New York City

The Big Apple is one of the best shopping destinations in the world, rivaled perhaps only by London, Paris, and Tokyo. Its compact size, convenient subway system, and plentiful cabs (or Uber or Lyft rides) make it easy to navigate with plenty of bags in tow. But what it really comes down to is the staggering number and variety of stores. If you can't find it in New York, it probably doesn't exist.

If you like elegant flagships and money is no object, head to Midtown, where you'll find international megabrands like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci, as well as famed department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys. Nearby Madison Avenue has couture from Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, and 5th Avenue is lined with famous jewelry stores such as Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. This is also the neighborhood to indulge in bespoke goods, such as handmade shoes from John Lobb. If you like designer pieces but can't afford them, don't despair—there are plenty of upscale consignment shops around the city where you can find last season's Chanel suit or a vintage YSL jacket.

The small, independent shops that once lined SoHo have largely been displaced by the likes of J.Crew and UNIQLO, but if you want to hit the chains, this is a great place to do it, because the neighborhood also provides high-quality people-watching and superb lunches. Poke around on the side streets and in nearby NoLIta for outposts of smaller local and foreign designers and, if you're craving some of old SoHo's artistic spirit, don't discount the street vendors' stalls, which sell handmade jewelry and simple cotton dresses.

The East Village and Lower East Side are hotbeds of creativity and quirky coolness, with little boutiques selling everything from retro furniture to industrial-inspired jewelry. They're tucked among bars and old tenement buildings. The Meatpacking District is another great shopping destination to find chic designer stores like Diane von Furstenberg and rag & bone along with independently owned boutiques. And if you jaunt over to Brooklyn, you'll discover that some of the city's hippest designers are hanging out at boutiques just across the East River.

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  • 1. & Other Stories

    SoHo

    There are now several & Other Stories in New York and California, but this was the first U.S. outpost of the popular shop owned by Swedish megastore H&M. The inventory focuses on midrange clothes and bold twists on staples designed in Paris and Stockholm. Chunky sweaters, pointy-toed flats, and printed coats are just the beginning. This is a great place to browse: you're sure to find something delightful and not over-the-top expensive.

    575 Broadway, New York, New York, 10012, USA
    646-767–3063
  • 2. ABC Carpet & Home

    Union Square

    Step into this emporium of eclectic home goods from around the world, and you might feel like you've found your fantasy-land nest. An astounding array of colorful rugs, antiques, textiles, furniture, and bedding, including sleek sofas and Balinese daybeds is spread over several floors. The ground level is a chic marketplace of antique stemware, ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, and wellness products. There are no less than three in-house restaurants from Jean-Georges Vongerichten, which are destinations in their own right. The selection of unique jewelry on the first floor is wonderful, if you're looking for a gift.

    888 Broadway, New York, New York, 10003, USA
    212-473–3000
  • 3. Aedes Perfumery

    Lower East Side

    Arguably the best place to buy fragrance in Manhattan, this lovely smelling boutique's super-knowledgeable staff help shoppers find the perfect scent. High-end (and predominantly European) brands like L'Artisan Parfumeur and Astier de Villatte are stocked, along with luxurious skin-care products, pricey candles, and room diffusers.

    16A Orchard St., New York, New York, 10002, USA
    212-206–8674
  • 4. Agent Provocateur

    SoHo

    If Victoria's Secret is too tame for you, try this British-based lingerie shop, which has a naughty twist. Showpieces include corsets, lace sets with contrast-color trim, bottoms tied with satin ribbons, and some fetish-type leather ensembles. A great selection of stockings is complemented by the garter belts to secure them.

    133 Mercer St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
    212-343–7370
  • 5. Alter

    Greenpoint

    Sartorialists come to this fashionable boutique to snag unique wardrobe pieces like drapey sweaters, Cheap Monday jeans, and minimalist jewelry, as well as retro-inspired sunglasses, canvas bags, and shoes for men and women. Area designers are well represented.

    140 Franklin St., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
    718-349–0203
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  • 6. Archestratus Books + Foods

    Greenpoint

    One of those rare neighborhood gems that becomes a true community hub, Archestratus started out as a tiny food bookstore. It has now expanded into two storefronts: one with a well-curated selection of cookbooks and culinary writings, and another a cozy café serving Italian-inflected goodies like arancini (rice balls), with shelves packed with local produce, high-end grains, oils, and spices. There are also cooking classes, bake sales for good causes, and lectures, plus a monthly event that sees locals coming together to cook recipes from a specific cookbook, often alongside the author.

    160 Huron St., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
    718-349--7711
  • 7. Artists & Fleas

    Hands down the best place to lay eyes on the latest cool creations from Brooklyn-based artists and designers, this huge warehouse lures canny connoisseurs seeking one-of-a-kind items. Every weekend, nearly 100 vendors sell everything from handmade jewelry and objets d'art to custom clocks made from old hardcover books and T-shirts with vintage cartoons.

    70 N. 7th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
    917-488–4203
  • 8. Astor Wines & Spirits

    East Village

    Stock up on wine, spirits, and everything else alcohol-related at this sprawling, below-sidewalk-level shop; it often has the bottle you can't find anywhere else. Among Astor's other assets are a wine library, a kitchen for cooking classes, and a tasting most evenings.

    399 Lafayette St., New York, New York, 10003, USA
    212-674–7500
  • 9. Astoria Bookshop

    Astoria

    For over 10 years this adorable bookshop in Queens has served as a central hub dedicated to supporting local authors and promoting the literary arts. It’s a refreshing alternative to the big-box book stores and online giants, especially with their weekly in-store speaking and author events. While you're browsing bestsellers, indie titles, nonfiction, poetry, and well-curated Staff Picks, consider RSVPing to read a tale of your own at their popular Storytelling Show, a free monthly, open-mike-style reading series.

