The Upper West Side is home to one of the best shopping streets in New York City - Columbus Avenue. Here, you'll find a mix of small stores catering to the neighborhood's yuppies and white-collar families. If you're visiting the city, Midtown is THE place to go for shopping. While locals may avoid the hustle and bustle of Times Square, there are still plenty of options such as Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.
Fifth Avenue is home to high-end department stores and more casual but well-known stores like Nike, Urban Outfitters, Zara, and H&M. You can also find luxury stores like Barney's New York, Bergdorf Goodman, and the original Saks Fifth Avenue. However, if you're looking for unique vintage pieces, you'll have to head to areas like Williamsburg, Upper East Side, or Greenwich Village. Shopping in Midtown is very commercial and a great place to buy basic items.
The Rockefeller Center has a wide selection of in-house stores selling toys, clothing, household items, and stationery. Just be aware that it can get quite chaotic during the holiday season. If you're looking for a more relaxed shopping experience, head to the Flatiron district. Here you'll find department stores like TJ Maxx with its mix of culture and appreciation for the arts.
On 23rd Street, you'll find a mile-long stretch of department stores from 14th Street to the top. Whether it's in Midtown or Greenwich Village, New York's shopping streets won't disappoint. Near Madison Square Park is Eataly - a food lover's paradise with grocery stores, restaurants, and one of the best rooftop bars in the city. Marimekko's flagship store nearby offers vibrant colors in a sea of neutral tones.
And don't forget about sample sales - quintessential New York events. If you're willing to travel out of town for great deals, head to Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets in Central Valley. Here you'll find RH New York with exclusive items for the home as well as major brands like Apple Store, Christian Louboutin, Kiehl's, LuluLemon, and Marni Market. Herald Square (34th Street) is one of the most touristic destinations in New York City but it's still a great place to shop at well-known stores like Steve Madden, Amazon Books, and Ulta.
Pilgrim New York sells formerly used items from luxury brands while Reformation chain offers sustainable fashion created from vintage fabrics and reused dead material. New York State offers a more relaxed agenda than New York City with outdoor art museums in the Hudson Valley, Long Island mansions on the Gold Coast, and Thousand Island cruises. In recent years, some prominent stores have appeared in Noho - just across Houston Street from Soho - including Ulla Johnson's eponymous boutique. On the north side of the square is Barnes & Noble located in an 1880s cast-iron building.
For an authentic New York experience visit Strand Bookstore on Broadway and 12th Street.
