New York, United States
Best places to shop in New York
5 markets, malls and shopping districts in New York — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.
Last updated 2026-08-08
1. Fifth Avenue
Photo: Axel Tschentscher · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
The flagship mile from Rockefeller Center to Central Park — Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany and the international houses between them.
Where: LuxuryMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 10:00–20:00; Sunday shorterCost: LuxuryTip: New York charges no sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110 per item, which is a real saving on a large purchase.
2. SoHo and Nolita
Photo: Ingfbruno · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
The cast-iron district — flagship stores on Broadway and Prince, independent designers and concept shops in the streets between.
Where: Street ShoppingMap: Open in Maps Best time: Daily 11:00–19:00Cost: Mid–LuxuryWatch out Canal Street's counterfeit trade sits at SoHo's southern edge, often through back rooms and 'come see the real bags' invitations. Counterfeits are illegal to buy and are seized by customs on the way home.
3. Chelsea Market and Union Square Greenmarket
Photo: Agastya Garg · Pexels License · source
The converted Nabisco factory food hall in Chelsea, and the city's flagship farmers' market at Union Square four days a week.
Where: MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Chelsea Market daily 07:00–22:00; Greenmarket Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 08:00–18:00Cost: Mid-range
4. Brooklyn Flea and Williamsburg
Photo: Allison Meier from Brooklyn, United States · CC BY 2.0 · source
The weekend flea market with vintage, antiques and design, plus Williamsburg's independent boutiques and record shops.
Where: Flea MarketMap: Open in Maps Best time: Weekends 10:00–17:00, April to October outdoorsCost: Budget–Mid
5. The Diamond District and Garment District
Photo: Yura Forrat · Pexels License · source
47th Street's 2,600 jewellery businesses, and the fabric, trimming and button shops of the Garment District a few blocks west.
Where: BazaarMap: Open in Maps Best time: Monday to Friday 10:00–17:30; closed SaturdayCost: Mid–LuxuryWatch out Get any significant diamond independently certified by GIA before purchase, not after. Street 'wholesalers' offering to beat any price operate outside the licensed exchanges and offer no recourse.
More about New York
.jpg){kind=link}