New York shopping: Critics' picks

The best holiday markets are right here in NYC—full of both the holiday spirit and the most unique gifts out there. While fancy Christmas window displays may entice you, NYC's holiday markets often include ice skating, twinkling lights, great food vendors, and fun holiday activities. Shopping for the perfect gift doesn’t have to be stressful; make it fun at these holiday markets, from the Urbanspace Union Square Holiday Market to the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park and more. We'll continue updating this guide throughout the holiday season, so stay tuned for new additions. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas in New York Stay in the Loop: Sign up for our free weekly newsletter to get the latest in New York City news, culture and dining. 

The first floor of this respected thrift shop is devoted to jewelry cases, vintage furniture, and such curios as an old cash register and used sewing machine (both in working order). Head to the clean basement room to scour the racks for coats, skirts and jeans, with general apparel priced between $30 and $50 and vintage numbers from $150 to $800; or plop down on a cushioned bench to try on the shoes, organized on red bookshelves. The well-edited stock is in impeccable condition and sourced solely by donation—Cure donates all its proceeds to the Diabetes Research Institute. Check back twice a year for the shop’s whatever-you-can-fit-in-this-bag-that-costs-just-$15 sales.  

After graduating from NYU in 2006, Milwaukee native Kate Goldwater opened this funky shop, featuring a curated selection of vintage and thrift clothing ($5–$25) and accessories ($3–$30) that are easy on the eyes and the wallet. Most pieces inside are $30 or less and her finds are perfectly on-trend, which means you’ll find plenty of ’80s and ’90s pieces right now.  

While the giant signs that adorn this department store with the label of “The World’s Largest Store” are not true anymore, there’s no doubt that the flagship Macy’s is massive (with a big history to boot). For over a century, New Yorkers and visitors from the world over have been visiting Macy’s at its iconic location at 34th Street and Broadway. Though originally founded as a dry goods emporium in the 19th century, today shoppers flock to the store's 2.2 million square feet—which takes up a whole city block—to buy clothes, accessories and home goods.As one of the few major brick-and-mortar shops specializing in mid-priced fashion left in New York in this age of online retail and luxury brand–palooza, Macy’s carries a large amount of designer names you recognize that won’t cost you premium prices—especially during the deeply discounted sales offered periodically throughout the year. The 63,000-square-foot shoe department is the biggest on the planet and carries everything from dress shoes and delicate stilettos to work boots and slippers. Last-minute gift shoppers might be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options of perfumes, ties, scarves, watches and more, but great deals await those with patience.   Pro-tip: Look for the cool wooden escalators, which feel like stepping back in time.

The iconic open-air Chelsea flea, brought back from the dead by the team behind  Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, showcases 40 veteran vendors selling mostly historic collectibles. If you love eclectic costume jewelry, quirky furniture, midcentury art and ceramics, records, antiques and art, and more, you’ll spend hours combing for treasure here. Plus, you'll now be able to grab a rewarding snack on the way out from various Smorgasburg food vendors that will soon be revealed. 

Russ & Daughters has been serving top lox, herring, fish eggs, sweets and, of course, bagels, since 1914. It has since expanded, adding, in more recent years, a sit-down cafe nearby, and a large retail factory in Brooklyn. 

The former home of the National Biscuit Company is a hot spot for foodies and shopping addicts alike. Primarily known for its wide-range of eateries, Chelsea Market is hands-down one of New York’s most notable food halls boasting more than 55 vendors (including Los Tacos No 1, Amy's Bread, and Miznon).  Whether you’ve got a hankering for a steaming-hot cup of seafood bisque, perfectly aged cheese or a strong and smooth shot of espresso, Chelsea Market has you covered. Aside from finger-lickin’ fare and sweet merchandise, the attraction offers historical charms such as the market’s iconic fountain, which was crafted using discarded drill bits and exposed pipe from the former Nabisco factory.

Dig and ye shall find: The booty at this crazy-packed vintage store includes 1960s–1990s options for both guys and girls, plus a considerable costume jewelry and funky housewares selection. Not only is it chock full of great finds but it's really fun to look at. We went on a recent Saturday and found so much amid its racks, including a barely used sleek Michael Kors purse for $50 and a pair of never-worn, black velvet combat boots for $25. Even cooler, I found out that they take donations and you get 25% off your next purchase. Time Out Tip: The store spans two floors at 496 Driggs Avenue and 197 North 9th Street, so plan accordingly and bring some friends (and reusable bags) for a hunt to remember.

