What To Buy In New York

Lucy
Posted Sep 05, 2023
| 5 min read

It’s a proven fact that New York City is the greatest city in the world (although I may be biased, as it’s my hometown). Apart from its famous hotels and landmarks, another thing that makes the city incredible is its shopping scene. Whether you’re looking for bargains or luxury items, statement pieces or wardrobe staples, specialty food, or unique accessories, you can find it all somewhere in New York City. If your wallet is a little tight, a stay in a budget hotel can help you stretch out that pocket money. However, the city’s expansive grounds can be a little intimidating, and finding exactly what you’re looking for can take some time. These shopping tours of New York City take the stress out of shopping and allow you to really appreciate and enjoy what the city has to offer. Read on to discover what to buy in New York.

1. Splurge on a New York fashion makeover (from USD 39.0)

Live out the luxury shopping trip of your dreams on this guided tour down Fifth Avenue, one of the best spots for bargain shopping in NYC. Guests will peruse items from some of the world’s most iconic brands in their impressive flagship stores, and will even receive personalized style tips from their experienced and knowledgeable tour guides.

You will also learn which cuts and styles work best with your body types and which color palettes to focus on. The three-hour walking tour includes a coffee break at Trump Tower.

Fashion on Fifth Avenue Shopping Tour

Duration 3 hours

2. High fashion at low prices (from USD 42.0)

New York City is known as a shopping destination for couture and pricey brands, but did you know that there’s an outlet mall a little over an hour away from the city? Woodbury Commons is home to over 200 premium outlet stores where shoppers can score their favorite brands for as much as 90% off retail price. This shopping tour includes your choice of departure time and location, a climate-controlled bus trip from the city to the outlets, and flexible return times. Bring your wallet, wear your most comfortable shoes, and get ready for a day filled with bargains!

From NYC: Woodbury Common Premium Outlets Shopping Tour

Duration 1.0 day

3. Go behind the scenes in one of the world's most famous fashion streets (from USD 66.0)

Lovers of fashion will find this guided tour of the Garment District a dream come true. The tour last three hours and allows visitors to go behind the scenes in the New York fashion world. Guests will have access to private areas that are closed to the general public, the chance to meet designers in their showrooms, and the opportunity to purchase this season’s designs at prices far below wholesale. As your tour brings you down Fashion Avenue, you’ll see many of the buildings iconic to the New York fashion scene. This tour is a must do for any dedicated fashion lover.

Garment District, New York City Special Access Shopping Tour

Duration 3 hours

4. Go jewelry shopping in Manhattan's Diamond District (from USD 80.0)

The streets of New York may not be your first thought while shopping for gemstones, but 47th St. in Manhattan is home to the city’s very own Diamond District. This guided tour will give guests exclusive access to six premium boutiques in the area, and will teach them a little bit about the industry while they choose a select few stones to add to their personal collection. The guides for this tour have been specially selected for their knowledge in the area, and will offer guests a guided itinerary with a concierge service at each stop. Two gemologists will also accompany the tour, to ensure that all stones purchased are authentic and legit.

NYC Diamond District Jewelry Shopping Tour with Gemologists

Duration 3 hours

5. Learn about the history of Macy's in a unique store location (from USD 12.0)

It may be surprising to learn that the Macy’s department store in Herald Square is a historical landmark, but the building was actually built in 1902. Your tour guide will explain the history of the 150-year-old chain and will take you around the iconic store, pointing out unique architectural aspects that cannot be found anywhere else. All tour participants will leave with a Macy’s Visitor Savings Pass, giving them discounts to apply to any shopping they do at the store after the tour ends.

Historic Tour of Herald Square

Duration 45 minutes

6. Shop the boutiques of Manhattan like a star (from USD 600.0)

For visitors looking for an entirely customizable shopping experience, this is the tour for you. Every aspect of this tour is up to the visitor’s choice, including mode of transportation: would you like to take a personal car, a taxi, or walk? You and your guide will work together before your departure to create the perfect itinerary. A personal shopper and stylist will accompany you as you visit some of the finest retail stores in Manhattan, and you will enjoy access to limited edition items, private entrances, and VIP dressing rooms. The tour is extremely exclusive and can only accommodate one shopper, but the guest may bring a friend or family member along with them.

