Shopping in New York City is a unique experience. New York is one of the world’s largest fashion capitals, filled with great shopping and stores. It’s hard to beat NYC when it comes to finding great places to shop.
From top-tier luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to budget-friendly stores, thrift shops, and iconic department stores such as Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman, NYC has it all. If you’re looking for affordable designer labels, consider taking a bus trip to Woodbury Commons Outlet, located just outside the city.
Shopping in NYC: Neighborhoods
NYC is brimming with shopping districts catering to different tastes. You’ll find stores almost everywhere in the city. Here, we’ll highlight a few of the best neighborhoods for shopping in NYC.
Fifth Avenue
As you walk from 14th Street to 59th Street on Fifth Avenue, you can go shopping at luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada, along with famous department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. There are also great souvenir shops and more affordable stores like Zara, & Other Stories, and Victoria’s Secret.
Broadway and Soho
If you want to know where to go for shopping in NYC, head to the neighborhood Soho. You can discover luxury brands such as Chanel and Bottega, more budget-friendly outlets like Converse, Uniqlo, and H&M, and trendier labels like Cult Gaia, Acne, and Ganni. For unique gifts and souvenirs, don’t miss MoMA’s Design Store.
Click here to check out our Soho shopping guide.
Lower East Side
Lower East Side, located in Manhattan, is another excellent shopping area you don’t want to miss. It has lots of great vintage and thrift stores, but also some trendy brands like Frankie The Shop and Maryam Nassir Zabeh.
Shopping in NYC: Department Stores
NYC is home to several renowned department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue. Visiting these Manhattan-based stores is an experience in itself, and they offer excellent selections of designer clothing.
Here are two department stores I highly recommend for shopping in NYC:
Bergdorf Goodman
If you’re looking for the latest and most luxurious designer clothing, shoes, and accessories from major brands, Bergdorf Goodman is the place to be.
Macy’s
Macy’s is one of NYC’s most famous and largest department stores, covering an entire city block in Herald Square, Manhattan. Macy’s has a total of 11 floors and offers a wide range of brand-name clothing, shoes, and accessories for both men and women.
Shopping in NYC: Vintage and second-hand
New York is one of the best cities in the world for second-hand and vintage shopping. Here you’ll find everything from budget-friendly thrift stores to upscale second-hand boutiques selling designer brands. Here are some of the best ones to visit:
Beacon’s Closet
Beacons Closet offers incredibly good second-hand and vintage shopping. They have reasonable prices and carry mostly current trends and unique vintage pieces.
The Real Real
Here, you’ll find a great selection of designer and luxury brands. If you’re in the market for a new designer handbag or shoes, this is the perfect destination for you.
Shopping in NYC: Outlets
For top-notch deals on designer brands in NYC, don’t miss out on visiting Woodbury Common Outlet, located just outside the city. Here you can shop luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Celine but also more affordable brands like Ganni, Levi’s, Nike, Adidas, Samsonite, and the Disney Store.
It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Woodbury Common Outlet, and you can get there by taking a bus from Manhattan.
Click here to purchase bus tickets to Woodbury Common Outlet.
Shopping in NYC: Malls and Shopping Centers
On rainy days, indoor shopping in NYC at one of the malls could be the perfect option. The best malls in New York include the Westfield World Trade Center, Hudson Yards, and The Shops at Columbus Circle.
Flea markets
Weekends in New York City often include a visit to flea markets, where you can find clothing, jewelry, antiques, second-hand clothing, and more. Strolling around with a coffee in hand is a cozy way to spend the day. Many markets also offer delicious food options.
FAQ about shopping in NYC
When is the best time for sales when shopping in New York City?
If you want to go shopping for sales in New York, you can visit during Black Friday, after Christmas, or in the summer when most stores have summer sales.
Where can I find the best shopping in New York?
When it comes to shopping for clothes, shoes, and accessories, Soho is a top recommendation. It offers a mix of luxury brands, budget-friendly stores, trendy boutiques, and second-hand shops.
Where can I find the best vintage and second-hand stores?
The best vintage and second-hand stores are located in Brooklyn or the Lower East Side, where you can find places like Beacons Closet.
What should I shop for in New York?
The most common items people shop for in New York are clothing, shoes, and accessories. Most people also head to an outlet like Woodbury Common Outlets to buy designer clothing at low prices.
How much do Converse shoes cost in the USA?
The classic Chuck Taylor All Star shoes cost around $60-65 USD in the USA. The price in Swedish kronor depends on the exchange rate on the day you make your purchase.
What is the sales tax for shopping in NYC?
The sales tax is 8.875% for shopping in NYC.
Where to buy souvenirs in NYC?
For souvenirs, check out popular spots like Times Square, or head to Canal Street in Chinatown.
Where to shop in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn offers a diverse shopping experience. Areas like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Park Slope have unique boutiques and vintage stores. Don’t miss the thriving arts and crafts scene at places like the Brooklyn Flea Market.
Where to shop in Williamsburg, Brooklyn?
Williamsburg is known for its hip and trendy shopping scene. The streets here are filled with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and local designer stores. Explore Bedford Avenue for a wide variety of options.