There’s something for everyone, from label-loving fashionistas to discerning foodies, at this waterfront shopping and dining mecca in Battery Park City. In addition to housing corporate offices, Brookfield Place has a myriad of luxury stores, including Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci and Tory Burch. If you’re hungry for delicious cuisine, you’ll find a variety of options for every budget, whether you’re seeking a fancy sit-down dinner or a quick bite on the go. Meat eaters have plenty to chew on, including steakhouse staples Del Frisco’s and P.J. Clarke’s, mouthwatering BBQ from Mighty Quinn’s or Italian-inspired eats at Parm. Le District Marketplace serves up French fare, while Dig, Chopt Salads and Black Seed Bagel offer less expensive options you can nosh on between your window shopping.

Highly curated wares and contemporary brands make their way to this Soho vintage destination, whose creative director then culls looks for each season's collection. The prices reflect the caliber of design, with articles ranging from Victorian and punk classics to Gilded Age and enviable Chanel chains.

Back in 1934, Louis Zabar, a Ukrainian immigrant, opened a smoked-fish shop with his wife, Lillian. Four generations later, and the Zabar's name is still going strong in the Upper West Side—so much so that the shop's marquee nearly overtakes the area of Broadway between 80th and 81st Streets. The two-story, 20,000 square-foot Zabar's of today functions as part deli, part cafe and part gourmet grocery store, all of it a mecca of prepared kosher foods. Inside, crowds gather around counters dedicated solely to smoked fish while lines form in the back, drawn by the fragrant smell of coffee beans roasted and packaged to order. The second floor is home to all manner of kitchenware, plus all the Zabar's gear that's sure to give some clout to your closet. But for the on-the-go New Yorker, the cafe on the corner still draws a crowd for its trademark bagels, made with malt barley flour according to a signature house recipe, as well as jammy hamantaschen, raisin and chocolate-stuffed rugelach and hefty potato knishes.  As you wait in the queue—there always is one—you can take a look back at Zabar's over the years as old-timey signage hangs above the counter and mismatched and slightly slanted frames on the walls bear reviews from long past. In the back corner, you can find pictures of Saul Zabar, who recently passed in 2025, doing what he loved: personally tasting and cupping each coffee bean that walked through the door.

As big fans of this treasure trove of modern and vintage finds, we’re ecstatic that Brooklyn mainstay Beacon’s Closet (which has stores in Williamsburg and Park Slope) opened up shop in Manhattan. The simple space is adorned with three large chandeliers crafted from buttons by engineer Doug Newton and features one wall covered in dark, floral wallpaper. Although it’s half the size of the nearly 5,000-square-foot Williamsburg location, the Manhattan storefront boasts plentiful racks packed with retired closet duds consigned by locals, many of whom are trendy college kids from nearby schools. You’ll likely come across designer goods such as a Christian Dior cropped blazer ($25) or a Marc Jacobs men’s corduroy jacket ($30), although castaways from chains like H&M and Charlotte Russe are also in the mix. The store is abundant in one-of-a-kind accessories, including funky United Nude orange-and-red checkered booties ($50), but also stocks simpler shoes such as guys’ Gourmet red suede sneakers ($18). Drop by and exchange your own gently worn, in-season clothes for 35 percent of the resale value in cash, or 55 percent of store credit for your next purchase.

This NYC thrift shop has opened another location, which meshes perfectly with the Village aesthetic by offering on-trend, funky finds. The store features both vintage and new apparel, shoes, accessories and home goods, and it's organized with spaced-out, clearly labeled racks. The women’s section is filled with prom dresses, lingerie, blazers, designer bags and tops. On a recent visit, we discovered Salvatore Ferragamo loafers with silver buckles ($25), Kate Spade red kitten heels ($30) and thin rusty-gold bangles with Egyptian-like patterns ($4 each). While the gents’ section is smaller than the ladies’, there are designer duds to be had. Snag William Rast jeans ($25), J.Press tan lace-up loafers ($30) and a Jos. A. Bank beige houndstooth blazer ($25). The housewares selection has kitschy blue cat-shaped salt and pepper shakers ($3 each) and standard Keurig coffeemakers ($75). Roll through the streets of New York on your new Razor scooter ($30) or lie in bed writing your innermost thoughts in a Twilight journal featuring photos of the characters on the cover (four for $10). Before you head out the door, grab the Backstreet Boys’ "We’ve Got It Going On" CD single ($4), a Lucky Brand iPad case ($25) or the Office DVD board game ($8).