NYC Personalized Luxury Shopping Tour

Duration 4 hours (Approx.)

7. Get to know Manhattan's shopping districts (from USD 100.0)

If this is your first time visiting New York City, this shopping tour is the perfect introduction to Manhattan’s shopping districts. There are two tours to choose from, Madison Road and Soho Way, giving guests the choice of shopping uptown or downtown. Guests are accompanied by an experienced personal shopper and stylist as they make their way through a variety of high end stores and boutiques looking for the perfect accessory or statement piece. Tours are always conducted in small groups, ensuring that each guest’s experience is curated and personal.

NYC Upscale Group Shopping Tour

Duration 3 hours (Approx.)

8. Explore the up and coming Industry City (from USD 158.0)

Guests looking for a unique shopping trip will love this adventure into Brooklyn. This three-hour tour will teach guests about New York’s growing manufacturing industry, and will take them through local shops, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities. Guests will have the opportunity to sample locally produced food and drink in one of the area’s food halls, and will certainly go home with some unique and interesting souvenirs.

Private New York: Shopping Tour of Industry City Brooklyn

Duration 3 hours

9. Enjoy a one of a kind luxury shopping experience (from USD 4.0)

Explore America’s largest luxury shopping district on this tour of Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The tour is ultra personalized, with room for one guest and one companion, and is four hours long. Guests will be accompanied by an expert personal shopper to make the luxury styling experience as tailored as possible, and transportation between stops will be in a climate controlled town car. Guests will enjoy free hotel pick up and drop off, and translators are available if needed.

The Madison Avenue Luxury Shopping Experience

Duration 4 hours

10. Experience the little known Italian area of the Bronx (from USD 79.0)

Travel off the beaten path on this tour of the Bronx’s Little Italy. Your guide will share stories about the little known history of the area and take you around shops and restaurants that are locally famous. The tour will give visitors the opportunity to speak with shop owners and locals, and guests can purchase some unique souvenirs to take back home. The tour lasts two hours and explores almost a dozen establishments, covering Arthur Avenue, Hughes Avenue and 187th Street.

Bronx Little Italy Shopping and Tasting Tour

Duration 2 hours

11. Try New York City's most famous cookies at Levain Bakery

Indulge in the delectable world of cookies at Levain Bakery in New York City. Sink your teeth into their famous, mouthwatering creations, known for their gooey centers and crispy edges. With various flavors like chocolate chip walnut, double chocolate, oatmeal raisin, and more, Levain Bakery offers a unique cookie experience.

Each cookie is freshly baked and made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every piece is a delightful food to bring home from NYC. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, visiting Levain Bakery is a must for cookie enthusiasts and those with a sweet tooth.

Levain Bakery

Address: 167 W 74th St, New York, NY 10023, United States

Website: Levain Bakery

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

12. Buy New York Yankees merch at Yankee Clubhouse Shop

If baseball is your speed, sports merchandises are probably the best things to buy in New York for you. Step into the world of baseball fandom at the Yankee Clubhouse Shop and explore a wide range of New York Yankees merchandise, from jerseys and caps to memorabilia and collectibles. Show your support for the iconic baseball team with authentic gear and apparel.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or looking for a special gift, the Yankee Clubhouse Shop has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the team’s rich history and feel the excitement of the game as you browse through the extensive selection. With a vibrant atmosphere, the shop offers an unforgettable shopping experience for Yankees enthusiasts.

Yankee Clubhouse Shop

Address: 745 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Website: Yankee Clubhouse Shop

Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)

Get your wallet ready

Uptown or downtown, Manhattan or Brooklyn, luxury or unique: New York City has something for everyone, and you really can find anything. If a shopping trip to NYC is your major agenda, you’ll enjoy strolling and hunting down the best finds around the city.

Frequently asked questions about what to buy in New York


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