    36--19 30th St., Queens, New York, 11106, USA
    718-278--2665

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Ticketed author events $5 (but can go toward in-store purchases)
  • 10. B&H Photo & Video

    Midtown West

    Competitive prices, vast inventory (new and used), and a fair return policy make this bustling emporium a favorite with both pros and amateurs looking for audio and video equipment, new cameras, computers, or tech accessories. Be sure to leave a few extra minutes for the checkout procedure; bear in mind, too, that the store is closed early Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. B&H is also known for its ingenious, ceiling-height, conveyor-belt system to move packages.

    420 9th Ave., New York, New York, 10001, USA
    212-444–6615
  • 11. Beacon's Closet

    Greenpoint

    The racks are organized by category and color at this trove of secondhand and vintage clothes, so you can find an entire section of black dresses and another just for jeans. Be patient sorting through the huge selection—you might find gems like a vintage Yves Saint Laurent jacket or purple-sequined, peep-toe heels by Marc Jacobs. There are enough brocade gowns and fur (real and fake) to outfit the entire cast of a 1960s period drama.

    74 Guernsey St., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
    718-486–0816
  • 12. Beacon's Closet, Park Slope

    Park Slope

    Of the four secondhand clothing shops in a two-block stretch, this one's the best. The well-organized local chain carries vintage and modern styles for men and women. The racks are updated daily, thanks to area fashionistas who sell their cast-offs here. Most threads cost $11 to $23 (the latter for, say, a nearly new Paul Smith jacket from a season or three ago, or an Italian Sisley wool coat). If secondhand isn't your thing, the shop also sells brand-new costume jewelry, hosiery, journals, and hand-poured Paddywax candles in a wide variety of scents and packaging.

    92 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11217, USA
    718-230--1630
  • 13. Bedford Cheese Shop

    A cheese lover's dream, this small fromagerie sells everything needed for a gourmet antipasto. The more than 200 artisanal cheeses are arranged by style—hard, soft, Bries, blues, etcetera. Dry goods include crackers, biscuits, premium olive oils, small-batch jams, and chocolates. Prosciutto di Parma and Serrano ham are among the cured meats; you'll also find foie gras, quail eggs, and other comestibles. Expert cheesemongers will help you navigate the offerings.

    265 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
    718-599–7588
  • 14. Bellocq Tea Atelier

    Greenpoint

    This jewel box of a tea shop is a bit out of the way, but it's a must for tea aficionados. Bellocq sources organic and exotic teas from China, India, and Japan, and sells them as single-origin varieties or custom blends. Though the shop isn’t a full-service tea salon, you can always find a pot or two brewed for tasting. With their elegant yellow canisters, Bellocq teas make great gifts.

    104 West St., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
    347-463–9231
  • 15. Better Than Jam

    Stocked with clothes, jewelry, accessories, art, local zines, bath products, and housewares all handmade in New York's five boroughs, this store, attached to the Shops at the Loom, is the perfect place to find distinctive gifts and souvenirs. The space also doubles as a communal art studio, with workshops, classes, and open hours available to the public. It's closed Tuesday–Thursday.

    Brooklyn, New York, 11237, USA
    929-441--9596
  • 16. Black Bear

    The well-curated selection of secondhand and vintage designer clothing—perhaps a colorful Pucci dress or a child-size coat—sunglasses, hats, and shoes, as well as handmade jewelry and greeting cards, is hard to resist browsing through. The shop is small, but the stock is frequently refreshed.

    469 16th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
    917-715--5889
  • 17. Bloch Dance Shoes

    Upper West Side

    Yes, you can find dance shoes here for a tango competition, pointe shoes for an aspiring ballerina, or tap shoes for your secret wannabe life as Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. But this shop for men, women, and children in the shadow of Lincoln Center is also a great resource for super-comfy sneakers and walking shoes that provide TLC to your tootsies whether you are in rehearsal or just walking to or from errands or sightseeing, and at half the cost of the tip-of-the-tongue brand names. You can pick up leotards, tees, and other necessities for dancing or the gym as well.

    51 Columbus Ave., New York, New York, 10023, USA
    347-983–6759
  • 18. Bloomingdale's

    Midtown East

    Only a few stores in New York occupy an entire city block, and the uptown flagship of this classic New York retail institution is one of them. The main floor is a buzzy, glittery maze of mirrored cosmetic counters and perfume-spraying salespeople. Navigate past this dizzying scene to find good buys on designer clothes, shoes, bedding, housewares, and more. In true upscale Bloomie's style, in-store personal shoppers will help you score styles for yourself (or gifts for others) like a VIP.

    1000 3rd Ave., New York, New York, 10022, USA
    212-705–2000
  • 19. bocnyc

    Upper West Side

    Who needs to go downtown for cutting-edge fashion? This store stocks sleek designs from the likes of Ulla Johnson, Loeffler Randall, and A.L.C. The selection of bags and jewelry is just as stylish.

    410 Columbus Ave., New York, New York, 10024, USA
    212-799–1567
  • 20. Bonpoint

    Upper East Side

    Upper East Siders shop at this pricey French children's boutique for the beautiful designs and impeccable workmanship—think pony-hair baby booties, hand-embroidered jumpers, and cashmere onesies. The flagship has a loftlike design with whimsical touches, such as a large indoor tree and a cloud sculpture.

    805 Madison Ave., New York, New York, 10021, USA
    212-879–0900

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