Shopping in New York City

Its compact size, convenient subway system, and the fact that there's rarely a shortage of cabs (unless it's raining) 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.

But where to start? Nearly every neighborhood in New York offers some kind of shopping experience—but it all depends on what you're looking for and how you like to shop. If you like coolly elegant flagships and money is no object, then head to Midtown, where you'll find international megabrands like Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, and Gucci. It's also a short stroll to famed department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Barneys. Nearby Madison Avenue offers couture from Carolina Herrera and Vera Wang, and 5th Avenue is lined with some of the most famous jewelry stores in the world, including Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Harry Winston. This is also the neighborhood to indulge in bespoke goods, such as ordering handmade shoes from John Lobb or designing a custom yacht at OC Concept Store. But if you like designer pieces but can't afford them, don't despair—there are plenty of upscale consignment shops dotted around the city where you can find last season's Chanel suit or a vintage YSL jacket.

If your tastes run more toward the funky, then head downtown. The small, independent shops that once lined SoHo have largely been swallowed up by big chains like J.Crew and Uniqlo, but if you want to hit the chains, this is a great place to do it and combine it with high-quality people-watching and superb lunches. If you're craving some of SoHo's artistic spirit, don't discount the street vendors' stalls, which sell handmade jewelry and simple cotton dresses. You never know—you might buy something from a soon-to-be-famous designer.

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 tucked among bars and tenement apartments. The nearby Meatpacking District is another great shopping destination, where you'll find chic stores like Diane Von Furstenberg and Catherine Malandrino alongside old-school-style meat companies.

And of course there are plenty of only-in-New York stores, such as the cheerfully off-kilter Patricia Field or Trash and Vaudeville. Whether you're looking to buy a case of fine wine, a yacht, or the latest Apple tech toys, you can find it all in New York—and have plenty of fun people-watching while you're hunting. Happy shopping.