365 Best Places to Shop in New York City, New York

If you can't crack a smile in this store—where all proceeds from superhero costumes, gear, and secret identity kits benefit 826NYC's writing and tutoring programs for kids—step immediately into its Cape Tester, or take the cure-all Vow of Heroism oath. Afterward, browse the inventory of superpowers like telekinesis, chutzpah, and wickedness, which are sold in plastic jugs and fake paint cans. The clever labels listing “ingredients” and “warnings” are worth the cost for every ounce of the tongue-in-cheek products.

With a marble-lined, jewel-encrusted flagship on 5th Avenue (one of several global Bulgari "temples"), situated within the outer facade of the historic Crown Building, this Italian company is certainly not meek with its branding, which encircles watches, handbags, jewelry, fragrances, and accessories. The brand also has a location within Hudson Yards.

Occupying six stories, this glass-and-stone flagship is a temple to all things plaid and British, with clothing for men and women. The iconic trench coat can be complimentary altered here, thanks to their in-house tailor, and the signature plaid can be found on bikinis, scarves, and wallets.

You can find plenty of pashminas and textiles along 74th Street, but for spiritual and cultural goods, stop by this Hindu shop for incense, statues of Ganesha and Lakshmi, ceremonial garlands, singing bowls, Vedic books, and malas (sacred prayer beads). You can also find a decent selection of herbal teas, Ayurvedic powders, and skincare products. 

Founded in 1838, this is the oldest apothecary-pharmacy in the United States; Mark Twain used to fill prescriptions here. They still fill prescriptions, but the real reason to come is for the hard-to-find brands like Klorane shampoo and Elgydium toothpaste. Bigelow also has its own line of products, including green-tea lip balm and quince hand lotion.

Some of New York's most interesting designers, artists, and food vendors fill this downtown market hall. Browse minimalist and functional housewares at Leibal's nook, cool jewelry at Beroep Tech, and independent magazines at Office Magazine Newsstand. Food choices range from Cantonese street food at Joe's Steam Rice Roll to Filipino tacos at Mucho Sarap to bubble tea at Lazy Sundaes. Apart from the anchor vendors, the rest of the stalls rotate, so you never know what gems you'll find.

When it opened in 2000, this favorite of the high-society set (and A-list celebs) spearheaded the migration of luxury fashion boutiques north of 72nd Street. Herrera's designs are ladylike and elegant. At this New York flagship, her suits, gowns, and cocktail dresses in luxurious fabrics make for timeless silhouettes.

Established in 1917, this legendary French jeweler and firm favorite among royals and celebrities is the place to come for exquisite engagement rings, luxury watches, or cuff links. The brand's iconic designs include the panther motif, the Trinity ring, and Tank watches—all available at the famous Cartier Mansion on 5th Avenue, along with vintage accessories and leather goods. The entire building, which is a Gilded Age mansion built for Morgan Freeman Plant, son of railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant, is wrapped in a Cartier signature red bow every year for the holidays.

Magazine shops were once nearly ubiquitous in New York. Not anymore. Which makes this walk-in-closet-sized magazine shop all the more beloved. A West Village institution—local residents Sarah Jessica Parker, Julianne Moore, and Malcolm Gladwell are regulars—Casa Magazines stocks domestic and international magazines and newspapers. After a few minutes in here, you'll think you time-traveled back to pre-Internet days when print still ruled the reading world.

The five-story Midtown flagship on 57th Street has often been compared to a Chanel suit—elegant, timeless, and flawlessly crafted. Double-C devotees come here for the iconic suits and quilted handbags, along with other pillars of Chanel style: chic little black dresses, evening gowns, sunglasses, and yards of pearls. There's also a cosmetics area where you can stock up on the famed scents and nail polish.

This men's clothes shop traffics in a mishmash of garb, harkening back to the days when the neighborhood was filled with shops like this that catered mostly to gay men. The racks are loaded with everything from designer jackets to cardigans to party shorts to sexy jockstraps.

Lipstick-red soles are the signature of Louboutin's delicately sexy couture slippers and stilettos, and his pointy-toe creations come trimmed with beads, buttons, spikes or patent leather. There's a similar design on stylish lipstick cases with colors such as Diva and Very Prive.

The official store of NYC sells anything and everything having to do with the city, from books and pamphlets to fun gifts. Pick up subway-map socks, NYPD T-shirts, retired taxicab medallions, unique puzzles, toys galore, and home accent pieces you won't find anywhere else. The store shuts at 4 pm weekdays and is closed weekends.

L.A.–based designer Clare Vivier's New York store displays her signature simple-but-elegant leather fold-over clutches in many sizes and colors, as well as understated totes and duffels. There's a line of men's accessories, plus iPad cases, sunglasses, and various other sundries.

The racks of this pint-size shop are hung with trendy pieces from cult-favorite women's wear designers like Samantha Pleet and Sessùn, as well as accessories from the likes of A Peace Treaty and Illesteva, all hand-picked by owner and designer Brookelynn Starnes.

This brand is known for comfortable but stylish footwear and its designer and limited-edition collaborations. All kinds of shoes from sandals to boots to pumps are available.

A mecca for those who love role-playing games, this shop stocks board games and classic soldier sets, as well as fantasy games.

A literary fixture in Carnegie Hill since 1978, the staff at this charming book nook is very thorough in selecting current nonfiction and fiction titles among such categories as art, poetry, biographies, cookbooks, and mysteries. Influenced by many families residing in this UES neighborhood, the bookstore puts an emphasis on children's books, even having an area within their store for young readers. The employees are quite knowledgeable, and author readings, lectures, and signings happen here frequently.

The flirty, whimsical dresses at this boutique are perfect for cocktail parties. To complete the look, throw on some of the designer's colorful pumps and sharply tailored coats.

At this light-filled New York flagship, try on the iconic DVF wrap dress in myriad patterns. The blouses, shorts, and skirts are equally feminine.

The jewelry and housewares designs at this small, Australian-owned brand are inspired by nature and organic shapes. Resin is used to craft jewelry and vases in bold colors like hot pink and orange. The tableware is striking and very covetable.

Very white and very glossy, this boutique sets a serene background to showcase the luxe men's and women's ready-to-wear collections along with handbags, shoes, watches, and accessories. If you're not in the market for fine jewelry or designer dresses, peruse the latest status bag.