New York, New York

Canal Street and the surrounding Chinatown are full of street stalls and small shops offering everything from handbags and shoes to watches and perfumes. Bargaining is part of the experience, and wandering beyond the main drag often leads to unusual finds you won’t see anywhere else.

SoHo, centered around Prince Street, is known for high-end designer stores and eye-catching window displays. The neighborhood has a rich artistic history; once home to New York’s bohemian community, many former lofts are now multimillion-dollar residences. Even if you’re just browsing, the mix of architecture, galleries, and shops makes walking around SoHo a memorable experience.

St. Marks Avenue and the surrounding Lower East Side are full of independent boutiques and vintage shops, each with its own distinct style. Beyond clothes and accessories, you’ll find trendy spots for haircuts, coffee, and small bites.

Macy’s Herald Square is the world’s largest department store, spanning seven floors and an entire city block. Beyond the shopping, from clothing and accessories to home goods, the store is a piece of history — the original wooden escalators from 1902 are still in operation to this day.

Century 21’s flagship returned to Lower Manhattan after its long closure, and it’s once again a go-to stop for bargain hunters, offering designer clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories at steep discounts. New shipments come in often, so the racks change fast, and it’s easy to walk out with something you didn’t even plan on buying.

Bergdorf Goodman on Fifth Avenue is a landmark for luxury shopping in New York. Beyond high-end designer clothing and accessories, the store often features emerging designers and exclusive collections you won’t find anywhere else.

If you’re in the mood for a little Audrey Hepburn nostalgia, step inside Tiffany & Co.’s newly redesigned Fifth Avenue flagship, now known as The Landmark. The space reopened after an ambitious top-to-bottom renovation, and it feels more like a museum of New York glamour than a jewelry store. You’ll still find the classics, of course, diamonds, sapphires, silver pieces, but also art installations, archival displays, and a sculptural spiral staircase. And yes, you can actually have Breakfast at Tiffany’s now: the Blue Box Café by Daniel Boulud serves a full menu on the sixth floor. Whether you’re browsing, splurging, or just soaking in the atmosphere, it’s still one of the city’s most iconic shopping experiences.

The iconic Strand Bookstore near Union Square is a paradise for anyone who still loves the feel of a real book in their hands. Its famous slogan, “18 Miles of Books,” isn’t an exaggeration. You can wander through shelves of new releases, used favorites, and rare finds, spread across multiple floors. The upstairs features photography, fashion, and art; the basement is packed with discounted titles and staff picks. It’s one of the last remnants of New York’s old “Book Row,” and still feels like a place where you could lose track of time in the best possible way.

Right where Greenwich Village meets the East Village, 8th Street and St. Mark’s Place make for an easy, low-key shopping wander. The stretch is dotted with independent boutiques, vintage spots, and small jewelry shops. It’s a good area to pick up an accessory or a new outfit without spending half your budget in one go.

Erie Basin specializes in antique and vintage jewelry, with pieces you won’t find anywhere else. The collection ranges from 1920s emeralds to Victorian-era rings and delicate diamond designs. Browsing this store feels like a treasure hunt; you never know what unique find might catch your eye.