We all know and love the High Line for its great views and perfect opportunity to sport some shades and sunbathe above Tenth Avenue. But below this elevated park are shops that offer everything from vegan skincare to trendy seasonal duds. Whether you’re searching for what to wear to the next festival, or looking for your next beach read, this shopping destination has some of the coolest boutiques around.RECOMMENDED: Full High Line in NYC guide

You’ll be transported to Paris once you step inside this opulent bath-and-body shop. Rich burgundy carpets, gilded wallpaper, a gloriously huge chandelier and a mahogany desk that serves as the checkout area set the stage for the luxurious fragrances ($50–$300), candles ($20–$400), lotions, and soaps from brands like Diptyque and Annick Goutal. Curiosity cabinets house many of the store’s exclusives—the West Village outpost is the only location in the country to sell several items, including candles by Les Secrets Ladurée Paris.  

Named after its original location in London, NYC's Dover Street Market features seven small floors of cutting-edge fashions by big time designers and a few up-and-comers. Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garcons carefully curated the merch, which includes loads of exclusives you won't find any where else. Shopping here is like a visiting a contemporary art gallery, thanks to the high design of the clothing as well as cool art, such as the 60-foot sleeve of yarn by street knitter Magda Sayeg, featured throughout the space.

Want cash back without having to charge up a storm on your credit card? Bring your unwanted garb to the East Village outpost of this popular buy-sell-trade clothing shop and leave with padded pockets. The best part is that they won’t turn up their noses at Forever 21—all brands are welcome. Score a pair of 7 for All Mankind jeans for $25, current-season Manolo Blahniks for $250 or unload some designer goods for major dough.

Set aside your Spotify playlists and scope out this homage to the once-lost art of vinyl. Academy Records’ Manhattan store in Chelsea carries a hearty supply of compact discs, but Greenpoint’s Annex focuses mostly on wax, offering everything from a self-titled Ginger Baker’s Air Force album from 1970 ($8) to newer sounds like Real Estate’s Days ($15). Shoppers lacking a record player can also pick up cheapie CDs from such bands as the Grateful Dead, while nostalgic audiophiles can take their time digging through discounted 45s (50¢–$2). The Annex also offers two listening stations for previewing older vinyl, and will buy your used records, provided they are in good condition (and not Broadway soundtracks).

This pair of vintage shops hawks affordable furniture, dishes, books, art, clothing and accessories—if you have the time to look. Sift through more than 5,000 square feet of merch to uncover treasures.

Here’s where the magic happens: At Jacques Torres’s Hudson Street retail location, kids can peer through the glass wall to the chocolate factory’s floor, where cocoa and sugar are processed into chocolate. (Of course, you can buy it here, too.)

This flower shop in the heart of the Flower District has many blooms to choose from at affordable prices. Some of the best sellers start at just $50, while some of the more expensive bouquets are still on the cheaper side at $70. This shop has different kinds of flowers for all different types of occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers and dates in NYC.

In 2003, Artists & Fleas first opened in Williamsburg, but thanks to owners Amy Abrams and Ronen Glimer, you can shop awesome vendors in Manhattan's Chelsea Market. Just like the original location, this version of Artists & Fleas features goods that run the gamut from art and design to fashion and vintage. There are more than 30 independent designers hawking their goods everyday, so stop by to check out our personal favorites such as menswear brand Curated Basics, baubles from Brooklyn Charm and ready-to-wear designs by Avalove.  

Located in Greenpoint just a couple blocks from the East River, Duke Riley opened this maritime themed tattoo parlor opened in 2000, and is a great choice for anyone looking to add a nautical or island-inspired piece to their body. With aqua eggshell-colored walls, pressed tin ceilings, and wood and metal antiques on display in front of the store, the vibe is part antique shop, making it a comfortable environment to get inked. Walk-ins are welcome, but prepare to spend at least $100 for your new piece.

This sprawling vintage emporium shills just about anything you’d want in your closet: ultrasoft ’80s logo tees, flannel shirts, Chucks in every color, deadstock denim, vests, ties and special-occasion dresses. Slip into the back room for rarer (and pricier) vintage, including va-va-voom lingerie, frilly 1940s–1960s prom dresses and handsome letterman jackets. Across the street, the recently opened Stella Dallas Living offers vintage fabrics and textiles, including curtains ($20–$100), blankets ($80–$300) and 1980s bedsheets adorned with Star Wars and Peanuts characters.

This charming Chelsea bookstore offers a strong selection of books in literary fiction, translation, art, photography, film, poetry, music, history, biography, natural history, science, and current affairs. Plus, it features books for children and young adults. Regular readings, signings and discussions, some featuring well-known writers, are further good reasons to drop by. Even betters? All readings are free, with no reserved seating; seating is limited and offered first-come, first-served. Check the shop's website for upcoming events.