If, like me, you love New York, or if you’re planning a trip there, you should know that a trip to the Big Apple can’t be improvised — especially when it comes to shopping. Always lively and full of surprises, New York is brimming with stores, big-name brands and hypnotic illuminated signs ready to tempt you at every corner.

To make sure you don’t miss any of the city’s best shopping spots, follow me through this guide. From iconic avenues to secret boutiques, here are my favorite addresses for shopping in New York City.

shopping in new york

Oculus Shopping Center

The must-see stores in Times Square

Can you really go to New York without visiting Times Square? I assure you, it’s impossible. The mythical site is packed with an impressive array of stores, from ready-to-wear to accessories and souvenirs. Visit M&M’s for those with a sweet tooth, or FootLocker, Levi’s, Champs Sport or Lids for your new cap. I’ll let you in on a little secret: some of these brand names are exclusive to Times Square.

Oculus Shopping Center

Located near the World Trade Center, the Oculus Shopping Center is not just a mall — it’s an architectural marvel designed by Santiago Calatrava. Inside this futuristic white structure, you’ll find a mix of luxury brands and everyday essentials, from Apple and Sephora to Kate Spade and Eataly. It’s the perfect place to shop, grab a bite, and admire one of Manhattan’s most photographed buildings.

Go shopping in Soho

Trendy, creative, and effortlessly cool — Soho is the place to be for a shopping spree that mixes high-end and street style. Walk along Broadway, Mercer Street or Prince Street and discover major brands like Adidas, Nike, Hollister, Under Armour, AllSaints, Uniqlo, COS, Zara, and H&M.

In between stores, take time to enjoy the local cafés and pop-up galleries — Soho has a charm that makes you want to spend the whole afternoon there.

Don’t forget the 34th Avenue

You’ll feel the pulse of New York here! Famous for its massive department stores, 34th Street is one of the most dynamic shopping avenues in Manhattan. You’ll find Timberland, American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret, and the world’s largest Sephora between 6th and 7th Avenues. If you’re looking for perfume, skincare, or an iconic New York souvenir, you’ll definitely find something special here. And who knows, you might even bump into one of Victoria’s Secret Angels!

Shopping Along 5th Avenue

No shopping trip to New York would be complete without visiting Fifth Avenue, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Stretching from Midtown to Central Park, it’s home to luxury brands and trendsetting boutiques alike.

From Louis Vuitton and Gucci to Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani, Fifth Avenue is where fashion dreams come true. But don’t worry — there are also plenty of affordable fashion stores and flagship experiences where you can shop without spending a fortune.

Some of my favorite spots

Here are some other addresses I’ve selected for you by New York neighborhood:

  • Grand Central Terminal: Discover unique boutiques like Posman Books for a carefully chosen selection of books (89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017), or head to Cursive for handcrafted gifts and stationery (16 E 40th St, New York, NY 10016).
  • Brooklyn: Explore Williamsburg and visit Beacon’s Closet for vintage finds (74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222), or stroll through DUMBO and stop at Modern Anthology for menswear and accessories (68 Jay St, Brooklyn, NY 11201).
  • Greenwich Village: Immerse yourself in the bohemian atmosphere of Greenwich Village by visiting BookBook for an eclectic selection of books (266 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10014), or discover local creations at Enz’s (125 Macdougal St, New York, NY 10012).
  • Chelsea Market: Explore Chelsea Market and discover Artists & Fleas for handmade goods and unique works of art (88 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011), or visit Pearl River Mart for Asian gifts and housewares (452 Broadway, New York, NY 10013).
  • Chinatown and Little Italy: In Chinatown, stop by Yunhong Chopsticks Shop for traditional kitchen utensils (50 Mott St #24, New York, NY 10013), then head to Little Italy and visit Alleva Dairy, the oldest cheese factory in the U.S. (188 Grand St, New York, NY 10013).

Manhattan’s shopping malls await you

On the south side of Manhattan, two large shopping malls await your every whim. Whether Century 21 or Oculus, both complexes are packed with attractive corners and boutiques. From luxury brands like Hugo Boss to sportswear brands like Under Armour and Lacoste, you’re sure to find your style.

For your information, Century 21 has been given a facelift until spring 2023. Its reopening is a godsend for bargain hunters. Century 21 is nothing less than the city’s biggest factory outlet. It’s impossible not to pick up a bargain here, or to find Dior Hoodies for under $450 – just take the time to look!

Other stores to visit

If your shopping energy is still going strong, don’t miss:

  • Macy’s Herald Square, the world’s largest department store.
  • Bloomingdale’s, for luxury shopping in an elegant setting.
  • Woodbury Common Premium Outlets (498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY), about 1 hour from Manhattan — the ultimate destination for designer discounts.

You can reach Woodbury by bus or organized shuttle from Manhattan, but expect higher fares for Uber or private transport.

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