top brands that call the area home.

Swarovski

Address: 1565 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

Website: Swarovski

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 10pm

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2. Madison Square


Madison Square is perhaps best known as the original home of Madison Square Garden - a sports and entertainment complex which now resides at Pennsylvania Place - and its location next to New York’s iconic Flat Iron building. But there are plenty of shops to enjoy as well while taking a stroll round the park. Sony Square NYC, the LEGO Store, and other big-name brands rub shoulders with souvenir shops such as Memories of New York and charming independents like the nearby Rizzoli Bookstore. What’s more, the park is also home to the original Shake Shack burger outlet - giving you the perfect excuse to tuck into a meal.

Sony Square NYC

Address: 25 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010

Website: Sony Square NYC

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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3. Chinatown


One of several Chinatowns within New York, the Manhattan original is located towards the south of the island - and close to iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge. It is a bustling neighbourhood, chock-full of places to shop. These range from popular small jewellers like Yaf Sparkle, and family-owned fare for those with a sweet tooth at East Side Economy Candy, to the artistically-styled bags, backpacks, and canvas prints of Studio Manhattan. Other spots include the no-frills likes of the East Broadway Mall and mementos at the likes of Jenny’s Souvenirs.

Yaf Sparkle

Address: 249 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002

Website: Yaf Sparkle

Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)

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4. West Village


Famed as something of a bohemian hot-spot, the West Village is still home to artists’ lofts at the likes of Palazzo Chupi and Westbeth Artists Community. This artisan vibe is reflected in some of the small stores in the area, such as the fine cheeses of Murray’s Cheese, the custom design studio and shop of Greenwich Letterpress, and popular neighbourhood bookshops like Three Lives & Company. Away from the shops, the new Whitney Museum of American Art and the High Line public park - a disused elevated rail line converted to public use - are recent additions worth checking out.

Thee Lives & Company

Address: 154 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014

Website: Three Lives & Company

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8.30pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm

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New York City Tour Guide

Hiram Jacobs

Hiram Jacobs

I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.

Tours by Hiram

New York City Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Fifth Avenue


Fifth Avenue is a true shopaholic’s paradise and is regarded as one of the most expensive streets in the world. Stretching for more than 6 miles (almost 10km) it is home to such iconic landmarks as the Empire State Building, New York Public Library, and the Rockefeller Center. It is also home to some truly famous brands. Saks Fifth Avenue gets its name from this very thoroughfare, where its flagship store still operates. And there are plenty of other top fashion outlets to tempt you to part with your cash, especially between its 39th and 60th Street junctions. Cartier, Gianni Versace, Prada, and of course, Tiffany & Co, can all be found here. Time for a little fashion pampering.

Cartier

Address: 653 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10022

Website: Cartier

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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6. Broadway


This next entry needs little introduction. Famous to legions of theatre fans around the world, its venues host some of the biggest productions and names of the stage. But Broadway itself covers a much larger area, extending north to south for more than 30 miles (some 53km). The stretch you’ll most likely be visiting though, is the 13-mile long (21km) Manhattan section - and the theatre district in particular. Unsurprisingly, its association with great theatre is reflected in a number of shops - such as Theatre Circle with its sheet music, old programs, and memorabilia, and Phantom of Broadway with its souvenirs. A host of top department stores can be found in the area as well as more intriguing curiosities, such as rare books at the Strand Book Store.

Theatre Circle

Address: 268 West 44th Street #1, New York, NY 10036

Website: Theatre Circle

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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7. Williamsburg


Located in Brooklyn, Williamsburg has become increasingly gentrified in recent decades and is now home to a thriving art scene and nightlife. This is reflected in some of the boutiques, independent clothes retailers and eclectic shops that you can visit. These range from the iconic indie record store Rough Trade NYC, which is well-known to legions of music fans, while the musical vibe continues at the likes of Southside Guitars, which has been a fixture of the neighbourhood for years. Other outlets include designer Paul Smith’s women’s and men’s clothes shop at Grand Street.

Rough Trade NYC

Address: 64 North 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Website: Rough Trade NYC

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

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8. Chelsea Market


Chelsea Market is a popular mall and food hall that dates all the way back to the 1890s, when it was the home to a biscuit factory where the world famous Oreo cookie was first produced. Since the 1990s, when it was redeveloped, it has featured a range of retail outlets throughout its lower floor. And, given that the complex occupies a full city block - between 15th and 16th Streets - there’s plenty to keep the interest of even the most hardened shopaholic. Stores range from anchor shops like major clothes retailer Anthropologie, to Chelsea Market Baskets, and Posman Books. Retailers range from the bigger brands to artisanal foods, and you’ll also find places to tuck into tasty treats such as Italian pasta, ideal for breaking up your shopping with a meal.

Chelsea Market

Address: 75 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10011

Website: Chelsea Market

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 2am; Sun: 8am - 10pm

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9. SoHo


Another popular shopping area, SoHo is famed in recent years for its trendy art scene, its gentrified streets and its mix of top-name chain stores and upmarket boutiques. And, speaking of the latter, Prada, Burberry and Chanel are just some of the names to keep an eye out for on your travels round the neighbourhood. Top designers like Isabel Marant and Rick Owens, and French fashion house Chloe also have a presence in SoHo. One thing’s for sure, fans of good clothes should be in heaven during their visit.

Burberry

Address: 131 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012

Website: Burberry

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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10. Herald Square


Located where Broadway, the Avenue of Americas, and 34th Street meet, Herald Square, and the streets in the surrounding area are home to some seriously big-name brands. The world-famous Macy’s is synonymous with New York thanks to its long-time association with the likes of the iconic Thanksgiving Day Parade. Its flagship store - the self-styled ‘world’s largest’ - is located at Herald Square. As well as Macy’s and its many big name clothing brands, home furnishings and accessories stores, Herald Square is also home to the likes of Target - for even more clothing and home goods options - Pandora jewellery, and even the New York Golf Center. What’s more it’s close to Pennsylvania Station, and a number of subway stops, for ease of access.

Macy's

Address: 151 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

Website: Macy’s

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

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The shops are calling...

Macy's Department Store - New York - USA - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Paulo JC Nogueira used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The city that never sleeps is a true paradise for fans of fine shopping. Be it the world famous boutiques of Fifth Avenue, the bohemian charms of the West Village, or big-name brands of iconic locales like Times Square and Broadway, there’s a shopping experience out there for everyone in the Big Apple. Where will your New York shopping adventures take you?

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Philip, a writer and photographer situated in the heart of the picturesque Scottish Highlands, is a seasoned professional journalist with a rich portfolio of contributions to various newspapers,...Read more

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