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 bustling, New York is brimming with stores, big-name brands and downright hypnotic illuminated signs, ready to do anything to seduce you.

To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s best shopping spots, I invite you to follow me. I’m about to reveal the best places to shop in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

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.

Go shopping in Soho

Soho is the place to be when you want to enjoy a shopping spree, but not only. In Soho, you’ll find all the most popular and fashionable brands of the moment. Take a detour down Broadway, Mercer Street or Prince Street to find Adidas, Nike, Hollister, Under Armour, Allsaints, Uniqlo, COS, Zara and H&M.

Don’t forget the 34th Avenue

Can you feel the heart of the Big Apple beating? Of course you can, because you’re right in the heart of New York. The popularity of 34th Avenue is due in no small part to its exceptional, colossal boutiques. Indeed, 34th Avenue is one of New York’s best shopping spots, and for good reason. Timberland, American Eagle, Victoria’s Secret (if you want to buy your girlfriend an outfit, this is the store to visit, with the possible privilege of bumping into an angel). Between 6th and 7th avenues, you can buy perfume and skincare products at the world’s largest Sephora… nothing less!

And on the 5th

5th Avenue is no match for 34th and its adjacent streets. 5th Avenue is simply immense, and it’s unlikely to pass through New York without crossing it at least once. It’s the avenue of luxury ready-to-wear brands, but also of trendy boutiques and fashion trendsetters. You’ll find something for every taste, and for your money too. Some stores are veritable treasure troves of affordable fashion.

You’ll find Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Amani.

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 you’ve got a bit of leg left and enough savings, don’t hesitate to visit Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, or the Outlet Village in Woodbury (498 Red Apple Ct, Central Valley, NY 10917), just 1 hour from New York City. You can get there by metro or Uber, but it will be more expensive.

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