A Comprehensive Guide to Shopping In the Big Apple
One of the most rewarding gifts you can give yourself after ages of staying on the grind is a trip abroad to a place with plenty of shopping opportunities. And what better place to find the perfect mix of budget-buys and high-end shopping than the city of New York, a place famous for variety in every aspect of life!
We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to your shopping trip in the fashion capital of the US. Whether you are looking for the best bargain on kitchenware or a pair of those black Louboutins you’ve had your eyes set on, you will know where to go.
An Informed Shopper’s Breakdown of Neighborhoods in NYC
Shopping in New York is not dissimilar to exploring a gigantic shopping mall. Around the corner, tucked behind, located beside, there are stores after stores everywhere for every shopper, some which actually make it to city’s greatest landmarks!
Head to the subway, hail a cab, or take a walk. You’re headed to…
…For High-End Shopping
Fifth Avenue
If you’re seeking flagship stores, Fifth Avenue is your stop! Venture to one of the most recognized sections of Fifth Avenue, between 49th St and 59th St, where you will find the designers you’ve been hearing about back home, including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci. These and many more stores attract New York’s elite to Fifth Avenue.
And if you’re not in the mood for splurging on stuff just yet, you can simply stroll through the lavish window displays of Barney’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman, which frequently draw crowds of tourists, particularly during winter season.
Large stores like Zara, H&M, Ann Taylor and Uniqlo are perfect for you to shop at without spending megabucks.
Madison Avenue
If you’re in the mood for someplace less crowded, this part of the Lower East Side will provide you with a quieter NYC shopping experience. Although of the shops along Madison Avenue are small, boutique-sized (but not cheap), in each you’ll find something truly one-of-a-kind!
Financial District
In the recent years the Financial District zone has become quite the treasure trove of high-end stores, such as Tiffany & Co. Near the 9/11 Memorial you will find the architecturally-profound Oculus, a shopping hub with over a hundred shops, including an Apple Store. Just west of the WTC is Brookfield Place, an urban mall with over two dozen high-end designer stores, including Michael Kors, Veneta, Bottega, and Burberry.
The Diamond District
West 47th St, between Fifth and Sixth Av is the popular Diamond District. It’s said that over 90% of the diamond trades in the US happen in this very neighborhood, which means that you can look forward to some amazing deals if you’re in the market for fine jewelry!
…For Mid-Range/Discounted Shopping
SoHo
Short for “South of Houston”, SoHo encompasses a unique blend of mid to low-end shops and designer stores that appeal to every tourist and local shopper. Look forward to exploring lots of boutique stores and drop by ‘sample sales’—these are pop-up stores offering attractive discounts on overproduced fashion.
Stop at Broadway, and walk all down to Canal Street to get your fill of a memorable NYC walking adventure amongst local crowds, gorgeous cast-iron architecture—including the historic Haughwout Building—yogurt and snack shops, and of course, shopping establishments. Here you can shop at H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Coach and more.
Fun fact: SoHo was also Manhattan's first "Red Light" district, once with over 500 brothels and a "Gentleman's Guide" to the best houses of prostitution!
Times Square
A complete tour around the Times Square is not limited to Broadway shows, clubs and restaurants—you’ve some shopping to do as well. It’s also another great place for a family tour around the NYC, with its chocolate and souvenir gift shops, including the loved I *Heart* NYC outlets, and the largest Toys R’ Us branch in the country, complete with carnival rides inside the store!
Lower East Side
Over the years, artists and trendsetters have turned the Lower East Side from a once popular place for bargain buys to an interesting and hip district, where you can shop for avante garde goods, vintage-yet-edgy clothing, and even high-end designer good at 50-80% off (check out Gabay's Outlet).
Union Square
Enter one of the hottest shopping and eating zones in NYC, where you will find mega-shopping opportunities, starting with city’s very first Nordstrom Rack. Move on to T.J. Maxx to check out any amazing in-store deals.
And if you’re in the mood for a just-released fiction or a cookbook, head to the Strand Bookstore, where you will walk amongst bibliophiles from all around New York happily carrying their purchases in the store’s trademark folding tote bag.
Chelsea & West Village
Trying to figure out how you can buy art but not empty your pockets? Head to Chelsea, home to a whopping 350 art galleries, offering art for purchase at discounted rates! The West Village, in addition to cozy spaces for dining and drinking, also offers an array of great boutique stores.
…For Cheap Shopping
Canal Street
Named for being one of the city's only sources of fresh water back in 1800s, Canal Street today filled with always-affordable clothing, accessories, souvenirs and so much more! You’ll find knock-off versions of every designer items, so on display, others in the back which may have to ask specifically for. And if you’re one for negotiating prices, here you can cut down your spending. Remember, most stores are cash-only, so keep plenty of change on hand.
All in all, it’s a place that offers both gritty and glamorous, not an experience you want to miss out on!
Little Italy
Looking for touristy items to but on a budget? When you don’t want to splurge over high-priced souvenirs, head to Little Italy, particularly Mulberry Street, where you will find funny tees, trinkets, toys, house ware and other items, all at cheap rates.
Chinatown
Packed full of winding lanes and lots of family-owned stores, Chinatown is your next stop for inexpensive shopping. These shops clothes, pottery and household items, lots of which appeal to tourists.
Reading this got you itching to swipe your card and hand out cash for every kind of purchase possible in the Big Apple? Book a unique tour in New York City with MyNYTours, including professionally guided trips to various shopping neighborhoods!