To call New York City a ‘shopping Mecca’ would be an understatement. New York City offers the ultimate shopping experience – no matter what your taste. Want it all under one roof? Visit a department store. Take a stroll along world-famous avenues and streets that offer designer stores.

Most of the big international brands have mega stores that stock the widest range of their products. Niketown (57th Street) offers anything Nike you may ever want and the Sony Store (Madison Avenue) has all of the latest Sony technologies. The Apple Store (Prince Street) boasts majestic glass architecture before you even get through the doors!

Streets Ahead

New York City plays host to some world-renowned shopping streets that offers a retail experience like none other. Soak up the New York City sites and sounds as you negotiate pedestrian bustle with your latte in hand.

Madison Avenue

The high-end designer stores that line Madison Avenue read like a who’s who of the fashion industry. It comes as no surprise that this is a favorite amongst the rich and famous, who come looking for their day-to-day gear from big name designers and niche boutiques.

Fifth Avenue

Parallel to Madison Avenue is Fifth Avenue, offering more of the top names in the retail and a sumptuous New York shopping experience. Fifth Avenue is also home to some of the leading department stores in the world, as well as the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Centre. Such an array of attractions means there’s no chance of your running out of things to do on Fifth Avenue.

Department Stores

Department stores are the best places to conveniently find an array of what is on offer from all the big brands and old favorites. There are a number of infamous department stores along the streets of New York City.

Bloomingdale’s sits on Third Avenue and is a right of passage for any New York City shopper. Bloomingdale’s is known for its wide variety of merchandise, as well as its generous sales. Macy’s is also along Fifth Avenue and is also somewhat of a New York City shopping institution, offering almost everything within a single store. They also claim to be the largest department store in the world!

Saks Fifth Avenue has all the major American and European labels at this top end store that offers a shopping experience, boasting a free personal shopping service. Barney’s New York is on Madison Avenue and is one of the trendier of the department stores in New York City, where you can get all of the most fashionable designer brands.

Henri Bendel is aptly situated along Fifth Avenue and is more of a boutique department store, offering a glimpse at up and coming designers for New York City’s trendsetter crowd. Century 21 is a bargain hunter’s paradise offering designer brands at unimaginably low prices. You’ll need to fend for yourself through the crowds, but it’s well worth the effort! Bergdorf Goodman and Bergdorf Goodman Men are both luxury department stores situated on Fifth Avenue and offer top fashions and home ware to those with a discerning sense of style.

Other Shopping Venues

If you are less into labels and vivaciously vintage, East Village boasts a number of small second hand stores where you can get some great bargains on relics of the past. Peruse aisle after aisle of retro garb and leather jackets – each with its own distinct history.

Find a colorful array of souvenirs from your visit to New York City from the many street vendors. You’ll also find a numerous vendors selling cheap designer replica accessories that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing – and are a fraction of the price.

You should also make a point of trying out the food that the street vendors offer. You’ll find quintessential New York grub, such as bagels, hot dogs and pretzels to keep your energy levels in shopping mode.