How to Shop in New York City

Saks Fifth Avenue Department Store

Along with Paris and Rome, New York City is considered one of the top shopping destinations in the world. Not only does the city offer more shopping opportunities than any other in the country, but you can find anything from incredibly bargain items to high-end items within walking distance of each other. Knowing where to head and what to look for definitely goes a long way in a city of 8 million people.

Instructions

1. Head to Fifth Avenue or Madison Avenue for high-scale, expensive shopping. Starting on 49th Street and extending all the way to 60th Street, this is the main destination in the city to shop for famous brand-name clothing such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Pucci. Famous stores such as Tiffany and Co., F.A.O. Schwartz and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa (for beauty products) are also located here.

2. Visit Macy’s, on the corner of 34th Street, for a shopping and tourist experience all in once. Macy’s is the world’s largest department store and one of the main focal points of the city around the holidays, both because of its many offerings and because of its Christmas window decorations. Macy’s offers selections of popular brands, from Donna Karan to Guess. Famous chain stores such as The Gap, H&M and Anthropologie are located in this area as well.

3. Walk around the Lower East Side if you’re looking for bargains. Surrounded by three main streets (Houston Street, Canal Street and the FDR Drive), the Lower East Side is home to many unique shops, including Century 21, Loehmann's and What Comes Around Goes Around (a popular vintage clothing store). The Essex Street Market, which offers everything from electronics to gourmet foods to clothing and religious artifacts, offers both indoor and outdoor shops.

4. Take advantage of after-holiday sales. New York City offers lots of bargains on the days following Christmas. You can also get high discounts (up to 40 percent) in electronics and home supplies during Thanksgiving, the Fourth of July and back-to-school sales. Before you head to any store during these periods, check local newspapers for additional discounts offered only through print coupons.

5. Head to SoHo for unique art and crafts shopping. If you’re looking for handmade paper products, natural beauty products or futuristic gifts, this is definitely the place to be. Start at Kiehl's (13th Street) for beauty products and then walk down the street until you reach Kate's Paperie. Lots of art galleries in the area also offer good opportunities to buy prints, portraits and sculptures, both as reproductions or unique, expensive art.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid the holiday crowds. Shopping in New York City between the day after Thanksgiving and December 26th can be a humbling experience. If you'd rather take your time and look around, wait until January to make the rounds.

• Visitors to Macy’s can get a free present (a tote bag) just by visiting the customer desk and showing a receipt for a purchase.