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Step 1
Download or purchase Manhattan street maps that clearly show Fifth Avenue and its cross streets. Some of the best maps for shopping in New York can be found at Google maps. Your best bet is to print out a map of Fifth Avenue from 39th Street to 59th Street, then mark it with your favorite places to shop along that 20-block route.
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Step 2
Depending on where you're staying and how much you care to walk, your sojourn through one of the most expensive and exciting shopping meccas in the world can begin somewhere around 39th Street. But certainly keep your shopping contained to a smaller area (39th to 49th Streets or 49th to 59th Streets, perhaps)if you don't have much time.
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Step 3
Starting at 38th Street, you can visit the slightly more conservative Lord & Taylor department store -- known primarily for its extensive selection of dresses and formal wear. If you must find a dress for a wedding, a graduation, or another important event, this is the place. You'll find extensive jewelry collections, intimates, and luscious suits for women.
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Step 4
Head north nine blocks, and you will find yourself at the vibrant Rockefeller Plaza, overlooking Rockefeller Center, the skating rink (in winter months) and a fun shopping expedition. Visit the NBC store (just beyond the rink) and shop for NBC memorabilia, T-shirts from your favorite shows, and other items. Next door, you might be able to watch the "Today" show in person through the windows of its famous set.
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Step 5
Back on Fifth, look almost directly across the street and you'll see Saks Fifth Avenue at the intersection of 49th Street. Unless you're visiting during the holidays, when the crowds can be maddening, Saks is a must for upscale shopping and browsing. You'll find eight floors of fashion here, each floor better than the last. At St. Patrick's Cathedral next door, you can rest your feet for a few quiet moments and take in the majesty of this remarkable place of worship.
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Step 6
Between Rockfeller Center and 59th Street, you will be surrounded by some of the most upscale stores and boutiques in the world -- names like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Henri Bendel, Cartier, Gucci, and Harry Winston. Some stores are more imposing than others, but don't let that deter you. Look around, and enjoy yourself.
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Step 7
In the middle of all this chic are two refreshingly mainstream stores: The World of Disney at 55th Street and the new Abercrombie & Fitch store at 56th Street. Both stores are huge and barrels of fun. Your teens will love the Abercrombie and young children will love the Disney store, which is brimming with merchandise and Disney characters.
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Step 8
Tiffany & Co.Move north to three staples of the Fifth Avenue shopping excursion -- FAO Schwarz, Tiffany & Co. and Bergdorf Goodman. Bergdorf, located at 57th and 58th Streets, caters more to wealthy but conservative patrons who have been shopping there for years. It's worth visiting simply for the glorious merchandise. Tiffany is a landmark of subdued beauty, gems, gold and silver. A walk around all those wonderful jewelry cases will put you in a good mood. Finally, stop at FAO Schwarz at 59th Street. It can take hours to browse in the legendary toy store, so keep one eye on the time.
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Step 9
As a grand finale, visit the flagship Apple store on Fifth and 59th. You can't miss the unusual 32-foot glass cube store entrance, which leads to a huge underground emporium. It's a great place to end your day of shopping on Fifth Avenue.
