All-Time Best
Fifth Avenue
Fifth Avenue
The world's most famous shopping street stretches from Washington Square to Central Park, with the luxury corridor between 49th and 60th Streets featuring flagship stores of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Apple's iconic glass cube store.
Highlights
- Tiffany & Co. flagship
- Apple Glass Cube
- Luxury brand headquarters
SoHo
SoHo
The cobblestone streets of SoHo are lined with a mix of global flagships, independent boutiques, and cutting-edge concept stores housed in stunning cast-iron architecture. From Apple to Aritzia, this neighborhood offers the ultimate urban shopping experience with art galleries between shops.
Highlights
- Cast-iron architecture
- Mix of luxury and indie brands
- Art galleries between shops
Macy's Herald Square
Macy's Herald Square
The world's largest department store occupies an entire city block with 11 floors of shopping. From affordable fashion to home goods, this historic landmark features the famous wooden escalators, Santaland during holidays, and hosts the legendary Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Highlights
- World's largest store
- Historic wooden escalators
- Thanksgiving Day Parade host
Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's
The iconic 'Bloomies' flagship on 59th Street has been a New York institution since 1886. Known for contemporary fashion, designer collections, and the legendary Little Brown Bag, this department store offers a curated shopping experience with excellent visitor services.
Highlights
- Since 1886
- SoHo and outlet locations
- Visitor center with discounts
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market
This former Nabisco factory is now a vibrant food hall and shopping destination. Browse artisan goods, vintage clothing, home decor, and unique NYC souvenirs while sampling gourmet treats from over 35 vendors in this architecturally stunning industrial space.
Highlights
- Housed in historic Nabisco factory
- Artists & Fleas vintage market
- Posman Books flagship
Brooklyn Flea
Brooklyn Flea
New York's most celebrated open-air market features hundreds of vendors selling vintage furniture, clothing, antiques, collectibles, and handmade goods. A treasure hunter's paradise operating at rotating locations with Smorgasburg food market nearby.
Highlights
- Weekends April-October
- Smorgasburg food market nearby
- Unique vintage finds
Century 21
Century 21
This legendary discount department store offers designer brands at 40-65% off retail prices. Located near the World Trade Center, it's a treasure hunt for savvy shoppers seeking high-end fashion, accessories, and home goods at bargain prices.
Highlights
- Designer discounts 40-65% off
- Near World Trade Center
- Treasure hunt shopping experience
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue
The flagship store of this legendary department store chain spans 10 floors of designer fashion, accessories, and beauty. The iconic building features stunning window displays and the famous shoe floor with over 100,000 pairs and personal shopping services.
Highlights
- 10 floors of luxury retail
- World-famous shoe floor
- Personal shopping services
The Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle
This sleek vertical mall at the southwest corner of Central Park features 50+ upscale stores including Whole Foods, Williams Sonoma, and J.Crew. Enjoy stunning park views from restaurants Per Se and Masa, plus convenient subway access.
Highlights
- Central Park views
- Whole Foods basement
- Per Se and Masa restaurants
Artists & Fleas
Artists & Fleas
This curated indie marketplace showcases local designers, artists, and vintage collectors with a focus on handmade and unique goods. With locations in Chelsea Market and Williamsburg, it's the perfect destination for one-of-a-kind finds and supporting local makers.
Highlights
- Local designers
- Handmade goods
- Indoor and outdoor locations
Best of 2026
Nordstrom NYC Flagship
Nordstrom NYC Flagship
The Seattle-based retailer's Manhattan flagship spans seven floors offering top designer brands, exceptional customer service, and multiple dining options including Wolf restaurant by Ethan Stowell.
Highlights
- Seven floors of fashion
- Wolf restaurant by Ethan Stowell
- Shoe bar with champagne
RH New York (Restoration Hardware)
RH New York (Restoration Hardware)
The stunning six-floor gallery in the Meatpacking District showcases luxury home furnishings in a breathtaking historic building with a rooftop restaurant and wine bar adjacent to the High Line.
