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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.
With a marble-lined, jewel-encrusted flagship on 5th Avenue (one of several global Bulgari "temples"), this Italian company is certainly not meek with its branding, which encircles gems, watch faces, and an ever-growing accessories line. There are ornate, weighty rings and other pieces mixing gold with stainless steel, porcelain, and the brand's signature cabochon multicolor sapphires. Wedding and engagement rings are slightly more subdued.
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 made to measure here, and the signature plaid can be found on bikinis, scarves, and wallets. For children, there are mini versions of quilted jackets and cozy sweaters.
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.
Urbanites love this Spanish footwear company for its funky but comfortable shoes. The slip-ons and lace-ups have generously rounded toes and a springy feel. A signature style has pairs of shoes with slightly mismatched designs.
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 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. Her suits, gowns, and cocktail dresses in luxurious fabrics make for timeless silhouettes, and the New York flagship also carries her bridal collection.
Established in 1914, 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. 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.
The five-story Midtown flagship on 57th Street has often been compared to a Chanel suit—elegant, timeless, and flawlessly crafted. It's also Chanel's largest store in North America. 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, 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, or "tattoos." 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.
The chunky and strappy flats, heels, and boots here are all designed in NYC and crafted in Spain using eco-friendly leathers and sustainable materials. The ethic is casual, comfortable, and timeless.
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.
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 space sets a serene background to showcase the luxe women's ready-to-wear collection along with handbags, fragrances, and accessories. If you're not in the market for an investment gown or fine jewelry, peruse the latest status bag.
This small wine and spirits shop specializes in small-batch bottles, particularly from lesser-known and up-and-coming wineries that focus on natural and low-intervention wines. Pick up a bottle of pét-nat from the Czech Republic or some amber wine from the Republic of Georgia that had been aged in underground amphoras.
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