Highlights
- Stunning interior design
- Rooftop restaurant & wine bar
- High Line adjacent
Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards
NYC's newest neighborhood features The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards with 100+ stores, Neiman Marcus's first NYC location, and The Vessel centerpiece sculpture connected to the High Line.
Highlights
- Neiman Marcus NYC debut
- Edge observation deck
- Connected to High Line
Winter Shopping
Holiday Markets at Union Square
Holiday Markets at Union Square
From November through December, over 150 vendors set up in Union Square selling handcrafted gifts, jewelry, art, and holiday treats. A festive tradition since 1994 with local artisans and unique finds.
Highlights
- 150+ vendors
- Handcrafted gifts
- November-December
Bryant Park Winter Village
Bryant Park Winter Village
Shop at over 170 boutique-style kiosks surrounding the iconic free skating rink. Find unique holiday gifts, local artisan goods, and warm up with hot cocoa from October through March.
Highlights
- Free ice skating rink
- 170+ holiday shops
- October-March
Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
Fifth Avenue Holiday Windows
The legendary department store holiday windows transform Fifth Avenue into an outdoor gallery. Saks, Bergdorf, Bloomingdale's, and Macy's compete for most spectacular displays with elaborate light shows.
Highlights
- Saks light show
- Bergdorf artistry
- Free walking tour
Summer Shopping
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg
America's largest open-air food market also features curated vendor shops selling vintage clothing, accessories, and local crafts alongside 100+ food vendors at scenic waterfront locations.
Highlights
- Weekends April-October
- 100+ food vendors
- Waterfront location
Williamsburg Shopping District
Williamsburg Shopping District
Brooklyn's hippest neighborhood offers indie boutiques, record stores, vintage shops, and local designer studios. Bedford Avenue is the main strip, but side streets hold hidden gems.
Highlights
- Indie designer boutiques
- Vintage and thrift stores
- Local maker markets
January Sales
Post-Holiday Department Store Sales
Post-Holiday Department Store Sales
January brings massive clearance sales at all major NYC department stores. Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, and Saks offer 50-70% discounts on fall/winter merchandise.
Highlights
- 50-70% off retail
- Designer markdowns
- Best selection early January
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets
Just an hour from Manhattan, this outlet mall features 250+ designer stores with January clearance sales offering up to 80% off at Gucci, Prada, Coach, and more. Bus service available from Port Authority.
Highlights
- 250+ designer outlets
- Bus service from Port Authority
- January mega sales
Frequently Asked Questions
Fifth Avenue (49th-60th St) is the luxury flagship corridor. SoHo offers a mix of high-end brands and indie boutiques in beautiful cast-iron buildings. Williamsburg, Brooklyn has vintage shops and local designers. Chelsea Market combines food and artisan goods. For outlets and deals, head to Century 21 downtown or take a bus to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.
New York City has an 8.875% sales tax on most items. However, clothing and footwear under $110 per item are tax-exempt. International visitors cannot claim tax refunds, but many stores offer tourist discount programs. Ask about international visitor discounts at department stores like Bloomingdale's and Macy's.
The biggest sales occur during Black Friday (late November), post-Christmas through January clearance, Memorial Day weekend, and Labor Day weekend. Sample sales happen year-round in SoHo and the Garment District - check websites like TheStyleRoom.com or Chicmi for schedules. Department stores typically have seasonal sales in January and July.
Yes, most NYC stores are open seven days a week. Typical hours are 10am-8pm Monday-Saturday and 11am-7pm on Sundays. Department stores and malls may stay open until 9pm or later. Some boutiques in neighborhoods like SoHo and Williamsburg may have shorter Sunday hours (12pm-6pm).
Sample sales offer designer merchandise at 50-80% off retail. Check websites like Chicmi, The Stylish City, and 260 Sample Sale for schedules. The Garment District (around 36th-40th Streets and 7th Avenue) hosts many sales. Sign up for brand newsletters and follow NYC fashion blogs. Popular sample sale organizers include 260 Sample Sale and Clothingline.